Sixteen years and counting breath, Born in the Leys, I walk with death Not in a casket, not in fear, But with the ghosts that linger here. Though a child, I’ve heard the tales, Of ’91 when peace derailed. Burned-out cars and coppers chased, Anger screaming through the estate. They called us monsters in the news, Painted us in petrol hues. But truth was hunger, lives in pain— A thousand cries they called a flame. Now I walk the same grey streets, Kicks on kerbs, beat after beat. Bus stop stories, blades and boasts, Friends with tags and shattered hopes. I know where all the shadows lie, Where dealers stand and spirits die. Where bikes get lifted, fast and slick One wrong turn, life changes quick But it ain't just crime and fear and noise We’re still just kids, we’re still just boys. There’s ball games on the astro turf, Graffiti dreams sprayed bold with worth. Sometimes I feel I’m stuck in loops, Trapped between the gangs and suits. But still I dream, still I fight To lift my story into light. I ain't a stat, I ain’t a shame, I carry pride inside my name. Blackbird Leys runs through my veins, Through every joy, through every pain. Though I’ve moved away from those Leys roads, I still recall my childhood codes. Corner shops, the summer heat, The sound of skates on concrete streets