Climbing rocks, playing in parks, walking around after dark as life spirals around the wonderful activities of our childhood. We played tag, red light-green light, and had water gun fights with our cousins, siblings, and friends on our neighborhood block during the hot summer days as our parents hung out. Hearing our laughter, running after one another, and seeing your gummy smile, I felt excitement, safety, and innocence. We attended school together, although we were in separate classes, we always found a way to connect. My parents know your parents, your grandparents know my grandparents, our entire family knows one another generation after generation. 

Years go by. We’re “grown” now. Two different paths that we took. On my way to school, I see you hanging out on the corners with people our parents told us to stay away from. Once in a blue moon I finally get a chance to speak with you, outside of the streets. While you tell me you’re proud of me, I beg of you to please be safe. The heavy metal gun you tote, the money you flaunt, and the gang signs that you now identify with, ring alarms in my head when I’m around you. Your innocence and gummy smile are no longer there, and you have become what I was told to stay away from. These days, I wonder if the connection of generations will continue or will this be the end of the line. I worry for you, my friend, my cousin, my brother. I love you always, please be safe.