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 