Baltimore: A Poem

on the road with the rule of law

Baltimore: A Poem

6/24/2014

Here alone I sit in a circle
People are talking but thoughts don't percol-
Late in the day, this is it's pinnacle
Thus it's why I sit so cynical
Feet firmly planted and arms tightly crossed
I took this job 'cause they said I'd be my boss
Far from the truth, there were unspoken factors
The least of which was our sole benefactor
More interested in legacy
New ideas are just heresy
Now the cause can limp on
Like Galileo at church
But, it's now safe to say, Baltimore's not my perch

3 Comments

AJM

8/15/2014 03:08:01 am

That job is not your perch. Or nonprofit work is not your perch. Or social justice work is not your perch?
I heard you speak at an event for The Choice Program about guarding against burnout and stress. Your talk, and Camilla’s, helped me quite a bit at that point in my fellowship so it’s interesting to read such a cynical poem of yours. However, I find myself less upset by the cynicism than I am moved to advocate for Baltimore -- everything in this poem is every reason Baltimore needs people like you to stay and make it their perch.
Perhaps you can do your work better in a different city. I get that. But poor Baltimore. Does it really suck the hope out of the hopeful who come here? More so than other places do? What exactly about Baltimore does that? And how can we fight it? Because whatever it is, it is the most pressing problem we have.
Your poem is well written, as was your speech several months ago; thank you for both.

Jason Tashea

8/15/2014 05:25:15 am

Hi AJM. It's safe to say that I'm not cynical as this short poem would have you believe. I have a lot of hope for Baltimore, and I'd be happy to share my thoughts in more depth if you ever have some time. Let me know if you're interested and we can meet up for coffee one of these days. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to speaking soon. -J

AJM

8/20/2014 12:11:25 am

Absolutely, let's do that. Let me know when would work. amohler1@umbc.edu

Baltimore: A Poem

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