Why Rollins is one of my "mentors"

When I was twelve or there abouts, I used to watch MTV whenever I got the chance because I didn't have it at home and this was a time when they still primarily played videos. I don't quite remember when the first time I saw the video for "Liar" was, but I do remember having a similar reaction to it like Beavis: "Whoa!"
At first my only knowledge of Rollins was a muscled guy painted red screaming in my tv. So as I still often do, I investigated into what this was about. The more I looked, I found out about his spoken word repertoire. To a kid who was often picked on and made fun of in school, I felt an outcast and Rollins' words showed me I wasn't alone. As a bit of an radical thinker and an artist at heart, his ideas and words spoke to me. With the anger from all the punishments by other kids, his music gave me an outlet to give some of my anger away. But mostly his ideas grew to my admiration.
Over the years having listened to him speak and having read a lot of his words, when I finally got to see him live this year it was both worth the wait and I wish I hadn't had to wait so long. The $28.50 I paid was some of the best money I've ever spent. The three hours he spoke felt like a half hour. I haven't been so content in years.
I'd have thanked him after the show, but I'd have made a blithering ass of myself, so I didn't. However I still watch his show, read his words and listen to his music and spoken word with a feeling that I'm not alone. That perhaps there are a few kindred spirits out there that would get what I was saying should I be able to vocalize my thoughts in front of them. He is definitely one of the people I'd like to converse with over coffee or tea for long periods of time. The man inspires me to be a better person, especially better than those that try to keep me down. And he is a reachable inspiration unlike Bono who is not. As I once said:
"it's insane to me to think that he still gets jittery around his heroes and that any girl has ever said no to him. I mean he's freakin' Henry Rollins. You think you can do better? Really? What planet do you live on?" And so if there is a planet of Henrys somewhere, I think I belong. Beam me up.