Day 15: You Know What The Bible Says...

A few weeks ago I came out to one of my best childhood buddies.  We'd known each since the fourth grade.  Though we lost touch a few times along the way due to distance, we never lost our bond or connection.  It seemed to grow stronger over the years.  We went through and experienced a lot - individually and collectively.  And he'd been there with me - through most of it.

So I have no idea why I waited so long to come out to him.  There's a part of me that didn't think he'd have a problem with it and that he'd be fine.  I thought, "Hell, he probably already knows - he's just waiting for me to tell him."  And then there's another part of me that was hesitant.  When I was away in college, he became a born-again Christian.  And I thought that there's a great possibility that he either won't accept me or if he does - he might rub the sin, scripture, Bible, Christian thing at me.

I wanted to speak with him in person or at least over the phone about this.  But due to hectic schedules, we kept missing each other. So I opted to do it via email (not my mode of choice, but hey...).  Here's a portion of his reply to my email:

You know I look at you as a brother and really want you to live a long, prosperous, joyous & blessed life. You also know my religious views being a Christian rapper and all I'm sure you know where the Christian belief stands on homosexuality. The bible tells me that it's a sin against God, but it also says that no sin is greater than another and that sin (including homosexuality) can be forgiven. You see God loves is greater than anything sin and His love is the definition of unconditional... My beliefs will not allow me to celebrate what the Word of God calls sin HOWEVER just as God still loves you; so do I. It doesn't mean that the bond of friendship is any weaker on my end...

I just don't know what or how to respond.  I was both angry and somewhat content with the response. Content because this is what I was expecting him to say and this is why I was hesitant in telling him anyway.  Angry because I'm so sick and tired of hearing this sin bullshit.  And I'm sorry but it's bullshit.  God made me the way that I am for a reason.  My being gay is not a choice or something that I can just turn on and off like a light switch.  It's part of me.  It doesn't consume me and it doesn't cloud everything that I do.  But you cannot acknowledge me in totality without acknowledging that part of me.  And as a lifelong friend, I guess I was just thinking that he'd be able to see completely beyond this and accept me totally, wholly.  Maybe I'm asking for too much.  Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing.  Maybe I asked for it.  But at what point do you get beyond the scripture to the realness in life and the substance of the realness staring in your face....in all of its divinity?  What would you do?

Day 14: From Beauty to Ugliness

Welcome to the Blizzard of 2010!  It's winter in the DC Metro Area and it's a big mess.  After over 20 inches of snow, people are losing or have lost their minds, patience, and humanity (practically). People were fighting in the grocery stores over food.  Driving like bats out of hell on the roads.  And expecting cleaning crews to do magic tricks to get things back in order.  With this much snow, normalcy will be a dream not achieved for some time.  Many of our neighborhoods still have yet to be plowed, many of us don't have power, and have no way of getting around (if you're depending on public transportation).

My fiance' & I have been without power and heat since last Friday night (when the storm hit).  You could see your breath in front of your face in our place.  It was just that cold.  We couldn't spend another night at home so we decided to try to get a hotel room.  Because the roads were so bad we couldn't get to the strip where most of the hotels were in our area (Rockville/Bethesda), so we ended up heading to my mom & granny's house.  What was usually a one-hour trip took almost two hours.  It was a scary trip.  Many of the street lights were out.  Only the left and right lanes were clear.  The center lanes were full of ice and compacted snow.  We were on edge the whole way.  But we made it safely (thank god).

Since the roads are still terrible - we're staying put (working from mom & granny's until further notice).  I typically take public transportation to and from work everyday so you know that's out of the question.  The underground stations are the only stations being serviced.  Bus and Marc train service is limited. You'd be out of your mind to even think about a taxi.

There's really not much we can do besides hoping and praying for the best.  The really sad part of it all is that this area never seems to be prepared for any major emergency.  And I think for it to be the DC Metro Area that it's totally unacceptable.  People are freezing in their homes, looking for their next meals... They can't even get off their streets to go to the store let alone to work.  Pepco can't get to the affected areas without power because plows have yet to clear many streets (especially in Montgomery County).  Had this been technological or biological warfare it would be every man, woman, and child for themselves.  I can't bare to imagine what it would be in either of these situations...  The meteorologists are predicting that we may get another foot or more of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday...

