Caged Culture
By Christopher Zambrano, Jr.
Living in a cell or cubicle I came to a realization that the undersized area is my temporary domain. This may be the only place I find privacy. I say “may” because it is not promised, it is not guaranteed. People walking by looking in my space just to be nosey, or old school stopping by asking for hot water and a shot of coffee. What did I get myself into! I give a small chuckle.
Although I do not prefer the “Caged Culture,” I became accustomed to it. I learned to read people. I learned the lingo. I learned the game.
Anticipating exiting a door, packed like sardines, if I did not know better, I would consider myself an animal about to be herded. Wait! Does the system want me to feel like an animal? Degraded, embarrassed. Not I but may others have fallen victim. I give a small chuckle.
Although I do not prefer the “Caged Culture”, I became accustomed to it. I learned to read people. I learned the lingo. I learned the game.
Is it arranged for me to lose? Maybe so. The guards and administration stick together, the gangs stick together, even the religious groups stick together. Where do I fit in? Welcome to no-man’s land where only the mentally strong survive. Having muscles does not get you through this, having physical power and strength does not get you through this. But they will learn. I give a small chuckle.
Although I do not prefer the “Caged Culture”, I became accustomed to it. I learned to read people. I learned the lingo. I had no choice but to learn the game.
Speaking To The Younger Me
By Christopher Zambrano, Jr.
As I conversate with the younger me, I notice the affliction and despair in my eyes. A confused teenage with no understanding of my purpose. I’m blind to the positive side of life. There is no optimism. There is no enthusiasm. I’m full of rage and pride that can only be described as dangerous.
What’s the reason I have the mindset of a menace? Who or what am I so disturbed with?
As I ask these questions, the younger me stares blankly at me and says, “I’ve been abandoned. I’ve been hurt. No one cares so why should I care. Someone has to pay for me feeling this way. I’ll make people care. I’ll make people notice me.”
I replied, “You don’t have to live like this. You are worth more than you know. You have value. If only you knew what your future looked like, would you make a change?”
With the same stare, the younger me says, “Who are you to tell me these things? You don’t know me. You will probably let me down like everyone else. I cannot trust you.” I look at my younger self and feel the frustration and lonesomeness. Having to display that macho demeanor. It saddens me to see myself so disoriented, but the younger me is right. Who am I? I love the younger me and hope one day I make a positive transformation.
I’m betting I will.
That Man
By Christopher Zambrano, Jr.
That man is like no other.
That man accepts all challenges.
That man views things for what they are.
That man has an optimistic way of thinking.
That man understands the importance of communication.
That man knows teamwork accomplishes many tasks.
That man prepares for the future.
That man enjoys many forms of art.
That man educates himself and others.
That man inspires his family.
That man is shown favor from God.
That man creates his own opportunities.
That man brings value to people around him.
That man sets realistic goals.
That man cherishes his family.
That man always finds positive ways to elevate.
The man is a servant leader.
The man possesses a certain grit about himself.
The man embraces the man he faces in the mirror.
That man acknowledges his flaws and need for correction.
That man invests times and energy in himself and others.
That man builds up, instead of tears down.
That man stays true to his word.
That man is passionate about his work.
The man was not always that man.
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