Cardiac Recreation

Cardiac Recreation

“I see u

with them creative recs.”

That was the line.

Earth still spun.

Heart still pumped.

“Thank you.

These are my only pair.”

Not knowing her swag.

She all flats, I dared to ask.

Well, pumps here n there.

Once again,

depending on her swag.

Thought nothing of it.

Went n to class.

Looked over err now n then.

Here a glance there.

Earth still spun.

Heart still pumped.

Then. She spoke.

Got a glimpse of those eyez.

Moved down slowly to her lips, thinking

-time well spent.

Thanks, sent to him up above.

Earth stuttered but still spun.

Heart skipped,

but still pumped.

Approached her.

Convo - good.

Eye contact - amazing.

Warmth - all over

no need for falsification.

Soon nuff, came her laugh.

Muzik, simply put.

As the time passed.

Attempts to become one- dashed.

One day at last, accepted. Picked up,date on

prom caliber status.

Down she came.

Queen from her throne.

Earth slowed, but still spun. Heartpaced,

but still pumped.

Friends? - More.

For her? - Anything.

Why? - Idk.

Should I say? - Heaven sent.

In the bed we lie.

TV on, but not catching an eye.

Attitude that of Nike,

stop thinking

and back tracking.

Lips touched. Embraced back.

Mind slowly but surely

melting.

Earth stood still.

Heart stopped.

But hers kept mine beating.

My world now hers.

Hopefully

they will never stop spinning.

Corner Store Bravery

One block radius never seemed so far.

Its crazy, on this block

they all familiar faces, but dayum

them the ones I know who signaldanger.

Let me find a stranger,

pale face-mother approved.

Let me stop trippin’, round here

them be them child jackin’ fools.

Bread, milk, seeds, and I cant forgetthe pop.

I should be able to run wit all that.

I already know who go act a fool.

Twan go try n steal.

Nino go ask to borrow

then try n steal.

Man, I was just enjoying my meal.

As I enter the store, I feel

the eyez piercing my back.

Im just a kidd, Im not tryin to jack.

Im n school, skraight A’s and a jock.

She watching me

while Sam stuffin his pockets!

Shaking my head.

If these people only knew;

we may act like we dumb

but when it come to hustlin’-

trust me, we smarter than u.

Paying with stamps so I gotta wait

till all pretty ladies vacate

and hustlas rotate to the aisle ofthe 40’s.

Aint tryn to do no deals for cash.

No 60-40s.

Finally as I leave out

and look towards my house.

One block radius never seemed solong.

Before I know it-

Running.

Getting chased by dogs.

They all got 2 legs

I dont call’em mans best friends.

But that was the Wood.

Where I was bred.

Familiar faces didn’t always equalsafe havens.

But if you lived there

you were known. No rules,

just our own codes.

But still-

one block radius

at any given moment

you could be on your own.

Corner store bravery made me.

Values learned there stick and theyhold.

Lord knows-They HOLD.

Bronzeville Pride

Yeah that was me, sorry

ButI was as handsome as I could be

Had all the broads from the street

Bronzeville legend, Sweet Baby Ray

yeah,that’s what they called me

I thought this was the route for me

You know, fighting for my country

My country, ‘tis of thee

Even though they aint done nothing for me

But rape and take from me and my people

Second chance deserved

No hate or grudge on this here head

Gotta get this money and my family fed

Off they send me, big parades and lights

My name put up all fancy.

When?I asked.

When we get back they said.

Oooohweee I couldn’t wait

Broads go how you say- quadrupoply

Won’thave to ever work again!

Fighting for the man aint so bad

Might name myself Lil’ Sam

Naw just jiving

ButI didn’t expect what came next

Just like my whole platoon

Just that quick in minutes, -no maybe

Seconds

Dumped us off in I don’t know where

Some guns worked, some had jammed

Shaking with fear, not even a last chance

For my repentance, you know momma

My prayers

I’m laying here now, body in shambles

Praying they never find me

So you want see me

and you want have to cry

Maybe believe that ya boy still alive

I can’t even imagine the pain you go feel

Hope they live it up and say

I went out with courage

And not the truth -me shaking and

Crying for God’s sweet mercy

Momma if you get this, I’m sorry

I couldn’t make it happen

But keep my legend alive

Tellem to just call me

Ole Bronzeville Pride.