The Thunder held a different tone
More like a drone
pulsing
rapidly
I hear you
and I’m listening
for guidance
for a new way
What I Did Yesterday
•July 17, 2012 • Leave a CommentSitting in the office, researching online materials regarding fare transit policy, I notice a slight hint of ozone in the air.
“It’s a hot one.” I think to myself. “The AC has burnt out.”
Danger Mouse, using uncanny echo repeating capabilities says, “Does anyone smell that?”
She jumps up in alarm. Scurrying through the maze, she sets out to find the source, verifying her keen senses against the less acute around her as she goes.
After hearing her query a fourth party, I stood up from my cube like a prairie dog on the watch and yelped, “Yes. I smell it. Yes. I smelt it. I smell it.”
Hearing my own echo, she made eye contact. “You smell it?”
“Yes. I smell it.”
DM calmed down, but only just so. Something was still awry. Determined to find the source, encouraged by the validation of others reacting in kind, she scurried on.
When she returned to me, I said “Sound the alarm.”
“Really?” Still unsure.
“Yes.”
And so she did.
Convinced of our doom, the call was made to evacuate (Mind you, I had no problem encouraging this course of action).
As meetings were disrupted, and projects put on hold, The Rats fled the ship. Though I was not Lead Rat, again, I did have a rolel.
My favourite moment was when I went up to one of the new interns, still working away diligently at his desk, and yelled “YOU’RE GONNA DIE!!!”
He looked me in the eye, nonplussed, and said, “No I’m not.”
For myself, I decided that, with the two hours left in the work day, I would bike to the library and continue my research.
I set off for the East Lake Street Library, not considering the excessive heat. By the time I got to the River Road, I was feeling a bit delirious.
I decided the best course of action, considering this new mental state, would be to skip the library and head straight home via the most shaded route possible, the Seward Neighborhood (talk about prime location for a Bike Boulevard!)
Though the terrain was rough along key byways, it was mostly shaded. I road slowly beneath the trees, hoping to spy a lemonade stand, feeling more and more exhausted.
When I reached the Hexagon, I rolled up to the entrance. Discarding my bike like an old rag, I made a beeline for the bar. Had to wait in line, as a woman literally looked me up and down.
I looked her up and down.
“Yeah. Here.” she said, sassing back as she pulled out a stool for me. “You look like you need a drink!”
“Yes. I do.”
I turned to the bartender. ” Can I get a glass of water. I just biked from Saint Paul.”
“Saint Paul!?” the woman exclaimed. “You’re lucky you’re not dead. It’s like 97* out there!”
My point here: Drink some water. Make sure you have water with you. I’ve biked home many times without needing to hydrate. I’d never done so in such intense heat. I honestly thought I would be fine.
I wasn’t. I was admittedly delirious. Aware enough to recognize my delirium, but not enough to do the right thing about it. I wasn’t thinking clearly.
It never once occurred to me to stop at one of the many gas stations or other businesses along the route and get water.
Heck. I made it to the Seward Neighborhood.There were garden hoses attached to houses. (Yes, being a black man, I run the risk of getting shot dead, but I’m sure if I’d gone to David Peterson’s house, I’d have been fine.)
Biking. Walking. Moving. Drink Water, People.
Secondary point: I did not make it to the library yesterday.
If you have any thoughts you might like to share with me regarding Transit Fare Policy, I am collecting such thoughts at jamezs@tlcminnesota.org.
untitled jan 4, 2012
•January 5, 2012 • Leave a CommentBrian Mazo, quit driving backwards on The Bay Bridge in my dreams.
Leslie Robinson, your lasagna is perfect.
Jill Scott, any time I can do anything to cheer you up, just let me know
(and, thanks for the hospitality).
San Francisco, I know it’s bad, but it’s gonna be alright.
I didn’t see it happen, so maybe we made the shift.
On this warm winter night, I recount a dream – leaving out bits – to save time.
The Sea frightened me more than it used to.
The flash fell off my camera… which I prefer.
Saw Orion’s dick for the first time … large, flacid … as he pointed towards The Moon.
Two hundred meteors foretold. We can’t see them here.
Did climate change kill the Mastodons, or was it hubris and greed?
Lessons On My Quest For Wholeness (Ongoing)
•December 17, 2011 • Leave a CommentIf I sense something in the air
and immediately get a headache
I should probably avoid that which I’ve sensed.
~
Baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, Castile soap, coconut oil & rubbing alcohol. These are the only things you should be cleaning your home with. Unless you’re one of those folks who don’t believe “household” chemical cleansers (that state on the container they can cause cancer) actually cause cancer. – Marco Weller ૐ
~
I wonder if it’s significant that this is my 13th post.
[I just made it significant]
~
There’s probably a good reason it’s labeled “Vegetable Drawer”.
~
Be More Beautiful.
~
there are things that are imperative to my spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being that many of you simply do not understand. you’ve punished, and attempted to punish, me for this throughout my existences. I’ve finally lost enough compassion for your ignorance to tell you to fuck off.
