As I turn 60, what with how vitriolic my world has turned, I need math and reading work to keep my mind fully alive with no known illness in my body today.

Last night, I sat and enjoyed myself with two types of Math (Algebra 1) and Duolingo. Then I took care of my animals and fell asleep with a mind which wasn’t too worried, grateful my family has each other and is safe.

But that doesn’t take away the work I have done to stop mourning the loss of my relationships with people still living, healthy and active.

I’m not going to wait til I have a cancer to understand the importance of; and therefore, spend my time within the disciplines of, major time slots of my life which are supposed to help me keep my brain thriving and my body as healthy as possible today.

Dad baptized Aunt Shirley in the bathtub because of harsh dogma he adhered as a Pentecostal like his mother. Aunt Shirley was considered unrighteous I guess; however, it was her spouse who walked out of her life with five children to raise, for another woman. Dad was there as were some others of her brothers.

Just to finish this side of my life’s trajectory this morning, Aunt Shirley died for seven weeks in my bedroom while I slept on a mattress in my brother’s room. My parents took care of my Aunt Shirley.

And they all still won’t give the common families universal healthcare.

Then Uncle Ken came, and I was in the range of ages 12-14. He was in a difficult marriage. He met a lovely lady at the Church and they married, had a child.

Aunt Lee nursed Uncle Ken through Lou Gerig’s disease while My Brother dropped in a street since we as a family jogged at 6 AM before our work and school days. My brother had an undiagnosed heart condition.

Uncle Ken lost his battle in late August/early September of 1980. Patrick Clayton dropped of his own free will late September of 1980, ten days after we buried Uncle Ken.

Now back to my point this early morning in ATX: I have lived in your midst. I am living in a suburb now. And some things which you have forgotten I say; should never change or be forgotten.

Keep fighting this society my Loves; read. Try to let your inner self out whether that’s throwing paint on tiny canvas (I have done and still do—watercolor as well as acrylic) or writing in a diary.

Today, I realized how a gorgeous new drawing book must come with me like my diary/note taking book that is new.

Why? I can tell poetry is growing again within my soul’s heart and mind—which gives me joy today. And since I can tell that, I have changed the type of book I’m going to write within and therefore publish right away.

I have time to write poetry. Do you have time to read a little poetry every day? Well, at least you can know I am going to present mine for free and what is more, I engage other POETS with my artwork and devotion within all forms of work which equally includes all forms of music.

To keep our minds alive and active is paramount to each society’s dwelling no matter where we are. We can encourage one another on these paths in small ways and I want to remind us that in the best of times and the worst of times we do so. We do so. Let’s keep doing so and treat one another with respect no matter the ……. Wrong history being shoved upon us day in and out.