Late last night CBS showed a picture of a teenage Michael Jackson that nearly brought me to tears. He was sitting in what looked like an auditorium staring at God knows what with this sullen, distant, look on his face. By then he was already a teen sensation, no where near the icon he became in the 80s, but he looked incredibly sad. It was that photo that made me come to terms with his death. By now this has become a cliche, but it’s true: for thirty nine years (since the age of 11) he gave himself to the world. At 50, he has earned the right to rest. 

 

As great as he was, I wouldn’t wish Michael Jackson’s life on another soul. What other artist in the history of the world sacrificed like Michael did? That act is so rare it’s hard to believe Mike was human. Humans are the most selfish beings on the planet. It seems like all Michael wanted to do was eat, sleep, and breathe love – that is unheard of and almost inconceivable. 

 

I think that’s why people all over the world were so enamored by him. We all wanted a piece of whatever force of love made him that great. 

 

I had to fight the urge to cut one of my coworkers yesterday afternoon because she had the nerve to tell me I was too young to really know about Michael Jackson. We all thought we knew Michael because he allowed us to. We all carry a piece of him with us so it’s only logical that we feel like we lost someone who was our blood. Michael gave us his blood, which is why it’s seems unreal that he is gone.

 

It’s also the reason why no other human in my lifetime, or my children’s lifetime, and possibly their children’s lifetime will sell as many records as Michael Jackson did. I’ve been listening to all of his music  (first time I listened and enjoyed the radio in years) and I understand why folk can’t pick their favorite Michael song. I think I’ve found mine though.

 

I can’t really explain why I’ve always loved “Never Can Say Goodbye,” all I know is that it makes me feel some kinda awesome. It could be because the Jackson 5 songs are the only lyrics of his I don’t fudge up, either way this is the song that is going to make my face permanently wrinkle because I can’t help but look ugly listening to it.

 

The breakdown, and dance routine, and my subsequent excitement, at the end of this video would probably have gotten me fired if I worked at a job that didn’t appreciate Michael (how can those people exist?). Thankfully my coworker has been blasting MJ jams all morning. The next couple of days will be one hell of a party.

 

Tags: Jackson 5, Michael Jackson