How is the notion of the 'journey' explored in Tupac's poem 'And 2morrow'

Essay by esszed99High School, 12th grade February 2006

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And 2morrow

"Today is filled with anger

fueled with hidden hate

scared of being outcast

afraid of common fate

Today is built on tragedies

which no one wants 2 face

nightmares 2 humanities

and morally disgraced

Tonight is filled with rage

violence in the air

children bred with ruthlessness

because no one at home cares

Tonight I lay my head down

but the pressure never stops

knawing at my sanity

content when I am dropped

But 2morrow I see change

a chance 2 build a new

Built on spirit intent of Heart

and ideals

based on truth

and tomorrow I wake with second wind

and strong because of pride

2 know I fought with all my heart 2 keep my

dream alive"

-Tupac Shakur

Response

The realisation that one has to change himself and undertake a journey to transform his outlook on life before he can seek true happiness is one message this touching poem conveys.

The poet, who is also a renowned rap artist, painter and actor, has many poems that touch deep into the hearts of men worldwide. His life was a legacy, being compared to Malcom X by many, suffering similar hardships but on a smaller scale. Tupac Shakur's poems, like this one, have a lot of emotional background hidden behind the words. The concept of a journey in this case is the need to have a dream, and to follow it by starting with yourself.

The world in this decadent age of catastrophe, hate and greed is corrupting itself more each day. The struggle for humanity is to stay above the corruption, the hate and the greed that the world entices us to join into. Tupac realises that to stay above the surface of this society we live in, is to dream of a better day,