When It’s Time To Go

I wrote this to a friend for whom I felt could use these words. While specific to one they may have value for many therefore I share. While it was about career choices there may be considerations for relationships as well.

 

When It’s Time To Go

 

You’ve known for a while it was over

You were no longer allowed to function on your terms

You were more than they could comprehend

Smarter… taller… blacker

 

They were confounded by having to address what they would rather not

They wanted to talk about change

Without actually changing

They needed labels so they could elevate themselves

There were bad kids but never bad teachers… schools… districts

 

The hard part is learning not to define yourself using their standards

The hard part is leaving a situation where despite the obstacles

Despite the systemic bias against black, brown and yellow

Despite those who asked your opinion without really wanting it, just to be able to say they did

The hard part was knowing that you were doing good by getting down on your knees, on the floor, with those who were smaller so you could look them in the eye.

The hard part is leaving behind the next child that you could have helped

Time for you to go

 

Not just go to the next plantation where they will use you till you drop

Time to be your own master

Time to control your fate

Time to step onto a bigger stage

 

Sisyphus was punished for self-aggrandizing and deceit

You have only told truth

Let the rock roll down the hill and push it up no longer

Multiply yourself a thousand fold and help more children than you ever dreamed

Become a speaker, write those books, tell more truths

 

Time to assess your assets, your platform, your pedigree, your dreams

What is the message you would deliver

To whom would you tell it

Is there anyone already doing what you would like and how did they get there

 

The hardest part about making change is letting go

The best part is rediscovering the joy in what you do

Not only will there be no regrets

You’ll wish you had done it sooner

So strategize and energize

Think and then do

Time for you to go