A Scrapbook of Thought by a Student of the Street

"A Scrapbook of Thought by a Student of the Street"
Is my attempt to honor my father, my brother, and my mother
who live in my heart, even though they have left this earth.
It is a book of my words that show where my heart is.
I know street life, some would call me poor.
I know what I have had to overcome,
to see the beautiful life I live now.
I spent my youth wandering with no direction,
Existing from day to day.
My education came when I was locked up.
My loss of freedom made me grow up.
Losing my father, my brother, and my mother
made me see what I don't like.
Made me want to live and stop existing.
My brother and my mother left me while they were in California
and I was in Chicago.
I was not part of the funeral.
They are pictures on my wall.
This book is important to me because it is how I say
good bye.