When I was younger, my Father (who is now deceased) broke camp and left my life. While I resented him for it, I was looked after/taken care of/taught the ways of the world and the beautiful mysteries of women by other Blackmen who filled that void.
So you can say that I am born of many Blackmen: My Dad, my Uncle Popcorn (Von), Fr. Casey - our parish priest, Mr. Balfour - my 8th grade teacher, Mr. Rhodes - who owned the flower shop my family lived over & checked in on me everyday after school, Fr. Stewart - my hs religion teacher, my Great-Uncle Robert, Grandpa Bailey and my best friend Jackson. He's been my best friend since I was in high school and even though he's 20 years older than I, he's always counseled me well.
They all guided me wisely, even my Dad whom I came to see in a totally different way once I became a man. He wasn't without his faults; he was a charmer with a gifted tongue for and way with women that was something to see - but in the end he too was my Father, as were all of them.
