Adventures in Childbirth

So. Yesterday an old friend of mine began the process of giving birth to her first son, which I knew was happening, but had no idea how excited I would get at the announcement of his arrival. And it was so amazing to witness an entire community of people - some that I had known and lost touch with, some that I've never met - just...show up and support this child and his mother, which is a huge testament to the strength of family - especially the families that we create for ourselves. Anyway. That kind of expression deserves witness, and so with the weight of MLK day and the inaugeration behind us I wrote this.
---
for Nai's son on his birth day

The day may come when the hounds are sent to lick the brown from off your skin
To steal the fire from beneath your eyes
To pull the truth from out your throat
Do not fear
Remember who you are
Remember you chose your own name
You are hurricane, boy
And hustle hard
With love enough to clench your teeth
You are cayenne pepper
And ginger root
This heritage don't come easy
You are warrior and hip hop gospel
You soldier and sound till the sun come boy
Do not let them quiet your music
A prophet was made to sing
And for the days when the song is heavy
Remember your mother is ocean and psalm
She is still water, quick tongue, and a mean right hook
She is law and lawless when it comes to this heart
You are two sides of a coin picked up for good luck
You make your own fortune here
Remember to breathe
Remember to pray
Remember these days are touch and go
Remember this poem
How it comes from the stars brewing inside your belly
Be a galaxy, boy
A courageous heart
Be peace and protest till the lightning falls
Be a light to this world
We welcome you

Adventures in Resolutions

The New Year is a tricky thing.

I remember growing up believing everything that the ministers would say during our New Year's Eve service - that no matter how difficult the previous year had been, that at midnight on January 1st - every stressor, every flaw, every thing that had been wrong just moments early would somehow make itself right.

I remember making resolutions. This year I will eat healthy. This year I will be more kind. This year I will decide what the best version of myself looks like, and I will do everything in my power to be that person before December 31st rolls around again.

I've had a nearly 0% success rate when it comes to keeping my New Year's Resolutions, with a small margin allotted for those who consider such a stellar record to be in keeping with my resolution several  years back to be more consistent.

This year - no resolutions.
I've already had some pretty amazing days.
I've already made some pretty significant mistakes.
And I'm looking forward to more of the same going forward.
I think it's going to be a pretty great year.

 Peace Be