influence

I remember the first time I read a poem by Haki Madhubuti. I was still in elementary school and I had no idea what it meant but the poem stuck with me. Made me want to read more from him. In reading it, at a much older age, the meaning changed. It made sense. Did I like that poem? No. But did I like every thing of his that I did happen upon after. Yes. And that's the power of influence... And the power of a good writer.

After a certain age it feels as though the future is set. 40 more years and I can retire and go on that vacation I always wanted to go, do that thing I always wanted to do and buy that thing I always wanted to buy. But why not now? Where is it written that after a certain age we are all supposed to surrender our dreams and live half lives like a broken reality.

I sometimes wonder what Robert Frost was feeling when he wrote Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. He could have stayed in that one spot. That one beautiful spot. But he had more to do. "Miles to go before I sleep." I too have miles to go. And though life is good, right here and now, I can't be complacent.

I have dreams.

I want to be Madhubuti and Frost and Browning and Millay...