Learn From Us

Streets

Only thing I know is the streets.
How else my family pose to eat?
If y'all not hiring black faces like me?
Worst part about it, my mama can't get no sleep.
But I hustle so her and the family can wiggle their toes in peace.
Everyday I ride around praying I don't run into the police.
Most of us never make it out of the interaction without being deceased.
On a Normal run, let me tell you about the time I got caught with a stolen gun.
I'm Vibing, smiling showing off my new piece
To whoever I run into in the streets.
Red and blue lights behind me is the next thing I see.
I panicked and threw my stash under the seat.
first thing he asked me was "Have you been smoking weed?"
I felt a wave of fear run up my spline.
Before replying "Nawl man, I'm clean"
"Step out the car before I make a scene."
Lord I wish this was a dream.
I followed instructions before he got mean.
He went straight for my stash like he knew it was there.
I froze in my tracks, I could only stare.
He slammed me into the ground, putting my face in my spare
Another cop showed up, "Yeah it was all there"
Next thing I hear is "You have the right to remain silent"
The cops manhandling me and I never in my life been violent.
I know what you thinking.. why you riding the streets wildin?
Because I'm in the streets, I can't be told I'm hiding.
In the backseat, handcuffs on wrists.
Thinking about why our life gotta be like this.
Why we can't build a living in peace like Billy and Trish?
Cause our skin look like this?
Jail time gave my mama some else to stress about.
She already caring for my granddaddy who suffering the gout.
Living paycheck to paycheck, a lot of times she go without.
Sundays in church is her only chance to shout.
Hearing all that what you think Ima do when I get out?
I headed back to the streets.
I learned a tough lesson but I had to see.
A Tuesday night, I was sound asleep.
Next thing I heard was my sister scream.
I witnessed my mother in her own blood.
With a stiffness to her body like she ready to go under the mud.
My heart broke watching my sister stop the bleeding using the rugs.
I asked her what happened, she yelled she doesn't know they were looking for drugs.
I dropped to my knees, begging God please
I know you warned me to get out the streets.
But please don't take my mama from me.
I felt defeated, our memories will never be deleted.
Holding my mama, with God I pleaded.
Hustling in the streets my mama prayers were needed.
How I'm supposed to move forward?
Are you punishing me lord?
Because I didn't follow the path that was yours?
How I'm supposed to know what you expect out of me?
I'm just a youngin , who only knows the streets.