Words, illustrations, and thoughts from urban youth.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
THE LIGHT AHEAD OF ME
Friday, February 5, 2010
Western Expansion

It was the strangest thing I have ever seen, with tubes and wires. I was a little boy, when I read about the expansion westward. I was curious; I didn’t know what was happening before my eyes. I asked my teacher at school and she said that she had no clue what was going on. When I got home, I asked my dad and he said we are just trying to make the country bigger and there are some people trying to stop us? We have tried our best to come to an agreement, but they don’t want to give us what belongs to us. I saw on the news, many people traveling with tubes, wires, guns and their family’s. I thought that we had to move also, nut daddy assured me that we were going to stay in Dover, Delaware. I heard from one of my friends that there was a man jailed for not paying his taxes, I didn’t know paying your taxes was a law. I believed his name was David Thoreau, my freinds brought the newspaper “Daily Herald” to me and I saw the article when David is being interviewed. He talks about the unlawful actions that the united sates does everywhere. David talks about the idea of manifest destiny and civil disobedience. A concept that the united states were asks by God to conquer all the territories west and civilize the tribes that were presumed to be uncivilized and without the knowledge of the supreme faith. He says hat he is tired of the unnecessary war like the war against Mexico and war againast the Native Americans. He is tired of the way the un9ted states are treating many people and countries. I got inspired by him and talked to my dad about him, but he say David is just trying to get attention. I went to sleep wondering about the concept of civil disobedience.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The cat that did not meow!
Hunting every night for rats in the allies, she became the best hunter, catching most of the meals by herself. No matter how big and strong she was, there was one thing she was not able to do. She could not communicate like the rest of her family. They would meow and meow all day and night. She would open her mouth, but no sound would come out. Till one day, animal patrol came and tried to catch her mother and siblings. She jumped out of a garbage can and opened her mouth and gave a big roar. This scared the men and made them run back where they came from. Now every night when you hear meows from outside, you’ll hear a big roar sounding like a lion.
P.S. The cat is a lion.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A letter to that man
When Ce-Ce was nine her father went to jail for picking up his friends Don and Steve, after they robbed a house on 47th and King Drive. He really didn’t know of any of these things until he got pulled over by the police. They took him to jai, and because he had a rap sheet as long as an invitation list to a party, they gave him eight years. Now this man doesn’t know anything about her and her life because of his time in jail. She never wrote him or went to see him, she just didn’t care anymore.
“ Man ma you know your baby daddy Buford get out of tomorrow, and my grandma want me to go with her to get him. I guess she going to be going by herself because I don’t even know that man.” Said Ce-Ce
“Well, you don’t have to go I’ll talk to her if you want me to.” Said Brenda Ce-Ce’s mom.
“Okay mom would you please because I really don’t want to go.” Is what she said as she leaves out to go to school.
Ever since Ce-Ce was a kid she loved her father and no body could tell her nothing wrong. She still loved her father very much but she couldn’t understand why he hadn’t made an effort to talk to her. Now Buford has been at home for two years and over these years he has denied Ce-Ce as ever being his daughter four times, he has also whopped her, cursed her out, and called her out of her name a couple of times. He never want to spend time with her unless he has some money, so when he broke he don’t even answer. At this point Ce-Ce has not given up on him, but she wants to tell him how she really feels, so she writes a letter telling him what on her mind.
Dear daddy,
I has come to my attention that you never answer the phone for me when I call. You never come get me and take me places like you do those little kids that are your friends kids that call you uncle B. I’m really getting to there point of hating you because you ignore me. My mom always struggles to take care of me and my sisters but luckily grandma helps out when she ever she can. I know you sell drugs so you got to have money. I really hate when we go to family events and you come around like every thing is good. It seems like everyone knows this but you, even your own sister don’t talk to you because the way you do me. I really hope that you take this and make it better.
Love Always,
Ce-Ce Harris
it cant be true
It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong.
“Ring, ring, ring” the noise of Mona’s phone woke her up.
“Hello,” Mona answered.
“Girl you still in the bed? Get up! Now you gon’ be late,” Shanti told her. Mona rolled out of bed, rushing to the bath room, as she thought to herself “dang, I’m starting the day off wrong already”.
School had went by so slow today for Mona, even though she got to school third period. Everyday after school Mona would normally go to her boyfriend’s house, but today she had an appointment at the clinic. This was Mona’s second time going to the clinic because she was afraid she was pregnant. Mona always thought about how her life would be if she were to have kids by Robert. All she could say was that they would be fine. Mona was 5”2, carmel skin, with black hair to her back. She had a swagg that was on point, and all the females wanted to be her. Robert was 5”6, light skin, with hazel eyes, and a smile that could light up the room. They’ve been together two years, and they were perfect for each other.
“Hey babe, you ready?” Mona asked Robert.
“I’m sorry boo, I cant go with you. I have to watch my brothers. I’m sure you aint pregnant tho’. Its proly a mistake like last time,” Robert replied.
“You know I wouldn’t mind having your baby tho’. You’re my man and I love you”.
“Okay, call me when you get out”.
