The rites of passage entering into adulthood can feel like re-entering the Earth's atmosphere-dangerous and pressure fueled, desolate, with intensity so strong it can burn up any living soul making the journey. Good luck and Godspeed to America's youth. Carl (19) is in the midst of this pivotal transition. Gunshots, sirens, jazz, and roaring engines are commonplace in the Oakland ghetto. Carl is a cowboy-poet of mind and soul, born to the wrong generation. His dearly departed grandfather was his only role model, teaching him to chase girls and live selfishly like a true Wild West man. Haunted by this obsession to emulate his hero, Carl pinballs through romance, addiction, love, death, and friendship, ushering him through this 21st century vision quest.