Ferry Street

Springtime rain comes pouring in Newark.

I got my hood over my head, covering this majestic crown

only a hair sponge could form if done with the proper precision.

The rain’s roar tears through the city streets.

High school kids are rushing to catch that bus.

Elderly people must clench their umbrellas tightly.

You should be careful.

That unsettling wind can creep up, snagging you

like a rotten tooth being pulled from your mouth at the dentist.

All the while this is happening—

I can feel my mind cutting loose.

Thoughts I once condensed throughout the day are now animated and lively.

I’m witnessing war—

I said I’m witnessing war

A gory, destructive war.

One that I must conquer within myself.

I can no longer allow my heart to be pure anymore—

I am full of dormant evils.

A raging demon is making the transition into a savage once the pen is given to him.

Ain’t no shaking the urge to unleash anger

Ain’t no shaking the urge to spread hate

Why not, why not?

Because of insecurities that I never confronted?

Why was it, why was it?

Because of chicks that lived miles away?

What’s wrong, little nigga?

You never had a father?

What, you afraid to smile?

Niggas called you a monkey?

Momma didn’t like you, now?

She became a recurring alcoholic, now?

The females in your life never showed you any love, now?

They never taught you how to ask girls out, now?

The men in your life never taught you how to run game?

Okay, how do those millennials say it?

Is it called being smooth?

I cannot blame an insecure brat like yourself—

Who felt entitled to get whatever he asked for.

As if it would just fall from the sky.

Quick to bitch if he never received it.

Boy, you gotta wake up!

Smell the damn coffee brewing in the kitchen!

Get out of this picture you painted of this world having it out for ya.’

Like you owed the creator money or something

And yo’ ass never bothered to pay him back.

So, now—

He is forced to punish you for not getting him those twenty lerks.

Stop it! Stop it now!

You are amazing the way you are.

Trust me, bro!

Ain’t shit wrong with you!

You are alive!

Boy, you blessed!

Stop walking round’ here—

acting like you lost your pet or some shit

because you have done so much with your life!

Look at all those books you wrote!

Look at all those people you made an impression on!

You did something amazing for the hood!

You went into the yonder to speak for your city!

Why are you sitting here sulking in defeat?

You are not out for the count!

So, pick yourself up!