Welcome to another edition of This Should Have Been an Email. A weekly publication where I masterfully write about everything (and nothing at all).
If you have paid attention to my last letters, you know I am aiming to write at least one short fictional story per month. In January, I wrote a lengthy tale about a boy and a ghost and the true story of the day I spontaneously learned to throw a knuckleball.
Beyond the therapeutic benefit of writing and sharing these things, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your reactions. To realise that I can move you with these ramblings, as clumsy as they are at times, is a remarkable feeling.
(It’s also nice to know that someone is reading. Screaming into the void is not fun!)
This week I had to get a bit creative to work around the fact that I didn’t have enough time to write a loooong story.
How creative, exactly? Well, very.
I decided not to write a story, at all.
Instead…
I wrote lyrics for a “song”.
I can’t tell if the result is good or bad, but I had a lot of fun. I often improvise and write silly songs in Spanish; it’s been cool to discover I am not totally incompetent when writing in English.
I wrote the lyrics with this beat in mind, so maybe if you play it in the background as you read them, they will come alive.
Can you rap this song for me?
I’m feeling stressed since I started doing our Lord’s work.
You know, it seems he can’t be bothered these days.
I’ve got the bible, the prayers, and my family’s guilt,
all nicely packed inside this hole in my chest
If I do well even the devil will be forgiven;
there will be no tears in front of anyone’s grave.
I will be different, I will go the distance, for real I promise!
I am gonna save you and clean the whole bloody mess.
Today I smiled because Tony didn’t feel like stealing
I know he’s struggling lately, I can see the beatings.
The bruise on his neck tells me that his dad is back,
But what’s another stripe for a tiger - just another scar?
To save the world you better start by saving yourself,
but if I am beyond salvation, maybe I could start with a friend?
I will start with Tony, then his bro’ Eddie and even John.
They will be happy - no more fighting, no more evenings alone.
Sounds like a plan, God, what do you say?
Would you watch over me if I am far away?
If Lucy comes screaming because her kids are gone
Would you sell me as you did to your other son?
Since you are not talking, I have nothing else to discuss.
Tony is waiting so I will be leaving on the next bus.
There is plenty of seating - for once I want to seat at the front,
maybe the driver knows why life is unjust.
We must be close 'cause the bus has started to slow down.
The brakes are screeching. Like my spirit, they are worn out.
We are not there yet man, from here I cannot see my home.
“Long time no see, boy” said Lucy softly as she jumped on.
My eyes are furious, my heart is racing, but I can’t talk.
Sooner than later, the time to meet with Jack has come.
Passengers cry. Behind me, there is a boy who is screaming.
Geez, I really am sorry you shared a bus with me this evening
Is this my fault? The same tragedy will be repeating?
Screw that, I will break the cycle or I will stop breathing.
I am not a saviour but my feelings are complex:
If I save others, then we are all forgiven, and god bless.
But Lucy is ruthless - her hand thrust the hole in my chest.
My heart stopped beating; there is no more life, only dead flesh.
Who did you save? Was it worth it to play the fool?
Who brainwashed you? Your mum? Church? Maybe your school?
A brat like you could never save someone from the trigger
Cause' the true redemption is to save the person in the mirror.
And we are done!
What do you think? Would Kendrick Lamar be interested in rapping my song?
Rhyming is difficult but incredibly fun when you get it sort of right. I strongly encourage you to play a beat in the background while reading these lyrics and see if you can find the rhythm and cadence to make it work.
It’s great to see music come alive!
You will find me in your inbox next Wednesday. Who knows what nonsense I will write then?
In the meantime, remember to:
Drink water and reduce the sodium intake in your diet.
Call and message your loved ones.
Mind the gap between the train and the platform.
Peace out, bruh.
C.