Obligation to My Forefathers

Concrete corners where adolescents step with malice aforethought will test your sincerity

You can examine it all you want and see that theory is not applicable around here

My dangerous mind is blind with indignation

Amongst the outbreaks of violence I clutch my confidence and close my eyes

Visualizing a future that is promising and within reach

You are not pragmatic or practical

Only satirical

I get up with them cut throat old head felons who did long stretches with their manhood and dignity in tact only to come home to a rude awakening that the outside was now the other side

“The” college experience is regressive for someone who is experienced

Neighborhood streets are littered in broken glass and drug debris

Dominated by a smothering spirit of weakened hope and a faith that has been fatally wounded

When you turn the faucet there is no running water and bathroom stales have no doors

Since we can claim nothing that those conditioned by comfort are accustom to

We mob and bond tight with family

Deeper and closer than words can detail

Previously made sacrifices are forgotten by those in positions of power and access

Utilize patience to influence the influential

Residential areas compose zip codes dominated by homicides

Yet young children possess dreams and ambitions to be doctors, chemists, lawyers, and presidential candidates

I can not personalize with you if it is not related to business or forward innovation

Razor blades are concealed so keep your mouth closed

Life is about losing and regaining your composure to lose again

I am provoked by people who I have not seen and spoken with in years

Emotions are elicited by continuously enduring a struggle that occurs every second of everyday but is only visible to the masses in flashes and glimpses

Conquered the top of many small peaks

All too familiar with the depths of the deepest valley

In the alley conducting criminal commerce that is not fundamentally dissimilar than the day to day business wheeling and dealing of lobbyists and Congressional staff

Came a long way from passing out on the back porch

I walk with a torch held high in my hand bringing light to where there has only previously been darkness and defeat

The worst enemy is within

Our beloved and justice grounded world only recognizes property

Secure yourself against the unwarranted advance of Judas

One hand of God pulling me up and one hand of Lucifer pulling me down

Those who sing of justice often do not mean it

A product of the South

Make the call to my young scholars to teach you a lesson or two on the subject matter of life

Value substance and loyalty due to their increasingly decreased supply

Appearances dictate the mindset of the privileged

I appear out of the dust and dirt with the mindset of a renegade rebel ripping and running through the riot

This is not learned behavior

It is in my veins and my heritage as a duty-bound citizen devoted to the fruition of intellect and development of my fellow countrymen

Listen to the poem here. (Coming Soon)

John Muller is a junior and is a Co-Founder of DreamCity and Chief Editor of DreamCity Poets Magazine.  He teaches poetry for the Ward 7 Higher Achievement Program in SE, Washington, DC.  This summer he will be producing The 70 Bus in conjunction with DreamCity Theatre Group.