~
Minstrelly
•December 14, 2011 • Leave a Comment“So- I just saw a Black Man dressed in all black_wearing a…ummm, I guess 5 gallon cowboy hat, holdin’ a black sign w/ nothing on it_ hmmm, dancin’ a jig (literally) on the corner of 164th & E. 14th in San Leandro. Not sure what ta make of the whole scene.” – Leslie Robinson, via the Facebook
I’m reminded of some new tv show I recently learned of called “Lab Rats” in which the lone black actor appeared to be cast in the “Rochester” role. I’m reminded of Chris Roc(hester). I’m reminded of little Sammy Davis, dancing his heart out. I’m reminded of lawn jockeys, and Jemima banks and pigtailed picaninnies selling watermelon for five cents a slice. I’m reminded of the ragged Black Man in SoHo singing to holiday shoppers for change. Of the statuesque Black Woman standing in the same spot in Carroll Gardens she was standing in years ago during my last visit to NYC, using the same line: “Need some change.” Her clothes are cleaner. Her makeup more defined. Her hair precisely styled. She’s not suffering. She looks hot. And she’s doing what has worked to get her to where she is. I’m reminded of myself, working for people who can’t see my true value, much less appreciate my actual worth. More concerned with with my short-comings than my strength. Doing what has worked to get me where I am. I love the black sign with nothing on it. I was thinking of sending a christmas card in the same style. Speaks the truth louder than any other broadcast.
New York City Withdrawal
•December 14, 2011 • Leave a CommentI am grateful
that Brandon and Ivan
and Kay and Bobbi
and Aaron and Dan
and Pablo and Dave
were there to greet me
upon my return.
I am grateful that Erica
understands
why I feel like I’ve returned to the farm
I am grateful that there is work to be done
and that I can do it
and that I know my limits
and when to stop
I am grateful for Tyler and Rosemary
and Benjamin
and Jake
and Stuart
and Sid
and Donny
and Jeff
and Todd
and Richard
and John
and Jol and Nico
Andy, Quentin, and Molly
Thanx
Thank you, Julian
for poking me
as no one else ever has
ever can.
Thank you, Jeremy
for poking me.
I am grateful for the rush of the highway
past my front porch
for having heard the rush of subway
beneath my feet
for Toni Morrison
lain before me
grateful for Solomon’s Song
to sing
Grateful for Soul II Soul
Malcolm McLaren
Luthor Vandross
a hot tub
a warm robe
a cold cocktail
I am grateful
and blessed
Thank you for this experience.
Some crazy channeled shite
•November 15, 2011 • Leave a CommentIn response to a photo shared with me of the raid on one of the Occupy Movements, I stated “america sucks.”
A friend replied, “True but what do you do?”
The following came through me:
“Visualize it not sucking. Be that which doesn’t suck. Send out and seek a higher vibration. Rise. Attain a higher frequency. Each. One by one. And ripple out. Shake the core, til it transforms or, crumbles and transforms. Mind, heart, and soul over matter and matters of ill intent. Lead by example, in hope that others rise, too. And if we must leave them behind. If they are so stuck in their base ways they cannot also rise, then so be it. We leave them to their doom.”
I Can’t Quite Understand
•November 5, 2011 • Leave a CommentPeople confuse me.
I just learned that someone I know and respect in the local community is, apparently, a supporter of a major republican candidate’s 2012 presidential election campaign.
I’m kinda in shock. This … acquaintance … is an artist. An entertainer. Also, a very successful business person, so I guess that fits.
I once voted for a republican candidate, because it served my immediate needs. I have since come to recognize the importance of considering the greater good over my individual desires. Said considerations don’t always win out over said desires, so I certainly can not judge.
I’m just baffled and shocked. I did not think I knew anyone who was supportive of the republican agenda. I’m quite surprised that I know someone who is soundly against a second term for President Obama.
I’m more than a little disappointed.
This, on the heels of an encounter with another group of people. People whom I considered to be friends.
~
They were polite enough when I approached them. However, the awkward silence that followed the pleasantries soon became unbearable. My attempts to break it fell flat.
Eventually, they began talking amongst themselves again, as if I weren’t there. I watched the television monitor between scanning the room for anyone else I knew, before silently slipping away, feeling weird and creepy.
I then ran into yet another acquaintance, who politely introduced me to his friends. The group of us ended up having lovely discussions about a variety of topics. Parting their company involved big smiles, firm handshakes, and sincere hugs.
~
Once upon a time, I was advised to note my energy upon leaving a room, a place, a group, a person. Did I feel buoyant? Energized? Elated? Sated? Or did I feel lost? Heavy? Frustrated? Anxious? Angry? Sad?
If the latter, then it might be advisable to avoid that which drained me emotionally, energetically, and/or spiritually.
~
Politics drain me.
I’d rather not know of anyone’s political leanings, one way or the other, just as I don’t want to know the intimate details of their bathroom habits, or their sex lives. It’s hard enough for me to navigate socially, without such complications.
~
If I’d just left well enough alone… if I’d just come home and gone straight to bed, instead of jumping on the computer to look at Facebook, then I would not have learned that I know an apparent republican supporter.
~
‘Course, I also wouldn’t have made this entry… so I guess and I can be grateful for that.
Won’t Drop That Beat
•October 17, 2011 • Leave a CommentI guess I won’t play that record
now that it’s been sampled
slowed down and looped
Spitting on the mic
so hard
I can’t understand
an angry word you’re sayin
Guess I won’t feature that track tonight
Doesn’t seem right
after your first words on the stage
were about how your beats
are better
Better than the original
Better than the source
I respect
So I won’t play that song
