Small town boy got big
city dreams
He feels the chill of the
night through his jeans
It bites the skin like the
knife he carries
Shadows his face
underneath his hoody
Walks to a home that
the government owns
Holes fill the walls where
the photos should go
Last night’s take aways
is still in the stove
He takes a
Seat at the table and go
over his notes
He’s trying make it
While trying to hide
Two edges
To his double life
School of
Thought to his left
And hard knocks
To his right
He’s just trying survive
Street wise way beyond
his years
Can launch his fists like
he handles Shakespeare
Nobody knows and he
doesn’t care
All that matters are the
colours he wears
Hungry for something
that he can’t eat
Calms his nerves with
every word that he sees
Lights his cigarette has
a cup of tea
He takes a seat at the
table and continues
to read
He’s trying make it
While trying to hide
Two edges
To his double life
School of
Thought to his left
And hard knocks
To his right
He’s just trying survive
Rise and shine but
nothing looks bright
Books camouflaged
by cans
He jumps on his bike
Dad gave it as a gift
last night
Wonder if he’s changed
for good this time
Shrugs and hopes for
the best
got his headphones on
Prepares for the test
mouthing words to
the song
Miss gave hI'm props on
a job well done
An A parents must be
proud of you son
Smiling back with a nod
little does she know
Enrolled himself with
no help from home
Hides the bike in the
bushes
Scared it might be
hot so he doesn’t
want to push it
Game face hard
Raise hoodie full mast
Set sail through
the yard
Play jester of the class
He’s trying make it
While trying to hide
Two edges
To his double life
School of
Thought to his left
And hard knocks
To his right
He’s just trying survive