To Loud People: SHUT THE F UP!

Here's the thing about loud people... I don't care what ethnic or cultural background you come from, when you're loud there are certain rules you need to follow... rules set aside especially for you. Us quieter folk put up with your inability to temper your volume with thoughtfulness, and in some cases selflessness. However, in return you must remember that there are always exceptions. There are some times and places when you need to SHUT THE F UP!

I've been sitting in the waiting room in the E.R. all evening. I have a broken nose and a migraine that should have already sent me pulling a “Columbine" on everyone in sight...

There is a Dominican family here, and I'm talking extended family here, whose numbers have steadily grown each hour we have shared this small waiting room. The volume has gone up and down at random intervals, but in general it's been LOUD. People cracking their gum, playing bass deficient music off their phones, loud not because any one person has an especially powerful voice, but because everyone is talking at the same time.

Now look, I'm a “self-loving” Black man and I know how many Black Americans appreciate a constant loud volume of conversation, especially the women, especially the young women. The same holds true for many Latin peoples, and even Jews and Italians, amongst other groups. I'm used to blocking it all out as background noise when needed and have no real problem with people enjoying themselves to the fullest... Some times I find it comforting...

However, when people break the rules... the rules that grant the rest of the world who may not appreciate noise or who are maybe just having a bad day, a short respite from the harassment of sound, I get MAD. One instance, for example, is the movies. Yet, sometimes a film has so much energy that it inspires additional noise from the audience. Not always a breach of contract... but the waiting room of an emergency room? How selfish and self centered can you get? What if I was suffering from an ear infection and sound was tormenting me..?! The point is SHUT THE F UP and respect people when they are sick. Especially when you are waiting for other people and are not sick yourself!

And where the hell are the hospital workers who should be regulating the amount of people hanging around the inner waiting areas, and their behavior. I'm here to help myself get better... so far I'm just getting worse.

F loud people when they can't obey the rules... Libraries, Movies (at times), anytime a group of strangers are stuck in an uncomfortable small place.. like a gondola or something... I got one thing to say... you got it! “SHUT THE F UP!”

D.C.W.
3/9/2009

Fly Ancestor, Fly...... A poem for Lem

I once knew a man who loved himself some cornbread,
And every chance he had to eat some he did, with some smacks and a smile.

I once had a teacher who loved to talk, he talked of the lives of trends and truths.
He talked of the movements of questions, and we listened.

I once had a mentor who had mastered his craft, he lived to share and guide,
He tried to show me the way he walked his, while helping me to find my own path.

I once had a friend, fun and full of spark, who would run up the court,
Sarcastically commenting on my shot selection, while he jogged back down the court,
Giving his very few wrinkles a chance to catch up with him.

I once had a brother, who helped me through my pain, while allowing me to aid him through his own struggles... an honored trust... a bonding of men.

I once had a father who would laugh at perfection, it wasn't familiar to him,
Though he always had to be right...

I now have an ancestor, who will continue to guide me,
And through his Wisdom I will continue to grow,
And through his lessons my children will glow...

If he is now my ancestor, then I am part of his legacy...
I will honor myself in honor of him.

R.I.P., L.M.C.

-DCW
4/8/2009