Gus Roberts

This is a poem inspired about a student who integrated the Charlotte, NC public school system. It isn't necessarily about him.

GUYS LIKE GUS?

Central High: slipping the through cracks
Lost in intensity: the city’s bleached wax
It was 1957: wanted to play pool
Daddy Mommy; wanted me at school

Carolina Tar Heel: struck me in the ass
Sit in the back: away from the class
“Wait then scream rape” Girls, say: I’m boring:
“Bait or see Jail” Guys, say: I’m nothing

Football team and Principal protect me from herd
Went to prom on a separate cord with some curd
Graduated on time: no fare to roam
Family to friends: no place to hum

Guys like Gus, flies & tries
Guys like Gus, mourn & worn
Guys like Gus, pitied and witted on X-mas

Central High: living through tracks
Hovering the intensity: at the city’s beat tax
It was 1992: can’t play the fool
Mommy & daddy; kept me at school

Carolina Blue; is all over my ass
Lying in front: away from the past
“Wait and scream rape” Girls, say: sorry
“Bait and see jail” Guys, say: lordy

Visitors and gatekeepers protected me from harm
Went to Rom on a constructed card with no charm
Reincarnated on-line; my faire to roam
Brothers to sisters; my place to bum

Guys like Gus, tries & dies;
Guys like Gus, worn & scorn;
Guys like Gus, witted and kidded on X-mas


© 2006 by Davan S. Mani