For Us All

Sorry if this gets kinda preachy at the end, but this is what's been on my mind for a while now. Kinda got coughed up onto the page this afternoon. And yes, I damn well should take my own advice at times.

For Us All

The other day I was exploring

a semi-upscale shopping center dressed

in an old college hoodie, oversized shorts and faded bandana

when in walks a woman dressed

to the nines in her bridal gown.

I smiled to myself, straightened my posture,

and continued browsing.

Now I’m having brunch outside a hipster establishment

eating, sipping coffee, and writing

and all the hoity-toity tourists walking by

keep giving me bad looks.

I’m sure I look like just some young punk,

clad in a black band shirt, beat up black hoodie with a white bandana.

I give them each a hard stare

(to add to my persona)

while smiling to myself.

I know who I am, and lately

I’ve taken a better liking to her:

the girl with a kind word for others,

yet a strong backbone for herself.

Sure, a little rough around the edges still,

but she assures me she is working on that.

So often lately I’ve seen strong-willed people complain

about situations are out of their control or

forgetting about all the good in their universes.

I want to take them

and shake them,

tell them to take charge of their lives and create their own happiness.

Dance alone in the city streets at midnight

to the soundtrack running through your head.

Write down each and every thing,

tiny or huge,

that has ever made you smile.

The truth is:

we make and we break ourselves.

Be kind when you can,

stand up for yourself and your beliefs.

and make sure to show the world your strengths.

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