failing to plan is a plan for failure

time to fend for myself, jack
so i'mma go for mine
and maybe never come back
-Gangstarr, "The Planet"

twelve years ago i was a young man with a world full of promise and no real plan for the future other than simply to make it happen.

On a frigid Monday morning, I stepped off a charter bus onto the DC streets and breathed new life into my lungs. The four men - both young and old - who posed for a photo-op the day before have never really gathered or shared a hug since then. It is an all too-familiar tale of struggle, strife, stress, and silence.

This week has seen its shares of highs and lows. Another gust of wind to refresh the respiratory passages and chart a new course with those three words. Three words not shared enough amongst men who know the value of togetherness but have no roadmap to happiness other than seeking solace in the face of adversity. no blueprint for success other than wiping away tears not meant to shed prematurely in vain. no guide to redemption without forgiveness and humility.

those ashley shores are still mired in turmoil and those bare souls are still naked to world yet invisible to the heart. and mind. we don't mind the ways we bend over backwards to make ends meet and come-up, but the way we came-up was neither right nor wrong. they say it is what is, but do it gotta be how it is to shake your being to the core? the jury's still out.

so as cold bodies continue to clutter sidewalks like recycle bins, remember your purpose. your people. and your passion. and never let it go.