My final will and testament

                Obituary for Robert Morton

Sunrise- November 28, 1983                    Sunset- January 1, 2010

 

Robert Morton was born to Robert Pitts and Angela Morton. Graduated from Withrow High School, in 2002. Robert always showed an interest in music, and ministry. Robert entered Central State University, in August of 2002; and majored in Political Science and Psychology. Robert was active amongst the student body, as was a resident advisor for Foundation Hall II and Williamson Hall. Always one who was concerned for the well being of others, he actively assisted in the retention of his peers and their achievement. Robert's focus was always on others to the point that he had to be reminded that he was also a student. In May, of 2007 Robert graduated from Central State University with a B.S. and B.A. in Psychology and Political Science respectively. 2007 brought a dynamic shift Robert, he moved away from family and to the Peach State of Georgia. He enrolled in Emory University, with plans of getting his J.D and M.Div degree's. He united with Beulah Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Jerry D. Black. He leaves to cherish his ministry and life, his parents, Robert(Carmen) Pitts Jr., Angela Morton, Grandparents, LaVera Durham, Vince Morton; Robert Pitts Sr. ; Rose Thompson. Brothers, Michael, Rico Morton, Juan Whittaker, Amir Pitts; sisters, Angela Y. Morton, twins. A host of nephews, cousin and relatives.

It is my express wish to be cremated and have my remains scattered. I don't wish to have a funeral service of any caliber, I lived alone, those who had a chance to tell me how they did, did so or did not, and there is no logical reason for people to waste time in the house of God, shedding pseudo tears for someone, no one cared to call and check on. If death has become my life, allow me to go in peace, and cherish what few memories there are. Allow me the decency to die in peace, since I did not live in it. These are my express and intentional wishes; please destroy all papers that I have, give my books to Central State University library. All my clothing is to be given to Beulah church, for distribution to needy families. Any other material possessions are to be given to the goodwill. Any money that is left should be donated to Beulah to continue their mission in assisting those in need. Give my money away freely; nothing that I had was mines to keep. Lastly, my name and estate is to be given to the state of Louisiana as a trust; to aid in bringing back African American hurricane Katrina victims and giving them a home. Not one penny of my money, now or future is to be given to any living relative, other than my nephews. Eternally my own… Robert Morton.

This Time......

I have been the recipient of grace and mercy over the span of 9,490 days, within this time, I have wrestled with many strong situations and several heartache's; heartbreaks and my share of brokenness. I have discovered, that there has been many times, whereas giving up would have been the easy way out. Giving up, in this aspect means, to let go of life, things and the people within in it, in effort to keep a hold of self. When one gets accustomed to midnight experiences, one either grows or diminishes in outlook on life. Either they view life from a victims perspective; seeing life as a burden, constantly hurt by people's acts and emotionally rigid; or one becomes potent in their quest not only overcome but to exceed their own expectations. Now in the span of this time, I have heard some things that have challenged my view of God, self and time. I could not and would not be honest with you if I submitted in the radius of these words a confession that ; God has never faced the auctioning block in my mind and heart. In the midnight hours, away from clash and clamor of our inner circles, far away from the noise of our conscious; one wrestles with the divine-ness of our creator; does he exist, is there one who in the delight of the moment, created a cadre of people in his/her likeness to just watch over, be praised by, exhorted by. Is it possible that God is a narcissist totally enamored with himself to the extent that he would allow me to come in this world, be broken by the people and issues of this world; give me a mind to think; in essence, thinking to a point of isolation; thinking to place of ultimate solitary. What is there about this relationship between God and man, that allows man to breathe the sweet and savor the taste of ultimate freedom, but somehow or another be engendered with an untimely call towards a higher power. To most this note wont make sense; to them life is simple as waking, breaking and baking. Yet for me, i live constantly in-between several inescapable realities. One is my ultimate incline for a better tomorrow; then there is the matter of keeping the faith, against all odds, that is a strange suggestion to say the least. I have often wondered, when I find myself in a volatile situation, will my real faith stand up. Two of my Inescapable realities is living in between the established "life is" examined and explicated by Langston Hughes "Mother to Son" and the "If" that Rudyard educated us about. Living in between those two dimensions can become a struggle, but not one that is not worth living nevertheless. To be Continued

All Roads Political- My Quick Commentary

I've taken my time, to build concrete thoughts, based on facts. Things that lay ahead in this post might offend or make you uncomfortable. The purpose of this post is to bring about a constructive dialog between people who don't mind using their heads.

Fact, Obama has brought in a new era in politics, this can be substantiated by his election.

He (Obama) appealed to peoples intellect, that there is something still purposeful in being an American, and a reason for us to have "Hope". He has made and attempt to make the government work for the people, a government that in recent years has continued to use its authority in ways to demean and debunk the constitution. Lets see, what are the key issues of the day, that we are talking about, that we did not come up let's say 8 years ago.

