'Youth' Poem by Marcus Nunnally

I think it was at Thanksgiving back in 1995,
when things started warming, and the party came alive.
The crew found its groove at the end of the road,
many empty bottles, and some sunk a boat...

Learning the best, and the worst, with the quickness of time,
trippin' with the 'Frye' guy while camping on the 'knob.'
Nothing like grilled cheese slightly burnt over flames.
Drag raced used cars that made Scooter's uncle insane.

It was at a PJ party, where the kisses left scars,
by no means were we poor, but too far to the bars,
Bakin' 'Cry Baby' Bridge parked on Love Rd.
Christening new cars right under Yarborough's nose.

Gasoline flavored sandwiches and margaritas hit the spot,
gotta get 'em while they're hot, or they'll be hard as a rock.
We were accepted as outkasts. 'Far out' enough to blend.
High enough to be sober; back where life couldn't end.

Never really got addicted, it was all in good fun,
But I'm glad I didn't miss it, wouldn't trade it for the sun.

My peeps opened homes, there was never a question.
Even moms and dads allowed it; to them I'm indebted.
I was lost in a cycle with many ups and downs, &
spent most of life searching for some kind of common ground.

Though I was not welcome, I got to lay my head.
Finding love with strangers, family may as well have been dead.
You may not understand all the struggles of this man
Bonds never to be broken; you had to see it all firsthand.