StreetLights

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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.


Asylum: Afro-American Poetry for the mind.Where stories live. Discover now