Did Cotter Ever Leave to Grant a Welcome Back

As Vinny would sit there with a dumb look and say "WHAT"
Freddy "boom boom" Washington glared in a woman's eyes and say "HI THERE"
I sit and glaze at my sweathogs in today's classes
There still are those kids you call on and they say "what"
And there still are Arnold Horseshack's with hands raised, "O,O,O,O,O,O,O,"
So am I Gabe Cotter with my cheap 70's suit and curly man fro?
Hippest teacher who was once a Sweathog
Well if I am then here I am, willing to attempt to make a difference
Solving problems 45 minutes at a time
Trying to prove to the kids that sometimes, if they pay attention......
Sweathogs may be ruling this Country!

Don't give up. Don't ever give up

Jim Valvano was diagnosed with bone cancer in June 1992. In July, he found out that it had metastasized. Shortly before his death, he spoke at the inaugural ESPY Awards, presented by ESPN, on March 4, 1993. In that speech he had many moving points, including the following:

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever. I thank you and God bless you all!


I choose to add this to my blog for the simple fact that, even though I have never had to fight a battle such as the fight against cancer, I do live by those 7 words each and every day(dont give up, don't ever give up). I always want to make myself better and to LIVE life not just survive, BUT TO LIVE IT!!

School Ties

Today I called my wife between classes to "Vent" about a situation I had with a student and them not following the rules of our campus. About 30 minutes later she sends me a message that I should read her blog. So I did and this was what I read:

I'm wondering if you have walked
inside a school today,
to see the rules they follow,
and the games the students play?
They know the tricks and secrets
to make things go their way,
and this is exactly what I saw
when I went to school today.

I saw a teacher yelling,
telling students to go to class.
I saw a student roll their eyes
and tell her to kiss their ass.
I saw the teacher make a face
as if they want to say,
"Do you know what I go through
when I go to school each day?"

I walked into the office
and saw students by the bunch,
some were tardy, some were sick,
some were waiting for mom to bring them lunch.
But, all of them were laughing
and playing by the way,
because this is how they spend their time
at school every day.

I went into a classroom
and saw a teacher head in hand,
it seemed no student cared about history
except the history of their favorite band.
I even saw some listening to music,
iPods neatly tucked away
because this is what they do in class
and at school every day.

I heard a noise out in the hall
and ran to take a look
I thought some kids were fighting
or that someone dropped a book
I saw a teacher take a bag, a no no by the way
but it seems that Johnny carries one
at school each and every day.

I followed little Johnny
to his locker for a peek
I wanted to see if Johnny would be strong
or fall to peer pressure and be weak
He did not put away his books, he gave them to a friend
and said, that teacher doesn't know what he just did
that teacher will meet his end.
For Johnny's mom is the head of the PTA and dad a CEO
and how much Johnny has gotten away with, the world may never know
but Johnny took out his cell phone, called mom and gave a grin
said, "Mom, a coach just took my bag, I can't have it taken away again."
I don't know what Mommy said, but Johnny smiled and smirked
"Thanks, Mom, you're the best. This school is run by jerks."

I walked back to the office and saw Johnny's mother running in
She said "I need the principal. That same teacher is after my boy again."
They closed the door behind him, a smile on the principal's face
and I knew that in that moment, that teacher had run his final race.
Little Johnny had his bag, by eleven o'clock that day
but that's just what happens when Mommy comes to school
to help you break the rules each day.

I don't know what will happen
to our country or our world
but I know that it depends on the education
of each little boy and girl
and this is being challenged
by the parents and TV so I say
walk into your childs school and see what you can see today.

By: Lori Gonzales

Te Amo

Together they walk holding hands and crying
She knew that his life was over because he stopped trying
He was once a strong, tall man
But with every step he hurts and tells her he has no plan
No plan to continue their journey in pain
No plan to walk anymore in the rain
She pulls him tight and caresses his cheek
Wiping away a single tear, exposing that he is weak
In time she will move on but keep him in her heart
Never feeling like they are apart
So, slowly they continue to walk and his tears fall like rain
And she closes her eyes and he does all he can to take away her pain
Kissing each other they feel the life slipping away
And 10 years later he can still remember that moment like it was today.

Rinks Revenge

Ok so a couple days ago my sister invites me to the roller rink to go skate. Well I used to LOVE skating when I was younger and since then haven't very much. So I go to the rink and as I'm walking in and getting my skates on, I am flashed back to the greatness of my younger skating days. The sounds, smells, and the incredible atmosphere shared by all those that were there. Now, I know I was probably the only one that was that engulfed in the moment but I didn't care. I proceeded to skate and after a couple of laps I decided to stop. As I turn around to break, BAAAAAAM I fall back slamming by butt bone then my head to the ground. I laid there just a second and jumped up, trying to play it off. Over all I had an awesome time and even got to speed skate with my wonderful sister(who by the way is pretty damn fast). But i do have to say this after waking up today.....IM NOT 12 ANYMORE AND I ACHE BAD FROM THE CRASH!!!
HAHAHAHA

Inside your brain

Information seeps into my thoughts without any direction
Why am I so dumb
Knowledge has overtaken my soul with a vengeance
Why am I so dumb
A plant of education is pulsating its roots in my brain
Why am I so dumb
My earth has provided me with a plethora of wealth
Why am I so dumb
My mind is too full and I only see whats right to ME
Am I so Dumb?

