A Man Now

Two weeks ago,my son went to California to be apart of a program
called Brave New Voices...which is organized by Russell Simmons
and his show Def Poetry Jamz ....it was the experience of a lifetime for Gabe,
and this observation is what I saw in him when he came back.


A Man Now

Eyes...bright
intellect set on supernova.
as the recent journey taken
comes spilling over
3rd eye.. has been kissed as the
wisdom from the elders comes
shining out of your iris
and I once wondered if he could handle this
now...it seems that I am the mistaken miss
as I see him shining in a mental state of bliss
Words...like I've never heard him use before
begin to pour not just out of his mouth,but his soul
I can see he has been forever changed...spirit forged in gold
All spawning from a group of like-minds that met every Saturday,
Now he has friends from Philly to the UK....
all youths...with something positive to say.
Ideas...projects ...and plans...
excitement about visiting new places and lands...
Its hard to except...but my baby....
Is becoming a man.
Not just a teen without guidance or direction
but a brilliant young mind that is learning the art
of deflection and redirection...seeking knowledge
with a ravenous affection.
Then he says "Mama, when I was in Cali I think I met my wife"
"but you gone be my main "girl" for the rest of my life"
As I watch him make calls to the new friends he has made
As they all plan to reconvene in Chicago next year...
I feel blessed to have a son like him experiencing life
with no fear.
16 years old...6'4...
My son is becoming A Man Now
he is not a baby anymore.