the uncommon

dedicated to my brother Brandon Neal for his unwavering support

much love to Brett Miller for always being willing to walk with me and live these words

it is uncommon
to stay uncommon
the world wants us to blend in
to try to impress or please

what impresses me
is character

a voice for people
love for craft
courage to
honor one’s values

it is uncommon
to stand alone
to reconcile and forgive
and remain hopeful
in a sea of despair

it is uncommon
to stay awake
and not check out of reality
in a world that wants
to lull you to sleep
so you don’t take that big leap

even though
when all is quiet

everything
in your body
screams
create
shape
activate
and make
the things that
make us feel
alive and awake

the uncommon
inspire a new reality

a world where
we all
have the chance
to belong

humanity is
counting
on us

to stay uncommon

so we create the change
we all
long to make

common