A New Song

You know that boundary or line that you will never cross, that one

thing you would never do? Marcellus knew, but quickly learned never

to say never. As his future turned dark, he became lost. Battling with

the unseen forces of his neighborhood left Marcellus making friends

out of his foes. As a result, loved ones were lost, and relationships were

destroyed beyond repair.

The everyday struggles that plagued Selby now targeted his home. His

mom, who gave up all to provide and raise him on a righteous path,

was now facing homelessness. What was a young teenager to do except

step into the role of a man, but what if no one clarified for Marcellus

what that consisted of? His distant and cold dad, whom he desired

guidance from, finally decided to step up to the plate, but something

didn’t seem right.

Despite the grim situation that gripped his life, there was still light, and

his name was Papa. Always there when you needed food, help, or even

advice, the neighborhood knew him for it. In a life full of decisions

and distractions, including the girl of his dreams, Keturah, Marcellus

journaled it all with the sounds of music. Now being offered an

alternate way by Papa, which differed from the ultimatum his sinking

neighborhood purposed, would Marcellus continue writing the same

song, or was it time for a new one?

-- Israel Coleman