'Cause & Effect'
© Raul Cortes Jr. 8-10-19
I consider myself a human-filter, so I stay near poems, translate pain.
I'm going to quote a poet named Nasir Jones..: "When you place blame..
Then you're defective, when you take blame..
Then you're respected". So I take aim..
At the cause & how it was effective.
At a younger age, I became interested in architecture.
Seen stepdad rebuild home completely, actions was his lecture.
Without a father-figure, mom unknowingly led me to become a "Beta-Male".
Stepdad stepped-in, did his best for me to become a better man.
The hood is not the safest place.
I was trusted to be alone, as long as I didn't open the door or gate.
Couldn't have friends unless mom knew the parents.
No desire to do homework without mom's consistent involvement, it was apparent.
I was a flimsy kid, impressionable & weird.
Stepdad showed me dirty flicks, coffee & beer.
So basketball & video games aside, I started to rhyme hardcore.
Mom interrupted one day, yelled at my bars then slammed the door.
I was cursed of the one thing I was good at.
I kept going with it on & off, I was hooked on that.
After high school, I chose rap as a career.
They got angry, discontent with my choice out of fear.
My time to move out was near..
I lived on my own for 12 years, almost completely unprepared.
The only time I'm free is within these poems, Lord knows..
I barely survive social situations without a woman I can call my own.
I got a clean bill of health, so says me.
I still suffer afflictions, staying at home resting.
That's the short version, just read between the lines.
I blame no one for where & who I am, outside-investors will eventually want to see me shine.
©polo
P