​1.

We play

Spades and Bid Whist

While playing the dozens.

Talking about each other’s faults.

Gambling with words in jest

These be tha games

We play.

2.

This game

Is dangerous:

Protesting the police

Playing hide-n-seek with our rights.

They misunderstand that

We ain’t playin’

With them.

3.

Pennies

Are pitched at cracks

Etched in urban sidewalks.

Looks deceptively “innocent”

But that’s far from the truth

They’re gambling with

Each toss.

4.

Hoop dreams

Of going pro

Straight out of their high school

And playing in the NBA.

Neglecting school ‘cause they

Think they’re the next

LeBron.

5.

Chicken’s

Our favorite

Game to play in the street.

Stopping traffic to talk with friends

Who’ve double-parked their cars

With hazard lights

Not on.

6.

Who knew

That brothers played

Hockey just like white folks?

Well, I for one was quite surprised

‘Cause I can’t stand winter.

What the puck, bruh-

Hockey?!

☆