Inner City Voice

One of my best poems...at least I think so. =)

 

A teacher had asked me to be the "inna-city" voice,

To say "Yes" to this challenge was completely my choice.

This tainted perspective the media portrays,

Tears through our lives misrepresentin' our days.

As if we all get up and breed on mad violence,

The truth of the matter there's a ghetto alliance.

Why not be who we really are?

 

False stereotypes and negativity,

Proliferatin' our youth's criminal activity.

This formidable necessity is a trust and respect,

Without this torturous abuse and neglect.

As if all city kids are dope dealin' ganstas,

Or soon to be felons procreatin' new prankstas.

Why be victims of this devious portrayal?

 

We choose to be survivors and make somethin' of life,

Not the alternative and pick up a knife.

We go to school and hope to make the grade,

While others work as they hope to get paid.

Some of us volunteer and work with the elderly,

People never know how great we can be.

Why fall into the fabricated image?

 

Only 26% asked say they smoke weed,

While 74% are dying to be freed.

Freed from the negative image held by others,

From liars who only pretend to be our brothers.

People outside could never understand the ghetto,

Out there it's like walking through the meadow.

Why mask our potential by falsified visions?

 

The media's blind to all of our good,

They only see young boys and girls in the hood.

Some live everyday doin' good for the community,

Some live searchin' for the immunity.

That's what makes this story so tragic,

What could be the risk in missing our magic?

Why not give us a chance?

 

By:  Stacy Hessler

Originally Written:  January 17, 2001

Author's Note

I wrote this poem back in 2001 and I wrote it because someone asked me to be the poetic voice of the inner city high school kids (I was one of them at the time), so be prepared for some slang...LOL. This poem was NOT easy to edit. I revised it SEVEN (7) TIMES!! But I think it was so worth it. Tell me what you guys think...HONESTLY. I would REALLY love some feedback on this one. It is one of my favorites. Here it goes

Reviews

[The Mad Prophet]

Not bad, I live in a small city, with different problems. No matter where you see it, the Black Earth, or Negative Energy is everywhere. It's in the cities, towns, and even small villages. It's in the homes, churches, schools, workplaces, and even in the flesh when called opon. All I can say is be positive, and use the light in the way it was ment to be use. Shine it at the source, highlight the issue, and stay strong and resistant against it. The poem was well writen, and I think you expressed your point well, but don't underestimate the rest of the world, darkness lies in the hearts of all, Positive Energy must highlight the hearts to when. Hey, I am spiritual a bit, just saying what I see.

Thanks for sharing, and letting me read this one.

[Reika]

I like this poem. The slang you put in there brought it to life, it was easy to imagine it as if it were coming out of a high school student's mouth. Very well done, and well written. This was wonderful to read. =)