Health care- America is the only industrialized nation, who makes its citizens pay to live. Our health is based on class versus other factors. Democrats have killed the agenda, infighting and bickering, has delayed a progressive approach that Democrats have been attempting to champion for years. Obama came into with clear vision, although non specific, but the fact is people he had a vision, that entailed making peoples lives a lot less stressful. The Republicans, have failed to produce anything meaningful in the area. Their plans focus on tort reforms, which amount to a myopic cost reduction. Additionally, they discuss allowing people to travel across state line, how, and who will be able to do this. Their plans, insure the insurance companies pockets continue to thicken, as Granny has to choose between, that knee replacement, breast exam and chicken fried rice with evaporated milk.

My prognosis- Obama needs to call a meeting with the entire Democratic Delegation. Either you will do, accept the agenda, with provision or your part of their faction. No need to continue to fight, either you want people to have access to healthcare, and your willing to do something to augment the status quo or not.

The Baucus Bill leaves too much out, and the Public option- Opt out, is actually a good measure for conservative democrats. But at the end of the day, THERE IS NO REASON, FOR US TO LEAVE THIS TABLE EMPTY HANDED.

In the interest of your reading, I will not indulge any other issues with great detail, but will say, that as a independent voter and thinker. I feel OBAMA has done more in these past 10 months, to advance this country to the next level, than the eight years Bush had, 4 illegally, and 4 built on pity.

The only meaningful legislation in my estimation was " Every Child Left Behind" I cite this because at least, he realized there needed to be a change, although his plan did not succeed in financially backing the districts it was a start.

Finally, the Nobel Peace Prize, Obama got it based on his "Hope" Message, if he was not good at articulation, he is also good at association. He spoke to groups who were not willing to associate with USA. He has changed our Global standing, he has given credence to the idea, that countries can work together for increased productivity versus bantering and violence. Let us embrace this award as a call to action for him. A note permanently in the oval office, letting him know that he should not be weary in well doing, for in due season, we ( the american people) shall reap if we faint not. Lastly, his inability to have anything in concrete is not because of his choice, but because he walked into Washington, with hope, met by the sinister and overall political machine not willing to change for the betterment of the american people.

A Manifesto for Progression- in progress....... some poetry, some thoughts

One often wrestles with their own internal struggles before,

the viewing public or the listening free, ever see the results of pent up frustration,

that "one" tried to ignore.

The many nights one stayed up, trying to shut that door, to the issues and the setbacks, that were no long set of knick knacks, but were instead to the true self indeed.

One may quizzically suggest, that the easiest way around the problem, is to rid ones self of the nest.

In order to be stronger, the baby chick must fight his way through, the membrane, of which his strength and protection once grew.

Were then told that life, gives us, only what we can take, but more than ever, we seem to suggest to our kin, life's able to show you, what's its, and what it can break.

Its in this vein, that one attempts to scale back the pain of yesteryear,

to only be left with a clearer view and stain of with holographic life fear.

That one's future lays not in his or her hands, but at the knee's of economic fears and cloudy dimensions of the World's Financial Hands.

While in the picture of life's scheme we are left to assume, that our images are not implicit but rather somewhat of a costume. Put it on during the day,wear it right, if things go good, you might withstand the night. No dreams here, acceptable anytime. Commit to the culture, if you expect to make a dime. Is it possible to dream in a land that so richly flows, from one stream of wealth to the lake of health and hardship woes. Can one still admit and be sure, that for all is worth, it's possible to saved and still knock on trouble's door.

How does one move to the next level? A question pondered daily. Richly cultured, abundantly stacked. What level achieves more than that. When we posit this question of movement, are we really asking for a closer relationship to the triune or a better lifestyle of the rich and famous, to allow one to mark items, as got it and buy it soon. A culture of conformity, I richly admit, will walk past the homeless, and the beggars and dying, in effort to ignore the truth, millions of babies are still hungry and crying. Walk past the filth and squalor of the street and sit in the diner, for a steak medium rare, mild and light heat. Shake hands with them and they'll cringe is that suit made from a wool blend? No wonder, people wrestle over God's existence, if God be true, could people animate his example and exhibit pure love. Love the one with the cleft chin, wool coot in the summer, scruffy beard, for your encounter with him, could be your chance to face your fear. Love the woman, whose youth is gone, pale complexion, details the stale affection, that her worry has caused. See her, in the midst of the crowd, walking but stressing about the 5 mouths she has to feed at the house, the minimum wage wont feed the girls and bustling boys, health coverage non existence, that cough wont leave and the neck pain wont give no reprieve. She like many of us, had dreams, dried up in her bad decisions, smoked out by her lack of provision, but does love learn, and does love progress, for days, she presses through the crowd no thought on her on wise, yet in this bustling city, could'nt someone look and see her, and help her. I prophetically suggest, that until, she see's peace from her rest, until she realizes the dream our formothers and fathers birthed, bloody with their appeal to Zion. No need to escalate to another level, no need to gather up possessions for the long haul, God's love reaches from gutter to gutter. leaps from broken to broken. Cone was right to suggest, that these must be the people God associates with, because the other, could do well without God. No need to Call on God, when you never had a pain in the midnight that would not move, nah, no need for him, when life has been a crystal stair, not trying to offend those, who have enjoyed the milk and honey that this land had given, but to those whose mouths have been parched in the meantime, those whose lives has been built on the stony ground. There is Respite, if you cannot free your soul, then free your mind, for God still walks with the downtrodden, he still sups with the beggar, he still kneel's with the lame and yes God appeals to the criminally and ineligible insane. God neither naps or sleeps, at the though of his children, her children, going hungry, and yearning for a school lunch that wont last past 6th period. We hope flights across the seas, to feed the needs of our ego's adopt the color but not the creed. Yet here at home in the states, there are plenty of needs that are left outside the gates, can we move on, i say no, til the righteous indignation, moves from words to in living color show. Show them, that we care, give them love even in their times of physical despair. Our needy are not some else's their our own, their me, their you, their see. even her, even him. yup them too, the jones's have went into foreclosure and the reeds are living in tent city, while the millers and grants seek gentrification, to be closer to the city, the soil is better and so are the plants.

