Gangsta's Paradise

• Amber Carney, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2013

A soft cry for help with a blind eye,
leaves us open for one to defy.

He smirks and says sure,
keeping quiet that he expects more.

After months silent,
he calls, I hope it's nothing violent.

Instead he reminds nicely, "Don't forget,"
and adds "You owe me," with unfunny wit.

The repayment turns out to be fun,
he seems to like it, perhaps so will his son.

He signs a life contract; deal sealed,
never will he forget it was free-willed.

A brand new bike for him,
we wonder who will be his next of kin.

I might never know, but I will not think twice
when I say, I love living in gangsta's paradise.