I remember Rondo . . . the streets were cobbled stone.
I remember Rondo . . . 450 was our home.
I remember Rondo—the intersection Arundel Hill,
On one corner the cab station; across the street,
Joe’s Grocery Store . . .
I remember Rondo, and we never locked our door.
I remember Rondo—smiling faces still in my mind
I remember Rondo and the people of that time:
There was Darnell and Judy, “SUGAR,” Hortense and Louie;
Bo-Bo, Ray-Ray; and some of “you all”—were there too…
There was “Big Kate”—“Little Kate”—“Sister Aggie,”
“Uncle J. J.”—“Pretty Betty Lou” and “Miss Kitty Boo.”
I remember Rondo, but now, it is no more . . .
I remember Rondo . . . and we were well off—being poor!
The same tract of land has now been paved.
The people . . . all . . . subjected to removal.
You see the City Planners were playing “a game”—
I believe they called it—“Urban Renewal.”
I remember Rondo and sliding down the McKinley School hill . . .
Then, in its place—Control Data,
From Dale Street to the Arundel Hill.
I remember Rondo . . . but now it is no more.
You see they’ve changed “It” to “Concordia”—
And, you better lock your door!
I remember RONDO—even though its scenery has
all been changed . . . I will always remember RONDO,
Because from . . . RONDO. . . is where I came.
