The Former Hamburg Avenue

Wilson Avenue, named in honor of President Woodrow Wilson, used to be called Hamburg Avenue, which was a nod to Bushwick’s booming German population in the 19th and early 20th century. But when the United States entered World War I, it was common practice for cities to mask the influence of German immigrants. Take a look above the window on the corner of Wilson and Harman and you can still see the “Hamburg Ave” carved into the concrete. I’m not gonna front, I was shocked that joint was still there.

Paloma.

They call me Paloma. 

Also known as rat with wings

Sky scavenger

Pecking at the concrete, crumbs & things. 

They shoo me in disgust

Shun me because I shit...and its acidic 

And I do it on, well...everywhere

Corroding monuments, I let it rip

Bombs away on the heads of all your ashen idols & so-called heroes

And after, away I rise in flight, unsung

They speak my name in disgust, but I know deep down, 

they love me. Adore me. 

Admire the way I flock and get free. 

Shit, I show you how to get to the bread 

I turn cities the world over to my personal bowl of rice

If you could choose a mascot for the hood

It would be me.

Who has had to make due 

Who has learned to make feast

Out of survival 

Like you have.

I see you in me

I carry you with me everywhere

Like a badge of honor 

A crest for those who 

know what it is like to wear the veil

Of an impoverished idea

And sharpen your wings 

against the jagged edges

Of its limits

Paloma. 

Pecho poked out 

Fat with bravery 

Wishes a nigga would  

And I ain’t scared of anything

But the wild-limbed curiosity of children...cuz them niggas  really will

I embody survival

Shit, my flock survived the plague!

And what could be more beautiful

Than still being around to tell it?

But anyway, 

They confuse their love with disdain

But tell me this:

 who else’s shit is a sign of the good to come?