Creekside Talks

For many years my life was a blur
I would lose myself in that funnel made by the cool-aid I would stur
A whisper in the wind would send my mind away
Off to another place like those creeks shown to me by my uncle Rey
Fearless with a heart of a lion
Then there was that one day I got poison ivy, uh yeah I was crying
But every time I was balancing on another creek bank or crawling over rocks
In that very moment my life never felt under those emotional pad locks
So now every once and a while I escape to another running stream
Trying to keep myself from slipping and everyone would hear me scream
The rumbling of water over the moss infested rocks sings to me
Explaining what I can do to make my life happy and free

Social Evolution

The day goes on and I lose myself in thought
Wondering how is it that we are evolved to this:

Society that allows ungoverned government actions
Society that doesn't allow ALL men to be EQUAL
Society tells us whats right and wrong through reality shows
Society that can have millions and millions of votes for "dancing stars"
But a low turnout at the Election Polls
Society in which we have advanced to getting our exercise from a video game
Society that says skeleton thin is in, and fats only good if they're funny
This is the Society in which we live in..........Are you ready for the future!!!

Am I

Am I Mexican enough for, WHO?
I can speak how you want but is it right
My worlds collide like an old street fight
Vato say it like this, Son say it like that
Sometimes I'm questioned, depending where I'm at
So I stay strong and hold my head up and say
Am I not Mexican today? Well thats according to some anyway
Don't let my education scare you
I may help you decide, in life, what to do
My answers my intrigue you and make you smarter
Or maybe even help your son become a Varsity starter
So sit and get to know me, for I can be an asset
My minds filling every day with knowledge like an ester egg basket
Just here waiting to have someone peel away at it for a taste
A taste of poverty, let down, and anything else that can go to waste
My mind can free you of all these negatives so you can prosper
And keep you questioning who's right? MexiCAN or a white philosopher?

Don't you know why!

Into the night I run, but nothing chases me
Into the night we run, but someone said it cant be WE
Into the night she will run, but everyone says why
Into the night, but why only THEN????

Hungry?

Ever dance with the devil in the pale moon light?
Yes? well I don't remember you
I'm sure we have sailed across a sea of wood
Swirling you across as fast as I could
I'm sure your head sizzled across my chest
because you couldn't resist my request
I'm sure we have glared into each others eyes
And you couldn't turn away because I had you hypnotized
Hypnotized with the passion that you have lost long ago
My evil intentions work as amazing as that "can't take my eyes off of it" show
I'm sure you turned to me as a last resort and escape from your life
And like so many others I will cherish cutting you in half with my slithering knife
I'm sure you will allow me to open you up and devour your soul
So rest in peace they say, and my spirit shall devour you HOLE!!!

She said, He said

How many times do I have to tell you?
Why are you always so bad?
Do you realize that I do this because I love you?
You know this will hurt me more than it does you?
.............
Obviously more than once since I'm 3 and don't remember EVERYTHING
Bad??? I was just playing in the dirt, because your drugs
are too important to replace with toys.
If you loved me YOU would realize why I don't know
The sore bottom will go away, but my heart will hurt forever

Pancho

Pancho walked down the streets yesterday…..alone
He did not have a home
He wandered around with no worries
No business or hurries
He was always happy and free
Unchained like you and me
He stops me and asks…..
Adonde vas muchacho?
I look over and say "me voy a mi trabajo senor"
He laughs and says “entonces no te vas despacio o se van a matar”
I say nothing and continue walking
His words stay with me lingering and stalking
Stalking me with a burning rage
I get to work the next day and close the door to my cage
Who will kill me if I’m not here
They may never even miss me, especially this year
I begin to recall the days past
And how Pancho may have turned the way he is so fast
I've listened to Pancho speak and explain his side of life
Society has made him what he is today, homeless without a wife
I wonder who's really to blame
Society? or Pancho for giving up on this game
Shot and wounded because he couldn't play fast enough
The business vultures worked harder and were just too rough
Now Pancho is wandering the streets looking for an new place to lay his head
Cold, Bitter, Homeless, Hungry, and DEAD

American Justice

Am I really guilty by association
If so then we are all fugitives in this nation
From me to you and that saint with the perfect reputation
He can be convicted with no explanation
So watch what you say and who you say it to
Because a knock at your door and the dogs are chomping at your shoe
Don’t try and run or talk your way out of it this time
For they say you were the one committing the crime
So off in your orange jump suit with your new number
Into the filth of life that has sunken you under
You may scream and plead that they got the wrong man
No ones listening because there’s a hand
A hand covering your voice and no one wants to hear
Don’t get loud they will just turn the volume down in their ear
You’re a conviction they have needed for their votes of valor and victims families
But no ones convicting you with sanity
So beg little boy and pray for another chance at your freedom
But then aging didn’t you ship YOURSELF away from another kingdom

