To all mothers struggling to raise 
a man-child without a father

Black boy lost
growing up wild
Wants to be a man
But still a child

Pants hanging down
on long narrow ass
Goes to school
but knows he won't pass

Every night his mother prays
Lord, please change his ways
And lengthen his days
Death or prison,
for him I see
Please Lord
let him be free

Never knew his father
Who didn't bother
to let himself be known
Love for his son
was never shown

He found his home,
on the streets alone
Among his peers,
he hides his fears
Burying his pain,
in reefer and cocaine
Seeking love in lust
but finding no trust


Steal rob and beat
lie scheme and cheat
Every day was seek and cop
to feed a habit,
he couldn't stop

And so the story,
of a black boy ends
everybody loses,
nobody wins


But this story
doesn't have to end
"STAND UP BLACK MAN"
You can be his friend

You can take the place of the dad
he never knew he had
You can hold his hand and
teach him how to be a man

So, my brothers, to thy self be true
Will you melt like ice, or stick like glue?
Our very survival depends on you.

********
Author's note:
"This is a challenge for men 
to take on the responsibility 
of mentoring our young men."