Dear God,

It’s been nearly 20 years
since I step away from my second home
-section 8
right outside of Chicago, IL.
I never forgotten where I came from
but almost forgotten my nickname.
The name my beautiful hood
given to me as my identity
became my trademark on my face
I was born with.
Because they knew the right name
would bring tears of joy to their eyes
that showed I made it out alive.
My village still recognizes
me, even present day, as…

My government name is Xavier Deont’e Thomas
But my hood name is “ Tear Drop”

June 24, 1994