Many issues we face in this world are easily approachable when relaying them through the pad, even the developing stories that intermingle with controversy have yet to dull the ink in my felt tip pen. But when asked to write a farewell piece on Michael Jackson, this marked the first time in my life when I felt a thunderous silence. It was the first time in my short-lived history that the soundtrack to my inspiration stood still in time while my heart quietly wept low key.
For most of us who have been frequenting every newscast, podcast, article, forum or program available that speaks on the life and death of our own Black American Icon, our minds draw nearer to a close as we bleed an understanding; the King of Pop is Gone Too Soon.
On June 25, the music stopped, yet everywhere in the world a melody kept spinning. Above the outpour of musical recognition towards the Pop star and his unparalleled talent, now lies an infinite hum of sorrow, sung through a unanimous cry for our fallen Icon.
Death is as much a promise as the struggle with oppression has been for generations of African Americans. But when Michael Jackson, the consummate artist, catapulted to stardom and surpassed the unimaginable, so began a legacy of our new beginnings in the world of music and entertainment.
With a clear vision alongside a relentless dedication, from the tender age of six-years-old, Jackson began blurring the lines between artistic expression and racial acceptance. From the Jackson 5 and onto the biggest solo career in music history, every song that has escaped through his ingenuity has paved a road for everyone listening who dare to follow in his universal footsteps.
His work has inspired countless generations of musicians from all walks of life and all nationalities. He has encouraged the world to dream further than their imagination, because through his legacy we see a picture of possibility.
We all know where we were when we heard the unsettling news, but even now that we're merely footsteps apart from the tragic incident, only few are ready to register the actuality in the untimely message; Michael Jackson is not coming back to us in the physical form, but at least his songs will continue to transcend onward.
When your life resonates a symphony of timeless music, it's hard to believe that the orchestrating conductor would ever leave his podium. He carried a resounding significance to our musical history and through it he shared a Peter Pan image of having a projected immortality. As beautiful as the dream sounds, it contradicts our ever after. But even in knowing the recipe for life, it's hard to fathom the actuality of how our brightest star could ever fade away.
As the world begins to form two lines, either to embrace the supreme artist for his talent and success or to condemn him for the shadows that will forever remain rotating in his past, my heart encourages acceptance. Even amidst the controversy, his prevailing talent continues to shine through. He should be remembered for his eternal sunlight, not the tumultuous road that attempted to corner him towards a defining midnight. He is but a human reflection of both fire and ice, but never remains tied to the assurance of any element. He's as interchangeable as the wind but as pleasant as a summer breeze.
Jackson's life, music, and legacy can never be repeated. His is a single note penetrating through history that is easily distinguished by its one of a kind melody. Our hearts go out to his family, his children and the fans that he's left behind.
Like a star that's just died but forever retains its glow, he is the eruption of our everything, he is our musical supernova. We will miss you forever Michael Jackson you truly had our hearts, but yet we too never can say goodbye.
Insightnews.com