this is my hood
where concrete meets the sky
neon lights twinkle
humanity in your face
born here, loved here, die here

I was born in East L.A., Boyle Heights, CA USA

in the Japanese American Hospital, May 15, 1948.  Racists in America often refused to care or treat Japanese Americans, so we built our own hospital in Boyle Heights on a hill. I don't remember being born but when I went back as a teen, I remember the sweet care I received. I'll never forget it.
       I spent the next 8 years living in projects, Aliso Village, Ramona Village in East Los Angeles then on to two different Long Beach Navy projects. 
       I feel sorry for anyone who didn't get to live in the projects. It was a lot of fun. There were always kids to play with. The one on Williams street had swings, jungle bars and enough room for hopscotch and marbles on the grass.