When I was young looking for some fun, a mistake, boy did I make
I remember the store, the mask that I wore, and words the owner did take;
"Someone's going to pay for what happened here, I sure as hell know
no way you will get away with this, if you think you can just go"....
So now I did my time and took what's mine, that crime was long ago
I paid my dime and let that be a sign, for society to finally let go
No more running and no more hiding, I'm just going to stop right in here
I made mistakes and suffered my aches, now leave me to drown in my beer
I'm out, no longer so stout, and just happy to breathe some fresh air
but as I walk down the street a free man, I still seem to get that stare
As an older man now, I don't know how, I will never be able to adjust
then my inner soul told me so, for my sole mission I know I now must
Doing that crime was never fine, and I'm ashamed for all that took place
but now I'm free, wanting to truly be, an upright member of society's race
I'll get a job and rap with those kids and beg them to always remember
nothing in this world has any meaning, if you're not going to be a member
Although the day is short, and the hour is late, but suffice it for me to say
that fatal mistake you're about to make, the rest of your life you shall pay
The one way out, perhaps your last bout, may still be found if you can cope
find a true friend, to give you his hand, to teach you this prayer called HOPE.....
This poem is one of my earliest. I attempt to portray an imagery where the "old school" seeks to pass on the wisdom it acquired, tragically at a high price, to the young. Now as a "new man" past mistakes provide the momentum and driving force toward making amends with society, hoping to impact on youth to steer them away from a life of crime.
