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I have to put down my pen
and pick up my heart
and etch your name
like graffiti.
I’ll get the paint and shake it
and mark the symbols
of our gang on it
like family.
You are my turf and rumbles
are things I would show up for.
I would Defend you.
Our hood is understood
your heart is my treasure and I
will fight all the harder for it.
I know you have fought for mine.
You know tough turf love
You know the power of paint.
You show our colors and
walk the alleys unafraid.
But when we take to the streets
I will go beside you,
look ahead of you,
listen behind you.
My weapons are my history
with you.
Holsters, armed with red spray cans
and baseball bats.
Red love, red passion, and I
would swing away…for you.
Gerald the Writer 
oh jerry – i like the graffiti of your heart..you made it brightly visible with your words…your surely walk the alleys unafraid…
Thanks, glad your daughters back too….by the way!
“Our hood is understood” and the speaker seems ready to go to bat for his crew. Nicely done, Jerry. Very meaningful, especially the aspects of family and history
Thanks Adam…great prompt today
It’s a spray-painted version of West Side Story. Good poem, Jerry.
Love You know tough turf… you know power…
so melodic, your words images. Enjoyed the heck out of them…
thought i’m wishing you a happy sunday and hope life is not too busy and gives you some space to breathe..
Just caught this today…thank you so much…Sunday was good. Peace.