The Line in Between

It is said that when we die, there are two dates written on our gravestone: the year we are born and the year we die. There is also a line in between those dates that signify what we brought, what we have done in this life. With the passing of Michael Jackson, how long will/should his line be?

            People all over the world were shocked, stunned, in disbelief, shaken, saddened by the news of his death; some still are and may forever be for years to come. Michael Jackson had a following of persons from many generations. From my grandparents to my little cousin of six years old, they shake their body to the ground when they hear one of his songs. Many radio stations, TV news stations, and TV entertainment stations will have his music in rotation all weekend long and many docu-memorials will be made. He deserves every last bit of it!

            From a little boy with those bell bottoms rocking away from his fancy footwork to a man with flashy costumes, he created moves everyone wanted to imitate. I have imitated, nope could never duplicate, Michael Jackson moves since I was a little girl: the robot dancing machine (this was before I was born), the moonwalk, believing I could light up a sidewalk by stepping on it, putting my game face on to Beat It, believing I was Bad, making up my own dances believing (and I still know) I was a Pretty Young Thing, I was already there but being more in love with Egyptian culture with Remember the Time, and yes, I imitated those dances as well, and yes, a part of me wanted to be Dirty Diana. Oh, and I cannot forget about how I ultimately believed I could be a Smooth Criminal with that infamous lean! I could go on and on because with an artist of this capacity one would always think of how they could imitate Michael Jackson.

            Michael Jackson’s songs sung on many facets of life: enjoyment, imagination, living free, sensuous and even awareness. He made us realized We Are the World; we must love each other and help each other. He was involved in numerous humanitarian efforts. He loved people and we loved him back. Though he went through some rough times in his personal life, Michael Jackson was still a humbled person, though he can be a ruthless entertainer on stage. Even before his passing, I brought a video collection of his songs; poor DVD, it is now going to be worn out!

            Not enough words could explain why this happened, though Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was not immortal, and even with all what he was going through, would leave this earth so soon. I will wonder what his upcoming tours would have been like. I will wonder what new music he wanted to share while he was still with us.   Because no matter of the hits he has already given us, we always wanted more and couldn’t wait for his next project!

            Michael Jackson, you were and are an ultimate Thriller!!! Oh, and I have that whole dance sequence down pact!! Your line in between your birth year and the year of your death speaks for so much! I will miss you greatly!! I love your music, I grew up to your music, I still dance and make a fool of myself to your music, I won $200 dancing like you (that paid for books! Thanks for creating those moves!!). My family especially my late cousin George danced their tail off to your music. Thank you Michael Jackson!! You have left a true legacy!! Now, you and George are dancing it up, up there!! Rest in Peace!! Rock the Heavens!!

Nadria Frazier