Little Red Riding in My Hood

Little Black girl,

With dreams misunderstood,

Caught in 1980's California 

In a "Blood"-plagued neighborhood.

Streets piping hot

With thick smog and burning Lead,

Wore kicks and crimson hoodies, 

They called her "Little Red.”

Took the bus from Inglewood

And rode all the way

To West 63^rd

For Grandma's birthday.

Had her backpack of books

And treats clung in her hand,

Brave Little Red

Walking through Crips’ main land.

“Say cuz, whatchu doin’?”

She heard from behind,

“Minding my business.”

She replied.

“Look lil girl, bes’show some respect…”

As he got a bit closer

She read ‘WOLF’ 'round his neck.

“You ain’t from here lil girl,

So get one thing straight,

Crips run these streets

Whatchu doin’can wait!”

“You go your way,

And I’ll go mine.

I can handle myself.

Bye 'WOLF', I’ll be fine.

As she kept walking down

63^rd and West May,

She didn’t hear shots

That were heading her way.

Loud pops and hard bangs,

Tires screeching the ground,

Her fear growing stronger,

Heart starting to pound.

Then quick like a flash,

As if hit by a truck

She hit the ground hard

But she wasn’t struck.

For the “WOLF” who was snubbed

By “sweet” Little Red,

Was the reason this girl

Did NOT end up dead.

Tears flooded her eyes

With shock and gratitude,

“You saved my life,

Why? When I gave you attitude?

I treated you wrong,

Served hate to your face,

You and I are great foes,

Yet you show me such grace?”

“You my sista fo real,

These colors ain’t true,

You wearin’ red,

And me wearing blue.

We Black in a world

Where being Black ain’t what’s good.

As far as I know,

You always welcome in my hood.

I’m here for you Red,

Despite what you say

We good lil homie...”

As he went on his way.

Red pondered his kind

And deep loving heart

How love for his enemy

Gave her life and a start

To a new way of thinking

And a hope for her hood,

Love is always the answer,

Get THAT understood.