CrackHead

Does this illusion really exist
Or is it my heart that has to resist
The pain that my piercing injection has sunken into me
Deeper and deeper as I fall to one knee
Pick me up with your hands and caress my brow
Smack my face and milk my thoughts like a cow
Lift me over your head with my thoughts of a shower
Wilt again over you like a black rose flower
Relieve my pain with another hit of that drug
Soon I will be crawling for it like a bug
Another hit for me please I cant take it
All in all I convince my self I don’t feel like shit
Pour my hands into the next pile of plaster
For my veins cant spackle any faster
Drain my blood as I caress my soul
Vomit again in that crack pipe bol
Sunny days may come and go
But my chains, my darkness, and my terror do not allow me to grow

Social Call

LEARNING is what they ARE here for right?
Has our society has left little to the child's imagination,
that they no longer want to use their brains,
they don't see any point in our educational system,
because, they, like many adults, see it as a joke.
A small fraction of your graduates actually graduate with the knowledge they CLAIM to have been taught and this goes for our college grads too.
We as a society have looked and searched for the next "quick fix, or answer"
and we have failed to search the most important thing out there,
self reliance and self respect,
Nowhere in the constitution does it state that we are free to hinder
OTHERS PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS,
Unfortunately we have accepted social misfits and like that piece of trash on the sidewalk....walked around them,
No longer do we take pride in teaching our children (as parents) the right way,
the best way or even a good way of getting things done.
Yet we have allowed this next generation to develop into
40 year old children that want everything given to them
or that feel everything SHOULD be given to them,
like it is "owed" to them.
Our freedoms that we cherish and fight for are taken fully advantage of
and society has allowed it to happen.
We see bad things happen on a daily basis
and we figure if we don't "get involved" then it's not our business.
This society used to be in total control of governing themselves,
but now we are too busy to help out.
I mean when our penal code has to make it a crime to not stop and hinder aide
you know we are in trouble.
So I say this why can't we be PROUD of who we are and what we can accomplish.
We fight other countries and take them over,
when all along they are saying why are these "idiots" coming here!!!!!

Calm and Cool

Who is it that wants me dead now
Inside I'm running and cant wait to stop
But, I'm calm and cool
This circle has wrapped around my hands
Only to squeeze when I wiggle them
But, I'm calm and cool
I roar and everyone is trembling with laughter
They hold their sides and point at me
But, I'm calm and cool
My hands are cutting through my own chest
And still pumping they remove my soul
But, I'm calm and cool
Who's here to save me or am I only a savior
Placed here to only feel the pain so others can be calm and cool

Mi Vida

New Casa
Old Raza
Amor aqui ahora
Sabrina watching Dora the Explora
Small tree por La Navidad
Con mucho amor en mi vida
Spanglish this is you say
Hell yeah, Ordale buey!!
Estoy Chicano or Mexicano??
Who knows, you or me ummm duno
Vivo dia por dia
In the mirror I look like a cha cha chia
Cut my hair so I'm a handsome vato looking good
Not too wild even though I lived in the Blumberg neighborhood
Un dia quero ser rico por usted
Y besar todo tu TODO in bed

I'd rather watch a winner, than hear one any day

This poem was read to a group in New Braunfels by
former Judson HS coach D.W. Rutledge:

I'd rather watch a winner, than hear one any day,
I'd rather have one walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear:
fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear.

And the best of all the coaches are the ones who live their creeds:
for to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done:
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true:
but I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give:
but there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

I'd rather watch a winner, than hear one any day!

Laugh in the Rain

My umbrella wont open so I say RUN
Hold my hand and enjoy the moments fun
Pounding the pavement one puddle at a time
This much damn fun should be a crime
Try and dodge the globs of water with me
Smiling and laughing being as happy as can be
We feel young again like nothing can stand in our way
But then again there was one thing, another bright sun ray
Only to make us stop and glare at the beauty we see
A colorful rainbow that excites us, like a smile shared between you and ME!!

UNLEARN

??ride CORRECT this enjoy and back sit And
!decide you wrong whats, right what's So

.day their starts 8pm, some For
?way correct the whats say to Who's

.sight in thats if knows one no When
?right it do say they that it is Why

Im not inside anymore

Inside I'm scared and lonely,
but today I am a strong man that can stand up for his rights

Inside I'm a broken little boy,
but today I can voice my opinion and have many agree with me

Inside I can find that hiding place,
but today I am a strong Chicano that threatens society's stereotype

Inside I'm barefoot and running Gravel street alone,
but today I walk with my head high and people respect what I have to say

Inside I can dream about equality,
but today, I WILL MAKE ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE!

