Young Man

This young man had potential. Had, is the word that was expressed through your objective opinions. You feel that because this young man is where he stands, Maybe on the corner with a skull cap and stones in his hands, that all is lost. But this young man is potential. Before you crucify his existence try to share his hunger pains. You can’t feel the emptiness deep within his heart. You didn’t witness the little white baggies that give his mom a spark. You never had to pull the hype from a vein of an overdosed family member playing this game. Yet your judgments are quick, critical and cynical. This young man is unbelievable. He has the strength to get up and move forward with whatever today will bring. He is missing the appropriate mentors to help guide him in the “right” direction. But your “right” direction is smoke and mirrors to his reality. This young man’s foundation is cracked and now his temple is leaning. Even you needed help at some point in your life when your soul was screaming. To help you get through those long, lonely, sleepless nights. Your criticism is contagious and spreads like a wild fire. I don’t justify the crimes committed. But I understand having to make a choice a live with it.