The truth, the goods, and the beautiful struggle

My dear reader, I am still sitting on this damn exercise ball, yet I am thrilled to tell you that all of the most crucial components of my poetry book launch are now complete! Never mind that it is 10:00 at night and I’m trying to figure out a way to sidle out of this post, maybe just by telling you that I am tired and very much want to go to sleep.

Tomorrow (it’s “tomorrow” as I write this, but “today” as I edit and post it) I will be on the rooftop of the Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota to flog my newly minted wares as a pre-order, 3-for-1 special. I have no clue who will come by my table, nor who will want to give me their money in exchange for the words that I strung together or received directly from Source during moments of immense and terrible emotional struggle. But if even one person can feel the excitement and the passion that has gone into this undertaking, and wants to share their support, well then, dear reader, that will do me just fine.

A thought before I turn out the lights:

Last week, I sent a digital copy of my poetry book to my mom for proofreading. Over the weekend, I was speaking to my dad on the phone, when he brought up my book and told me that he had been reading it and really enjoying it. My parents don’t do lip service, so I knew the compliment was genuine and from his heart. He went on to say something to this effect:

“You say the book is about unrequited love. And as I was reading the poems, it all felt so real, like you were writing about real events. How were you able to write in that way?”

I felt my heart soften up tremendously in that moment.

I said to my father, “The poems are real, Dad. Those are my real thoughts from going through the pain of those experiences.”

It’s difficult when the truth might make someone sad, but it can also be a way to illustrate one’s character—both the person sharing and the person receiving the sharing. I had zero inclination to sugarcoat what I have been through, because what I have been through has lead me here, to this frame of mind, this feeling of open-heartedness, wielding a wicked sense focus, palms turned upwards and staring at the seat of the Creator, giving all thanks to Him; still sitting on this silly exercise ball.

Until tomorrow, my friend.