Fight Like Hell

 When I first saw you, I automatically put you on a pedestal. Someone untouchable, unattainable, and automatically, I made you a God in my mind. You were without a doubt exquisite. Something far out of my reach, yet you granted the world your gift. You weren't just a man with a song, you were a man with a message. You were the light across the darkened sky. You are the lightning; you carry it with you everywhere. 

The Armory

    I had planned to see you, having waited 6 months, and today was the day that a dream became a reality. We arrived at the venue way too early, but you were already there, as was your equipment and vehicles. We walked around the area, lions on the prowl, scanning the location for access to you. We could hear your voice; it echoed across the city. We took turns circling the venue. On my second lap, I saw you. You were by your tour bus, completely locked into your own zone. I stood and watched, it was as if I was looking into a glimpse of your world. I quickly walked away, even though a part of me wanted to stay and march right up to you. But for some reason, I couldn't. What if the spell broke or wore off? The magic. I walked back to the doors where we waited, struck by the essence and presence of you. We could hear you and the rest of the band tuning and preparing the stage. I clung to the door like it was a lifeline. 

    Side Note: Some people think it's an obsession. I call it a passion. I wasn't chasing the man; instead, I was following the creator. The lyrics aren't just words. They are truths, and understandings, they were answers, and in a time where I felt hollow, your words were the air I needed. 

 The doors opened, and we rushed in like waves crashing upon the shore. We stood pressed against the fence that kept us from you. Reminding us that we were just humans. The presence of the armory filled with a spark, the spark of passion, we were all there for one reason. YOU. People pushed and clung to the fence, and my body was becoming crushed, but I didn't break or move; instead, it just ignited me more. I wasn't alyssa, I wasn't a fan, I was part of something more. I was the essence of your lyrics. You came on stage. For a moment, the world stopped. The armory became one, we were your thunder and you were our lightning, guiding us to the storm of you. We raged and became your own tempest of reason. 

I never wanted the night to end. That energy comes around rarely. I knew that I needed it again; you became my addiction for this season. 

Mankato

    I drove to my old stomping grounds. I thought the nostalgia would hit, but instead, I just felt old and insignificant. Saint Peter was still the same, yet time managed to change it. I decided to quickly leave and head to Kato, as we used to call it. I knew I was still way too early, so I decided to see an old friend. We talked about the past, present, and future. He was always kind to me, made me know my worth, which at times I would forget. It's funny how easily I put people on pedestals and praise them. Yet when it comes to myself, I tend to look down. I hadn't realized how the time had flown; it was time to head to the VIP event. I usually tend to stick to the simple ticket... but this time around I wanted just a little more. 

I rushed to the event, realizing I was considered late. By the time I reached the gate, security seemed to know exactly who I was. For a moment, I thought maybe I had bought false tickets. They told me I was cutting it close. Most people don't arrive late when it comes to VIP access. I seemed more relaxed this time around. I was ushered to the merch tent, and I recognized the older man at the tent; it was his dad. Within that moment, the pedestal I put him on faded away. Instead, he was just another creative. Someone who had a passion and wanted to share his message with the world. He was just giving people a song that they could relate to. 

At first, I wasn't sure if I should speak up and let the man know that I knew he was. So I played the unknowing. We were ushered to the stage, all 8 of us. When his manager came out and changed the plans, instead of him sitting on stage, he would meet us in the grass and answer questions and take photos. We were there waiting, and he came out with some other guys, and instead of being awestruck, I felt more comfortable, as if he were just merely a man. He was beyond beautiful in his shorts, hat, and cropped shirt. People lined up for photos, and I went last. I stood next to him, and the photo was taken. He talked to us like friends, and he was polite, sweet, and kind. He put everyone at ease. I knew that the time would be short, but I wanted one thing. I needed the key to life, and I wanted him to put it on me. I asked if he would be willing to write on my wrist. Of course, my nerves got the better of me, and I spoke up, " I hope you are good at English." He looked at me and smiled, realizing I was nervous, but he stood there with such ease and confidence that I felt like I too was in the ease. We shared a chuckle, and he marked me for life. A message that would always remind me of the lightning in the darkest storm. 

I had to ask ... "What's your love language? giving and receiving," He seemed like he didn't even have to think. "touch and words of affirmation."  We talked about his TikTok and Minnesota, and soon he had to go back and get ready for the night. 

He was just a man. 

A man who knew he had such a presence that it could do good. That's what he was. Good. 

The Presence he has on stage is beyond a singer and a stage. He is emotion, raw and real.   

He is Warren Zeiders