The Town

I am from a two-sided tree,
where life isn’t always as dreamed
where people laugh if you say thank you or please

I am from the town
where sideshows run the streets
where all you see on people’s feet
are Jordans and Nikes

I am from gunshots
to RIP someone, to every corner
to crying moms asking why?
where police lift guns instead of tasers
and say it was all an accident.

I am from church on Sunday
where parents say don’t do what I did, stay in school.

I am from seeing parks become smoking spots
to tire marks every street to liquor stores every corner
from seeing people posted at liquor stores
where everyone needs a grill to smile.

I am from the city
where you get looked down at for who you are.
where people say you’ll never make it

I am from Oakland
Born and raised

Photo by allaboutgeorge