by The Sparrow

Created on: September 16, 2009

THE GREEN JACKET

Carl grew up on the east side, the wrong side, with little hope of ever getting out.

The streets were a candy store for addicts, homes were barred to keep them out.

Even the shop down on the corner sent drugs out, hidden inside their pies,

And the aquarium store, as well, received cocaine in their supplies.

The streets ran hot with lust and greed, their wares would kill ones soul.

Carl grew up on the east side, the wrong side, of this he had no control.

His momma, God bless her, made him promise he would never join a gang.

She drug him to church every Sunday and in the choir, he even sang.

His momma drove a school bus to protect the children on their way,

For it was dangerous just getting to school, let alone to go out and play.

She was also a seamstress, oh how she could make a sewing machine sing.

She sewed him a green jacket, which was to him, a precious thing.

It was in he schools colors, a gift of love, it was a poor boys dream.

He had longed for one so long,slipped it on and felt like a king.

The school bus became his chariot as he proudly took his seat.

They picked up little Jimmy who lived just down the street.

Jimmy was somewhat retarded, but Carl had him beneath his wing.

Carl and the jacket soon parted when he saw the little boys eyes beam.

He said,"Yes you can wear it, but just to the end of the line."

"My momma made it for me, but you can wear it just this one time.

As the bus rolled into its stop, little Jimmy was the first out the door.

It happened so fast, soon Carl knew, he would see Jimmy no more.

The bus was caught in the crossfire of two gangs, Jimmy was dead.

Everything was chaos as the children's screams filled Carl's head.

He could not bear the pain and he took off running down the street.

He stayed gone three days, when he came home, he was beat.

His daddy beat him with a baseball bat for the worry he had caused.

But the pain inside was greater as he grieved for the friend he lost.

Little Jimmy was buried in the green jacket, and he looked oh so fine.

Carl leaned in and whispered, "I said you could wear it to the end of the line."

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