Walking, My Neighbourhood

Kin,

Just got back from a nice a speedy walk to the corner store. Refreshing and so damned reinvigorating. Am so glad I listened to myselves. It was so necessary...

...prior to setting off I could hear thunder from what I perceived to be the South West. I can't tell really, but that's where it sounded like it was coming from. The clouds overhead were dark grey and purple-ish - I figured my ass had committed me, so I hit the side walks of my Rez. I avoid the streets at all costs because of the costs incurred being hit by one of my young Latino Brothers AND Sister's tambien. Please, some of these Gurrrr's out here? It was easing to the Heart and Spirit's as I crossed Paths with so many Folks here. I don't remember seeing so many Folk out walking out and about. It was so beautiful and fun too! On the side walk, of course.

I do think I feel differently than I did before I exited stage left or stage right even. Better too.

The Folks were so numerous and out and about as I. We varied in the complexions of our skin, yet each and every one of us had a wave, a holler, or chat on our walk abouts. We are the Mixed Breeds, like me and my Kinfolk. We are Puerto Rican, and Cuban. South American and Central American. Mexican too. We are Korean and Vietnamese and Filipino...

...we are the Rainbow of Blackness. Black Folk's from the Islands, from our the North, East, South and West. Every shade and complexion of being Black lives here in our community. Some pale as me, a mixed breed. We have Indian's from India and Indian's from our U.S. of A. White Folks too. I think about the White Folk who live out here with "us" minorities. It must be strange for some because it really isn't necessary to cage in your windows. As time has moved along, our community has actually changed into a better, more safe and diverse neighbourhood.

We are Christian's and Muslim's. We are The Buddhist and Spiritualist.

Our Muslim brothers and sisters are Honoring Ramadan and for the first time in my life, I acknowledge and respect this important and Holy time. There is One who calls me Father from a land far off and away. He is so very serious about Ramadan. Also happens to be a fine and respectful young Man. My prayers are that some day we will embrace and speak his face to my face. Insha Allah.

While speaking of Muslim Folk, that corner store I mentioned earlier, is right outside our Rez boundaries and is owned and operated by Muslim's...

...for a couple weeks I have believed I had somehow insulted one of my Muslim Gentlemen. I spoke with him today and this is what he said to me, "Sir, you are one of my most important customers, I see you in here often. Sir, you are a good man, are you serious? Don't give me that."

I cried for a bit on the way home. What an Honor.

I do not remember the last time I was told I was a good man.

I do love this community in which we live. What a fantastic privilege it is to live with so many extraordinary people. Now that I think about it, I would fight for my neighbours and our community...

...I mean, like, as if we were invaded by Zombies or those Mad Cow's - I would join right on in there. Not a second thought.

On my way back home I thought I saw Sasquatch in the Swamps not far from our Lodge. I paid him or her no mind. I just kept walking - eye's straight ahead. No shit! I also managed to pick up some Morris Code in my Deaf Left Ear as I stepped to the beat of Earth Mother's Heart. This message was so loud and frantic! It sounded as if who ever was sending the message was either killed or passed out from anxiety. The beeps sounded like this; Beep-Beepity-Beep, Beeeeeeeep-Beep-Beeeeepity-Beep-Beep-Beep-Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! I mean really, it was so frantic sounding. After that last long Beep, the communique went silent.

Gotta go!