Tender Caress

Do you know what blows?

When I step foot into a home,

But see not a home,

But a shelter,

A dwelling that was made through the exchange

Of a rent check,

And not of a tender caress.

Songless

I am a hummingbird with no song to sing,

Struggling to hum a tune

So necessary to take the sting

Out of a self-inflicted wound.

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and may not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Allen Lum is from the Parkchester section of the Bronx.  He believes the Bronx is a literal manifestation of “making something out of nothing.”  He believes his resilience, work ethic, and drive from the borough in which he was raised.  He has learned so much about grittiness, about strength of character, and about success growing up in The Bronx.

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