But then, I made another conscious decision—to take control of my narrative and let this situation write a different story.
I remember when the Me Too movement first started. I used to sit in my cell, seeing all the injustices women suffered, and think, Damn, I was a part of that too. It hit me hard. I made a conscious decision to become the solution because I have women in my family, and I’d never want a man to treat them as less than. That’s what inspired me to write the poem ME-2.
I Was, But Now?
I was a boy who became a MAN;
But now I am a King void of a Queen!
I was a castle built on sand;
But now I am a Kingdom erected on a concrete beam.
I was everything I wasn’t supposed to be;
But now I am everything rooted in truth!
I was the blinders so my friends couldn’t see;
But now I am the glasses for the impaired eyes of the youth.
I was arrogant, stubborn, and naïve;
But now I’m confident, flexible, and more than this pen!
I was young and thought I only needed what I believed;
But now I’m mature and understand I need her as a friend.
I was an advocate of women’s suppression;
But now I cheerlead everything she does!
I was oppressed, so I lived as an oppressor;
But now, when I see her, I see me too.
Living in this stagnant, debilitating, and miserable environment can stifle a man’s growth. I used to feel like I was just living to die. But then, I made another conscious decision—to take control of my narrative and let this situation write a different story.
Now, I’ve chosen to be alive. Every day, I wake up with purpose. That’s why I wrote Dying 2 Live.
I’d love to hear your feedback.
Dying 2 Live
Slowly decaying in this cell, waiting for my chance to BALL,
But I’m taking the ball you pass to assist those who are mentally dead,
So we all can attend Heaven’s Ball.
Every day, this tomb seems to bury my potential, progress, and promise,
Yet it propels me to be more progressive and a more promising self.
I refuse to become one of the buried.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
Nobody can overcome this casket-like mentality.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
I died already when I finally chose to live!
