They call me youth, I have been
Where you are now, arrogant and proud.
How I loved assumptions when your age.
Nothing bad existed and if it did
I could handle it, I was not just some kid.
To youth the word naive did not exist.
For everything and anything, I had a fix.
Youth so energized crossed lines
Eyes half open, mouthy and smart.
Talking back to my parents with sharp sass.
Rushing everywhere not taking time
To get in touch with my own mind.
Friends understood life was good.
Drinking and drugs, casual with love.
Staying out late, wearing tight clothes.
Getting tattoos and multiple ear holes.
Listening to funk, rap and other crap.
Words that defile the opposite sex
Of any respect, so cavalier with words.
So experience empty raring to go
To taste every fruit on every vine.
Unaware how quickly fruits soars in time.
They call me youth, I have been
Where you are now, arrogant and proud.
Moving through life full speed ahead.
Playing leap frog from bed to bed.
On a journey knowing not the road.
Too young to lead, too old to be led.
Then one night drunk with desire
My vehicle danced with another car.
My journey was swift towards God.
My screams, "I'm sorry, I'm not ready yet".
Too late, I met full force the sorrow of regret.
I beg, "God please return me to earth".
I promise anything, I plead to no avail.
My arrival in heaven left behind a living hell.
My mother's shoulders old and bent
Picking out my coffin pain forever etched
Across her brow, if only I could hug her
Wipe away her tears, angels appear
Telling me it is too late now.
They call me youth, I have been
Where you are now, arrogant and proud.
If my words get through to you
This is what I pray that you do,
Don't shut your ears, roll your eyes
When you think your parents sermonize.
Listen to their words experience wise.
If not, I may look for you to arrive
Praying before that time, you will realize
Coming here is a one way road.
Remember we do reap what we sow.
Be gentle with yourself take life slow
The future you hold is your own.