GLOSSOLALIA

Glossolalia

In retrospect, it was almost like a scene out of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s nest.” The karaoke machine had been brought in to help with the patients’ anxiety and everyone was encouraged to sing. Many of the regular ‘day room’ crew refused, but there were some folks that wanted to hear a song and just not sing along. I sat in the corner; well actually, I stood in the corner and listened and waited.

I thought to myself, “What song could I sing to these people?” “Also, what band would be appropriate for this audience?” Then it hit me. A Bad Brains song!

I thought a reggae jam would soothe some savage minds, so I sauntered over to the table with the machine and the lady operating it. I asked to hear, ‘I Against I’ and sure enough they had it. (on the karaoke machine) much to my surprise.

It might have been better if they had the “Rock For Light” album, but I didn’t see it listed. The song I had chosen had some really spitfire lyrics, so I grabbed the mic and did my best to keep up. I looked out into the crowd and my new friend Day (short for Dayton) or Driller Killer, as I was thinking of calling him, came forward to the front to watch. It was a lot of fun to see the reactions of the room. After my song was done, I gently laid down the microphone and went back to my place along the wall.

It was like “Glossolalia,” which is when people can speak in tongues that is not their native language.

It was a pretty special experience that would strengthen my confidence and pave the way for a more outgoing attitude. This would continue as time goes on. I would be a better person for this.

I might stutter sometimes but every utterance from every outlet is valid in some shape or form, or at least we tell ourselves such. I choose to believe I have things to say and so does the rest of the world. Love is Letting Others Voice Emotion.

We need more L.O.V.E. in this world.

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After the pride wore off

The people began to sing

In enormous numbers

The bells began to ring

First, kind of slow and then a steady rolling groove

Without the pride in the way

The beat was recognized as sounding smooth

The crashing of the symbols, the cymbal of a drum

The underground marching beat of a loud and tribal drum

The faces red, some faces white, others black as night

I couldn’t read the crowd too well, but didn’t want to cause a fight

With quickness and a flashing tongue

I made my peace and then begun

To shout a bit and sing for once

Like only I can

Mimicry will get you somewhere, but I have to show them straight

I didn’t want to be there, but I could help erase the hate

The room felt full and when it was over, I laughed to myself inside

This pride of which I could not bury

Quelled up to warm my hide

The rise of warm words was a feeling of elation

To know a change had been set in motion was better than

Gravitation

Gravitate towards the good I vowed I must obey

Remember all the good that comes from

Introductions by saying okay

Yearning for peace of mind and living my best, seemed clear

As long as my vessel was clean,

I could lend a helpful and positive ear.

Let’s voice emotion and listen and learn

Let’s work together without insults that burn

When emotions run high just reel them in and let them fly without guilt, without sin

Voices matter and everyone’s different and unique

We’re all different birds,

Different beaks, different squeaks,

Different sounds we prefer, but if we open our hearts

The smallest sound can produce

An elevation in life

At least it’s a start

--- Written by : B.A.S.