Ghetto Cowboy

When gangs took over the [abandoned public land in Philadelphia] and the neighborhood took a turn for the worse, horses became a way of saving lives. By getting boys interested in raising a horse rather than killing another human being, these cowboys gave the youth something positive: father figures, focus, and the ability to stand tall.

Looks like you a cowboy after all.

They looking at the plates that shows we not from here.

Don't steal nobody's cattle or their women. Treat your horse like your best friend, because sometimes that's all you got. Most important, trust and believe in your guys and always have their back when they need you.

It ain’t stealing if it’s yours…it’s called cowboy justice.

It’s our right to be here. This is our home. So we ain’t leaving and that’s that. The people have spoken, so you and that piece of paper best be on your way, ya hear?

That’s up to your daddy now.

I can be better, Mama. I won’t skip school no more. I promise.” She looks at me for the first time, her eyes searchin’ mine. It’s like she wanna remember my face. Her mouth is tight, but she takes my hand, shaking her head slowly. I know she wanna say something, but it feels like if she opens her mouth, she just gonna crumble apart like them old auto factories near our apartment. Finally, she starts up the car. I ask one last time. “Can we go home?” She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “No. Don’t ask me again.

she already thought it was too late.