“I write only for myself, and I wish to declare once and for all that if I write as though I were addressing readers, that is simply because it is easier for me to write in that form. It is a form, an empty form-I shall never have readers…”
(Chapter XI Notes from Underground Dostoevsky)
I’m not looking for readers.
I’m looking for comrades.
I would like to say first and foremost that if all my writings ever do is entertain or fail to entertain, then I would consider myself an abject failure.
America needs people who do.
Not people who say.
Right now I’m departing Union Station on my way back to New York. The land of my birth.
But the hard work has just begun.
If I go back home and pick up that XBox controller and wax poetic about my journey back to the Big Apple that simply isn’t good enough. There are more journeys to come. There are more road trips to go on.
My search for Ithaca has just begun.
I’d like to say a few thank you’s at this point:
First and foremost thank you Rhonda Leggins Potts. Your story in your words has yet to come and I eagerly await it. You tattooed your daughters and my beloved sisters with an experience that they will hold onto for the rest of their lives. God bless you for that. You gave my father an opportunity to hold his grandson. He would have done it eventually, but you expedited it. You helped to fill in some of the rifts in our family. I have a lot of love for you for that.
Thank You Frederick Raymond Potts. Not just for having me. Not just for giving me the joy and humbling responsibility of being the best example I can be for my siblings. Thank you for bringing me this computer and all the sweet spy equipment I know I’m going to get in the near future (binoculars that can take digital photos Sweeetttt!!!) Thank you for doing right by those two girls. You don’t know how much they need you. You made that whole drive possible and did all the driving with degenerative disk disease in your vertebrae. No one knows the pain you’re in like I do. And you never once complained because that’s the kind of samurai you are. You say that no one loves you like your Dad loves you. You say the only way I’ll understand is when I have my first child. Let me tell you that no one loves a father like his first son.
Thank you to my two sisters Kristina and Jazmin. I’m putting you together in one paragraph because If I picked either one of you before the other I’d never hear the end of it. Thank you two for being the two best sisters an older brother could have. You both love me more than I can possibly understand and everything I do is for you. If you’re willing to work for them; all your dreams can come true. All you need is a purpose, a plan, a mind closed against all negative influences, and an alliance of one or more people. We may not see each other that much but I pray for you both everyday.
How could I forget my new brother Kyle. Thanks for having a couch I can lay a wearied head on. I came down to celebrate and it ended up being work. Thank you for allowing me to establish a base camp so well stocked and supplied with provisions. I have no doubt that my journey will bring me back to DC soon. I need a re-up on that positive energy.
How could I forget my real brother Kyle. You and I don’t need a lot of words to say about each other. Take care of my nephew. It’s all for him. Give my regards to my other nieces and nephews ,your mother Judy Bear, and Bonnie. I didn’t get to see you this trip but my adventure to you is yet to come.
Thank you to my comrades Matt and Yung Soldier. When the moment to serve arose you linked up with a total stranger. You two know more than anyone else what true service, true patriot love, and duty to one’s country is all about. The work is only beginning. Our paths will cross again. But until then lead by example.
Thank you to everyone who has written comments. Your kind words were an inspiration to tired limbs that wanted to submit to the pleasures of sleep. You are the kindling that stokes my flame. I need you more than you can possibly know.
Thank you to Casazzism. The next time I come down let’s do some painting. I hope that poem I gave you inspires you to climb to the summit of Transcendence. I’d love a painting. Lend me some of your inspiration.
Thank you Billy. You’ve given me more than a vehicle. You’ve given me a loudspeaker to the world. You called me just as I was writing about you. The spirit is a marvelous thing. I’ll always admire that you are one of the realest people I know. You are you 100% of the time. Never change. We’ve got a lot more projects coming up Webmaster. Or maybe I should call you Spiderman?
Thank you Aunt C.C. You gave my family an opportunity to be a part of this. You gave them safe refuge and a tour guide for DC. You showed me the grit of strength and determination in the face of terrible physical pain. I will take you up on that offer to have a place to crash when I’m in town. We have a lot of catching up to do.
Thank you Angela. You are an example of what true citizenship is all about. You inspire me more than you know. You shake complacence right out of me. You’re like plate tectonics.
Thank you Nooch. They needed your vehicle more than you know. You gave them the opportunity to make their adventure much more comfortable. Good luck with the Expo.
There’s so many more people to thank and if you feel I missed you sorry, but thanks all the same.
Most of all.
Thank You Barack Obama.
I could say some lofty things about the fire you sparked in my heart. But you’re not interested in my words.
You’re interested in my deeds.
AJ I’ll see you at St. Vincent’s tomorrow at noon.
We’ve got work to do.
-Daimyo
