The day after my twenty-seventh birthday, I am sitting here thinking life is moving fast around me and I am stuck in my ways. I see people I went to high school with, co-workers; shoot even people younger than me are getting married. This train of thought isn’t about marriage but it has me thinking, “Am I ever going to stop reaching for my dreams and settle down?” I am three years away from thirty but I do not feel the desire to settle down and create a family just yet. There is too much work to be done before I am down on one knee. I feel as if my dreams will always outweigh love in my life. Do not get me wrong, I would love to settle down but the fire in me is blazing to create a masterpiece and leave any lackluster work of others in my trail blaze. I look at it like this; the world is overdue for another wave of great talent like during the Harlem Renaissances and Civil Rights Movement. So, who wants to join me in bringing all of our beautiful talents to the world? Whenever I tell people I am a writer they retort with, “like Tyler Perry?” First, he’s not a “true writer” and second he’s a “contemporary coon.” Yeah, I said it and this doesn’t make me a “hater,” it’s the truth. Do me a favor, look up the word “minstrel” and get back to me with that definition, I digress. Each day I prepare for my future whether it’s by plotting stories that will be published five years from now or freelance writing to add to my portfolio. Honestly, I would love to have a family but I know my desire to achieve something sublime will outweigh my family. It wouldn’t be fair to my family for them to come second in my life. Second to some imaginary universe and characters, I think my wife would be pissed if that was the case. Let’s cheers to these happy couples who are getting married and are newly wedded; many wonderful years ahead. I will be right here still in another three years working like there is no tomorrow. Hopefully the day comes I find my masterpiece and I can settle down like all of you happy people. Until that day comes, stop posting up so many damn pictures and statuses about your “happy marriage” on Facebook. I can barely get a woman to like me for more than a few months. Back to you guys, stay happy you beautiful people and I’ll keep working toward that masterpiece.

The day I get married there will be fireworks.

Happy birthday to me!