Child Soldiers

Like a gun with no safety,

I can’t find a release.

So I’m writing war poems,

In a time of peace.

Because abroad there are killings,

Over wealth and borders.

But in the streets they are killing,

With or without orders.

Turn on the TV and play a game:

Pray that the anchor doesn’t say your name.

The news only shows horrors,

That will generate cash.

Like how people slow down cars,

Just to look at the crash.

Your drug dealer’s a cannibal,

It’s the weak that he eats.

Because the weed’s growing up,

Through the crack in the streets.

The famous try and help,

Say stop getting higher,

But you dose to their songs,

‘Cause the beat is fire.

But go ahead ignore me,

Yeah I’m sure it’s painless.

When the rich want to see you,

Stoned and brainless.

Dealer’s dead in the streets,

You just find another.

But that dealer was a child,

Will you help his mother?

She wonders why he ever,

Turned to the bong.

Asking God at the funeral,

What she did wrong?

People thinking they’re kings,

But barely in their teens.

Surrounded by kids,

Living Escobar dreams.

Thinking pushing the weight,

Will get them there.

But they can’t see their goals;

Too much smoke in the air.

Perhaps the issue starts at home,

Broken homes need repair.

Kids are raised by a phone,

Because Mama’s never there.

Then we all get told,

The tech with which we were raised.

Makes us a bad generation,

And that our minds are hazed.

Confidence falls,

And jealousy thrives.

When we’re seeing nothing,

But filtered lives.

But then you voice your struggles,

And when you converse.

Everyone starts playing,

‘Who’s had it worse?’

I want to help this place,

Where it’s uncool to try.

For the others fighting on,

Just to get by.

For the child soldiers,

Waging war on the norm.

One dreamer at a time,

The ranks will form.

Stop waiting on corners,

Craving medication.

Start reading up and,

Craving education.

Be whoever you like,

Don’t just go with the crowd.

I just want to walk home,

And be able to feel proud.

So please save your money,

For the town is an investment.

It’s been diagnosed before,

This has been my reassessment.