A True Gangster

[justlikeyou]

Love how this unfolds the years and lessons learned along the way and how it takes me with you.

Edit 1

A True Gangster

I was 7 years old
when I first started.
Big homie said flip
it, so I flipped it.
He said I was good. (Yes, approval can be a deceptive trap)

I was 9 years old,
for the first time got
caught up. An ounce in
elementary school;
thought I was clever. (ah, the rush that becomes addictive!)

I was 12 years old,
thinking I'm a badass
in my YA pants.
Starting many fights
and gaining respect.

It was at 13
life took a turn see,
I was doing a stint
when me and my homie
jacked a guard's car and fled.

To Mexico...(you transport me there!)

But federalés rolled up.
Smoked my boy
and left me all holed up. (I feel isolation and fear here?)

16,
returned to normal life
wondering what's next.
I met a girl who
showed me life with love. (promises lasting happiness and giving your all too it)

Six months later
the devil caught up.
Thought I got away
but he came in force.
Took my life of love.

Rage. (I FEEL it!)

17,
three months from 18.
Jacked some dude at the mall
who refused to give in,
so I kidnapped him.

To Mexico...(I go reluctantly here)

But federalés rolled up.
Got me before
I could put up a fight. (I sense relief at getting caught?)

I was 19
when convicted.
Either a heartless
judge or justice heard; (two minds, arising conscience?)
Life with thirteen years.

I'm 35
looking at pictures
on visiting day.
Only relation-
ship my family shares.

Regret. (Yes)

Original

I was 7 years old
when I first started.
Big homie said flip
it, so I flipped it.
He said I was good.

I was 9 years old,
for the first time got
caught up. An ounce in
elementary school;
thought I was clever.

I was 12 years old,
thinking I'm a badass
in my YA pants.
Starting many fights
and gaining respect.

It was at 13,
life took a turn see,
I was doing a stint
when me and my homie
jacked a guard's car and fled.

To Mexico...

But federalés rolled up.
Smoked my boy 
and left me all holed up.

I was 16,
returned to normal life
wondering what's next.
I met a girl who
showed me life with love.

Six months later
the devil caught up.
Thought I got away
but he came in force.
Took my life of love.

Rage.

I was 17,
three months from 18.
Jacked some dude at the mall
who refused to give in,
so I kidnapped him.

To Mexico...

But federalés rolled up.
Got me before
I could put up a fight.

I was 19
when convicted.
Either a heartless
judge or it fit the crime;
Life plus thirteen years.

I'm 35
looking at pictures
on visiting day.
Telling my brother:
Never make my mistakes.