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"MY BANNER"

Written By: Justin Rueb, 1995

My arms are my Banner, a growing sign,
To days of angered grief
And when I wake to see another day,
I sigh with stern relief.

Because in this mock society,
My wits and strength are friends.

My homeys do what they will do
To meet their selfish ends.

So every day I wake,
And see my sullen face.

I see old wounds of age and anger,
Life gone to waste.

At night I sit alone,
And often wonder why.

I keep wondering of this place,
Is where I’ll someday die?

If so, then let it be,
If not, then shall I stay?

Yes or no means naught at all,
I’ll serve time either way.

But the bright blue sky gives me hope,
My mind they’ll never cage.

My hopes and dreams of the future,
Strive for better days.

But not until I see the silver,
Of the iron key.

Will I shed a tear for life and joy,
…At being free.