Hitting Back is something that originated a decade ago. A way for me to connect my observations on life, music, poetry, and sports.
“Florescent Sky”
By Derek Felix
The florescent sky
Can take you real high
Into a special place
Lighting up your face
It overlooks everything
Making us say anything
Things look smaller from up here
You can feel it in the air
The trippy colors are a canvas
To a new work that captivates us
It’s all in the unique design
That paints this town so fine
We can see a clearer picture
And discover a lovely fixture
It’s quite something to behold
Even when it’s dark out, it’s very bold
I suppose it’s appropriate that I’m listening to 2Pac tonight. It was a brief while ago that I learned that a former coworker I knew passed away recently on Facebook. 😞😓
At our old job, I can honestly say some of my best times were spent working a couple of seats over from Kola. A kindhearted, intelligent and funny person who always brought positive energy to the workplace. On days the job was challenging, he was a bundle of fresh air.
When I reflect back on the few years we worked together at the call center here in Shaolin, those were fun times. I always felt his enthusiasm rubbed off in our row. True enough, that’s when I was most successful.
It wasn’t just about making money on commission though. There were interesting stories and intriguing dialog that made those days fun. You didn’t feel as stressed. You could do the job with a smile or laugh.
It is stunning that he’s no longer with us. As recent as last year, I caught up with Kola. As it turned out, we shared a common issue involving mental health. Anxiety and depression can make life very challenging. Especially over the last year. I still struggle with all the strict enforcement of masks because I have trouble breathing in the masks when the weather warms up. Mental Health Awareness is not being covered enough.
When he reached out to me, I was there to help out the best I could. It was good to catch up. He was very open and honest about some of the health problems he was dealing with. I just never thought a year later, I’d be writing this.
Kola wasn’t very old. I can still remember turning out for his 25th birthday. He was so appreciative even though I made it towards the end. That’s the kind of good soul he was. It honestly feels like a bad dream. The second coworker we’ve lost over six months. Both extremely nice and funny.
I just wish I had known. What if I’d kept in touch? It had been about a year since we last saw each other. Good chats while discussing our anxiety issues. Plus other stuff. Of course, maybe there was nothing I could’ve done. It just hits different. I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to his family.
How I wish this didn’t happen. It seems like only the good ones go early. It’s crazy. Given my own personal demons, I learned long ago never to take any day for granted. Whether it’s good or bad, they all count the same. It MATTERS!
We are all day-to-day. Some days are better than others. I wish my friend the peace from the pain and suffering he experienced. But I also wish he was still here. I hurt for his family and friends. Those who knew him knew what a down to earth person he truly was. Authentic in every sense.
It hurts. I feel terrible. 😪 I want to dedicate another 2Pac song to conclude this tribute post.
RIP 🙏 Kola
“In A Flash” Fea. Luniz I Got 5 On It (Instrumental)
by Derek Felix
One day I saw you for the very first time
Damn right I knew I wanted to make you mine
You had that sick flow with the rhythm and rhyme
A unique style and profile that made you so fine
You would show up and time would stand still
Heads would turn to see you cause looks could kill
Had it all from head to toe you broke my will
I’d take you on a roller coaster ride just for the cheap thrill
We would go up and down until the end of time
Me admiring your work of art and design
And that pleasant smile that never lost its shine
I would like to taste you and sip your fine wine
I’d get down on my knees as if to propose
Cause that’s how witty and pretty you are your rose
The one that’s ruby red lips like cherry all good to go
You light up like Broadway dancing to the beat in this show
In a flash
You lit up the sky
In a flash
You took me so high
I couldn’t get down
From your mesmerizing sight
No somber days with you around
Your sparkling cider makes it alright
Let’s make it last forever
And I promise we’ll be together
HITTING BACK 