Close To Death

My brother's name is James N. West.
In everything he thought he had to be the best.
Was good at every sport he did.
Even in card games he had to have the highest bid.
One day he saw some old friends and decided that soon they'll hang out.
They got him wrapped up in something he knew nothing about.
Started gang-banging, which wasn't cool at all.
At about the age of 15 he started breaking laws.
In and out of court every other month.
Had me missing school, but not that much.
G.D. Folk was all that was on his mind.
When he was about 16 he was thinking like he was blind.
When he was about 18 he came very close, close to being dead.
Yes dead that's what I said.
His friends decided to steal a car.
They came and picked him up, opened the door for him like he was a star.
One of the man's friends who owned the car saw them riding.
So as they parked he pulled up beside them.
Made them all get out the car like he was the police.
At first they wouldn't get out so then he showed them his piece.
They all got out the car all calm, cool, and collected.
Since the guy had a gun he knew he'd be respected.
Pointed the gun at my brother's head and asked them where'd they get this ride.
My brother said he didn't know they picked him up and he just got inside.
So the gun is pointed at my brother's head while his "friends" are just standing there.
He finally let them go, but the car was still there.
My brother is now 25, married with 3 kids.
And now in card games he still has to have the highest bids.
He's turned his life around and he's doing pretty good.
He doesn't hang out with those guys anymore, even though he could.
He said almost losing his life wasn't wasn't cool.
When he was 19 he went back to school.
Got his G.E.D. and are so proud.
At his graduation we screamed really loud.
He's doing OK, and we're glad.
Nothing in this world makes me happier to see him not doing to bad