The Future
The year is 2022. That's the end, and the beginning of my next mission. I have just completed my college education, obtaining a Master's degree in psychology. A HUGE deal for me both personally, and professionally. I made the walk across the stage, graduating with honors, and am about to give a speech to my friends, family, peers, and faculty. I describe the struggle, the hard work, and the determination that allows me to stand at the podium and deliver my message. I describe the countless hours of the dining room light burning throughout the night, as I studied, completed homework, and prepared for exams. In closing, I made sure to explain that nothing worthy will come easy, and that this is only the beginning. There is no need to stop now. Keep striving for more. Want bigger and better, and if you want something, get out there and get it. It's a proud moment for me, my family, and my close friends. I started with a plan, and executed it.
I have a job interview coming up in the next couple weeks. I'm nervous as hell, but my level of confidence and determination will set me apart from the rest of the applicants. The job is a position at a hospital, second in charge of the behavioral health department, specializing in adolescents developmental, and emotional issues. Coming from a turbulent past, I can understand what young people grow through. Growing up is no easy task to say the least. I have a growing passion for this line of work. I know I'm up against plenty of other well qualified candidates, but I plan on letting my background, and experience speak for itself. I seek something to complete me as a man, as a father, and as a passionate human being. I'm all about helping others find their way and their purpose in life. It's important to know what your Personal Legend is, and what you have to do as a person to find it. My children will prosper beyond their wildest dreams. I want two. That's it. no more, no less. Money isn't everything. I want to be comfortable. I want to have the ability to travel, do things with myself, and my children as I see fit. I want to live where there is no snow. I'm tired of shoveling it. Someplace warm is good with me. North Carolina sounds good to me. Most of my family still lives there. I'd like to get back there someday.

Sometimes You're up, Sometimes You're Down
I landed the position at the hospital. Things were great for many years. I had made enough money to put my two daughters through college, purchase my dream home in North Carolina, and get on a plane or boat whenever I wanted to. I had the opportunity to take a trip to China, Russia, and Australia. Nothing short of amazing! Life long experiences, lasting memories, and a dam good time is what took place. I set out to accomplish things in life, and was able to do so. It was a Monday morning. I had a very relaxing weekend. I wasn't on call, so I was able to sit out on the deck and chill. I gazed at the stars when the sun went down. I watched the nocturnal creatures of the night search for food, and I listened as the crickets rub their hind legs together, searching for their soulmates. My relationship with the mothers of my two children hadn't worked out, but we learned how to become friends and co-parent, and support the children in anyway possible. They were accomplished, and successful career women, with families and lives of their own.
I went into the office that Monday morning with some pep in my step, rested, and ready to share some new ideas with my co-workers about our new program. We just recently had our work area restricted to just personnel of the department, so an entry system was installed. Authorized persons had to enter a code to get into the office area. I entered my access code to no avail. I attempted to enter it again. Same results. Then suddenly, a person came over the intercom, and told me to report to the security office. As I got there I was greeted by someone that knew me, but I hadn't a clue who they were. I was told that I didn't have a job anymore. As a matter of fact, the whole department was shut down due to budget restraints, ,and seeing that the department was fairly new, we were the first to go. I was speechless, angry, and hurt. I tried calling people from the office, but I was unable to get an answer from anyone. I attempted to contact the Board of Trustees for some answers, also to no avail. I was jobless, I was life less. I couldn't put into words what was happening to me. I sat there in my car, numb, and motionless, trying to figure out what to do. This conundrum left me stunned, without an explanation. I never got the answer I was looking for. It was like everyone disappeared, everyone was gone. As I made it home, I noticed the front door had been boarded and locked, as well as the rear. I was locked out of the house. I didn't have a mortgage, so there was no issue of any late payments. Not only was I jobless, I was also homeless. I dam sure wasn't to call my children. I had way too much pride for that. I spent the next two years panhandling, and living out of my car. I was to much of a mans man to do anything else.

I'll Try It Again (The Rebirth)
Me, the clothes on my back, and my car are now in Alaska. I just took what little money that I had, got in the car, and drove non stop, rolling the dice on a destination. I'm in Alaska freezing my tail off. It funny. I said I didn't want to be anyplace cold with snow. There is plenty here, but now this is home. I don't know a single soul up here. I'm now a person that lives off the land. No more city noise. no more hustle, and bustle. I eat what the land, sea, and air offer me. I built my own home in the forest, and from the forest. I ditched the car for a snowmobile and a sled and dogs. I've become richer than the richest man alive. My Personal Legend has been discovered. My new found friend is Mother Nature now. She can be the sweetest person at times, but at other times, she can be a force to be reckoned with. I've learned to live with her mood swings, adapting to her way of life. I smoke my own salmon, mend my own coats, and make my own ammunition for hunting. I'm at peace now. I've spent my life looking for that peace. It's a different way of life, but it's the life that I have been looking for. The journey has now been completed. I've been on this journey over 20 years. I don't have any regrets, but this is where I belong. In the woods, dancing with the wolves, playing with the bears, and watching the graceful deer prance in the wilderness.
Why Me?
Why me?
I am the chosen one
From a pool of many
My stance gave me away
Dam they caught up to me
Doing my best to hide in the shadows
Undetected
Off the radar
Army crawl
Why me?
I've done nothing wrong
Paid my taxes
Paid my dues
I'm getting a refund?
Cool, I'll take it
Sure could use this cash
What else y'all got for me?
I thought a conspiracy was a bad thing
It's all working out in my favor
That's what's up
Why me?
It feels like Christmas
And my birthday
I've been looking for a long time now
Thought I'd never find it
I keeps an open mind, and a open heart
Optimism
Persistence
Keeps away the resistance
No need to fight it
Just let it happen
Help me help you
Depend on each other
It's cold out there
Why me?
I can't thank you enough
Showering me with gifts of joy and pleasure
That's all I needed to proceed
Keep the material
I'll take the literal
I'll take the guidance
Guide me to the light
Shining bright in there
Sunburn
Why not me?
I'm good for it
Paying my dues along the way
Putting in the work
Giving back all the time
Helping others before I help myself
Giving some of this elixir
Before I serve myself
I knew someone was watching
Night vision