I AM From

I am from West Oakland

Raised on 26th right between

MLK and San Pablo, Apt #6

I am from Berkeley

Long walks on hot days

My parents Jock’Lyante and Leticia

Strong and always together

Only in my mind

I am from drug dealers

Standing on the corner all

Day and night just to

Help the family get by

I am from violence,

Screams of terror from

My mom as I lay down and wish

My father was still around

I am from educated, hardworking

People who want me to do better in

My life, grandparents Julie Lock and

Weadom Thomas, a boxer back in his day,

Still not letting go of the past

I am from Bella Vista a sister and teachers

Who just wanted to help me succeed and

Get somewhere in life

Graduation is my goal

I am from gunshots a loud “BOOM!”

I can feel it as I call my mom to

See if she’s okay

I am from ghetto girls with no mind

And boys who care about what’s in your

Pants rather than what’s in your head

I am from R.I.P.’s and gang signs 4’s up

And 3’s down, fights and gun battles

Cries from mothers as they get the call

That their son has been shot down

I am from death when the sound

Of her cries end and she is no longer

With me, alone trying to survive

Without my mother by my side