Richard-Jamaal Keen | + Follow Poet |
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Bro Behind Bars

Its been many years I lived without a brother
How can a gentlethug be raised by his mother
In and out the pen, you spend your life in jail
In and out the streets, I spent my life in hell
I know its true because the temps are hot
Deep down you a gangster, I admit I'm not
True I never had the courage to see you in the county
I've been hunting for brotherhood, that's an expensive bounty
I been locked up one time
You been locked up one dime
I have a personal question: Are you paying for your crimes?
If you ever get out, will you make up for lost times?
Three out of four of Yolanda's sons been behind those bars
The remaining one son on the planet can freely look at stars
Over the years you called the crib collect
Grandma always refused to accept
I had a lot to talk to you about, now I feel I have nothing left
Mama said you got 40 or 70 something years
All three of us will shed tears
Life in prison for you, I feel fears
My vision is getting blurred, how will it clear
Had a dream of facing you, I felt so near
The whole time I was walking down that long hallway
My mind scrambling for words trying to think of what to say
Is there any tactic to make you have a better day
Heart felt soft, molded easily like clay
Time ran out, I had to sit down
Looked at you for the first time in 6 years, all I had was a frown
First words out your mouth, "Damn you grown."
It's been 6 years forreal? Time has flown
I asked was you still considered a GD
You replied lil bro that'll always be a part of me
I guess it was time to let you know I'm one of the Stones
Didn't think I had an ounce of tough blood in my bones
I asked what will you do when you get out
You said go down south
I didn't open my mouth
Bro you facing life
The reality stabbed me like a knife
How can I help right your wrongs
Didn't find out because of the loud ringtones
I woke up sweaty, in my bed...all alone

Copyright © Richard-Jamaal Keen | Year Posted 2009

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Diane Christian Date: 7/17/2009 10:40:00 AM aww a powerful poem, if this is a true story try to be there for him, try to write letters or visit him, we all make mistakes we all need God's love, we all need to feel valued no matter what, when I had tough times I turned to God but for many they find other things first, there is good and bad in each and every one of us,lifes circumstances cause lots of heartache and leads to all kind of things but not intentionaly some are strong some are weaker and can not cope, its a hard world, God bless Login to Reply

Sara Kendrick Date: 7/16/2009 12:31:00 PM This is an interesting write not sure if you literally me a prison or it's a metaphor. If it is a real prison, did you know that 90 percent of the prison popular have ADHD or ADD. If this could be found in young children and treated what a better world this could be. Sara Login to Reply