C.O.P.E. (Coaches and Officials Positive Expectations)

Ok so if your not a coach then COPE means nothing much to you. But as coaches we are REQUIRED to listen to a presentation talking about how we as coaches should handle conflicts between us and refs in our sporting events. I used to be a referee many years ago and I know it's not very easy. So I can say that all-in-all like many of my fellow coaches I respect them and what they do. I've sat and listened to this COPE presentation for a few years now and many things cross my mind during it, here are a few:

Im sitting again listening to COPE
What does the state think, that I'm a dope
Lets cut through the BS today
"hey Coach" don't yell at the ref because your kids don't know how to play
Instead here are some pointers for you and your staff
Try and remember them before saying "hey zebra...KISS MY ASS"
Tips and techniques we are spoon fed to be nicer
But who's cutting us these refs as if they used a meat market slicer
We do what we do because we love it
But most of the time the refs act as if they don't really give a flip
So I wonder if we are to work together, why does "HE" get all the power
Dictating many outcomes with is fox 40 as if on some zebra tower
We may get our shots in and disagree with his call
But it's those kids that just got shafted again from another chance with the ball
This is our life and we love what we do
Yet some seasons the refs decided our fate, and for us the crowd begins to boo
So no matter how many warnings or T's we get I'm still gonna argue some calls
Especially when I get that look from Mr. Zebra, you know the one..........
"go ahead coach say that again IF YOU GOT THE BALLS"

Am I strong enough to be your SON

If its time to go then take your hand and fly
I doubt he meant it when he made me cry

Pack your shit and crawl away with no fear
I know you loved me under all that beer

I crumble all the walls that have held me back
Strong enough I have been, to go down another track

Once, you shared a game with me when you got home
But as you slurd at me I knew I was playing alone

Once, you came to my game and could barley walk
But as I glanced over from the field I couldn't even talk

Some know who I am and share my life
But its you who I wanted that from, instead I got your heart.....the knife

Courage

Into that secret space I hide
Close my face and enjoy the ride
Ups and downs i scream with joy
chills down my back and my mind says "oh boy"
Like buddy holly Im excited and Im about to crash
Or will my mind overwork again causing another rash
Whatever it is don't forget to say thanks
For just like a river these tides may over take the banks
Engulfing the edge like a dragons hunger
Wanting nothing but to take us under
So be strong and your mind will over come
Allowing you to scream to the world....."TODAY I HAVE WON!!!!"

Forever

Forever your heart has searched for me, because it can
Forever we shall smile at each other, because we can
Forever can last that long, because it can
Forever I'm in your dreams, because I can be
Forever I'm what you need, because I can be
Forever I'm that great smell you like, because I can be
Forever you have been what I've needed, because I say you can be!!!!

Coach

Are we workaholics or just crazy
Well no one can ever say that we are lazy
Some days we are parents and even teachers
While you cheer for your child from the bleachers
We are students of our profession
And we truly love what we do, well that's not really a confession
Speaking in X's and O's and odd terminology
Creating a gridiron sketch as complicated as biology
But our science is something everyone around yearns to see
Yelling and screaming at it with great energy
Applauding our efforts even when we come up short
Knowing we don't give up our lives for something that's not just a sport

Bambino

Can my hands help you build something today
They have guided many people in the right way
Together they are interesting you as you read
Producing a craving that you think you need
These hands have seen a rough life
These hands have cherrished my wife
They have been raised in victory
Also pushed away in defeat
Strong enough I have held the earth in one hand
Or maybe it was upside-down day and it was a hand stand
So I ask again can my hands help you build something today
How about a life that you and I can love until we are old and gray

We are together

I am the one who saw your beautiful smile first
I am the one who has satisfied your everlasting thirst

You are the one who's made me smile,
Made me smile from ear to ear mile after mile

We are the ones who have come together in fate
I say naaaa we united because......I'M JAKE

De Donde Eres???

Today I walked into our new home which is about 2 days from being completely done. I walk and stared at our huge new home only to remember the small, old-wood, paint-peeling barrio home on 4th street. Or the 4 room home on gravel street which our new home is bigger just upstairs than that old 409 gravel st. house. I think of the struggles I have put behind me to push forward like those billions of water drops eventually breaking that rock in half. Bruce Lee once stated, "be like the nature of water" which to me means if you have the ability to allow your life to overcome any challenges you face then you will be successfully. Your dreams may be as soft as a water droplet, but if you continue building your dreams then your droplet can be a destructive force that tears down any walls you face.

So here I am, Masters degree, beautiful home, and soon a beautiful and successful wife, and to think.......All this from a little Chicano boy born to the streets of Blumberg Park to the suburbs of Northwest Crossing.

This is me.....JAKE from 4th Street, Seguin, Tx 78155

Did you see her???

