The trick
to thriving
and not simply surviving
in these gangster days

is to practice
gangster discipline
without accepting
gangster theology.

Eyes in the back
of my head, but only for
the panoramic view.  Keep
my hand empty, ready to receive.

Learn to ride
without dying,
call out 
every good day.

Let my tears fall
unrestrained when they come,
pour them out unashamed
on my sidewalk, street, and home.

If you don’t buy this?
Step back.  
I’ll step back
regardless.

If you can’t or won’t
understand this
I do not know 
what will become of us.