Gifts Given

Get involved. If we all do a little a lot can be done.

When I got home from work today, I checked my mailbox as I do when my hands are fairly free, on my way up to my lair. There were no leaflets from stores I have never & will never shop at. There were no strange (read: scary) catalogs for the man who relinquished the space I inhabit a little over 3 years ago. It was completely empty of random, wasteful pieces of paper. There was, however, a little yellow package. The address meant it was from my father & my other mother. My birthday present.

I unlocked my door, set my bags down, removed & hung up my coat. I went to tinkle. I returned to my living room, sat down & folded my legs beneath me. I leaned back & opened it up. I saw the gift but was most immediately interested in the cards. Since I was a little girl, the cards I receive from Daddy have always been the most treasured part. I adore a really well picked out card. My parents do a great job! Each 1 was read with about as much intention as if I were picking them out. I was looking to see just how true to form (my form)they were; which of my qualities were being highlighted this year. Each card was held close to my heart after reading. Tradition.

Then I got to the actual thing. A DVD. On The Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets. It's a documentary about gun violence in the Chicago area. I didn't make any connection to it initially but I wasn't worried. My people never do anything just to be doing it, there's ALWAYS a purpose. I skimmed the front. Turned it over; read the back. My initial thought was, "I live in D.C., long removed from Chicago, what does this have to do with me?" I turned it over again, skimmed 1 more time. The above quote was at the very bottom.

I honestly don't know what my parents intend for me to take away from the DVD's contents, & I'm excited to find out. Still, the quote seemed to be sitting there, waiting for me to catch it & catch on. You know how there are times when you didn't know you needed a message until the message comes & sits in your lap? Yeah...that. I didn't know I needed it until I got it. Teacher...hello. Every now & then I just need some encouragement, or a reminder that what I'm doing actually serves a purpose--even when little points to appreciation from those you serve. So, as I prepare my children to perform on yet another standardized test, the above quote made me think this:

i am a high priestess
my juju is the power of words
i aim them at those incapable of deciphering their parts
my incantations are boldly spoken
in a language most only think they understand
for you, who misspeak spells daily
i offer prayers in the tongue of success
make blood offerings at the altars of those who protect babes
there are no chickens sacrificed here
i throw the alphabet instead of bones
the results
land in words
that illicit change
yes. they can.

Yeah...so...inspiration comes from everywhere & at any time. Word is bond.

Watch me move.