Student Publishing Program ::

Will Le

Slum City

When people think of the slums,
They see
Thugs, criminals, scums, low-life crooks
With no conscience, no guilt,
Not afraid to put a bullet in a human’s chest,
People that never rest.

But what about the kids?
Having to grow up in the streets
With gangs and crimes they are forced to witness,
Is there such a thing as forgiveness?

But what about the girls?
Forced to have sex for money,
Do they ever get a say?
Even when it’s sunny, they are covered in darkness
Not knowing that there is a way out,
But they just can’t seem to find it.

But what about the boys?
Being treated by fear ever since they were little,
Scars and memories that are so gruesome and so cruel,
Also being force to drop out of school.

But what about the homeless and the poor?
With just the clothes on their back and a cardboard sign
Freezing trying to make a living
People walk,
Walk right past these statues.

When will all this madness come to an end?
When can you walk down the street
Without fear of your friend
Getting shot?

When will all this violence come to an end?
When will gangs compromise and do what is right?
When can there be permanent peace,
All over the East?

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2013 EDITION]