Street Degree. Poem by G.S Ortiz

Glad I'm able to put a smile on your face... To tell you the truth I never cared too much about putting a smile on a strangers face but she gave me a different kind of vibe.

I explained to Annabel.
I first met Annabel years ago while hanging around her younger sister. Annabel was very fortunate by earning a masters in education. She had the drive and smarts to get out of our small town.

I always liked talking to Annabel who I respected immensely for having the courage to follow her dream. If I was going to be honest she is much more courteous than this humble writer.

She worked for some college in Southern California. Woring along side of the head honcho down there.

As I looked over at Annabel who was now smiling and staring into my eyes.
I've never been comfortable with complete strangers striking up conversations with me said Annabel.

The whole thing just seems to be odd and slightly suspicious.
Maybe the result of me living in a big city near the border of Mexico and not knowing many people down here.

Street rules here are no joke. Annabel says with a serious face and a slightly raised voice.
Doing a favor out here can kill you faster than a bullet.

Better to just sit back and let your friends and your decisions unravel and show their true nature she said.

As I listened to her I couldn't help but notice how she would stare into my eyes with a intensity of a tiger ready to pounce. At first it was a little uncomfortable.

I soon realized those eyes showed a lifetime of what can be done with lots of love and proper mentoring. Things I never had from my own parents or friends or family for that matter.

Nonetheless I have managed to never murder anyone or end up in prison.
Quite the accomplishment being from the lower eastside of Santa Barbara.

After all how many are like me who have studied and suffered hard earning our own degree from the streets.

G.S. Ortiz.