The Ghetto Gospel

An unfortunate truth.

Lift your soulful eyes, my brother

I have heard your pleas

You shouted from the stoops in your hood

Your voice muffled by gunshots and pimp slaps

Born into a legacy of abuse

Love and kindness were replaced with drugs and alcohol

While the kids on tv learned how to ride bikes

You were taught to cut and flip

It was never a life you wanted

Just the one you were given

Nancy Regan “Dared“you to say no

But you hoped you didn’t get caught

It was the only way you could eat

As you got older you watched as the streets devoured family and friends

Cursing God, you clung to the only thing you knew

You fell head first into darkness and never looked back

The things you’ve done in the name of survival were devilish

Drugs became your only escape

Money and power were easily obtained

Yet you had no peace

Soon, the one’s that respected you lusted after all you had

Being two steps ahead was never a problem

But years of hard living and weed smoke had dulled you

And as you sat on your couch with tar resin baked on your lips

You wondered what life would be without all of the things that made you what you were

You cried and asked me to take away your pain

You didn’t want any of this anymore

When the bullets ripped through your chest

I gave you my answer

Your tears ran down your face as you took your last breath

Somehow they washed away all of the hate and shame

A slight smile could be seen on your now cold face

As I whispered to you the words you always wanted to hear

Go now, my brother

You are free

Author's Note

This is dedicated to my late nephew, Raphael Svantes Thomas. I loved him like a son and words can not describe the pain and anger I feel now that he's been taken away from me. I share this with you all to help deal with my inner torement. May it find you well.

Reviews

[Calypso]

Enlightening

[Darruesh Eetraydes]

I feel your hurt on this my brother. We have all lost people we cherish to the streets. You have immortalized in this poem. You should be proud how well you've done

[Journey]

Your words tell the story of so many. Many that I have grown to love and lost as well. The potential is clearly there. If they would just reach out and grasp the success in their hands. You told this well...Sorry for your lost.

[hguoahjulgbhjlrawHBLG]

I didn't care for the material, but it was well written. You're a good poet.

[MissWordSmith]

I agree with kimberlea. I want to say thankyou for sharing this. it was so heartfelt and honest. This was touching. Brilliant write.

[Kimberlea]

Thanks for shariing this powerful piece. I think you are brilliant.