Poetry I grew up . . . (List Poem)

I Grew Up . . .

I grew up ghetto.

Not knowing the definition of “let it go”

I grew up with a soul and a beat

Knowing how to stomp my feet

And make a scene


Extension cords and thick brown belts

Out of the blue back hand slaps

Liable to get kicked out

“Don’t you dare raise your voice and shout”


I grew up ghetto.

Box braids

Edges

Golden Hoops

“Don’t tell me what to do”


Taught to mind my own business

If anything, have people mind me

“Everyone is a wannabe”


Be bold

Be Loud

Be the abnormality of the crowd

Be tall and stand proud


I grew up ghetto

Bathroom fights

Seeing red was a pretty sight

Don’t play nice

Keep going till the streetlights


I grew up ghetto

Taught one major thing

Smart ain't right

Smart is white


Yea,

I grew up ghetto​