Lesson 1

A guest poem by: Alexi M.

Poetry is his vent,

That’s where all his time’s spent,

Not in the libs, just at the crib, postin’ posts like a tent.

I’ve told the kid to get working,

Because the college time is for learning,

But he’s jottin’ down on a notebook, for a rap hook we’re not yearning.

For what is rap without flow,

You buy those lyrics for the low?

Or a beat maker without a shaker, bro you ain’t no DJ Esco.

So read this and take note,

This is the first lesson on flow.

I’m sorry to say it but the truth hurts,

You either got it bro or you don’t.

So write a blog post about your life, not a fake image and stop flexin’.
Cause I swear to god if you rap again, I’ll drop another one of these lessons.

Live it up

Life is a drug,

We are all addicted to.

No one up there cares,

What we say or what we do.

Marbles bouncing round,
Simply, trying to survive.

Expectations rise,

Hard to eat, let alone thrive.

The clock keeps ticking,
Never stops for you or me.

Hours spent sleeping,

Will become eternity.

Once we start living,
All we're doing is dying.

So get off your ass,

Live it up, like you're trying.

Attitude

Happiness is simply an attitude.
We exhibit it at such a young age.
Smiles, often accompany gratitude.
Thoughtfully, you act without—not with—rage.

Steady routines suit well those, risk averse.
Coffee's a breath of fresh air, every day.
Coffee will still wake you up, 'til the hearse.
Living your life, though, will make you feel gay.

Jump out of the box, and into the rocks.
Bones, broken, will heal eventually.
Drink that kombucha, put on those new socks.
Series of baby steps—reality.

Attitude's the difference—happy or sad.
Don't be a cynic; stop being so mad.

Mile High Love?

In a plane above the Appalachians.
Through the window just clouds, land & sea.
Pilot calls in just to check the station.
Traffic control is a priority.
Years ago I fell in love on a flight.
Talked about fiction & cinema, too.
When there's nowhere to go, no room to fight—
Whoever I was; she hadn't a clue.
Stared deep into bluish eyes to insist.
I'm a writer & I write what I see.
All we can do in this world is exist.
Perhaps, not perfect; I'm certainly me.
Can't get a hit if you don't take a swing,
Looking out over that aeroplane wing.

Just Rip The Cover Off

Judged the cover of the book.
Words inside were worth a look.
But instead you put it down.
Untouched tomes refuse to frown.
Now, someone else took it out.
Gave the benefit of doubt.
Answers to questions unasked–
Keep you living in the past.
Best slow down when life moves fast.
Won't be first, and won't be last.
Ranking's no reason to rue.
Only scorekeeper is you.

Say Yes

Everyone tells you, "no," you must say, "yes."
Success must begin with a leap of faith.
Opportunity comes to whom fears less.
Whether you're batting third or batting eighth.
A hero does the unexpected, see.
Rich orphan fights for vengeance, the Dark Knight.
But without Robin, what would Batman be?
It takes an army to do what is right.
Dare to be different–brilliance is unique.
If you're the same, you'll never be at peace.
Stop being silent, it's your turn to speak.
Life's not a mortgage, rather, it's a lease.
Stop wasting time, you need to seize the day.
When you're in bed, the time's slipping away.

Test

Simplicity

Simple is a lie we tell ourselves everyday.
Simple is a word we use,
When we don't know what else to say.
Nothing is simple; there's no straight or gay.
No singular evil.
No one way to behave.

Inspiration

Inspiration is found in the darkest of places.

Life’s a series of peaks and troughs based on relations.

Nothing changes between nations, cultures, or races.

Difference isn’t a curse, rather an invitation.

Deep inside we have dreams of touching all the bases.

Jackie Robinson defied the laws of creation.

So, before it’s too late, better tie up your laces.

Each day’s only one step toward your own expiration.

Enough of that Fake Shit

So, I've always relied on an honest approach.
Can't Believe It's Not Butter's not better on toast.
Not afraid to show off what it means to be me.
Not afraid to say what will still embarrass most.

Flew away for a while, like an eagle, to see.
'Cross the ocean, I found a new community.
If you never explore then you'll never be free.
When you grow up surrounded by such vanity.

I've been blinded, a cynic, no hope for today.
Life's a marathon run before we even train.
A degree I will get because my parents paid.
A job's no guarantee afterwards; that's insane.

Avante garde--self proclaimed--never will achieve fame.
Not unless someone changes the rules to the game.