The whole time Mona was at the clinic, all she could think about was how Rob didn’t say he loved her back. “Maybe I’m trippin’”. She didn’t like to trip on him a lot because she didn’t want to push him away.
“Girl I just left the clinic,” Mona expressed to Shanti.
“You were in there forever and a day” Shanti joked.
“Yea, but where you at? What’s all that noise?”
“Girl my brothers, but Imma call you lata,” Shanti hung up the phone so fast she had Mona worried.
“DANG, she must be busy, she didn’t even ask if I was pregnant or not”.
At the bus stop Mona decided she would do a surprise visit by Rob’s house, so she can see his expression when he heard the news. As she knocked on the door, her hands began to sweat. She was nervous and excited at the same time. Rob’s brother Maurice answered the door. He looked surprised and just stood there.
“Are you gonna let me in?” Mona asked as she pushed through the door, and laughed. “Where is Rob?”
“Umm…he’s in the back, but wait here,” Maurice responded
The Next Day of My Life
“I can’t stand him,” yelled Pooh.
“Why?” questioned Mariah.
As Pooh was getting ready to explain and Jason walked past with his new girl on his arm.
“This is what I’m talking about. He is always doing too much just to make me mad,” said Pooh.
“Pooh, calm down. It’s gone be okay,” explained Mariah.
“No, you just don’t understand. I’m pregnant with Jason’s baby and he doesn’t want anything to do with me or the baby,” said Pooh.
“What the hell you mean he doesn’t want anything to do with you all? You didn’t lie down and make the baby self, so he has a part in this as well. Hold on he is going to have a change of heart once I finish talking to him,” said Mariah with aggression.
“No, don’t do that. Just leave him alone, because I don’t even know if I want it. This my junior year and I don’t want to ruin my life with a baby at this age,” said Pooh.
“Okay I understand what you saying now. Just be sure this is what you want to do,” explained Mariah.
“I’m going to go tomorrow to end this. Are you going to go with me? You know I can’t do this by myself,” cried out Pooh.
“Girl, you know I got your back. But did you tell Jason about this?” asked Mariah.
“Yes I did. He is happy about and said you probably can get back together now that I’m ending a life of ours,” said Pooh.
“HE is beyond a dog. That doesn’t make any sense. Don’t go back to him girl. He is not worth it,” said Mariah.
“I’m not but let’s get to class,” said Pooh.
The next day came and Pooh and Mariah was at the hospital. Pooh’s name gets called. Right when Pooh was getting out her seat, Jason walked through the door.
“Pooh! Wait baby don’t do it. I got to ask you something as well,” yelled Jason.
“What do you want? You said you wanted nothing to do with this. So go away,” said Pooh.
“No, baby I want you to marry me. I was being dumb, and my mama told me what’s real and its being with you,” explained Jason.
“Omg you can not be doing this. I can not be with you, Jason I have to go,” said Pooh.
She walked through the doors and Jason dropped to his knees.
Losing Debo
My hand trembled as I punched the number into the phone. I had just got the news that my cousin had been in an accident. The only thing I could think about was if he was okay? My aunt called my phone in total shock. The way she yelled and screamed shook my entire family, as we awaited the news to see if he would pull through or not. He didn’t. That’s when I dropped the phone and couldn’t breathe, think, or even cry. My heart felt like it had just been ripped out. While my older cousin sat there describing how graphic the accident was. He explained how the grand prix had been split in half and how their body parts and blood everywhere. The only thing I could do was cry. My cousin Debo was like my best friend and God had called him home so soon. I just went my cousin to know that he may be gone, but he’s never forgotten.
Don Of The Morning
The lane was night-dark, event at noon. Walking in the shadows of death, hoping for savior. I hoped Jesus was answering my prayers because I was about to commit the greatest sin of all. Sometimes I just sit down and wonder if theirs an actual heaven. But never in my life I will picture my self here, but hey I am here and all I can hear was a lion saying; “holy, holy, holy, holy…” This only gave me hope but no answer. Now I am getting angry and the snake was following me with its sharp high pitch. I turned around and the God from this kingdom saw me and said all of this can be yours if you stay here. Their plenty of girls, money, and every thing was made of gold, and everyone knew you. It sounded like a good deal but I had to say no. So the lion said; “you” I said me, the lion nodded I walk into the light and the same things were offered and I took the offer. Same deal only their was light and I was the king of the throne and ran this world, but guess what the lion was the same person who was the God of the dark world and I became him through the power mind and influence of others. So to whom do we all worship because if you do not know you might be stuck in the same situation as me. But I did make a wise choice because at least I know the truth compare to European lies created by man I worship Horus The Sun, I am the dawn of the morning the Sun who brings life to all. Jesus is Horus but Horus was first remember that.
Just When I Thought It Couldn’t Get Worse
It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong. My car was broke, I had just lost my job and to top it all off my mortgage was due at the begging of the month. I always wanted to do things the right way, work my way to the top, but now it seems as if the night way has gotten me back to square one. I used to hustle on the streets that are how I got my work ethic. The good thing about hustling is if you leave it, there’s always a chance that you can come back. I had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. I went to see my brother Travis to get me some Doup.
