The Power of I, The Power of Us

 [written and presented in 2018 for an arts center project on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina]

Imagine, if you will,

A space

Where Everyone has a Voice

And their voices are a Chorus.

Where Everyone is a Star

And together are a Galaxy.

Where Trust leads to Transformation,

Exploration leads to Expression,

And Education and Entertainment

Share the Energy of Experience.

Imagine, if you will

The Power of I—

Inspiration, Innovation, Improvisation, and Individualism

Intertwining to Create

Community and Inclusion.

Imagine, if you will

A space

Where Image, Sound, and Word

Combine to speak a spectrum of Stories.

Combine to tell Our Story—

Our ever changing, ever expanding Story.

Where Past and Present

Are the raw materials

From which we build a better Future.

Imagine, if you will

A space

Where Respect is a Right

As well as an Obligation,

And those who teach within this space

Learn as much 

As those who come to learn.

Imagine, if you will

A space

Where Communication, Cooperation, and Community

Combine to create Confidence.

Where Artists are Ambassadors

To a world of Possibility.

Imagine, if you will

A space

Where Experience is not what you’ve done

But what you are doing and having Right Now.

Where Age is an Opportunity

For exchanging Unique Perspectives

And sharing Inclusive Solutions.

Imagine, if you will

A space

Where Self-Discipline is the foundation of Freedom

And the Pathway to Self-Expression.

Where all that I Am

And all that You Are

Are the Best that We can be.

Where the Power of I

Becomes the Power of Us

And the Center of the Town

Is the Center of the World.