so shut, my eyes are wide open.

October 1, 2006
I have two options. I can live my life as I see fit, or I can conform.

On Friday, September 29, 2006, The New York Times published “Strong Challenge to Zambia’s Present” by Michael Wines, an article citing the popular turnout in rural Zambia for a presidential campaign. The supporting photograph showing a few hundred Zambian’s waiting to enter a tent and cast their vote brings tears to my eyes as an American facing ignorance towards the ability we have to impact our own lives by voting. A “new” nation with “old” concepts- makes us jaded, skipping the important understanding that living in a democracy is powerful. Knowledge is power, and taking into consideration that we have the power to speak our minds… wow. A people can move mountains.
This South African population discovering the gift of democracy and fairness is powerful and inspiring. Knowledge is power, and power transcends to affect the lives of those seeking growth. Change is possible, and it begins with each of us.


As I pump and sip from the ice-cold keg, shake another damp, cold hand and look into the eyes of a protected, educated, naive group of souls. Simple, happy, protected naive souls. I see the defiance to acknowledge a world of possibilities- or lack thereof due to this phenomenon of “protection”.

Sometimes we seek the affection, attention, and association of an un-worthy other. Sometimes we sit in the dark to see the night, unable to reach the switch for the overhead- the one that shines the light.

There are many changes and choices in life. Our options are scattered in our atmosphere. Things become clear as we take chances. Slide it in, fill it up, and give me the knowledge that will open my eyes a little bit wider.

Gravity, gas, and guts keep us going. We keep moving, circulating, inspiring, denying, and lying. Useless conversations, wasted airspace, unlimited cell phone minutes, and using the word “like” too much deny the next generation of all optimal options.

People come. People go. Some people come, come again, and then leave. Going and leaving are two different actions. “Going,” insinuates coming back. “Leaving” feels more permanent.

The view from these eyes is bright. The tangible reality mixed with exponential imaginations yields a gut instinct that any and everything can and will be possible. I can defy them. I can prove them wrong with my correctness.

Success is a funny, fickle, and fortuitous sensation. A dynamic perspective and humble nature.

All of these people are going to come, but there are only about ten here now, which worries me. I just hope this works out. I hope that everything is okay. I hope that this is a success and it all works out. I want to see the eyes light up. I want to fill the nightlife up. I want to open the air with my scream of joy. I want to know what if feels like to be a boy

Just give her a little push, and extra bit of help that she might need to get back on her feet. There is plenty of pavement to walk, things to talk, nights to stalk.

It is not my fault. We are just the same, one coming from the other. Troubles come and go. You can never stand in the same river twice. You can’t get that moment back. You can’t schedule your tomorrow. The only things real are the ones you borrow- because they connect you to someone else. Someone who will give you a response. Someone who enjoys a warm meal, hug, and chat.

Tighter shoes won’t give blisters so big. Dropping beats directly in the ear hides the noise of reality. Money can’t talk but it does have a mighty voice. I am able to speak without spending.