Childhood Memories

            Gwendolyn Brooks channels memories from her childhood in the poem, "A Song in the Front Yard".  She discusses how as a child she was never allowed to leave the front yard. She states, "I've stayed in the front yard all my life," referencing how strict her mother is (line 1). Her mother cares for her and has set rules and she shares how she was fascinated by the children who did not have to "go in a quarter to nine" (line 12). Brooks experience is a common one for black children who have strict parents, everyone know that you have to beat the street light on or you will get in big trouble. She also shares how she wish she could be like the prostitutes who walk the street. She describes them in a flattering way, "wear the black stockings of night- black lace / and strut down the streets with paint on my face," Brooks found strength  in the prostitutes and their ability to be seen in such a racy way.