Blissful Shadows cloak those of us whom blossomed in da Bronx.

Learning to scavenge emotional reserves. With each passing sunrise.

One accepts a distorted authentic image of oneself.

Finding yourself within the euphoric darkness, of surviving by any means.

Peeling back shadows, revealing the seeds of to be planted within

soil or concrete garden patch.

We all have the toxic immunity with the ability to change.

Bronx candor is Bitter Sweet delight for natives.

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and may not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Mike Lyles is from the Webster Ave and Co Op City neighborhoods of The Bronx. Sheer endurance to do our own thing inspires Mike to create something that unique voices experience, and have been hidden from those outside of the Bronx. Love & authenticity not seen anywhere else. The Bronx is a borough that truly embodies genuine integration of ideas/culture that this nation can do best to emulate.