19

I'm 19. That may not mean much to you but it means everything to me. It means I've already out lived most of my friends and family. It means I'm smarter than most in my situation. It means with out hesitation I've given myself the modes and the means To get what I want and do what I need. It means I have more hope than most to leave. I'm not the concrete rose. I'm the dandelion seed Ready to leave, waiting on a Gail or a child to come blow me free So I can land in a better place to take root and take lead. I'm only 19. But I've seen enough black on black crime and self-destructive hate To ever forgive the streets For turning me against the mirror image I see, Or for blinding my brothers so that they could not see that they're killing their own brothers sons of their own sisters and mothers Or for tainting my sisters with hate, replacing they're hearts with that of a snake, and leaving them with no self-esteem,covering there eyes so all they see is green For pimping our children making them turn tricks for treats, closing their minds making them think "you better start rapping, better get them feet tappin or pick up a ball if you ever want to get from me get from me" turning them into dancing, singing fools instead of the future educated black enterprising leaders they need to be I'm only 19 And already I've been to far to many wakes too ever sleep Seen far too many mothers grieve and cry To ever permit myself pity Seen far too many holes dug six feet deep for those who have falling around me to sit idly by and wait for mine the one assigned to me by some stray bullet or how ever death sees' fit to take me I'm only 19 I've seen enough I'm done