Streets
Just cause I’m from the streets
Does it mean I can’t make it?
Just because I don’t have money
Does it mean I should take it?
Cause I made mistakes
Does it mean I can’t be great?
Cause I want to succeed
Does that mean I’m fake?
The answer is No
Cause I will make it
I will succeed
And I’m not givin’ up
Until I do
4 Comments
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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.
Keep that confidence. You CAN make it!
Nice….I like the way you use questions and follow with a quick answer. Very effective!
” I’m not givin’ up
Until I do”
The sudden contradiction really works here. It’s honest and well written. Very nice!
I’m from Mumbai, India, and I think this initiative and this website is great. I believe something like this being started in India would really help youngsters in jail here. I am inspired by your website to think about how it might be done!
This is such a great poem!
I love the balance between powerful statements and thoughtful questions that follow them up. You’re showing people that you’re a human being at the end of the day, deserving of respect and love and empathy and support – just like anyone else.
I love the optimism and the grit at the end: “The answer is No / Cause I will make it / I will succeed / And I’m not givin’ up / Until I do” – the way you view yourself is so important. I’m so glad that you understand that you are an incredible human capable of so many things, despite the circumstances you find yourself in.
I’m so very proud of you.
Best,
A