A book of poems and feelings. A book from a girl, a rose from the concrete. A Woman growing.

Compton changed everything. In Riverdale, I used to be able to walk outside at night without having to worry about anything happening to me. I could walk outside in broad daylight and wouldn't have to worry about drive-by's. I used to be able to come home and be able to rely on a homemade meal made by mother-and my father sitting on the couch with her. But now, everything's changed. My dad dipped out on me and my mom, my mom and I are struggling to make ends meet, and I'm in these streets. Never would I imagined that myself, Egypt, would be out on the streets selling drugs to support myself. But if it helps me support me and my mother, I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Now I have responsibilities that I would've never expected, and people depend on me more than ever before. © all rights reserved // livythecreator

"Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice. I say the darker the flesh, then the deeper the roots." -Tupac Young, African-American teen Ebony Brooks is considered an outcast to society. Not because of any disabilities or awkward personality traits, but because of her rich cocoa skin. However, Ebony is still confident with her dark complexion and receives uplifting praise from her family. Ebony travels through her entire life being a target to other kids, but when will she take a stand and stick up for her beautiful chocolate complexion? cover slayed by @aneonsky This story will be entering in the Wattys2016.