"I don't have any underpants on" she says
My gut tightens and butterflies form
Gently I turn to see what she has to offer
Once again the beauty that awaits me is breathtaking
So As I slide myself towards her she smiles
I slither ever so slow towards her and shes moving
Moving towards anything but me
I stop, she stops
I move, she moves
Enraged I run, she runs
As I stop to think
I realize that after all this time
It was the TV and what I was seeing next to me......my hand

Book of the day

I am not here for your entertainment
Although I can be
I am not here to be your slave
Although I can teach you about them
I am not here to be your prison
Although I can teach you how to avoid them
I am not here for you to make fun of
Although I can teach you how to be a comedian
I am not here because I have to be
Although you are better because I am
I am not here to list all the reasons I am here for
Although you never get that far with me to find out
I am not here.
But you can make me visible.

Scary Mexican

Slash my heart and I will defend myself
Pound harder on my chest as I scream
Scream to make the sound of destruction fade
As my breath is overtaken by emptiness I gasp
Clawing and kicking to build my strength
I focus on myself and together we survive
Another smack of my soul and harder I practice
Another gulp of his liquid courage and I continue to read
Years of corruption in my looking-glass followed by, me
A danger to the social norm is what I've made myself
Scary to those who say "your a product of your environment"
I have become a product of THEIR environment,
am I scary?
yes I am
Porque estoy un mexicano educado

Smile

Ever wonder whats going on in a racist persons head
Whats made him steal his parents sheets off their bed

Do they really know why they hate
Im sure telling them the truth is already too late

Sit them down and peel back the pain
Pain they suffer becasue its really not them that has a lot to gain

They hate because we are different or new
They hate because Im stronger or even a Catholic

Is it hate becasue thats all they know
Something they were taught as their parents watched them grow

If racist is something society sees as bringing a person down
Then exlain to them its what their parents did when they produced a frown

Im hungry......she thinks to herself

Embrace what you have always disowned
Cherrish it without fear of being stoned
For you are the lottery winner
Or are you the emaciated one looking fatter!!!!!

Endangered Species

Crawling in the bowels of our halls
Mascarading themselves with no ambition just bouncing off the walls
We search for the last signs of these creatures
But no signs for many years of their indescribable features
Generations have come and past them by
Even to be rude is what they use to say HI
Maybe one day we shall save them and their kind will grow
Or will they use their wits to put on a show
Blind us with a notion that they have returned
Then using our unclear judgment to laugh at us yelling "your burned!"
So tell me this, why is it that so many of our beautiful creatures are disappearing now
They have stomped on two feet since we've showed them how
And now with our endangered youth they are stomping loud
Stomping to rage against our morals and, hey, "just fitting in with the crowd"

Blue Blood!

WOW!!!!!
my first final four experience, AND my first UNC game all
in one weekend. Well I tell you what, as heartbroken I
am that UNC lost, I will never forget this experience.
I recently wrote about maybe someday getting to see a game.
Then I woke up the next morning and BAAAAAM:

On my way to buy final four tickets in SA
Driving so fast everyone was swerving outta my way
Emotions racing through my head like crazy
No way this UNC fan was going slow like I was driving Mrs. Daisy
Exploding inside as I was being handed the tickets to the game
Ear to ear I'd grin all day with no shame
I wandered the riverwalk, again, taking in all its glory
But unfortunately later that night would be a different story
The heels came out puching back
But some way the boys in blue got off track
Down 10, 15, then to 29 they sank
Things looked bad for the heels, but did they have enough in the tank
Second half came and they let a few get by
Roy yelled at them to give it a tarheel try
So they raged back to within four
And then came the final buzzer as my jaw hit the floor
Jayhawks had won and Tyler's going home
But I will NEVER FORGET MY DAY WITH THE HEELS IN THE ALAMODOME!!!

GO TARHEELS, I WILL ALWAYS BLEED BLUE BLOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby steps!

Well today I had a chance to experience my first final four
events. Went to see all of the final four teams practice and
yes my beloved UNC Tarheels looked great. I must say that
overall it was a blast watching all 4 teams practice, and a joy
watching Mr. Kevin Love heave amazing full-court shots. Then
even more amazing was the fact that he made 2 of them, took a
bow and their session was over. Then there was Kansas coming
out and one of their points breaking a kneecap during a dunking
exhibition by the team, awwww poor kansas. Memphis came out
and looked focus and ummmmm kinda scary big...
Then was time for UNC to parade out lead by their lightning quick
guard Ty Lawson and a caboose by the name or TYLER HANSBROUGH
or you can just call him the NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.
All in all it was an experience I will never forget, and maybe one
day I can actually get to watch my first UNC basketball game and not
just a practice..........BABY STEPS FIRST!

Blue Reign in SA

Let Final Four weekend begin
A fight until mondays last buzzer comes to an end
UCLA vs. Memphis, two number 1's in an epic battle
UNC vs. Kansas, ladies and gents hold on to our saddle
I will be there watching my first ever UNC team practice
To tell you that I'm a fanatic would barely scratch the surface
Im excited like a kid in a candy store
I will be watching with eyes glazed over wanting more
Snaking another seat closer to Roy and the boys of chapel Hill
Praying and hoping monday night its UNC that had a bigger will
A will to take those last steps closer to that championship
Making the most of their San Antonio Business trip
So I shall jump, cheer and yell for the boys in blue for life
And the tuesday's morning paper, hopefully will read UNC takes #5
GO TARHEELS..........SEE YA IN SA!!!!!

