I Remember getting my first tattoo. The pain as a single needle tore my flesh.

I Remember when my heart was broken. The day my grandfather died and I screamed in agony.

I Remember falling in love. The way her hair curled and her eyes pierced my soul.

I Remember schoolyards and candies. My innocent youth.

I Remember the sting of leather across my bacc when I recieved “punishment”.

I Remember the scratching of a needle dropping on a Johnny Cash record.

I Remember pushing a mop in a warehouse in Anaheim. Making minimum wage.

I Remember getting jumped in. The strong taste of blood present in my mouth.

I Remember cigarettes. breathes of sweet cancer and stress-relief, before quitting.

I Remember pain and panic and despair. As I realized I had been shot.

I Remember leaving my home. My gang. My school. My life.

I Remember holding Lamer’s hand as he died in my arms on the goddamn street. And I lied to him “You’re gonna be fine”.