What a time to be alive. If I haven't before understood that time is relative, well I understand it now. Understand it less profound, and now is all that exists. We no longer recognize one another in these different masks. No longer feel threatened by a covered face, even if it's black. And yes, I remember a time before this. Before COVID-19 and live it 24-7. I remember complacency shrouded in normalcy, and ignorance the bliss one seeks. I was black before, and now it appears that everyone sees me. Before, prayer had me on my knees. We all see in the dark now. We've been see-through, born ghost in chalk outlines, seemingly born laying down. But I've always stood in love's transparency. Always been the magic in black. Always the night that brings the stars. Always the breath in life's lungs. Living life while I'm alive. Now look at where we are. We're alive, just trying to live. Trying to do it one more time, and give it one more chance. Born into fear, and dying by the hands of someone on their phone or in their privilege. Because I walked, or ran, or stood, or I took a stand. And if I haven't understood before that these lessons hold with them gifts. As hard as it is to comprehend hate, it may be hard to understand this, but we must give. Give ourselves a break. Give to your life. Give to you and yours. Love is something they can't take. We've been see-through, born ghost in chalk outlines, seemingly born laying down. But I've always stood in love's transparency. We can't take this pain with us. All we have is love. And it ain't on the other cheek. Meek ain't never met weak. What a time to be in love. For beyond this life, and certainly beyond time, love. Love is what will save us from it all.