Dismember Your Soul

Dismember yourself becasue its time
Living this way is a crime
Devour your inner thoughts with one big bite
He's not leaving without a fight
Kicking and screaming its time to go
There's no encore left for this lifeless show
Stand tall and say no way
Don't come back today, tomorrow or any other day
My spirits embrasing me like a glowing armor of life
So don't bother me, my children, or my wife
Your kind isn't welcome here ever
And dont even try your manipulation, you're not that clever
Away I'm casting you and all your glory
So go brag to your worthless friends and makeup yet another pointless story
A story about how you won and are the king
But we all know your efforts stink, like your dirty ass ring

Ritch Bitch

Shoes for sale 50% off
Patrons shuffle through them like a pig in a troff
Shopping because your bored or rich
Being snotty, well hell yes your a bitch
Money is all you have and need
So inside you feel a gap
Like life has you in a trap
As you struggle to get out
Its like your weak with no clout
So one day you realize love is missing
As you see the happiest homeless couple kissing
They embrace each other tight
And hold on with all their might
As poor as can be
But happy with NO money
And as Mrs. Rich watches with envy
she thinks "money has made me, like my wallet is now.........empty!"

Who Am I

Green light go
Yellow light slow
Who's running this overwhelming show

Are we just on someones string
do they coin the jukebox so we sing

I've got the scissors help me grab the rope
Because I'm no ones dope

I run free in my fields of wood
With my feet squeaking oh so good

Going for 1, 2 or 3
Everyones looking at, yep me

What's he thinking, what's he doing now
Be patient and I will show you how

To get into my head with the slighest clues
But if your not alert......yes you lose

I'm here for the show
And every day I grow

Grow into what you see tomorrow
With a box full of sorrow

I keep it locked for my sake
HEY this is me......my name is JAKE!

Tacos Y Borritos

Tacos y burritos
Low riders y gritos
Yes we are chicano
Pero no me dices "ya no!"
So what if we say shair
And "thats fucked up bro" instead of "it's not fair"
We will always have barrios and respect for our abuelitas
And most mexicans have dated gorditas
Our culture is all over
And we name our dogs Vevito not Rover
Our Gremlin on the lawn is on blocks
And our "old ladies" have fake golden locks
We are chicano and PROUD
So watch your toes as the Low Rider amazes the crowd

Nothing up my Sleeve

My life is simple
As correcting as a teenage pimple
I work my hours and collect my chips
Amusing my students with David Blane Tricks
Nothing up my sleeve or in my pocket
Nothing behind my ear, shoot not even a wocket
My trick is to fool them into getting educated
All while they converse with each other, very dedicated
Groups, or individuals their minds are filled with my whisperings in the back
Even a magic wave string I use in a lab, saying "give it a little slack"
Illusionist of a bright future they are amazed they passed the test
Scratching their heads but interested on how I'm gonna teach the rest
So the bell rings and I say "new show same time tomorrow"
They moan and walk out with a little sorrow
I put on my show every day week to week
Also like Chris Angel, I too am a "mind freak"

EDUCATION----NOT AN ILLUSION

Tasted Mind

In your mind I am the protector
In your mind You are everything
In our mind WE are together
Spill your mind on the floor
Lets watch what squirms out
Will it flop or will it march away
Can we stomp it out and forget
Or will it just leave a stain
Another stain for me to clean up
Another drain for me to ruin
Or is it just another chapter of me?

Pursuit of Happiness

Why is it that our society has become a half ass driven society
When we are asked to do something we want to find a way that it can be done with as little effort as possible, but with all the FULL benefits. We as parents have forgotten the value of teaching our children to expect great things from themselves. NOT to expect great things only if they can be given to you with no work. So here we go arguing with teachers, principals, and any other authority figure that is “asking” our child to work a little harder. Is it the fact that we feel like no one should be held to a higher standard in this country or is it that we have become so accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle that what we need should be as fast food and effortless as the McDonald’s drive through. When we stopped telling our children NO and allowed them to treat us as their “friends” was when we as parents went wrong. So now no one is willing to try holding everyone accountable for his or her actions or their lack of actions. Instead we are so FIRED UP to put blame on anyone that’s causing a barrier that we have completely lost sight of the importance of “the pursuit of happiness”………………its YOUR pursuit NOT those that have pursued it for you and HANDED IT OVER!!

International Weapon

International weapon but los chicanos dont use it
Its got sharp skin piercing edges
This weapon comes in many shapes and sizes
I say this, vatos you can even carry them around in public
Pero don't be ashamed becasue the barrio seems to not want them
Hold your head up proud, HEY they come in chicano brown too
This weapon can be used to knock someone out or even put them to sleep
Its so powerful that it can even be used to scare someone over the phone
Look around these weapons of mass distruction are everywhere
All you gotta do is want them, pos...tienes los ganas?
Are you proud enough to use this international weapon
I know many are and for many years I've used it
And you too can be a bad vato con tu LIBRO tambien!!!

