No Flex Zone
fresno fair, 2024, captured by royel
(penned at the fresno fair, 300 miles north of los angeles)
“yo, check it, in this realm of epic vibes,
where golden wheels kiss skies of purest blue,
a tale of chill humility subscribes
to confidence that's lit and hella true.
behold, young dude, thy face so fresh and bold,
stands steady 'gainst the fair's mad cacophony,
like daniel in the lion's den of old,
thy spirit strong, yet free from vanity.
"pride's like, before destruction," scripture drops,
but self-love, bro, it needn't be denied.
in quiet strength, your worth it never stops,
no flex required, for truth can't be belied.
as james, the holy homie, once did preach,
"god's not down with the proud, but humble's fly."
so stand up tall, yet bow your head to teach
that in this balance, wisdom's light won't die.
like jesus washing feet of common men,
yet dropping truth bombs in the temple's halls,
we walk this gnarly tightrope now and then,
between our rising and our humble falls.
so, dude, as life's wheel spins you round and round,
keep it real, but reach for heaven's height.
in no flex zones, true greatness can be found,
when inner strength outshines our outward might.
this cosmic dance of highs and lows, my man,
it's deeper than the ocean's wildest wave.
but ride it out, let humble confidence fan
the flames of greatness that your soul does crave.”
-mitchell royel & friends
"reflections on humility's ferris wheel"
(contemplated at the fresno agricultural exhibition, 300 miles north of los angeles)
esteemed patrons of life's grand carnival, i present to you a decalogue of profound insights gleaned from our poetic rumination on humility and existence:
cultivate humility while nurturing inner luminescence: strive for equilibrium between one's internal flame and external composure.
stand resolute, akin to the ferris wheel's unwavering structure: embrace your essence without succumbing to the pitfalls of hubris.
navigate life's undulations with grace: existence, much like a complex attraction, demands adaptability to its varied rhythms.
eschew ostentatious displays of prowess: true fortitude emanates from within, not from external demonstrations.
emulate the christ-like paradox: serve humanity with a humble heart, yet articulate truths with unwavering conviction.
heed the wisdom of ancient scriptures: even sacred texts extol the virtues of humility; let this guide your path.
internal fortitude eclipses superficial adornments: the wealth of one's character far surpasses any outward manifestation of success.
seek equilibrium, as a tightrope walker above the fairgrounds: discover the delicate balance between self-assurance and modesty.
embrace life's cosmic waltz: existence presents a myriad of highs and lows; learn to move in harmony with both.
remain authentic while aspiring for the sublime: stay true to your core while reaching for the zenith of your potential.
thus, dear contemplators of life's grand spectacle, i present these ten axioms for your consideration. may they guide you through the labyrinth of existence, as you navigate the delicate balance between humility and self-actualization, always striving for depth and authenticity in this grand carnival we call life.