Snow...  It's so beautiful and peaceful when it snows.  So quiet, so Edenic, so pure...  But in the aftermath - snow loses it's beauty and brings out the ugliness in people, the process for clean-up, and the issues that arise when government fails to have a plan in place in the event of a snow emergency.  Yes, welcome to the Blizzard of 2010!

Day 13: At the Fork in the Road

I've been sitting at my computer for several hours this evening...  Much of it was spent staring at the screen, staring into space, or staring at the tablet of paper I'd been scribbling on.  I couldn't concentrate for the life of me.  I've been so busy at work (and kinda at home) that I don't think my mind has been able to rest unless I was actually sleeping.  And if it lingers for too long - I start to get pissed and will get really close to saying "fuck it."  With the schedule I have and the deadlines between work, school, and my personal life - I don't always have the luxury of saying "fuck it."  But I've been more than willing to pay the consequences when I did it in the past...lol.

At this point in my professional life, I feel as if I'm longing, yearning for more.  I love the job and what I'm doing (or what I've done).  But I'm just not feeling that fulfilled.  I'm bored.  I feel as if I'm on auto-tune...just going thru the motions - not anywhere near as enthusiastic as I used to be.  And this is something that has not changed in the last few months.  And the feelings seem to be strengthening.  I feel like I need to be challenged in new and exciting ways.  And I'm just not seeing it where I am now.  That is unless things change.  We're still in the midst of re-organization (however this process hasn't been addressed to us formally since April 2009).  We just turned in our performance appraisals a few weeks ago.  It'll be awhile before our supervisor gets back to us about them.  I can say that I did quite a bit in 2009 and I did it all to the best of my ability.  But am I that thrilled about any of it anymore?  No, not really.  On top of that, I just don't feel as if I fit in with department anymore.  I feel kinda out of place.  The culture in my department has/is changing again - and it's changing rapidly.  Nothing like what it used to be in first two years.  And I'm not sure that that's a good thing either.

So I think I've come to the fork in the road.  I'm at the crossroads.  And the part that worries (and I'm not sure that "worries" is the best word) me most is the fact that I haven't quite figured out what to do about it.  I don't necessarily want to leave the company.  And I don't want to leave the people I've become close with.  But I don't want to squalor in complacency or contempt either.  I'm blessed to have bit a talents, gifts, skills, and experience to pull from.  It's just a matter of what I'm going to pull from and where do I want it to take me next.  Whatever it is - I'm sure I'll make the best decision I see fit for me personally and professionally.  I just hope and pray it'll go well.  One things for sure - I cannot afford to be depressed about my worklife.  I don't have time for that shit.  Gotta keep it moving if that's the case.  I'll just have to hold tight however, until something else/better comes along. Pray for me...

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Now playing: Vanessa Williams - Just Friends
via FoxyTunes

Day 12: Poetry Spotlight - Not Anymore

Not Anymore

Taking out the trash.
Getting rid of all the old shit.
Locating all the hidden treasures that squandered
     in the presence of you.

Started over.
Went from lost to found.
Spirit renewed–found a new love,
Not as costly or exhausting as the love I had
     with you.

Got it right this time.
Didn't give way to self-doubt.
No more self-interrogation.
No longer being the criminal to the victim always played
     by you.
I realized when problems in relationships arise,
It's usually not just one party to blame–it's two.

I've washed myself clean.
Still have my issues,
But I acknowledge them and make it known.
There's always room for improvement.
But I can be myself.
No need to hide or disguise face, as if I would at heartbreak's
     masquerade ball.
I've been welcomed and accepted completely.
And did I say loved?
Loved like nobody's business.
Loved better than I could ever dream of.
So there's no need
     to look back
     anymore.

(c) 2009 BuddahDesmond

Day 11: Poetry Spotlight - Ain't Worth It

Ain't Worth It

Why get fully vested in something that has yet to prove
     its future's promise?
Why get emotionally involved when you still are unsure
     if he or she has your heart and you have theirs?
What's the sense in crying over it if the tears and your efforts
     won't change a thing?

When substance isn't fully formed,
And the foundation is absent or still weak–
It's too much to give your all if you haven't seen a return...
     especially when he or she is fixed, unbending.

When the union can't get beyond shallow matters–
Ain't no sense looking for depth.
Cause superficial love ain't love at all.
It's all a facade–
A fantasy of what it could but will never be.

