THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO "HMM.."

At a young age, my father gave me the single most important advice of my life. He said: "Jerome, if you're going to take a stand for what you believe in, expect to stand alone. "

And with those words, he removed all of my fears..

The fear of rejection, peer pressure, following my heart, being a leader, taking risks, being compassionate/selfless, questioning authority, being chivalrous, using manners, expressing myself through words, knowing my boundaries, putting others first, showing a sensitive side, walking away..

All of the little things, that can be so positive, but are taken for granted. In my life, I've stood alone MANY times..

But here's the beauty of my father's advice. The beauty of standing alone.. IT DOESN'T LAST VERY LONG. Because those who believe in you, those who care for you, those who have YOUR best interest in mind, will be there right by your side.

I know whom I am. I'm comfortable with whom I am. Because I always control exactly where I stand. I stand up for myself, my loved ones, & my beliefs. And that is what will always define me as a person.

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I wonder if he knew

that one day. . .

HE'D be the one

turnin' his back on me?

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Over a book.

Over my poetic memoir.

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Tapped.

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-romeᴶᴱ ©2020