What a young man in the USA faces every day caught between the blue rag and the blue line.
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The Blue Rag Ain’t For Me
by Tyler Cotton
I come from Africans and Native Americans
From a place where gangsters are part of my everyday life
I come from rivers of violence flowing through the streets
With lots of tricks but not many treats
South-Central Los Angeles
95th and Main
Trying to avoid the Main Street Crips
It’s the territory gang
Where I come from if you’re an athlete
You might get out
Football and basketball are my bread and butter
If it wasn’t for sports
I might be on the front line, Cripin’ it
But on the field, I try to do His will
So that every time I pull on my helmet
I thank him for giving me the ability
To escape the gang life
The blue rag ain’t for me
I come from a place where every night I wonder,
“Will I make it home?”
Always asking their question, “Where you from, cuz?”
Dippin’ and dodgin’, trying to keep out of sight
It’s a hassle,
But where I come from
Walking home from football practice
I will most likely run into the cops
Who always ask the same question,
“You have any weapons?”
I say “no,” but if they want to take me to the station,
There’s nothing I can do about it.
Where I come from,
If I make it home alive,
I lie in bed, close my eyes and say,
“That’s one less day I have to survive,
Thank you, God, for keeping me alive.”
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Please check out the other POPS Updates:
California Students Transform Through Art With POPS
Teaching Kids to Open the Tap on Creativity
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There aren’t Fathers Where I am From
“They Stereotype the Students”
Listening and the Difference Caring Makes
Photo: Chris Yarzab/Flickr
I am thankful for POPS and the voice it gives to students to help them release and stay connected.