'Buck Chronicles (Gangsta's Life)'
© Raul Cortes Jr. 9-8-07
Early on we went to the same school.
But unlike others, we weren't the same fools.
The truth is the sharpest while the streets is cutthroat.
As I reminisce, the words were heavy whenever Buck spoke.
But he never claimed to be a rapper.
He was quick to stunt I mean his name was BUCK, quick to clap ya'.
He once spoke to me & I inquired,..
He said something like: [a poor man ain't nothin' but a hit-man for hire].
[The most dangerous man dwells in the streets thinking]..
[How to get money, even if its to leave somebody dead & stinking].
Buck asked me if I was going through the notions?
I said "yea", then Buck said [hold ya' head up son only women deal with emotions.]
Gangs put a clause on my rights.
At one point Buck thought I was a threat to his operation so he plotted on my life.
But he spared mines.
He figured I was harmless plus I didn't hustle or share crime.
Buck approached me once & said: [come here & reg' this black up].
Then we got into a disagreement when I decided to pass up.
Buck was very persuasive..
But I wasn't going to cave-in.
If you don't get knowledge of self & receive salvation, you can't die in innocence.
The devil gave birth to two children named Pride & Ignorance.
I stick with my spiritual fam but also chill with bold sinners.
Satan can't take everybody if I become a soul-winner.
I am fully aware of the imperfections in my ways.
The last thing I need is for somebody to look at me side-ways.
Gangs is like the government just at a lower scale.
They claim victory in the streets but to no avail.
You either shot-dead, turn crackhead or go to jail.
Escape routes through basketball or rapping in hopes that the flow prevails.
The phrase "something to prove" is Pride's lie.
& the reason why Buck got smoked in that drive-by.
Although I knew A.B. vaguely.
He is a piece of who I am & what made me bravely.
The way Buck left earth is not how I choose to go.
We celebrated his birthday the same day as his...funeral.
His fam cried in denial hoping..
He would rise from his sleep if they fought to keep the casket open.
He was many things in the streets but mainly one man, a martyr.
But I pray everlasting peace into his son & daughter.
I wish could tell Buck: "there are countless people who miss you..
The crew, your mom, dad, brothers & sisters reminisce you.
Somebody told me he was trying to go back in church.
But the grievous fact is that guns had to blast him first
God: please bless this family's lost jewel.
Buck: we miss you, aka Arnold Bernard Poole.
©polo
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