The Right to be Crazy

The Right to be Crazy

If crazy is the willingness to leap out of the ideological box of regularity,
If crazy is deemed to be unwilling to accept all things normal
If crazy is the need to go deeper and stay longer
If crazy is the need to find a foundation, that is my own,
then I might be, just might be, in the confines of your construct of craziness.
If my unusual behavior, disturbs or offends, and the quirky nature of my attitude,
defies the trend, then maybe , just maybe, I am as you observe, crazy.
My attitude is subtle to change not based on the atmosphere but the sphere of mentality, that I am in, I am not ashamed to fend off past the fences of normalcy, and engage the deep woods of thought, I might be, just maybe, as you would observe as crazy.
Sometimes my questions veer off the edge of reason, and I ponder the answer,
often my issues are deeper than emotion and my flair is more than an effect of my inner commotion. Sometimes, I dwell on my dreams longer than my eyes stay closed, sometimes as you speak, I see versions of my imagination divinely unfold. So yea , I may be, just maybe as you say Crazy.
If Crazy is the right to walk in and out of season, at my minds own cognitive melody, and seize the moments arrested in development with symphonic harmony.
Then maybe, just maybe I am as you see crazy.
Not ashamed to make mistakes, or laugh when I engage a fake, not solemn in dignity, to ignore the issues of human indemnity.
Not sold on occasion, on the stakes of history but bold enough to watch the hangers dwindle in their seamless victories.
Cast away as non resolute or somewhat aloof, don't get it twisted, my access to the hangar of common knowledge hinges on my level of supremacy.
Maybe these words will live to engage, some young sage person of inner rage, whose only focus in life has been to do better, and think harder as a go getter.
Some misspoke your future as mess, when their minds were calculating your loss, were wrong all the more and failed themselves more or less.
No rhythm more genuine than your own, the beats, drum on through you mind, as the words anxious and surreal linger on.
They say Crazy is as Crazy does, keep thinking I'm Crazy as I mount the clouds with my thoughts and use the mountains for propulsion to leap off to a height never seen, and a depth never experienced, so maybe , just maybe I have earned the right to be crazy!

Some things to Ponder

I wrestle with myself on a daily basis. I am sure God has to have something in store for me. I feel more lost now than found. I sing his praises, I utter his word, even when I dont see revealed truth. I know you all often read this and say, why is this boy always ranting about stress, I must admit, I, am fond of Jeremiah, for not being willing, to shut in his distress with God's uneven hand. I burden so much in life, and attempt to carry others burdens up the hill only to stumble myself. I often prided myself on the inability of people to handle me, now I sit frustrated here in Atlanta another summer in a similar situation as last. Where is the progression, what am I doing wrong, what should I do? are all constant rings in this telephone of life. I attempt to live a life that is worth something, doing what I choose not to do, for the sake of the cross, yet I sit in a downtrodden position in life, not being able to live with some of the basics. I spoke candidly this summer with someone that I am hurt that there is no earthly person that I confide in, its easy to say thats my fault, but if a person does not show the heart of you, why would you trust them with your innermost portion. These words are words of a person who has expierienced life from the dung filled dungeons of life, and it has been only my imagination and aspirations that have kept me above water. I dont know how to minister to the broken, because of my brokeness, I feel that my life is empty in so many aspects,yet people still call and say that they recieve a word. Well, I ponder now, Lord where is my prophetic anedote, where is my word, telling me that there is a brighter day ahead, Where is my revelation of a better tomorrow, why must my pillow soak every night, when I am attempting to live right and be obedient. I dont expect many people to read this, because some are not here yet in life, I try my best to listen to the hearts of others, only to wonder who listens to my heart other than the walls of confinement, that I call my home. I sense thoughts of total isolation at times, am I to be like this all my life? I dont know, and what hit heart was the MJ story, I wonder how did he feel, not being able to trust anyone, how did it feel to known but not heard. I dont know maybe this is a extended year season that I am wrestling with, but it seems longer than a midnight, I have not seen morning in awhile, it would feel good to wake up and feel happy about leaving my bed, walk outside and enjoy the beauty of his creation, but I am stuck in a fix that wont let me go. Thanks for reading what I wrote, means alot seriously.