Harlem

 1.

Drums in the distance—
Marcus Garvey Park at dusk,
heartbeats in the trees.

2.
Brownstones wear the past
like fine Sunday morning hats—
stories on each step.

3.
Children jump double-dutch,
braids swinging, voices in flight—
joy with no ceiling.

4.
Smoke curls from the stoop—
someone’s ribs are gospel now,
sauce thick with hello.

5.
A jazz note escapes
from a basement on Lenox—
then back underground.

6.
Books sold on the street,
Langston’s words in every spine—
still speaking, still loud.

7.
Graffiti like prayers
scribbled on old brick walls—
paint never forgets.

8.
Apollo lights shine—
echoes of heels, silk, and sweat
linger in the red.

9.
Church bells crack the noon,
suits flood out into the sun—
Amen in their walk.

10.
The bus never waits,
but grandmothers hold their ground—
dignity in stride.

11.
A barber leans back,
spins tales between fades and lines—
the shop hums with truth.

12.
Harlem nights breathe deep,
windows wide with music spills—
air thick with soul food.

13.
A street vendor yells—
incense, oils, books, and wisdom
bundled in his hands.

14.
Sidewalk chess players
argue in seven languages—
every checkmate proud.

15.
A mural of love—
faces that shaped the planet
watch over the block.

16.
Uptown skyline glows
less with glass, more with spirit—
Harlem burns softer.

17.
Schoolkids shout and run—
they wear the future boldly
on hand-me-down shoes.

18.
The corner preacher
rises with cracked amplifier—
his faith louder still.

19.
Tenements hum slow,
radiators knock like drums—
rhythm in the pipes.

20.
The B train arrives,
late but full of conversation—
strangers nod, then talk.

21.
Auntie braids hair tight
on the porch, telling old jokes—
the sky listens in.

22.
Harlem is not gone.
It's changing, yes—but still here,
still singing, still Black.

23.
A poet in Boots
reads on Malcolm X Boulevard—
the sidewalk applauds.

24.
From a window high,
a saxophone cuts the night—
moonlight leans to hear.

25.
In Harlem’s deep breath,
grief and joy share the same space—
both are spoken here.