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The post I wrote about Toonami’s sudden, and needless, cancelation has had a few comments posted. One of the comments came in through the contact form instead, but that wasn’t what really set it apart. The distinction was that this was in the form of a poem. (I think. I don’t know much about poetry.)

I asked for and received permission to post it here.

Thanks Raúl.

The End of Toonami?
by Raúl Gallego Jr.

To those who would listen
To those who would care
To those who truly understand the impact of Anime on our lives

I cry out, that you may hear my thoughts and give the gift of your
thoughts if you should wish…

I can stand the silent waiting no more.

My thoughts scream out to be written.

To be heard by ears and minds that understand…

What it is like to lose something treasured and loved.

I don’t know what is more maddening, the waiting for Cartoon Network
to fix their mistake or the sinking realization slowing setting in that
something great has been stolen from my very being…

The first Saturday after they stole away our Toonami, was absolutely
boring, especially since all Adult Swim aired was reruns.

There was no Naruto or any of the possible shows that Cartoon Net. could
have put on the air.

It’s hard to see Saturdays the same, much less look forward to them
when the list of Anime to watch is so short and lacks the variety of the
original whole.

I grew up with Toonami and through it discovered the joy and wonder of
Anime, if not for Toonami it’s very doubtful that I would know what anime
is.

I suffered from depression, and seeing the strength and courage of the
characters I saw on Toonami (and the still existing Adult Swim,) I found hope,
joy, laughter, and feeling; the feeling you get when something really deep
touches your heart, moves you.

I realized through Toonami (and Cartoon Network,) that anime is a good way
to vent stress, to unwind, and most of all to be inspired and uplifted by seeing
the human side of a characters’ struggles and their triumph.

It was Toonami that helped get me through my blue period.

In Toonami I found not only great entertainment, regardless of how the
show evolved over time, but also rich memories and exposure to the dreams and
inspirations of the wonderful animators and the studios behind them.

In Toonami I found hope: that the dreams of humanity could take form, the
blurring of the line, where art, concept, and reality became one fluid motion
and become something other than the deceitful manipulations of those who would
wage war, instead of peace.

In Toonami I found joy: for if only for a day, I could forget my problems
and dedicate myself completely to the trials and tribulations of characters,
that were without a doubt absolutely lovable; they became a part of all of us
who understand Anime.

But now…?

What is left?

What is left of our sanctuary?

What is left of our Toonami?

“Until the sun rises on a world without Toonami… We remain the
First and the Best.”

The sun has risen, Toonami is gone, and I find the future a very dark
place in it absence.

We can only hope that they see the error of their ways and relaunch it…

And so the question left is:

Do we have a voice?

Do we all stand together?

And maybe, just maybe bring Toonami back to the world…

Ideas thoughts, we need them…

Spread the word, share your ideas…

Maybe together they will hear our cry.

And we’ll have made a difference in the fate of such a noble show.

Thanks for listening, thanks for your time…

-Raúl Gallego Jr.

Opinion, Cartoon Network, Toonami, Toonami Cancelled, TOM