I have heard from a number of people the powerful speech that Anthony gave last Friday. His speech was about some of his life's journey and what needed to change. In our conversations he is thankful for those that believe in him especially his Ignite family. Here is his story!

RUSH TO GROW

"When I was younger I wasn't able to talk back to my elders, even when I did, no matter who was around to see it, I would get slapped out as punishment. At that time we didn't have cellphones(or smartphones), internet, and unlike now a days we actually socialized, we had adventures. For fun we would run on rooftops, egg people's houses, follow the BMX trails and dirt ramps, or simply we would all chill in front of the library waiting for the circle van to come through and hand out sandwiches around midnight. It was the happy and good days. I met my first girlfriend at 14 but I didn't knock her up (get her pregnant). Then I found love at 17 and we moved in with each other but I also worked for both of us, trying my hardest to give what she wants.

Now a days I see most of these youngsters being so disrespectful, no discipline, no one to teach them what this life is about. All they see is violence on the news and media, or surrounded by drunks and hanging out with the local drug dealers. Us carrying weapons for protection only pollutes the mind of these younger generations, so they get the picture in their head to think that its cool to carry a gun,knife, bear mace or even yet to kill a man. I see 13 year olds throwing up gang signs, snorting coke, throwing down their 10 dollars for a drink. All this while their 15 year old brother is already getting girls pregnant and mistreating them or dropping out of school and getting locked up. These are the type that has a mother as a drunk and no father to lead them into the important role of being a MAN such as how to treat a woman, how to keep shelter over their heads, how to earn an honest living instead of slanging drugs.

These days it's the other way around because at 17 the women are the ones taking care of the man, putting food on the table and keeping THEM warm. Its like this every day in North Central and its getting worse. We need to show positive visions. We need to change ourselves to keep this community strong, but I am not saying to change this very second but to plan down the road in a month or two. So drink your last bit of liquor and be a role model for our younger generation because these brain washed innocent fresh teens are throwing their lives away in to much of a "rush to grow".

Anthony Geddes

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A Flower Unlike Its Neighbors

On the land that doesn't hold the sun

So gloomy and swamp like

In the field that doesn't grow none but one

shines in the spot-light

As it stands beautiful with my attention

I wonder what possessed it in the most tragic

proving miracles happen

A pick to keep a friend

surrounded by difference

so brave to spout without fear

a speak for deliverance

the last of its kind in the clear

the only color caption

swinging at the winds

a wrong growth and adaptation

I can't see how the footprints

A flower unlike its neighbors.

Anthony Geddes

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I spent some time today with my Apprentice, Anthony from Ignite Adult Learning Corporation. I continue to be impressed with his growth as a human being and with his ability to put his thoughts and feelings into words. As a result we will now call this section of the TalentC Blog - Anthony's Corner. Here is his next contribution!

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Dear Big Sister,

Who been there since Birth

Who seen me grown

Who helped me through much pain and hurt when I was alone

Showed much respect I'll never forget like shelter, heat and food to eat,

The only Sis who helped me stand back on my feet when time were weak,

There's no Sis that exists to resist not to help out a Bro,

Mama made sure our bond is strong as she let us go,

and even though we fought I was taught a main lesson learned,

That a big sister of mine is "a blessing earned."

Written by: Anthony Geddes

Today was an awesome day! I met with my Apprentice from Ignite Adult Learning Corporation. I along with a number of truly blessed volunteers are mentors for Apprentices that are part of the Mentor Program that Ignite has in place. I am inspired by the challenges that my Apprentice is dealing with and the manner in which he is tackling them keeping his eyes on the goals that he has set for himself.

In our conversations today he shared his love of writing poetry with me. I was truly inspired by his gift and encouraged him to share his message with others either through a blog site of his own or perhaps in the creation of a book. I thought that it was only fitting to share with you one of his poems:

RESURRECTED:

with all the emotional Impact

while knowing strength on earth is long gone

I weep silently at the fact its difficult to hold up strong

The help of family pushing a worm through a rotten fruit

Happiness smothered with crystal tears

nothing but the desert of devils route

the last of its kind in the clear

pits of hell approach like memory

flames reach stab and wound

fragile sorrow's rage endlessly

full evolved butterfly still cocoon

when all hope was lost in a place so black

A soul of angel crossing the wrong path

the flows of the heavens light

once a crazy carnage now the givin life from the lords might

Anthony Geddes

References:

1. Anthony Geddes - Ignite Adult Learning Corporation Apprentice, March 21, 2014