Higher Learning

We strive to be smarter in any way we can
But what do we really want to achieve
A paper that says you should be called Doctor
Or just enough knowledge to say Im smarter
Knowledge is a dangerous thing they say
It can destroy faster that it will build
Some use their knowledge for good
Some use their knowledge for bad
Street Smarts to Book Nerds
Bio Chemist to Meth Lab Cooks
Who's to say what higher education is.........TO SURVIVE

Music

Music take you to a safe place
Music takes you to a car race
Music can make you smile
Music can make you cry for a while
Music helps you through rough times
Music is sometimes filled with crazy rhymes
Music, what a wonderful thing
Music, invented for the world to dance and sing

Evelyn My Beautiful Niece

She stares at the beach and an
endless array of things fill her mind.

Look at the colors, birds, or
maybe we are very high.

Like a timeless stretch of
ocean her dreams are big.

Like the impact she made in my
life, she too shall do for the world.

Bringing frowns to smiles, worries to ease.

She stares out into the ocean and enjoys it.

I stare at her, and like wise...enjoy it!

Sunset

Like the ocean
Like the motion
The colors so vivid and bright
Such a beautiful sight
Clashing with the horizon
Sinking into the earth is the bright sun
Causing an explosion of colors
You and I enjoying it as lovers

Rivalry Week

Basketball is king in chapel hill
When UNC beats duke the fans will spill
Onto the court to celebrate another victory
Making it 4 wins in recent history
Tyler will do what he can to dominate
To seal duke's dean dome fate
Ellington will rain his 3's in thier face
Those dookies cant keep up with UNC's pace
Up and down they will push the ball
And if Henderson's in the way
they will slam him into the damn WALL
Blood, guts and glory
Every year its a new amazing story
This blue blood fight will be awesome
And a UNC win is what we want, even if its by a mere ONE

GO TARHEELS!!!!!!

Weekends

Friday night lights
Saturday night fights
Weekends come and weekends go
Games are played but I suck and you know
Laughing with the guys
As I tease them, “no more cries”
Cries because I’m draining a three
They try but can’t get the ball from me
Another lay-up or bank shot
I may be older but I give them all I’ve got
Weekends come and weekends go
Every time I look into Sabrina’s eyes I wish she’d never grow
Looking at her I see my world
I reflect on the days she was a baby, and I’d lift her and give her a twirl
Watching her grow is a joy
From out of diapers to her liking a boy???
We never take the time from our busy life
To just sit back and wonder is it really gonna be alright

Music

Takes you to a safe place
Takes you to a car race
Can make you smile
Can make you cry for a while
Helps you through rough times
Is sometimes filled with crazy rhymes
Music, what a wonderful thing
Music, invented for the world to dance and sing

DREAMS

Dreams can be funny or scary
You can dream that sasquatch isn’t hairy
Whatever you dream it makes you wonder
How could you think they were as real as thunder
Is your mind talking to you
Is it trying to tell you what to do
Make decisions, reminding you of your chores
Sit back a while and unlock those dreamcast doors
A paradox no one can explain
But after waking we try to revisit it again
Eyes shut tight and teeth clinched
Sometimes with slight movement your body inched
Over to another spot from where you began
Hell maybe as you sleep you got up and ran
No matter what happens as you dream
Be carefull of the ones that make you scream

Trials of life

Trials of life

Life of trials

We wander through wanting

Wander through yearning

Wander through needing

Sometimes our lives seem just a blur

The fast lane has come to a halt

And our emotions are placed in a vault

Locked away to relinquish the terror of life

The social suicide of a rusted knife

But in the end are we all just left alone

Wishing we could run home

Home to mom’s fresh tortillas with butter

So instead I close my eyes and quiver

Am I the one who’s lost or have I never really wanted

UNC vs. Duke (to hate like this is to be happy forever!)

Typical Duke cheap shot left Tyler like this last year while UNC was destroying Puke...i mean duke.





GO TARHEELS!!!!!!

The Flower

Tienes un peso por favor

Necesito a comprar una flor

Because it is as beautiful as mi amor

I couldn’t take my eye off of it

So now I wander for a peso and wont quit

Porque mi amor has to see

This flower that reminded me

Of the curves of her lips

On each of the pedals tips

Todos tienen dinero

Pero dime “no tengo”

Esta bueno, gracias senor

I shall run home and describe the beauty I saw to…mi Amor

Help you say???

How many syllables does it take to say help

You’d think it be a million

Lend me your hand and I will lend you my will

Take me for granted and I will forget and forgive

Protect my heart and shield my sliver

Help you say in all those millions of ways

From shouting it quietly

To screaming in a can

We admire our non-courage so much it’s our lion

Crumble like the power and weep because we lost it

But again how many syllables does it take to say YELP

What can Brown be for you?

