My Old Hometown

My old hometown

made me strong

even though it always said

you do not belong.

Walking down its streets,

my heart broken,

my soul told me---

you not retreat.

Sometimes you fight,

sometimes you run.

The streets of my neighborhood

did their best to ease my pain.

When I asked for sun,

I was given rain.

When I asked

for just a chance,

I had to dodge

the lance.

But my old hometown

made me strong.

It asked for blood,

I gave it song.