born and raised by a woman so wise, by a woman so strong her timeless grace gave me roots and wings to fly along mama always knew best cause she read from the good book sent me letters full of soul food, that's all it took where she'd write: trust your insticts remember your manners never let possessions own you nuture your friendships keep your hands clean believe in yourself be grateful darling and always, always keep playing no matter what baby, no matter what baby, you will always be loved. and she said, alden you can always come home. she always said live your life like you're telling a story she gave me little bobbles, tiny pictures, funny parties all for her morning glory (that's me) mama didn't say much, she didn't need to, her face held looks of ages but what she taught me in her letters helps me get up, and sing these stages repeat CHORUS

© Alden Schell