If you're looking in others for what you can't do or find in yourself–
You're hopeless.
You're only killing time–yours and others–
When you drag someone else along and you're not ready
    (or you know they're not ready) for the commitment.
The wise choice:
Go play.
Get it out of your system.
Or stay single until you're ready.
Cause it ain't worth it.

(c) BuddahDesmond
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Now playing: Amel Larrieux - Weary
via FoxyTunes

Day 10: Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way Every Day"

For the last few weeks I've been reading Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way Every Day: A Year of Creative Living.  I find the information to be very inspiring, motivating, and refreshing.   Being a creative, artistic person - this is the jump start I need to begin the new year.  I've noticed since late last summer that I've had very few opportunities to delve deeply into my creative self.  And it's been killing me.  I feel like I've been neglecting a part of myself that I've otherwise had no problem nourishing.  And considering the fact that I started nourishing this part of myself at the early age of four - I'm like, "What the hell happened?"  But I won't fret.  I've never been one to force my creative self into doing something just to do it.  I have to feel it.  I have to be in the mood.  Each time I force myself into doing anything in this regard I hate the outcome.  And whatever is produced usually goes in the trash.  I realize that I need to give my creative self the space to process, exist, and grow.  And that I need to uplift and inspire my creative self just like I would any other component of my being.  I can move on now with a better perspective.  Here are a few takeaways from the book.

From January 11: "We expect our artist to be able to function without giving it what it needs to do so. An artist requires the upkeep of creative solitude. An artist requires the healing of time alone" (p. 17).

From January 13: "Writing goes much better when we don't work at it so much. When we give ourselves the permission to just hang out on the page" (p. 19).

From January 15: "When we open ourselves to something or someone greater than ourselves working through us, we paradoxically open ourselves to our own greatest selves" (p. 21).

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Now playing: Mary J. Blige - Each Tear
via FoxyTunes

Day 9: Rihanna - Rated R

I must say that I was quite surprised after listening to Rihanna's latest album.  I found it to be quite good.  It's a dark, emotional album that offers a deeper glimpse into the mind and artistry of one of the world's most popular singers/entertainers.  The sound and style of this album is quite different from what we've heard before (which may be one of many reasons why some fans have turned away). There's a musical versatility not quite seen on previous releases.  Rihanna's vocal performances seem a little more seasoned and confident and sprinkled with more emotion (thankfully).  And I think we now see the perfect melding of her image and musical style.  It may not flow well on this side of the Atlantic but that's probably due in large part to the fickle nature of our audience.  I give Rihanna lots of credit for pushing her talent into a different direction and taking some risks.  One thing the world didn't need was Girl Good Gone Bad, Part II.  And with "Hard" becoming her 13th top ten hit on the Billboard Charts, looks like "Rihanna Reign" won't be letting up anytime soon.

Day 8: Melanie Fiona - The Bridge

One of my favorite album's lately has been Melanie Fiona's The Bridge.  After seeing the video and spinning the single "Give It To Me Right" for months, I was psyched about the getting this album. Fiona had been generating quite a bit of buzz, especially after touring as the opening act for Kanye West on his "Glow In The Dark Tour" (in Europe).  With all the buzz, one still wonders why her album was pushed back so many times.  The record had been finished for quite some time (and not to mention it was released in Europe in 2008).  Let me guess - label politics?  But all that aside - the wait was worth it.  Fiona has put together an album that is memorable from start to finish.  It has a vintage feeling yet modern style and sensibilities.  It's soul through and through.  And like Raphael Saadiq's The Way I See It and Solange's Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, it harks back to the old school music of the 60's and 70's without sounding too nostalgic, gimmicky, or unoriginal.  The music, lyrics, and Fiona's rich, smoky voice make The Bridge an album that you can listen to over and over for years to come.  These are tunes all music lovers can enjoy. Aside from the first single, my other favorites include "It Kills Me," "You Stop My Heart," "Teach Him," and "Bang Bang," and "Monday Morning."   Check it out!

