you seem familiar
it's you
that future i moved out of the left lane for
removed the durag that blinded my third eye for
to see the kids you always wanted
the yard they'd play in
and the boys the girls would bring home that i'd hate with all my heart
they grow up so fast
i grew up too slow
but if i had been grown for them
i wouldn't have been able to grow with you
it's you
i covered tattoos for you and replaced them with longer sleeves
and a name tag
threw out all my book bags
the day after christmas
the day after the briefcase and the blazers
the slacks and a car keys
the bike won't get me to work on time
and this is something worth working for
i wear loafers now
they don't support my arch but they support the structure you've designed
my architect of designs withstanding
understanding rain is necessary and this building must be strong
this building must be quake proof
and the seeds will have to wait until the building can prove itself
it's you
i've planned wars and left my pen on the table next to the plans hoping you'd find them and win
i may not be strong enough to fight
but can carry anything you hand me
i'll cut the cord but you be the first to hold her
you've got the whole world in your hands
that ring wasn't placed there for vanity
that baby wasn't placed there for weight
i can only move a block at a time
gentrify this chess board
you came my way fast
peacefully
it's you
the queen strong enough to put my kids in
the beautiful one sitting beside me on the train
hello
it's nice to meet you
