Grandfather told me
Never accept dimes when you deserve dollars
Take a grain a salt with the words of the scholars
Take your time when choosing the path to follow
Grandfather told me
Sometimes feel down on your luck? Look up
There's another one suffering more than you, son
So you got to choose, son, what you're gonna do when the new day comes
Grandfather told me
When you see your brother stuck in the muck, make sure do you enough
Don't let your ego get the best of your trust
When you’re speaking to the people make sure you're anchored in love
Grandfather told me
Heed the ancestors' call
Ever rise, ever fall
All in all, it's just wings that evolve
Grandmother told me
She could see their father in her children's eyes
He passed away at only thirty-nine
Never had the chance to see his kids shine
Grandmother told me
Don't weep for the dead, for why they pass on
They're not gone, but changed form for the short run
The path on which we ride is only half ours
Grandmother told me
Maintain the heart of a child
Grow into the mind of man
Allow the ancestral wisdom to ever be a guide to your plan
Grandmother told me
Heed the ancestors' call
Ever rise, ever fall
All in all, it's just wings that evolve
Grandfather told me
Try not to get too sucked into the world around you
Make no mistake you made the choice to come down
Sometimes to glean meaning you need to search on the ground
Grandfather told me
Don't mistake mild manners for lack of fire
Wind blows wicks of candles like a burning desire
Sometimes the quiet man has a torrent of fire inside
Grandfather told me
Do not mistake power for security
Clean hands for a clean heart and soul purity
When you're doing God's work you’re bound to get dirty
Grandfather told me
Heed the ancestors' call
Ever rise, ever fall
All in all, it's just wings that evolve
Photo credit: Che Correa
Host of the monthly poetry open mic "Spoken Word Nights,” youth educator teaching expressive writing, and RAPtivist shining light on difficult issues, Cujo is intent upon speaking “Truth to Power.” With exposed vulnerability, he guides listeners into themselves with the aim to erode the imaginary barriers that separate us.