
Chapter 1 : Kennedy
My name is Kennedy Tyler, formerly known to everyone as the one half of a great relationship. “Doubt the sun rising tomorrow, doubt the stars shining, doubt the progression of time through the ages, but never doubt my love,” was the dream I was sold. Unfortunately there was no receipt or warranty upon this purchase. The fine print didn’t warn me on the ending of the relationship. Every love story does not have to be an epic novel, some are short stories, but what do the characters do, between the original story and the hopeful promise of a sequel. That is the empty place in which I lie. I am fully aware of the song and dance random relationships—found in someone’s lonely night club—promise. Also, I am knowledgeable of the short-lived joy usually followed by long-term regret. What to do in the meanwhile? My friends, Roy Harp and Nina Dales, offer satisfaction from the dilute shallowness the majority offer. My intellect is entertained, however, not fulfilled. My great friend, Jackson Johnson, would tell me to get a hold of myself and stop dwelling in my current position.
My overall view on things does not allow me to settle merely on the physical gifts the surrounding spirits may offer. So the heart battles the brain, the head upon the shoulders battles the head down below, the knowing battles the curious, and time continues to run. My best friend growing up, Blake Cunningham would try and get me to explore the fantasy promised by fiction.
“Come on Kennedy, I know a lot of people that would really like you.” He would say.
Yes, of course, they would like me, because I was the one that needed to prove myself worthy for them-sarcasm. The truth of it all, is they had nothing to offer, and usually took more than they could ever give in a relationship. I’ve come to realize that the only way to win the game relationships bring is to stop playing. I go back and forth wondering, “If I stop letting people in, how would I find what I want?” My filtering process would strain out everyone. Confusion and frustration is often what I am left with. Oh god! I am drowning within my own expectations, with no sign of a life guard, or even a flotation device. Is it truly better “To have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all?” What the hell was the man who said that quote, Tennyson, thinking? What complications did he go through in life to justify such mockery? If truth be told, ignorance—although it can make one look foolish by others—can be bliss. It is similar to the scenario of having a paper cut upon the finger, and it never aching until it is seen.
I AM TORN; I AM LOST within my own madness. How can one’s soul become soothed when the foundation is barely held together? Perhaps it is me and the ripple of my steps, the audacity of my smile, the peculiarity of my sight, or the longevity of my style. Or it could be the length of my stride, the assurance of my path, the awkwardness of my vision, or the articulation of my words…
I believe I have a need for other people to like and admire me, and yet I tend to be critical of myself. While I have some personality weaknesses I am generally able to compensate for them. I think I have considerable unused capacity that I have not turned to my advantage. Disciplined and self-controlled on the outside, I tend to be worrisome and insecure on the inside. At times I have serious doubts as to whether I have made the right decision or done the right thing. I prefer a certain amount of change and variety and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. Also, I pride myself as an independent thinker; and do not accept others' statements without satisfactory proof. But I have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing myself to others. At times I am extroverted, affable, and sociable, while at other times I am introverted, wary, and reserved. Some of my aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic.
In order to establish some type of sense of what makes me…me, I, Kennedy Tyler, have decided to look at my own views, constructively. My mouth trims upward at the thought of me trying to revolutionize myself. I guess there is a portion of me that believes if I can dictate how I see others and outside situations can help me understand my genre of thought processes, thereby helping me—in the long run—know confidentially what type of person I want to be with. Since my last relationship, I’m starting to question my own observation and perspective. Of course, I can sell the qualities I am looking for within an individual, but once spoken out loud, they sound a bit unrealistic. So I am on a voyage to understand Kennedy.