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Summer in the city, always a hot affair,
on Chicago's southside, I know, 'cause I was there.
Sidewalks there would sizzle, the "pumps" were opened up,
hydrants always cooled us, a heatwave they'd disrupt.
Playing in the alleys, freeze-tag, red light/green light,
staying out after dark, 'til called in for the night.
Ice cream, sno-cones, bomb-pops, when mom gave us money,
melty, drippy sweet mess, made our days so sunny.
People sitting on stoops, fans in windows hummed,
mama sweetly singing, to sleep I soon succumbed.
Second-hand clothes, bare feet, all my friends like me,
just a little wild, when I look back I see...
We were poor but happy, the tenements our home,
we were free, without fear, and not afraid to roam.
Family who loved me, I think that was the key,
a big city child, who grew up happily.
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