Day 7: Sade - Soldier Of Love

The day all Sade fans have been waiting for is coming!  The long-awaiting, highly-anticipated release date for Sade's sixth studio album, Soldier of Love, is February 8, 2010!  Mark your calendars.  Put in your pre-orders. This looks like it could be one of 2010's best releases.  It's been nearly 10 years since the release of Sade's last studio album, Lovers' Rock.  That album was a masterpiece and I'm sure the new album will be as well.  Sade - one of the queen's of the Quiet Storm, the voice of seductive, passionate soul music will be in full effect very soon.  I can't wait.  Real music always prevails.  Need not worry about "singles" or airplay, because artists of this caliber will have a devoted following and will sell regardless.  Looks like I'll be getting a b-day gift a week early.  Yay!  :)

Day 6: Chrisette Michele - One of this Generation's Best Vocalists

I've been loving Chrisette Michele for a few years now.  Her most recent album - Epiphany - stays in rotation.  I play it once and cannot seem to stop playing it again.  The sign of a great album is one that leaves a lasting impression on you.  It moves you.  You can't get the music out of your head.  It just hits the spot (or several spots).   This album, I must say, is one of the best R&B/Soul releases of the year.  While it may have been criticized for not having as many of the jazz-inflected arrangements as her debut, there's no denying the jazzy vocals from this songbird.  Her voice is a mystical, musical instrument with personality, lots of color, varying tones, shades, and timbres, and a wide range.  It's sexy, soulful, and passionate.  And it has a girlish quality that is reminiscent of the late great Ella Fitzgerald (one of her greatest influences - along with Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Natalie Cole to name a few).  She has the innate gift to sing anything and make it believable.  She takes you there.  You're riding with her from beginning to end.  And every song is a performance.  Each one different from the last.  Which also brings to mind another great lady of song - Phyllis Hyman.  Though she sounds nothing like Phyllis Hyman - there's something about the way she delivers a song that reminds me of Phyllis Hyman.  Phyllis Hyman owned her songs.  She commanded the stage.  She took you on a ride.  It didn't matter where she was taking you because you so happy and so moved to go along anyway.  And that's what Chrisette Michele does.  If she continues to grow the way she has been, she will go down as not only one of the best singers of her time but one of the best singers of all time as well.

Day 5: Oprah - The End of One Era, The Beginning of a New Era

 Image courtesy of Parade

In 2011, after 25 seasons, The Oprah Winfrey Show will be saying its last hurrah. This shocking announcement seems to have stunned viewers and the entertainment industry. But Oprah said she knew in her spirit that it was time to say goodbye. It's been a remarkable, historical, uplifting journey for Oprah, the show, her staff, and her viewers. She went on to become the most, if not one of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry. According to Forbes, her net worth is $2.7 billion. I know that amount is astonishing. But what's even more so is that she did it her way. Oprah set out to do what she wanted and she achieved that (and much more). She used her power and influence to bring about good in the world. She overcame obstacles and became an inspiration to millions of fans across world. Though the show is ending, the industry/world is looking to see what she produces on OWN - the Oprah Winfrey Network. Though it's unclear who is the heir apparent, it's clear that Oprah has not finished her work yet. There's still more to do. And the world will be looking forward to her next move. Oprah - an inspiration, a trailblazer, a humanitarian, and a living legend.

Day 4: The Ever-Dependable Public Transit

I thought this was funny yet so true.  I took this picture while waiting for the bus one morning on my way to work.  Ride On bus runs in Montgomery County, MD.  Not all routes throughout the county are created equally when it comes to convenience and dependability.  If you are trying to get somewhere on time you better leave your house 20-30 minutes earlier than normal (especially if you have to get on the train).  Otherwise you are going to be late.  Sometimes the buses are extremely late and so packed with patrons you can see the people before you actually see the bus.  Or the bus may not show at all.  It can be extremely frustrating, especially when it's freezing outside and all you want to do is go home.  So I can understand why someone would say Ride On "SUCKS".  Now with the American flag on the post, how would you interpret the photo?  Ride On Sucks America?  God Bless Ride On?  Or Only God Can Save Montgomery County Ride On Buses from Sucking?  LOL!

