Dear Hannah,

My songs help me talk to "me" about "me".

They teach, train, correct, rebuke, encourage, inspire, restore, and motivate me.

I don't like being exploited, marginalized, disrespected, and overlooked.

I get that a lot ... too much.

I don't like to be used.

I get that a lot ... too much.

I don't like to waste time on empty, one-sided relationships.

I get that a lot ... too much.

I don't like being asked to be part of the solution - without being able to help define the problem.

I get that a lot ... too much.

It does make me appreciate others who might be treated worse.

I hope it makes me pay more attention to the way I treat people.

I pray that it inspires mercy, grace, patience, and empathy more than enmity.

The convenient choices about listening to our voices do not fool me.

We are fooled much too easily ... usually because we think we know ... sometimes because we only care about what we care about.

All I know is that we don't know.

You see what you think you saw.

You want what you think you want.

They did what they think they did.

They meant what you think they meant.

But a mind is a terrible thing to have.

You may have your eyes on the wrong prize.

Mine eyes have seen the promised land.

I have seen the finish line.

I pray that I stay focused, and stay in the race.

I know I'll be alright.

I ain't goin' nowhere.

Love,

Daddy

(Author of "A Long Walk … Towards Care, Concern, Respect, and Advocacy")