It Ain’t You, Be yourself

by Nieto, Santa Clara

“Man, be yourself, I’ll hang with you no matter what. You don’t need to lie to be involved with us.” I tell my lil one that all the time. 

I can’t stand people who boost they own image. Just be yourself. Like c’mon, we’ve been coming in ‘n out the hall five plus years now. I know if you really done that or not. Just don’t get, why people tell lies just to, what, be cool? It’s actually embarrassing, is what it is. 

I could never tell someone something when in reality, I never did it. All just so they could respect me or just be my friend. I couldn’t care less about any of these kids. Sitting down this long really brough the man out me, though. It showed me not to put up with anyone’s BS and showed me who really cares. 

Years ago I would say I was that one kid who lied to fit in. But then I realized there’s no point. I done seen and done it all. Y’all could read between the lines. We ain’t gon’ go into detail. Letter for the streets, “Stop lying and be yourself.”