The Eidetic Absence of Zeitriss (A Reflective Storyline)

The Eidetic Absence of Zeitriss

(“A reflection on the time fracture between who we were and what we’ve become.”)

by Kandayia Ali

I am from a time where you had to be in the house before the street lights came on - because that is where the "shadows of darkness dwelled for a spell." 

A time when darkness and spiritual dark acts were a more popular discussion out in the open winds of daylight.

An era where you were told which potluck to NOT EAT, which drinks to avoid, facts that didn't involve feelings, and which people to not discuss your personal business with. 

You weren't allowed to blaspheme, or that was your ass...

When Elders told you that they 'saw death' walking with a person, you stayed away—no questions asked. They saw past the veil and covered you with one to protect you.

When prayer warriors REALLY walked the floor in tears and verbal cries that shook the gates of hell loose to free trapped souls from purgatory. Not to keep others trapped in an endless loop of pain and suffering.

That every "come here, let me show you something" meant "you will need this vital lesson at some point in your life."

A time when tough situations required prayer and meditation, not overexertion of emotional energy. Moving with intention, not impulse - that’s how evolved revolutions made of light sustained themselves, even in dark times.

Where 'Kool Kats' were like Buddha, your big cousin was a monk, and the man that sat on the corner always encouraged you to not waste those precious moments on bad habits like he did.

Where a bit of wisdom was found in every conversation, and ignorance wasn't tolerated. Intelligence was demonstrated. 

Where men protected their hearts (values, home, family, boundaries). Where women nurtured the foundation of the entire community (damn near everyone on the block had almost the same rules as your household).

I am from a very blunt timeframe—tough love wasn't tough—it was a way of life.Where a man or woman used his or her hands to manifest their desires—even if resources were limited or totally desolate-

They "found a way outta no way."

From a time where race was an 'issue'—but never an excuse that could be used to not build—but every reason to build beyond stereotypical expectations.

Where leadership was encouraged and following others down the wrong path was a recognized pattern that was addressed off rip. Weaker links weren't even allowed to hold a place in the chain that held the 'realities' of life together.

I am from a time-lapse that whispers through rippled tides of oceanic knowledge—now dry, stifled, and almost snuffed out with this new type of loyalty, honor, and respect. Street codes turned ancient scrolls that nobody wants to dust off and read anymore.

No...

I'm not saying that it was all good—'cause it wasn't—but even in the moments of struggle, there were still things called 'integrity and diligence'. Now, respect means money and status - we mock the very words that help formulate our existence... We redefine words and acts to fit a more sinister narrative.

The depiction of a filtered picture gives us a new sense of perfection... When we know that beauty truly lies in the heart space... A cold-hearted exchange of value.

This moment of quiet joy—may sound like echoed grief—but in a world where lucid loneliness becomes the bridge for the endless aching of onism—this reverflashed moment seems like a fantasy.

Until the better qualities of my era are remembered out loud—lived boldly—and reevaluated to be recognized and reinstated, the need to look out the window and stare—will always be there. 

The good ole' days now turned to ash after the fires that have torched societal standards. Loud protests into nothingness; the promotional campaigning of peaceful violence.

The eidetic absence of Zeitriss moments will forever roar—in silence...

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