It can be a great father or mother.
It can be someone that treats you kind,
no matter how rude you are.
It can be more than a lowrider for show.
It can be that danger you heard of,
well if it's educated
It can be anything it wants to be.
Many times its just a timid little man.
Doing anything it can to provide.
Provide for a never ending hunger it has created.
Sometimes it can decide to get out of poverty.
It just has to have the ganas to release itslef.
Release itself from being unaccepted again by.........its own.

You are Born

Bleed from the depths of the earth

Sit still for its your time of birth

So set your life free and explore the wild

For you are john does inner child

A child that came to play but has no toys

Full of sorrow, no wait I meant joy

So mary-go-round and hold her hand

Express the violence across the land

Tear up your mind and scream silent whispers

Fire the wrench in your throat, but don’t burn your whiskers

Take a deep breath as you pass mothers opening legs

That child is defeated as dad pleads and begs

The day your inner child has left is the saddest day you encounter

So lay on the kitchen floor with passion and be a fish…a flounder

Rain

Does the water slide down your back too
Can a moth make you happy or blue
Each one of us can feel the pain
Pain of that one drop of rain
Rain, sliding down your face
Pouring like it’s in some Olympic race
We shutter and shake inside
But there’s nowhere to take our buckets and hide
So we empty them on a friend or a bed
Releasing whatever it is that’s ruined our head
But once again the rain shall cease
And happiness once again will exist
The sun will dry all that’s damp and soggy
And your feet will soar as you jump…..you know like a froggie!!!

My hero

A mother's love is so true
she is there when you are blue
holding you and making you better
when I say I love you I mean every letter
never judging my decisions in life
just being a wonderful mother and wife
never have I been loved the way you love me
caring so much, that as a boy you would clean my bloody knee
making it to all my games and races
whatever it took you were at all those places
cheering me on to do my best
never noticing all the rest
so today and every day I say to you
your love holds me together like glue
and now as you still cheer as my biggest fan
it's you who has made me today, a man.

Earl Manigault

Basketball legend only in books
"do you know the goat?" I ask then get crazy looks

How high could he really get
Sunny days or even if the ground was wet

Higher he could out jump them all
Flying through the air with a basketball

Tragic, he took a wrong turn
Now maybe others can see and learn

But his status in the streets is unreal
His trophies no one could steal

Because they were in his heart
And the way he played must have been art

Now all that remains is a memory and Rucker Park
A sacred basketball ground where legends get their start

No matter their age they still thank the man who kept it from becoming a moat
His name was Earl, but we all know him as "THE GOAT"

G.reatest
O.f
A.ll
T.ime

Gravity

Breaking away through the early mist
Chasing today's fears with a vengence
Pretending its my ambition to peel back the blanket
Wondering how heavy todays feathers will be
A gust of wind to blow them away
But no one has the big bad wolf in them
Artic temperatures have frozen them in time
Hoping for a earth shattering ray of moonlight
From that cresent moon, or a slice of that mans face
Out in our "other" world that we shouldnt dare
Dare to tempt ourselves the dream of getting off our planet
We were prisoned here remember Gravity

USA

Man can create perfection
But it still can suffer rejection

Faster than it was made it an be destroyed
Many of us can do nothing but avoid,

Avoid the risk of causing much pain
And as American's we will rebuild again

No matter how tough the challenge
Or how large the damage

We stick together and overcome
evils of the world, yes there are some

The stars and stripes mean freedom
Relentless pride for our kingdom

Together we stand strong and play
in this wonderful opportunity called the U.S. of A.

Skateboard Punk

Grinding down the stairs on the rail
Falling across the sidewalk leaving a blood trail
Baggie clothes and airwalk shoes
Always thinking ahead for his next move
Greasy hair not washed for days
No matter how much mom yells he won't change his ways
7-11 Burritos and cool slushies
Fast food he eats, even Long John hush puppies
Broken arm, ankle, and cracked hip
None of these will make him trip
Picking up the pieces he shall skate on
Pounding the pavement only to walk on the lawn
one thing he will never do is cry
Because all skaters know its SKATE OR DIE!!!

Were YOU listening?

The 80's rocked
From flock of seagulls to billy idol

Today's kids think that todays music is sooooo original
Just like vanilla "didn't" copy Bowie
But then again he was "under pressure"

But really what is music
Nothing but an escape for our lives

Taking us to a safe place that doesn't exist
An existance of notes and lyrics
That we hope doesn't end on a sour note
Or tomorrow's junkie's note

In a ritual that we all can comprehend
But I'm sure you were listening................"in the end"
RIGHT?

Life Intregues Me....sometimes

Sheltered by the heart that was given to you

Colored by the weary shades of blue

Pretend that its all fun and games

When they collide like fierce trains

The towering inferno of a pocket sized creation

Filled with what was left of this underestimated nation

So the birds sing and the low riders hop

And Mr. Bently’s bently ends up in a chop shop

But stolen really was not the first intention

And intrigued by another episode of intervention

We lay on our couches engulfed with intensity of our lives

Screaming at the TV to the sluts of Desperate House Wives