Ive been quiet about Robin Williams passing. It struck a chord because he took his own life on the other side of his depression. Something that resonated really deep and jarring within me. People ask me all the time how I got into poetry. The easy answer is that I had a proclivity to writing, a gift to speak that showed at a young age and that its all been breezy. The truth is much different. Much darker. Much more personal. Below is what I updated to my website today. Funny thing is, I freely share it in conversation when someone asks but have separated it from my professional image. Until now. _____________________________ Before I walked on to the Brooklyn Bridge one dark Friday night in 2006, I had no intent of walking off.. At a point of lost connection and feeling I had nothing to contribute, I found myself believing that the best decision I could make, lay within the calm East River below. Amidst the darkness, I had a train of thought. I remembered this one place Id been. This poetry venue...open on Fridays. Something told me to go. That in there, could be my last chance. In there is one good reason, to live. I dont remember walking off the bridge. I do remember the light above the door and the enormous line in front of the World Famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe. My last ten bucks...here goes. Inside, five phenomenal poets changed everything I thought about life. With their words alone, I felt empowered in a way I hadnt before. It was then, that I decided if there was anything I could do with my life..it would be this. I not only found a second chance, I also found a way to speak and heal. Heal and perhaps, make my life more meaningful. Since, I have been a National Slam team finalist and champion. I have gone on to speak to multiple colleges, universities, high schools and several reputable companies and organizations. Whether, I am speaking for a corporation or to a group of high energy youth, the center of my work is the power of how we connect, the power in how we contribute and the necessity of finding our greatest potential, to continue I found meaning in this life on the other side of a bridge. And now, I have dedicated my life, to building bridges and bridging worlds, so that others, may do the same. _________________________________ I want people to know because it creeps into my work. The need to remind everyone that we have something amazing to contribute to this world. But I know that people hurt. The truth is, I wish I could catch them all. But I know how impossible that is. Robin, we will miss you. And dear reader if you are here and you need this. Know that there are arms halfway round the world to embrace you. Know that you are not alone in your pain. Know that you matter more that you can imagine. Know this please. And choose to continue. -Marshall
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:49:30 +0000
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