My life flashed before my eyes.....
Just then, one of the men snatched the phone out my hand, and searched through my contacts. “Found it!” the man shouted. “Now we have progress. But wait, who’s going to get on the phone, sounding like his wife.” The man about six feet tall shouted with fear, “I don’t know but I will think of something, put her in the truck.” All I could do was scream for my life, and try to break free, but the man had a good grip of my clothing. Just as they tried to put me into the van, the police pulled up and all the men jumped into the van, and drove off. I couldn’t even explain what was going on, but worst of all; I couldn’t identify at least one man.
Christopher Merrick
It was the strangest thing I had ever seen, with tubes and wires; I was so young then I think I was only four. My grandmother was in a bed; the only things I could remember was now bright the lights were, and the machines were all over the place. The place was huge, I mean it held a lot of rooms. I remember my grandmothers room number was 829. My grandmother was woman who was always filled with joy, nothing but positive things to say. The last thing I heard my grandmother say is “I love you baby, just walk with God and He’ll never let you go.
Soon everything became ambiguous to me; I saw my grandmother laying in a nice box. I said to my father is grandma sleep, why isn’t she getting up. I knew my grandmother hated when we turned on the lights while she was trying to sleep. While my grandmother was laying in the box, most of my family members were crying. I thought to myself that she was only sleeping, but that was not the case.
My grandmother was sleeping, and little did I know she never walking up. My granny was up in the sky, she was with Jesus. The place and the strangest thing I had ever seen, with tubes wires was a place called a hospital. I thought to myself I never want to go back there again, because it was the place were my grandmother had the tubes and the wires.
MY PAPER
DEAD NIGHT PART 1
UP NEXT: "SEAD NIGHT" PART 2
When Matthew awoke his head was pounding he noticed that he was bound to a chair. All of a sudden he heard a voice “well well well look who finally decided to wake up I was afraid I killed you for a second”. “Tobias is that you ?” “whats this all about ?” I hope this isn’t about well…u know” replied Matthew. Tobias came out of the shadows “of course it is matt and u know it. Several years ago about their senior year of high school Matthew had outed Tobias as a bisexual causing the love of his life to leavehim it also didn’t help that she was married to Matthew. “so this is your idea of revenge Tobias im sorry about wat happened but your takin this a bit to far”. “ nope I think im handling it perfectly and so the torture begins.
" What is your problem," said Sheka.
" I don't have a problem, that's you your the one running around town acting like a big slut," Ron said.
"Aw for real well this slut pays all the bills in this house," Sheka said.
"You guys really need to stop arguing because this is getting too crazy for me," Meka said.
"Alright we will finish this later," Ron said.
The four of us was always so tight nothing nothing could break us apart. We did every thing together and nothing without each other. Me, Sheka,Ron,and Ladell we were the best of friends. Well I'm meks short for Jameka I'm a doctor at an mental hospital. Sheka is an hair dresser at Shekas & Ritas beauty shop. Ron was an great stock share holder until he lost it all. Ladell is also a doctor. These three people help my life become complete. I don't know how we aren't the way we use to be back in the good old days, I think it's because were are couples now. Well me and Dell's relationship is going just find but Ron's and Sheka's not so well. Their arguements get worse and worse every time Dell and I come over. Like two weeks ago I had to call the police to stop Ron from killing Sheka. At first they were the couple that did everything together. I mean they could keep their hands off each other. Which was crazy because Dell and i didn't like each other at first, but now we are closer than ever. I told Sheka to stop being so angry with Ron because it will end up bad. Well a few weeks later they had an arguement and Ron killed Sheka because he found out that she was cheating on him.
Snake the Coward
It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong. There were three boys name Snake, Ghost, and Don. Ghost had a brand new phone that he loved so much and Snake admired the phone a lot. Don was a smart kid who just did the right things for the right people. Don was eating lunch and Ghost gave him the phone to activate it for him. After Don gave Ghost back the phone, Ghost was very happy and the two boys walked away peacefully. Snake decided to mess up the two happy boys’ day by stealing the phone from Ghost and blaming it on Don. Snake fed Ghost a ton of lies about Don taking Ghost’s phone and Snake knew that he was telling lies all along. Don got very angry and beat Snake up and Ghost was finally able to get his beloved phone back. Don did not get into any trouble because the police found out that Snake was lying all along and everyone now knew why Snake was a coward.
ieshia
The Dream last night had seem so real but it was just a dream...Right???
Found Reality
HIGH
I didn't mean to break his heart, I was so in love I lost feeling. So wrapped up in him I was a drug he was dealing. I went numb. Now i sit here and stare as he sits there on his mother's plastic covered couch slouched. He sits there shattered into a million pieces attempting to find his self at the bottom of a liqour bottle. I didn't tell him to loose his self, I knew better. I knew better than to get HIGH off my own supply.
Euphoric notions turned into deep devotion. Thier love was potent. As the on looker I knew it was a tad to strong. It was like watching atrain wreck, I watched bad go wrong. Now she's there feeling sorry and he sits there numb and love is to blame for what they've become.