Never Judge

        Frowned upon because of where I'm from, on my skin I bare tattoos.. Yet a college graduate, buisness owner, but you all see right through.. All of the good I've accomplished in life, judging me by looks.. That's why I was raised to learn of things, and by the cover I don't judge books.. 

         Raised by a woman five foot four, on her own she raised nine.. In the streets of the hood, the projects if I could, paint a picture for your mind.. Five boys four girls, and mom held her own.. Working hard to keep food in our mouths, can you see the picture I've shown..

         She'd be at work and I'm in the streets, doing what I knew was wrong.. Pants at a sag, on my waist a mag, another sad song.. Selling poison to fiends, till almost eleven o'clock.. Hitting the back alleys, when they raided the block.. Fighting all the time, that's how I got shot..

          Even doing all of this, I stayed in school.. And in my book bag I kept that tool.. Mom would be disappointed, if she only knew.. All of the things, that I had to do.. To help with money in the house, man we had no lights.. No heat nor hot water, we'd have to huddle close at night..

         I remember the pain in her eyes, as she spent the last of her check.. Paying the bills yet wondering, what we would eat next.. That was a win and a loss, what I to do.. Confused in it all, so i did what I knew.. Hustled that coke, crack, and heroin too.. Whatever was  needed, I had it for you..

         After all those years,I graduated high school, went to college.. Holding the best of both worlds, street smarts and book knowledge.. Now I'm grown and I've earned my way.. Living legit, but still frowned upon today.. Why because of the color of my skin, and I have tattoos.. You think i'm fresh out of jail, and I sell drugs too..

         Well let me clear the air, I'm a fighter, model, and student too.. So when you look at me funny, I only laugh at you.. Because I work hard for mine, and I thank God for that everyday.. Never judge before you know, better believe what they say..