1.

he walks down the block
boldly shouting that, “all’s well!”
Well, maybe for him.

2.

they’re “cleared” to sell drugs
thanks to the cops that drove by
probable causes

3.

“good kids” can’t hang out
for fear of falling victim
to random bullets.

4.

“good kids” can’t hang out
for fear of falling victim
to abusive cops

5.

police vehicles
that park on quiet side streets
are avoiding crime.

6.

all is ‘well” for whom-
for the dealers and the cops?
well, what about us?

7.

“us” the “working poor”
are de facto hostages
trapped in our own homes

8.

but, all is not well.
the dealing town crier lies
to himself and us