The Rose That Grew From Concrete

by Tupac Shakur

Overview

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.

For the first time in paperback, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780671028459
Publisher:	MTV Books
Publication date:	02/03/2009
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	8,776
Product dimensions:	7.28(w) x 6.14(h) x 0.48(d)

About the Author

Tupac Shakur recorded twelve landmark albums — nine of which went either platinum or gold. A consummate actor, he also appeared in six major motion pictures, including Poetic Justice, Juice, GridLock'd, and Gang Related. He was murdered at the age of twenty-five.

Read an Excerpt

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

Table of Contents

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