The Equalizer (Poem for my Favorite Pop)

The Equalizer

My Dad and I talk most Sundays since I’m far away. He’s worried about me. I say, Dad, I’m all right, God keeps me safe. We talk about various subjects including men, well, not anymore since I’m divorced. My Dad gives good advice. He always talks about his accidents, since he came close to death repeatedly. He wants to write a book too, Called, The life of an Angel. He’s one of thirteen siblings, Black and Puerto Rican. It’s funny watching my parents talk. They have stories of how they met and when my dad pulled out a machete on two men, and when the man who liked my mom put voodoo on him.  He describes hanging from a ledge in the rain. My mom thought he was insane, but I believe him. You should see his face when he describes it. Their stories are funny; they remind me of a 70s movie. He helped me financially when I was separated and encouraged me to move on. He’s the reason why I called it quits, along with Trent Shelton and Tony Gaskins. He calls after he watches the show 60 Minutes, then goes to sleep. I appreciate my dad. I’m glad he checks on me and supports my dreams.  It’s good to talk to a man like I said in the poem, Mr. Belvedere. Thanks Dad!

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SPEAKER_00 0:01

Today is my dad's birthday. But he's no longer with us. He passed away last October. His absence is a tragedy, and his death is still a mystery. I had a dream of him last week after being in his old neighborhood. I know he's with me in spirit. I miss his laugh, wisdom, and sense of humor. This poem is from my first poetry book, Pretty Bold and Brave. Love, Life, and Evangelical Poetry. I wrote this for my father and I think I read it to him before. But I know he's listening somehow, I guess. Dad, happy birthday. I love you and wish I visited you while in Atlanta. This poem is titled The Equalizer. My dad and I talk most Sundays since I'm far away. He's worried about me. I say, Dad, I'm alright. God keeps me safe. We talk about various subjects, including men. Well, not anymore since I'm divorced. My dad gives good advice. He always talks about his accidents, since he came close to death repeatedly. He wants to write a book too, called The Life of an Angel. He's one of 13 siblings, black and Puerto Rican. It's funny watching my parents talk. They have stories of how they met and when my dad pulled out a machete on two men. And when the man who liked my mom put voodoo on him. He describes hanging from a ledge in the rain. My mom thought he was insane, but I believe him. You should see his face when he describes it. Their stories are funny. They remind me of a 70s movie. He helped me financially when I was separated and encouraged me to move on. He's the reason why I called it quits, along with Trent Shelton and Tony Gaskins. He calls after he watches the show 60 minutes, then goes to sleep. Thanks, Dad.

SPEAKER_03 2:18

Hello. No one is available to take your call. Please leave a message after the tone.

SPEAKER_02 2:25

Hey daughter. Sorry I missed your birthday yesterday, but I've been exhausted. Still no excuse, but I love you and hopefully you forgive me and call me back, okay?

SPEAKER_01 2:43

Good morning, Jordan.