Reflection on Mentor

A brief reflection on an influential mentor for the upcoming decade

The Darkness consumes us; viscous and eternal.

     Impossible to pin down, hardly a sign of the times; The Darkness is as old as we are.

     Invisible, The Darkness cements the ashes of burned bridges in our memories.

Time passes twice as fast when you’re swept up in The Darkness rip current.

     Hardly a lonesome state of affairs at The Darkness pool party;

     Loved ones and peers, mentors and idols–everyone trying to keep head above water.

This is not crushing truth without repose, though.

     There is comfort in complacency and plenty of people to sit and complain with.

     (This is not the repose)

…

It takes a distinctly bright soul and a steady hand to block The Darkness wind and reveal a lit path out of that place. 

     I know that I am very lucky to have encountered a figure like this.

     I know that I am very lucky to be able to share their wisdom.

We were just passing time, lacking motivation and sitting on a surplus of angst.

     This is when he explained one of The Darkness’ most deceiving traits.

     He explained: “In conditions like this, it is herds of the idle who descend into

      Grumbles and groans, gripes and grievances.”

He continued: “I know you all to be stronger than this, but your misery is palpable.

     Who are you weak imposters, where has your strength gone? You have 

     Something to be cherished here, something you all worked so hard to build.”

His expression was clear. “I’ve given each of you a portion of The Light. For that reason

     You are all so special. The Darkness is in all of us, but The Light is distinctly your own.

     Choose as you will, but know that the power of your efforts combined will create

     Colors unknown and brightness unbound.”

…

The Darkness is our common ground, the sickness upon which we can all relate, 

     The pool party we were all invited to. There are satisfying refreshments that

     Lack nourishment. Eat too many of those deviled eggs and you’ll be sick.

There are scars and stains left behind by The Darkness, it will always be universal truth.

     Fortunately for us, the powers of The Light are equally vast and imperceptible.

     While The Darkness stalks us and looks for an opening, The Light leaps out 

     And makes itself irrefutable. The power of shared passion and creativity leaps off 

     Pages and canvas, court and field, screen and stage.

After leaving The Darkness pool party and entering The Light shared by the passionate and

     The brave, you will never want to get back in the water.

     (This is the repose)