Do I Have A Choice

Do I Have A Choice?

When fathers have done it all

what is left but something right

by children and former wives

who love you

in spite of it all

you know they love you

they would have you back again

if you would submit

but you won't

in a thousand years

hard headed as you are

recalcitrant

incorrigible

but they would have you

a special guy

in spite of negrocities

improprieties of the worse kind

the beatings

neglect

abandonment

other women

yet they were there for you

raised children for you

while you went insane

wouldn't see the doctor

in your arrogance

and now time has caught you in his hands

what remains but do the right thang

you had the dope

women in the night

money that went to hell

what now

in the final quarter

to laugh to cry to scream

silent in your room

listen to the rustle of leaves in the breeze

calling you home, brother

come home

come to your self

final vision of who you are

the real you nobody knows.

And now the grandchildren

what for them have you

a special kindness of guilt and shame

a love unconditional

making up past mistakes

seeing how precious they are in your sight

wondering why they look like you

challenge you to be a better man

if you can.

--Marvin X

6/19/11