The day began like many other days.
Your friends politely ask if you can play
They sit inside and wait to hear your name.
Today it was Grace. You
Get yourself situated.
Greet your Family and rush out the door.
Man I really want to be a kid again.
Momma yells from the window
"Be home before the streetlights come on!"
Inner city children laugh and play
On the playground
Wild and free.
But what happens when the street lights come on mom?
What happens when the drive-by's happen?
When my life in my community no longer has a value because
Someone's ignorance has left a bullet through
My heart and soul.
This heartfelt city street.
Do I have to say goodbye.
What about the robbery on 57th street.
What about all the weed rolled?
What about the harbor lights.
What will happen when the streetlights
Decide to shine light
On my brown skin.
Will I become like them?
Momma tell me the truth.
The say "Hands up, don't shoot"
I want to speak up for them.
So tonight when the streetlight come on
I'm taking my influence out there.
And if I don't make it out alive
I know that I tried.
Everything in my power
To help my neighbors.
To free my city.
Just never forget me.
When them streetlights shine
I will show the world
I refuse to stand still.
I will not stand for the violence of my city,
Forgive me lord for the sins I intend to commit.
If I die
The movement isn't over.
But I refuse to be a martyr
If I cannot get the justice I was prayer for.
My chest.
SOS this is not what I had envisioned.
Momma what happens when I'm no longer able to be there for you?
Back before the Streetlights, to this I promise.
I can hear your voice crying out in pain.
I refuse to go without a fight.
I will be home before the Streetlights come home
But only if
The battle is won.
YOU ARE READING
Asylum: Afro-American Poetry for the mind.
PoetryAfro-American Tales for the American mind. Poetry is my favorite thing due to the fact that there is so much raw material to reach. This poetry is a bit different than others. This is a tale of black indifference to the white man, interracial rela...