You know me; I’m Mr. P. I’m your card-slapping, fool-zapping, book-stacking, math captain and today I’m rapping so if you want to, get those hands clapping. I’m making math happen. Math like taking two fractions, then subtracting. Multiplying then simplifying. Times tables, variables, and nutrition labels.
I don’t claim to be a lyrical mastermind. I’m nearly nameless, completely fameless. I’m no Eminem, no Jay-Z, no Nikki, no Master P. no O.D.B. You won’t see me on TV and that’s exactly how I want it to be. No illusion. No cruising, snoozing, or using. Just me out here in the real world confusion. Refusing the easy. Choosing the real. Sometimes winning. Sometimes losing. Sometimes taking a pretty bad bruising. Stopping to feel, learning to deal, and then heal.
Now you say that you hate being told what to do—well here’s your salvation. The game has a name—it’s education. Take time to learn how the world turns and you won’t have to yearn like a bird on a shelf. Instead you’ll learn to turn it yourself. You’ll rise above the drooling fools who’re too cool for school and you’ll have the tools to set your own rules.
And don’t say “I can’t” or “I’m dumb” or “I have no worth” because we’re all equally stupid at birth. Knowledge comes later, gator, and it can only be earned, not handed out as a favor. But if you take the time to do it right, to gain insight, ignite a light with mental might, you’ll have the range to make some change, to be in control, to set your world’s goals.
Getting you the tools is what we’re about at this school. We’re breeding intellect and we reject all disrespect that might deject you or me – we eject, neglect those negative histories and interject with positivity.
In your life they’ll be first and second chances, first and last dances, romances and unreturned glances—all this enhances and advances you one step ahead, and it may not always feel like progress; it can be quite a mess, but don’t stress. Life is a mess, but a beautiful one with ample time for both hardship and fun.
So child, smile. Life goes on a while, mile by mile by ever-loving mile, and it’ll throw piles of vile not-worthwhile pains your way, but fear not – for every scar you got, they’ll be a memory sent to thee which’ll mean quite a lot. More than the things you sought, bought, and forgot. You’ll remember foes and friends, teachers and peers, beginnings, ends, joys, fears.
So don’t hate, wait, bait, procrastinate, violate, instigate, assassinate, underrate, hesitate, or exacerbate.
Instead here’s a book; read it. Fill your brain; feed it. You’re going to need it, so don’t cheat it. Heed it. That’s my edict, see it?
Give credit where credit is due; what you dish out to others comes back to you. Believe in yourself and everyone else. Show respect and love to all the above.
Eyes open, ears listening, heart hoping, skin glistening with the sweat— of goals worked toward and met. That’s how I want you to go through life.
I have an idea what you see when looking at me, but I’m not sure you do—know what I view in you. I see potential. You can be influential. I see artists and dancers. I see caring, kindness, daring, bravery. I see smarts, determination, compassionate hearts. Some of you are curious, always going after. Some are hilarious always bringing me laughter. Some are great at math, some are great readers, some are super-fun, some are born leaders.
So remember, boys and girls, to use your skills to improve your world, to lessen strife, to better life. These skills exist; let them show. Stay in school and help them grow. Now soon I must go, but know when I go that I’ll miss you so. I wish you the best. Keep hope alive in your chest. Goodbye and God bless. And when I am gone I’ll do my best to make life great and not lame, and I’ll wish for you to do the same.
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