The Hood

9-24-03 One of my first assignments for creative writing class.

I've finally come home

So the people around me would say

In out of the darkness

I breathe a deep sigh of relief

Hidden from my pursuers at last

I climb the stairs with ease

The real danger behind me

Moving upwards, following the sounds

A pounding vibration, the bass full blast

Emitting from the door on the landing

My heart's fast beat residing

My breathing returning to normal

I reach the top

Hearing the vulgar rap accustomed to me

Blaring its obscenity into the night

Smelling a familiar potency

I enter a usual scene cloaked by smoke

The children jumping on furniture

Oblivious to authority

The TV battling the stereo

With music of its own

Departing the living room

I make for the fridge

The various labels of liquor and beer

Smiling back at me with bitterness

Taunting and lacking substance

Sitting at the kitchen table

Watching clippers work

Shredding the source of the potent scent

Once the leaves are made miniscule

The pieces are guided by a bill

Gliding over the smooth flat surface

To their designated places

On the other side of me

The entire family chats of the latest tragedy

Passing the time making cornrows

The ashtray next to them overflows

Though still grasping a burning cigarette

Bored with the familiar routine

I head for my room

No, not mine, our room

The one I and three others share

My bed dwarfed by the bunks

The smallest bed concealed

In a small extension, an alcove

At one point my savior

I now realize

There is no sanctuary within.