30 Comments
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Nakisa Glover's avatar

"Also, stop doing balloon releases. It’s really bad for the environment!!" And while we're at it the balloon arches can go too. There are so many other ways to honor your loved ones. Back to the main point... this was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing.

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Seeeeeee you get it lmao! Let’s get back to pouring libations and saying “This is for my homies” 😭😭 Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate it! 🫶🏿💙

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Nakisa Glover's avatar

Libations and songs!!! D.R.S did a whole song "I pour a 40 to your memories" That reminds me of Bone Thugs too. I'm saying song is a blueprint on how to do it.

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Exactly that!

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King Jedi's avatar

This was a hard read, because so much of it resonates.

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Thank you for reading and I’m glad it resonated with you. It was a tough thing to accept and wrote about, but releasing it was necessary 😮‍💨😮‍💨

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King Jedi's avatar

I hope/ I'm glad you got what you need from the release

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MeraBaid's avatar

Wow! This is so beautiful! I wrote a long response about it and lost it. I will try again on the web.

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MeraBaid's avatar

Wow this is beautiful! The subject matter is so rarely explored and you hit the nail on the nuances. The photos were so well chosen. The line about balloon releases gave a good laugh just because its you peeking out of the prose in the best way possible…and the poem…I have no words…its so good, and I feel you on writing something before you pick up on its true purpose, especially with poetry!

You have a wonderful gift and I feel so grateful I get to witness it!

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Mera!!!! Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate it! I had to put that line in there 😂Because people need to quit with the balloon releases 😭Seeee you get it! I be like why am I writing this one and then the answer just pops out of nowhere.

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MeraBaid's avatar

Sometimes it takes me a year or more before I get it but its just as powerful and surprising for me! And I feel you on the balloons!

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

The way a poem I wrote back in 2012 kept running through my mind the other day and I was like Oh, so that’s what this is? 😭💀😂

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Danielle's avatar

I just read this and man it touched me! I have had an off and on breakup situation with a woman im still friends with smh. All of what you said especially the grief existing even when you are with and around the person. So much has changed and yes I grieve what used to be and have some fear of what life looks like in a new experience. Well done Shawn!

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

I’m glad this resonates with you. I still don’t know what’s next, and I’ve learned to not be so afraid of it and trust the process. Focusing on self helps me feel comfortable with the unknown and look forward to whoever and whatever comes next.

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Cocoblue's avatar

Sir? This is the most beautiful, purest piece of work I have read since I have been on this platform. I have been married many, many years and this resonated with me on so many levels. My heart splattered all up and through here. Wow wow wow. You are a beast with the pen. KNOW this 💙

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿 Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Your comment just made my day for real. I’m glad it resonated with you. Marriage is a contract and sometimes we got to renegotiate the terms. 😮‍💨

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Saint Trey Wooden's avatar

Beautiful writing. I’m blessed that this came across my timeline 🙏🏾

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Thank you! I really appreciate it! I’m happy this piece found its way to you! 🙌🏿🙏🏿🫶🏿

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Rhea Daniel's avatar

This is a blue manchild

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Rhea Daniel's avatar

Also there was a story “Manchild in the Promise Land”that chronicled experiences.

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Ah gotcha! Thank you so much for explaining it! Yes, please restock if you find it. I’m very interested in reading about it!

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Rhea Daniel's avatar

If I find the pic or story I will restack or post

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

I don’t understand this reference 😭

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Rhea Daniel's avatar

Picture of a blue boy and also on BlackStack there is a story about a family heirloom that is based on The Blue Boy.

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Ri's avatar

"And maybe when the healing started is when the grieving process started too." Wow, that resonated so crazy. Love takes so many forms and at times in one connection. It transforms, it grows, and that makes sense because as people, we do the same. But it doesn't take away from the hurt and grief that comes with it. I loved this.

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and it resonated. Yes! Often times people see it as the end of the relationship when all it takes is conversation and a renegotiation of what was agreed upon. That looks different for everyone. But definitely had to hold space for what used to be so that I can enjoy what we are now and be ready for what comes next.

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Dr. Aleea Zamani's avatar

Love all of this.. hits deep.. thank you! 🖤

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Mandisa Mosi's avatar

This was beautiful! My favorite picture was the personal one at the end.. I love the inspiration

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the read.🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿 It’s interesting because I walk by that bench everyday and never noticed the message, but it was meant for me to see on Monday. And I was like, message received 🙌🏿👌🏿

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Shawn Taylor's avatar

Thank you! I’m glad it resonated! I appreciate your support 🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿

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