California, what's up

California, look me in the eyes.
Stand up, Redwood trees
and the saplings filled with hope
to obtain thousands of leaves.

Take a look at your sons
and your daughters
where a drought is as certain
as running water.

With the Spicoli stereotype
and the birth of Soul On Ice.
Where Chaplin made a living
like Ice Cube does in another city.

Where Polly Klaas kept me
awake at night.
Emperor Norton
made sense sometimes.

Ask us questions
and we have the answers.
The people
that you born have mattered.

Woody Guthrie's guitar,
the opening bars
of Amerikkka's Most Wanted.

Cesar Chavez is more
than just a middle school.
Watts is more than just
a setting in a rap song.

California, look me in
the eyes when
we talk to you.