my father told me a story once
it was only one of a few… you see
he was a stranger
a deadbeat i barely knew… anyway
he ran me out the front door
into a ghetto summer outside
his little duplex was a waste of space
on chicago’s black southside
he pointed up forest avenue
like a man waving a gun
squinting at some invisible foe
escaping on the run
“your grandpa stood right here,” he said
“in a wife beater stained with paint
“he shouted to that midnight burglar
“I may be drunk, but I sho’ shoot straight”
he laughed and slapped my back
he doubled over to wheeze
then he stood up clutching his belly
reminiscing his fond memory
the ghetto sun faded
to a dark, blackish hue
my grandpa died a dirty drunk
and so will the father i barely knew
the inheritance

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. I am forever impressed by the people who contact WITS. Phillip Smith is no exception, and that is because after reading about his many accomplishments, and listening to him on youtube regarding a bill he has authored, NC HB 697, advocating for others, I know I would be hard pressed to do all he has done with so few resources. I hope we get to hear more from him, and I am excited to see all he accomplishes.

Mr. Smith can be contacted at:
Phillip Vance Smith, II #0643656
Nash Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131