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| Perma-Bound from Publisher's Hardcover ©1999 | -- |
| Publisher's Hardcover ©1999 | -- |
| Paperback ©2009 | -- |
YA-A collection of poetry written by the rapper between 1989 and 1991, before he became famous. The poems are passionate, sometimes angry, and often compelling. Selections are reproduced from the originals in Shakur's handwriting, personalized by distinctive spelling and the use of ideographs (a drawing of an eye for I, etc.), and complete with scratch outs and corrections. With the exception of "In the Event of My Demise," all of the pieces are accompanied by typed text, which leaves his spelling intact. Some poems are also accompanied by his drawings. A few black-and-white photographs appear throughout. A preface by Shakur's mother, a foreword by Nikki Giovanni, and an introduction by his manager, Leila Steinburg, in whose writing group the poems were written, complete this unique volume.-Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
The Rose That Grew from Concrete
Autobiographical
Did u hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete
Proving nature's laws wrong it learned 2 walk
without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping its dreams
it learned 2 breathe fresh air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else even cared!
In the Depths of Solitude
Dedicated 2 Me
I exist in the depths of solitude
pondering my true goal
Trying 2 find peace of mind
and still preserve my soul
CONSTANTLY yearning 2 be accepted
and from all receive respect
Never compromising but sometimes risky
and that is my only regret
A young heart with an old soul
how can there be peace
How can I be in the depths of solitude
when there R 2 inside of me
This Duo within me causes
the perfect opportunity
2 learn and live twice as fast
as those who accept simplicity
Sometimes I Cry
Sometimes when I'm alone
I cry because I'm on my own
The tears I cry R bitter and warm
They flow with life but take no form
I cry because my heart is torn
and I find it difficult 2 carry on
If I had an ear 2 confide in
I would cry among my treasured friends
But who do u know that stops that long
to help another carry on
The world moves fast and it would rather pass u by
than 2 stop and c what makes u cry
It's painful and sad and sometimes I cry
and no one cares about why.
Under the Skies Above
After the Miscarriage
My child is out there somewhere
under the skies above
waiting anxiously 4 u and me
2 bless it with our love
A part of me a part of u
and a part of this love we share
will protect my unborn child
who lives dormant out there somewhere
Sometimes in my dreams
I imagine what it would be like
How could I properly guide him
when even I don't know what's right
Whether he is born in wealth or poverty
there will be no deficiency in love
I welcome this gift of life
given from GOD under the skies above
Copyright © 1999 by The Estate of Tupac Shakur
Excerpted from The Rose That Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
Tupac Shakur's most intimate and honest thoughts were uncovered only after his death with the instant classic The Rose That Grew from Concrete.
His talent was unbounded a raw force that commanded attention and respect.
His death was tragic—a violent homage to the power of his voice.
His legacy is indomitable—as vibrant and alive today as it has ever been.
This collection of deeply personal poetry is a mirror into the legendary artist's enigmatic world and its many contradictions.
Written in his own hand from the time he was nineteen, these seventy-two poems embrace his spirit, his energy—and his ultimate message of hope.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface by Afeni Shakur
Foreword: Tupac, C U in Heaven by Nikki Giovanni
Introduction by Leila Steinberg
THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE
The Rose That Grew from Concrete
In the Depths of Solitude
Sometimes I Cry
Under the Skies Above
Life Through My Eyes
When Ure Heart Turns Cold
Untitled
The Eternal Lament
Only 4 the Righteous
What of Fame?
The Shining Star Within!
Starry Night
If I Fail
What Is It That I Search 4
The Fear in the Heart of a Man
God
NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN US
Nothing Can Come Between Us
My Dearest One!!
If There Be Pain...
Things That Make Hearts Break
Black Woman
And Still I Love U
The Mutual Heartache?
1st Impressions
A Love Unspoken
Forever and Today
When I Do Kiss U
Carmencita of the Bronx!
Untitled
Love Is Just Complicated
Elizabeth
I Know My Heart Has Lied Before
From First Glance
1 for April
Wife 4 Life
Tears from a Star
March 1st -- The Day After April
Why Must U Be Unfaithful
The Power of a Smile
Genesis (The Rebirth of My Heart)
Love Within a Storm
What Can I Offer Her?
Jada
The Tears in Cupid's Eyes
Cupid's Smile II
What I See!
In the Midst of Passion
2 People with 1 Wish
Hours Pass By
JUST A BREATH OF FREEDOM
Just a Breath of Freedom
For Mrs. Hawkins
The Sun and the Moon
"Fallen Star"
Government Assistance or My Soul
Family Tree
Or My Soul
When Ure Hero Falls
Untitled
"U R Ripping Us Apart!!!"
A River That Flows Forever
Can U C the Pride in the Panther
Tears of a Teenage Mother
"Where There Is a Will...."
LIBERTY NEEDS GLASSES
Liberty Needs Glasses
How Can We Be Free
The Promise
And 2morrow
No-Win
The Unanswerable?
Nightmares
So I Say GOODBYE
In the Event of My Demise