Protect…
Story: Protect the ones you can. Do not leave anyone standing alone in a gale, stand in the gale with them; lend your shadow. Block the stinging wind until they raise there eyes to you! If you are knocked down protecting someone, so be it! Is there a better life, what else have you to do than to lend your strength? If you are strong, lend that strength. If you are literate, lend your diction. If you are smart, lend your knowledge. For it is a fool that fails to recognize ignorance as it crosses the room. Treat it like the old friend it truly is, for without its guidance, I would be talking to the wind, and you would amongst fools and silent in a crowded room. If you are handsome, be humble when in the company of those who stare. If you have something to say, say it so all can hear, not only to those who know not the scent of your fear. Give them the chance to correct you, it will only provide you with bedrock. If a politician, smile through the years of sacrifice, barter, and corruption; for you cannot deal with snakes if they know you are coming. They fear the scent of the mongoose, for the mongoose will eat when it's not hungry, and kill that which blocks its path. If you are a newspaper man, tell us the truth; for it is you who will die a thousand times today, not I! Cry not, for it is we who have the tears you seek. The conscience and compassion you need so desperately are here for the taking, and if you put fresh ink to it you will see that which you seek! If you are labeled an immigrant by others, then I say “good luck”; for as a human, you have the right to live anywhere on the earth you desire. Because of that, no other person has the right to tell you otherwise by virtue of geographical location or force you against your will to live where you feel persecuted; rest assured many will try! They will try to put a value on your breath before allowing you to speak. Let them know you have given them what they seek by spending moments of your precious life listening to their tripe! Never use the sun to force others into the rain. Do not feign deafness when you hear the whispers of the weak nor fail to lend a hand to those at your feet. Do not tarry on your sad tale because many need you. Do not dwell in the sorrows and misdeeds of yesterday; remember, your sad listener’s need tales of heraldry and you are all they will hear today! Bring gifts to those who look up to you and if you can’t, give them a lie wrapped in a bright bow to make them smile! When they tear into your words to earn a meal, simply toss a bone at the enemy’s feet. The impoverished will certainly give pause; for it is in their advantage to do so, they have nothing. Be advised, those who stand in front of you aren't always doing so to ‘show you the way’. Remember the well-wishers who drop silver coins where they know you will hear them, love the well-wishers who have no coins to drop! Remember, the faithful pet recognizes no one when starving and hears no command over snarling. Be vigilant as you walk the path of life, for many cannot stand with you. They are no less, they simply need you. Do not let drink make you any less in the eyes of your loved ones. Let life intoxicate you, not liquor, for we all need you dearly, we will miss your strength when you are gone. Do not waste your life on a stool, you are special, and the only one of you. Do not wait to feel the shallow air leave you lungs or strain to hear a birds voice in the silence of helplessness as it overtakes you when you go this time. Thinking of the rest of us and those who need you while the sparrow calls its mate is a noble endeavor and we will love you for it. For all you do before you go, earth and all creatures will be waiting to thank you when you return. Do not leave us again, without leaving signs you were here. Love always, us. RJ