My fingers retrace memories of

a time where fun was found in

building hallways playing

Red light,Green light,

One,Two,Three.

It was summertime showers as

we bathed in the fire hydrant

trying to cool off.

It was a time before it was

hip to love you and

I loved you anyway.

BEFORE gentrification seeped its way in and

tried to claim its place.

BEFORE you had nicely paved streets and

upscale cafes.

BEFORE the rent was equivalent to

one month’s pay.

Back to when you were graffiti crews in

Adidas shell toe shoes

tagging up on abandoned buildings and

subway trains.

A time where I only had eyes for you

despite what others would say.

I knew that YOUR love

resided on your finger tips

 All I had to do was

reach out and grab your hand

Followed you around aimlessly.

Searching for a way in you.

Chasing you.

Not knowing what was in store

AND…

it was easy to get lost in the

cracks and crevices of your love.

With no tour guide or

warning signs on the door

I wanted to be with you at all costs.

Rock double plated gold chains

engraved with both of our names,

make love, bear your child,

that’s what we used to call “HOOD LOVE”

Dressed up in 54.11’s and Columbia suits,

go to house parties that were…

just about having fun and

not about looking cute.

Listening to your song outside my window

Serenading me like a lovebird

EXCEPT…

we don’t have lovebirds in the ghetto.

Mobb Deep reminded me that

there was no such thing as half way crooks so

like Piri I walked down your mean streets armed with

nothing more than my books.

A back pack full of things unseen.

Blinded by the glittery shine of material things.

Front row seats to the

destruction you could bring.

Drugs, sex, poverty.

Broken promises and broken dreams.

Uncles, cousins, friends fell victim…

Like a $2 whore you were always waiting,

 a welcome sign hanging on your door.

With legs wide open ready to give them

what they were looking for.

A quick and easy fix then

you’d send them on their way.

The price of their lives was

all they’d have to pay.

You broke up happy homes and

left families torn apart.

Babies crying, mothers trying, fathers dying

10 year old boys worked your corners just

to cop the newest pair of sneaks.

No use for school because

what their parents made in a month they

could make in a week.

15 year old girls engaged in adult activities.

Only to be left alone in their chase

of that father figure that was missing.

Filling the void with meaningless sex

all because they needed someone to

love them~

Little girl, the hood will rape your mentality,

strip you of your soul

break you down like your worthless

if you let it.

Often realizing your mistake

AFTER it’s too late.

Innocence lost, washed away,

like sand into the ocean,

the shameful realities of a dream deferred and

carried for 9 months the reminder of

that fateful night you

finally became a woman.

Don’t become a casualty in this war

But sit proudly on your throne

Protect what’s yours…

For you are kings and queens,

Yesterday, today, and always!