Day 3: Lady GaGa's Latest - "Bad Romance"

Lady GaGa gets more and more intriguing with every release.  I recently saw the video for her latest single, "Bad Romance."  While I don't care for the song (even after several listens), I thoroughly enjoyed the video.  She's a very creative artist who seems to take what she does seriously.   GaGa knows how to get everyone talking with her brand of performance art.  The bold imagery, the haute couture, the intricate choreography, the outlandish, wild wigs and hairpieces, in-your-face attitude, and the unique lyrical content, style and sound of the music - it keeps you glued to the screen.  Her videos and performances seem to be more extraordinary than the music (for example, her video for "Paparazzi" and the performance of the same song on this year's MTV Video Music Awards).  She's stepping out ahead of the class. And if she continues to push the boundaries (like many of those before her) and push herself creatively, the masses will continue to flock to her and follow her.  What's your take?

Day 2: Autumn Leaves - Everything Must Change

When my bf and I were leaving my mother and my granny's house last weekend, we noticed several leaves that had fallen in the driveway.  Many of these leaves were from two of the four sycamore trees in the yard.  I noticed one particular leaf and was taken by how beautiful it was.  The shape, the color, the stem, the veins - it seemed perfect.  I hadn't seen a leaf quite this beautiful since I used to play with, make art with, and rake them as a child.  Or maybe I simply hadn't taken the time to notice them as I got older.  Something that will never change is my love of autumn leaves (and the season in general).  I can attribute the rich colors of leaves (and autumn) to why I love earth tones.  It's a wonderful, gorgeous time of year.  A sign that things are changing.  All symbolic of the cycle that nature follows every season, every year.  And it brings to mind a favorite standard of mine, "Everything Must Change."  Take a listen to the late, great Walter Jackson with his breathtaking version of this tune.

Day 1: MJ's This Is It

My bf and I had the privilege of seeing This Is It last month. I have to say that this was one of the best movies I've seen this year. I left with an even greater appreciation for the man behind the music. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know if it was going to be documentary, a performance film, or a combination of both. It turned out to be a spectacular combination of both. The film told the story of how Michael Jackson and his tour crew prepared for the This Is It shows in London. From the rehearsal of the first song "Wanna Be Startin' Something" to the final, moving performance of the spine-chilling "Man In The Mirror," it was clear to see that Michael Jackson was just as bad as he was in his younger years. Anyone who wondered whether he still had it (not me) would be floored by what they saw. The artistry, the moves, the voice, the stage presence were just as strong as ever. That's the thing about true talent. It never leaves. It never goes away. Regardless of what happened, there's nothing that could take away what was inside of him. And you could eerily feel his presence–so strong–while watching the film. I cried at least 5 times while watching his performances. Almost didn't think I was going to make it through the film because it was such an emotional experience. Michael Jackson was true genius. He's still missed. With films like This Is It, his legacy will continue to live on.

If There Were No Song

Hello all! It's been awhile - hasn't it? I didn't mean to be away for so long. But I'm back in school now and my schedule is like who done it and why. I'm in the dual IT/MBA degree program. Though the work hasn't been exceptionally difficult - being up late damn near every night of the work week (and weekend) has been kicking me in the butt. I'm so tired and exhausted I'm delirious. I had three online classes this semester. One was a 6-week class. It seemed like I had more assignments and reading in that class than I had in my regular 12-week classes. I was very happy having successfully completed that class and lightening the load (ever so slightly). My grades have been pretty good thus far. At this point - balance is key. Cause working full-time and going to school part-time and not getting adequate sleep is not going work for the duration. I'll get it together though. I have faith. With change comes adjustments. I'll be fine.

Personally things are fine. My bf moved in officially last month. We've taken the next big step. And we seem to have adjusted quite well to this. We haven't killed each other yet or had any blowout bash arguments. If something pops up or pisses us off - we talk about it right then and there. We get it out in the open and try to resolve it as best as we can. Our open-line of communication is one of the reasons why our relationship is so strong. We talk about everything. And we realize that we need to be on the same page if we want to keep things moving in a positive direction... Oh - how I love him! He's been so good to me. He supports me like no other. He has my back. He respects, appreciates, and accepts me - completely. And he's not afraid to go there with me or put me in place when I go off the deep end. And I lovingly, willingly, graciously, freely do the same thing in return.

As of today, I'll be starting a project that I'll call my "101 Days Project"This project will consist of my musings on various things in my everyday life - be it the workday, home life, music, movies, books, quotes, current events... I may be responding to something I saw, heard, or read. My responses may be take shape in the form of poetry, song lyrics, images, drawings, free writing, you name it. Anything is fair game here. It'll be creative but also be a learning experience for me (and maybe you too). And I figured BuddahDesmond's Rapture is the best repository for the project. Another good thing is my "101 Days Project" will get me into the habit of posting on a regular, daily basis (something I have not quite been able to do since starting this blog a little over 5 years ago). So stayed tuned as the project progresses for the next 101 Days.

