After a series of unfortunate and tragic losses I sat one day and pondered my life. I realized that in my 35 years I had never told anyone that I loved or appreciated them at the  right time. I let the golden opportunities to say 'thank you' or 'I cherish you' pass me by instead opting for the indebted and belated moments. I like to think my actions have  spoken volumes to my beloveds, but the truth is the only time I opened up to the people I love was when I stood over their caskets. I was long overdue to tell my endeared  family and friends how I felt. I would rectify this immediately. And not by purchasing greeting cards or meaningless gifts. I would talk to each and every treasured soul.  I could see this was becoming a very grand gesture. Indeed, too grandiose of an occasion for me to waste on a November evening. Instead I decided to save it as my only New Year's Resolution.

And Tony would be the first person I called. He's done so much for me over the years. His friendship is irreplaceable. I wouldn't trade him for a Mega Million Lotto ticket worth 300 million dollars.  And who wouldn't want that ticket? Tony's a guy I'd trust to marry my sister. He's the best roll model I've ever had and he knows all my dirty secrets. He's got keys to my house for God's sake. And I deeply regret never telling him how much I value his friendship. I could see his face in my head when I called him up and declared what he would certainly find hysterical. I anticipated a condescending response of, "Sure man. Whatever."

Refreshed by my plans, I started for the bathroom to shower and head out for a show. As I was going up the stairs I was startled by the dark and shadowy figure of a man standing at the top of the stairs. He was very tall, dressed in black, wearing the mask of a skeleton and a hooded coat. He charged toward me waving a long knife in his hand. Stepping back quickly I lost my balance and toppled down the staircase. He kept coming at me. Oh shit! This nigga is going to rob me! I immediately feared for the safety of my
valuables. I would have to fight this bastard for my plasma screen TV.

Weary from the fall, it was hard for me to regain my footing.  I scratched at the tile as I began to crawl on the floor.  I tried to move quickly while my assailant seemed to slow his pace. He sensed my injury and knew he didn't have to rush. I was doing all of his work for him. Here I was wailing on the floor and he hadn't even touched me yet. I tried to pull myself up on a table but I didn't have the strength. Still, I had to find a way to fight. My unexpected guest seemed to be smiling at me. All my years of high cholesterol and smoking had to be hindering me now. A few years ago, I would've boxed this guy's ears off by now. Instead, I started to throw things to keep him away with his large knife. Nevertheless, he continued to advance toward the corner of the floor I had slumped into.

Without my knowing, Tony had let himself in. He had been standing there motionless watching the whole thing. He didn't even go after the guy! He just kept asking me if I was alright. Granted, I didn't need Tony to fight my battles but he could have at least fetched my gun for me. I was trying to tell him to run but I was too weak to speak. I could only convulse and gasp for air. The intruder was now standing over me. I had to find the inner strength to fight him. I had to dig deep…deeper than I ever have before. I used to be an athlete. I can do this. I balled my fist up tightly. I only need one good punch…He pointed his boney finger at my shoulder. But he must have clocked me good because like that- I was knocked the fuck out!

The sound of Tony's screams to a 911 operator woke me up. The prowler was gone. I felt fine and I told Tony to calm down. "Did he take my TV?" I asked. But Tony didn't respond. He just kept screaming and pressing his clasped hands against my chest. I stood up to show him I was ok. I checked my pockets to see if my cash was still there. They felt flat and empty. I looked down and saw my body laid out on the floor. Tears streaming down his face, Tony held my cold dead hand. Then it hit me... ... ...I fought death, Mr. Grim Reaper himself and lost. I tried to reach out to Tony but was blinded by the bright light that beamed in front of me.  As I walked into eternity I thought only of my unfulfilled resolution. 

Only thing that's promise is death- it's never late and always too soon!

by
wil sylvince

R.I.P. Adara Almonte 
R.I.P. Rasheed