The Journal of an Angry Black Man

My mom sent me a letter... From jail... It’s been on my bedroom dresser for two days Opened, but unread Her inmate number is familiar I’ve seen it on so many cards On birthdays and Christmas I looked forward to those! But this one... It’s been on my bedroom dresser for two days I know that yellow legal paper I know most of what’s written on it too We’ve done this all my life Unfortunately I owe part of my ability to write well to her My dad didn’t write us much He called And came by when he was out But mom wrote And wrote well But right now I don’t want to read it Because I’m not ready to go back there right now I’m not in the space to deal with it right now It’s been on my bedroom dresser for three days

Introducing my little princess, Anjali. She is so beautiful!

Shalom House, Montpelier, VA This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a "Transformation Retreat." It was a weekend getaway for persons infected with HIV, and part of a series of other retreats and programs by The Renewal Projects, an organization in Richmond, VA. The experience was amazing, unforgettable, life-changing, and any other word you could think of to describe a simply beautiful weekend. We didn't have a large group, which at first seemed to be a bit of a bummer. But, it turned out to be the thing that made the experience that much better for myself, and I hope for the rest of the people who attended. My room during the retreat There were no televisions or radios. Our rooms were simple. The only lights outside were those lining the sidewalk from the two cabins we stayed in down to the "Shalom House" where we had our group meetings and activities, as well as our meals. The food was great, too! We practiced meditation a