Life is music. Simple. Complex. And everything in between. We're players in it. Musicians, singers, writers, producers, and executives. Each day is a song. Each has it's own tempo, theme, mood, depth, feeling, subject matter... Some days we're all singing the same song in unison or different keys. Other days we're singing our own uniquely different tunes. They're colorful. They're bombastic. They're jubilant. They're melancholy. They're all this and so much more. If there were no song - could we live? Could we be? If there were no song - I doubt hardly that we'd exist.

Until next time... Have a great weekend!

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Now playing: Pitbull - Can't Stop Me Now
via FoxyTunes

Blogiversary + Interview + Reviews

Wassup Blogworld?!! Hope everything is cool. It's been a minute since I've updated. Life has been keeping me busy personally and professionally. Things are going well though. I've been so busy I missed my own 4-year Blogiversary. Happy Blogiversary to BuddahDesmond's Rapture! Can't believe it's been that long. Lots of life changes since then (all for the better - thank god). But one thing's for sure - I'm much happier now than I was when I started blogging. I feel so much stronger, wiser, and better about various facets of myself and my life. It's an ongoing process. The internal work is never seems to be done. Even when it's all good there's always room for improvement. As I reminisce, I may update this post with links to some of my favorite posts over the last few years.

Be sure to check out my interview on the Encore Status Entertainment website with indie singer/songwriter/performer Lafonda a.k.a. The Bronx Bombshell. Also, check out my review of Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night and Vanessa Williams's The Real Thing on the Pictures and Frames website.

Until next time, be safe. Have a great weekend!

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Chrisette Michele - Epiphany
via FoxyTunes

R.I.P. E. Lynn Harris

I was stunned when I heard that E. Lynn Harris died. I thought it was just another hoax. But sadly, his passing was in fact true. Harris was a tremendous talent. He was the voice of a community that had often been silenced, nonexistent, or unacknowledged in the literary world. Harris' work inspired dialogue, and opened minds and hearts. His contributions helped pave the way for many of today's black gay contemporary writers. He was a treasure and will forever be missed.

Thank you, E. Lynn Harris, for inspiring us. Thank you for sharing our stories. Thank you for helping me, and I'm sure many others, who–at a young age–was struggling with my sexuality but learned to accept and embrace it. 

E. Lynn Harris, rest in peace. We love you!

~ BuddahDesmond

Never Knew

Never knew I could feel this way about someone
I always thought about it
Always dreamed about it
Fantasized about it
Prayed for it
But never knew it would be like this

What I’m feeling far exceeds expectations
It trumps predecessors
It squashes competition
Smashes records
Wins every time
I had a feeling before but it doesn’t equal the real thing

Everything I’ve ever wanted in a man
I’ve found in you
All the wonderful things that dreams are made of
All the qualities to brag about
All the characteristics I find attractively appealing
Intellect and wit that keeps me on my toes
Handsome sexiness that I can’t resist
Tenderness, care and compassion that brings tears to my eyes
With flaws and all you are simply beautiful, inside and out

Never knew I could find everything and more
I always wrote about it
Always sang about it
Talked about it
Wished for it
But it eclipses all that I’ve ever hoped for

Didn’t know it would be like this
It’s better than I expected
And I’m glad to finally have it
I’m glad to be in this place
Glad to have this feeling
So glad to be this in love
And for this, I will continue to express my gratitude

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Chrisette Michele & Ne-Yo - What You Do (Single Version)
via FoxyTunes

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Legend.
Icon.
Innovator.
Trendsetter.
Humanitarian.

You were truly gifted.
An inspiration to many.
You were the greatest entertainer in the world.
Touched so many of us with your heart, soul, and spirit.

There will never be another like you.
So we are grateful that God kept you here as long as he did.
We are sad that you had to go so young.
But it was time.
You were called.
And now peace is finally yours.

You will truly be missed.
Your music and legacy will continue to inspire, uplift, and shape us all
You will never die.
You will always live on.
We will always love you, Michael Joseph Jackson!!!

~ BuddahDesmond