Half asleep

and anticipating

the school bell’s ring

down the crowded hallways

and out of the backdoor signals

Hurrying to the spot,

where the circle is drawn-torn

knees on my dungarees,

reveal the skills

When the game is over

and it’s time to go home…

it never fails,

somebody always suggests we play

When I was a young thuggish youth,

I would take from the world.

No one cared.

Really, no one dared to speak my name—

I am little Chris.

A lost soul of Africa.

First born to Ruby.

Confused and misunderstood by those that

challenge my right to live as they do,

I constantly rebel,

only to fall prey to an illusion.

When the tears fall in the dead of night,

not a whimper dare be heard.

But the comforting arms of my mama are there,

just like they were in the beginning.

Giving to me,

so that I might one day

He's been gone too long.

The journey though intriguing

has drained most of his life’s blood.

But today he's on the long road home.

In the beginning –

invisible were the obstacles

which served as stumbling blocks.

After years of walking steadily

in one direction,

never looking back,

he's learned the rough terrain

that now serves it's new master in his

dubious quest-

                    down

                          the

                             long

                                 road

                                      home

                                            road