Don't forget poetry

This might have been a better blog post for the beginning of the month, as April is National Poetry Month, but Tupac Shakur's book, The Rose That Grew From Concrete didn't get to us at the Southwest Branch until a couple of days ago (it is actually a reissue of a 1999 book). And I am in love with it! Much like how Kurt Cobain had a book out after he died, both books feature musicians writing poetry.

Tupac, through his Prince like words (u for you, 2 for two, etc.), really evokes emotion. I only ever liked a handful of songs by Tupac, but every poem in this volume speaks to me. I recommend checking it out even for those who aren't into rap. A sample for the uninitiated:

When Do I Kiss U
I haven't yet for reasons of your own
But soon I'm sure you'll tire from being alone
u haven't recovered from the pain of the past
So u show me affection behind the wall of glass
But when I do finally kiss u
u will realize at last my heart was true