Author: Parker Broome

There I was, sitting by the stream.

Tossing pebbles, wondering what else needs to be seen.

I got my destiny and I’m writing my story.

But what else is meant for me?

If I go down this road, promise me my heart will be filled with joy and peace.

Promise me that even through hell, I make out in one piece.

Joy of laughter.

The happiness of living happily ever after.

I’m hoping I see you there.

Promise me that you’ll still care.

I’m looking down the stream.

The wind brushes the trees to a path, but what does it mean?

I got my destiny and I’m writing my story.

I guess I’ll just wait and see.

On my way to making history.

But won’t you promise that you’ll be there with me?

Welcome to the tropical paradise. Here on this island, you’ll stay on a resort with a pool near the beach.

The most expensive drinks served not far from your reach.

Exotic expeditions much to your excitement.

Dinner and a show every night for your enjoyment.

Care for a smoothie? Coconut or mango?

May I have this dance? How about the tango?

Scuba diving to the great barrier reef.

The waters just fine! Not too warm, not too cold. What a relief!

From your room’s view, you see a whale.

You have to leave? What a whale of a tale!

In paradise, if you look for great times – you’ll never fail.

You’re welcome to return anytime you like.

Promise me that although this is paradise, don’t end the fun after your flight.

Maybe I don’t know who on earth you are?

But I know I’ll be in my feelings like I have been. If you’re someone I met, help a friend, or old enemy, catch his breath. Your presence left me with no air.

It’s not like I had anything to tell you – I was speechless, hoping the moment was endless.

Anyways….I probably look nervous, more than a deer in the night.

Hoping you ignore me when I’m awkward, like when I wonder about your height.

You have to be tall, because I keep selling myself short.

As you can see I’m not really that good at this type of thing. Do you play tennis or basketball? Handball? Because now you have two meanings when I say the ball’s in your court.

Making my entrance, the tension is about to explode.

Going face to face with you, we’re about to go.

Roar of the crowd, it’s louder than loud.

Approaching the ring with pride and adrenaline, I’ll beat you because times like this are the moments I thrive in.

For greatness, I’m all always striving.

Like a shooting star, I’ll be shining.

You possess a championship over your shoulder and you raise it over your head for all to see.

You’re feeling bold, I admire it. But you’re getting cocky.

News flash champ, you’re not going through me.

Risking it all against you, diving off the top rope.

No holds barred. The steel of the chairs and crashing through tables. Maybe it’ll break parts of me, but never my hope.

The bell rings. I fight you.

I’ll be bruised and beaten, but you’re not any different from the hell I’ve pushed through.

1,2,3. The bell rings again. I defeated you.

Raising it high over my head, closing my eyes to the feeling of glory and hearing the crowd cheer and boo. I’m the champion now. You’re embarrassment known as your defeat taught you that I’m destined for the gold.

As I hope I make them all proud, I shall forever defend this symbol of destiny I now hold.

I’m eating all the steak and baby-back ribs off my plate.

Tasting glory. I’ve remembered the flavor for a long time now. But is it too early or perhaps too cocky to celebrate?

A sip of my beverage – the victory gin.

Or based on occasion, the tears of the negative ones and demons.

A toast for the wars I’ll always and forever win.

A side of caesar salad and rolls.

Born ready to kick some ass, and it shows.

How do you stop my hunger?

I leave the scene speechless, but I’m inviting you to wonder

Happy birthday to the one with the same birthday as me.

I’m not the only Leo in the family.

I’m still pretty sure I’m the greatest gift. That’s the annoying confidence you know me for.

But no matter what, I love and thank you as I chase the glory I’ll get.

Today like many days I recall the cherished memories with you – if I wanted, I can’t dare forget.

It’s our day. But it’s only mine………….because of you.

And I could explain what you and everyone else means to me again, but to summarize without you I don’t know what I’d do.

You know that my craziness doesn’t make me the best at keeping calm.

But still I’ll keep calm and love my mom!

20 years.

20 years fighting, loving, laughing, dreaming, fulfilling, and crying both sad and happy tears.

I’m about to start an era and I can hardly believe it.

I do this every year. But wow, another era will begin with memories I shall not forget.

Here’s to 20 more years, kicking off another 7300 days to the gift known as life that is the ultimate birthday present of all birthday presents.

Because that means without it, I wouldn’t have seen and met all I love and felt their presence.

So here’s to 20 more years chasing glory.

Here’s to 20 years more fulfilling destiny.

Here’s to 20 more years of cementing new chapters in my life story.

Here’s to 20 more years and as long as I live, embracing friends and family.

I thank everyone, whether you just read my work, a friend, or a family member. Know that I’ll be celebrating you as well. Because without you or anything I’ve embraced, there is just no me.

So I thank you once more. Though it’s hard at times, I love this life. And because of you all, I can’t believe a life like this belongs to me.

And with you by my side, I proudly say that I’m ready for Year 20!