The New Stuff

For Rich Villar

I remember the new stuff.

When it hit the mic raw
and risky like homemade sushi
     more interested in the flavor
     than the presentation.

We were too hungry
for pretense.

I remember the new stuff.

When it burst from the heart
like a ball of fire
through an origami parade
on a mission from god –
     prophecy overflowing
     from the mouths of babes.

We were going to change the world but
were tempted by it instead.

I remember the new stuff.

When writing was like breathing
and everything was new
and new was good
because the old stuff was old
and our voices were changing daily
and three strikes was two too many
because there were only so many ways
and so many times we could speak
and not sound like a politician
breaking another promise.

I remember the new stuff.

How it came less and less often
the older we got
     afraid to take risks
     afraid to lose face
     afraid to keep moving forward.

I remember the new stuff
coming from other voices.

When we took a minute to stop
     remixing ourselves
     recycling ourselves
     repeating ourselves

took a minute to stop
     and listen
took a minute to stop
     and listen
     to the new stuff
took a minute to stop
     and listen
     to the new stuff

prophecy overflowing
from the mouths of babes
making new promises
they’ll never keep –
     until they learn how to listen, too.

Written by Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Guy LeCharles Gonzalez is the Chief Content Officer for LibraryPass, and former publisher & marketing director for Writer’s Digest. Previously, he was also project lead for the Panorama Project; director, content strategy & audience development for Library Journal & School Library Journal; and founding director of programming & business development for the original Digital Book World.

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