Once upon a time, I met this cat from Harlem named Sir Shadow. He’s a line artist, which means he never takes his instrument off the paper when creating, until he’s done. He gifted me his calendar of art and poetry and when I read this poem on Saturday, I thought I’d share it with you guys.
You can learn more about Sir Shadow here.
Here’s the poem that moved me.
CAN’T BE TITLED
I realized life creates art out of tragedies and set backs
And it is up to me to choose whether,
I become the victim or the artist…
I see what’s waiting for me,
If I turn my back on a positive state of mind… (5)
That’s why I cannot join the crowd.
Of complaining and blaming others
If my world seems up side down…
I must create another reality
Best for me for my inner peace. (10)
No matter the ups and downs that may surround me,
I cannot hold nothing or no one
Responsible for my inner peace,
Even if they change within the blink of an eye.
I realize this is how life changes sometimes, (15)
From stormy to a sunny sky or from a
Calm sea to a tsunami.
I still must move on with a positive state of mind.
I may become that one who
May change and leave someone behind… (20)
Reality to me is only a memory of days gone by.
This very moment is only a,
Reflection of me looking back,
On how I became positive and strong
By leaving negative thinking alone. (25)
I now see the sparkle in your eyes,
As you cried when I had to,
Say Goodbye.
–Sir Shadow
What lines resonated with you? Mines have to be Number 12 and 13… ” I cannot hold nothing or no one Responsible for my inner peace,” it reminded me that as an adult excuses can’t fly anymore. I can’t control people and I care about my peace of mind too much! Also, when I met him he kept stressing that “reality and dreams are only a memory” which in his philosophy means that we’ve already lived reality, and that which we dream are also only memories. It took me a while to grasp that concept, but I like how he says “this very moment is only a reflection of me looking back” it makes me happy to think that whatever I’m going through that I can’t see past and deem so unbearable I’ve already endured, and in the end I’ve got victory. That’s a reassuring thought.
Happy and Safe weekend,
She
globetracer 
“If my world seems up side down…I must create another reality”
I used to create my own new reality all the time but as I get older doing so seems so risky that I ponder doing so but don’t act. At least not yet.
Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
Create another reality…that means action to me. But even when you can’t physically act, you can always mentally change/control your reaction. From what I’ve learned from you through the blog, it seems you’ve had a good share of ‘leaps of faith’ in your life, don’t see why you should slow down now. 🙂
I have taken quite a few leaps. But on many of those occasions I’ve fallen flat on my face. Which is why I’m a little reluctant to step outside of my current comfort zone. I’m working on getting back my nerve though. 🙂
I love the line where he says “it’s up to me to choose whether I become the victim or the artist.” For the sake of time and my thumb (typing), I’ll keep it as short and to the point as possible. Thinking of ourselves as artists allows us the freedom to create experiences and transform circumstances in our lives-how exciting! Life just got a whole lot brighter and more fun!
Yes, I totally agree with that as well… sometimes it’s easy to see nothing but sadness out of tragedy, but it doesn’t have to be if you change your perspective. I co-sign everything you said.