Little Kid with Big Dreams

by Bradley Suda

Little kid with big dreams

Started from the bottom now he’s about to do big things

He’s walking down the street with his Ninja Turtle backpack

On his way to school wearing Nikes and a snapback

Feeling real cool, feeling real fresh

Feeling like he bout to go to class and get an A on his test, but then

His smile fades and his eyes get wide

As some cops on the street pull him off to the side and say

“You gotta go around the block today,

Cause another man’s dead got shot today,” he turns

And starts sprinting with no delay

But is he running towards something or just running away?

There are no answers to this question that he thinks everyday

Like, is school a path forward? Or just a place to stay?

A safe space to eat? A safe space to play?

Just a place to stay safe in this planet of apes? I wonder

Are the other little girls and boys

Forced to make a choice between books or toys?

Forced to choose food for their brain or their tummy?

Encouraged to make a difference? Or forced to make money? Man,

I’m just trying to describe the poverty

That’s holding back all these child prodigies

Born with a gift to give to the world

But the world don’t accept these poor boys and girls