April 30: Let's Begin on the Streets Where We Are

Let’s Begin on the Streets Where We Are

Don’t show me your ladder that doesn’t make sense!

I could never abide by your rules!

It belongs in some other place; over the fence --

But I live in a culture of indigents

In a web of so many incidents,

And the life of these streets is our school!

In truth, there is much I would wish to achieve,

But I’ve got to begin where I am.

I am not the lost sheep that you want to perceive.

I have much to offer, and much to receive.

I am meant to be here:  That’s what I believe.

Your deferred success is a scam!

It is logical, but boxed in by convention.

I won’t let you predict which way I will turn.

You live by procedures.  I live by invention.

You work with axioms.  I work with exceptions.

When little is sure, it’s about perceptions.

Nothing proscribed, but there’s instincts to learn!

You find a library where you’re free from distraction.

I find a park, where I hang with my buddies!

Can’t back away from the interactions.

Everyone seeking their own satisfaction.

We get some ideas, and then we take action.

Workability’s what I’m out to study!

Death may surround us!  We’re the life of the city.

We’re bound to fall, but we know how to roll.

We don’t all talk straight, or look very pretty.

It’s cold sometimes, and sometimes it’s gritty.

It’s all a challenge to creativity,

Though there are barriers that take their toll -

Like the harsh and arrogant attitudes

Of drowning souls who are too quick to judge,

So whatever we say will be misconstrued.

Some walk in a daze, completely unglued.

Others - belligerent - are downright rude -

Too set in their thinking to budge.

Some fall into drugs and alcohol.

Others think ‘til they go insane.

They feel they’re surrounded by a thousand walls,

Or out on the sea in a screaming squall.

An onlooker tells you to get on the ball.

They go home, but you’ll still remain!

The point’s well taken that you must pay attention

When your world has no lock or key!

Folks won’t always cop to your best intentions.

Sometimes, in the game, there’s no room for pretensions.

Some of my friends have ended up in detention:

What you get when you’re feeling too free!

Every night, we make a collection.

We buy some brewskies and make us a meal.

We’re all of us there for each other’s protection.

There’s no insurance if we get an infection.

We rarely get more than some manly affection,

But sometimes, you gotta say what’s your deal.

You talk about discipline:  So uptight.

It takes all of my focus to remain here and now!

I live your descriptions of black and white.

We follow our dreaming all day and all night.

Still, sometimes our hopes seem to drift out of sight.

We’re swimming, but we don’t know how.

Yes, I need just a little stability.

This street life just tears me apart.

There’s ways to do things.  I need the facility.

Wanna think things out, but I’ve lost the ability.

I try to be strong, but I feel life’s fragility.

I need to heal what’s obstructing my heart!

But don’t show me your ladder that doesn’t make sense!

I could never abide by your rules!

It belongs in some other place; over the fence --

But I live in a culture of indigents

In a web of so many incidents,

And the life of these streets is our school!