Poetry is being able to step out of the spotlight you involuntarily occupy 24/7.

It's what allows a 6'4", 315 pound young man be himself instead of what everyone expects him to be. 

When you're that big, and that strong, people expect ice cold veins and stability.

But no one knows what it's like to feel like you're not who you want to be because everyone else wants you to be the stereotypical big, black athlete.

Poetry reminds me that I am me.

It reminds me that it's okay to have feelings, okay to cry when you lose your bestfriend to a freak accident.

Poetry reminds me that no one is perfect, and it's okay to be honest with yourself. 

My bestfriend enjoyed rapping, I liked poetry. 

Both from the same streets in New Haven, both feeling free as a bird when the pen is to that pad.

He might not had made it, but I'll make it for the both of us. 

While he's flying, watching over me, 

I will do my best to get this degree, make him proud, and be what all my ancestors fought for me to be free to be.

RIP Jabree Raekwon Bryant

#LongLiveBree