My Struggle

By AF

They lock us in these cages
And throw away the key
Say it ain’t no hope for me
I was only sixteen
When they gave me eighteen
Man if they really really knew
All of the s*** we go through
Maybe they’ll provide a better way
And lil bruh still be here today
These streets is unsafe
Or do they really even care
That this s*** is unfair,
We living in the slums, so you better not run
Cause they’ll shoot you in your back
And justify your death
Say I took away his breath
‘Cause I thought he had a gun
And wasn’t nothing in your hand
Now do you see what I’m saying?
History keep on showing us
That America don’t accept us
But don’t listen to lil ole me
Just watch and see
Trump about to show you
That this ain’t that land of the free
Nor the home of the brave
Money, lies and graves is what this country really about
And how it was made…

6 Comments

  1. Jeremy Thomas on October 4, 2018 at 8:03 AM

    Wow, this poem is amazing. I really appreciate its honesty and how aware it is. This is a very powerful poem. Please keep writing. Thank you for sharing.

  2. Crystal on December 6, 2018 at 4:55 PM

    I echo Jeremy! “Wow” was my reaction as well. So sad that at only 16 these individuals decided that there was not any hope for you. You were just a baby. Who has there entire life figured out at 16?

  3. M Argersinger on February 15, 2019 at 12:06 PM

    This was a very honest poem. Appreciate you writing from the heart. Job well done.

  4. Carly on February 15, 2019 at 12:25 PM

    Hi,

    Wow. Thank you for writing this. I think you are right. Unfortunately, our society has normalized this type of attitude and behavior. Would you consider writing what you think a possible solution might be? How can we create a “land of the free and home of the brave?”

    I am impressed by your use of rhyme!! You managed to tell a very honest narrative, YOUR TRUTH, and rhyme almost every line!

  5. John on March 21, 2020 at 4:32 PM

    Wow, I will be praying for you, there still is hope for you. We have to Pray against this unjust world that we live in and trust God.

  6. Kayelynn on April 19, 2020 at 3:54 PM

    AF,

    Brutally honest poem. You highlight the struggles of black people and how America has never been great to them. Your word choices cut to the core and really make you think about this country we live in. Amazing and truthful writing, I’m interested in seeing what you write next!

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