Black Boy

WE MADE PROGRESS

BECAUSE OUR…

Hands reach out to convey

strong solidarity.

Eyes see and appreciate

all living entities.

Breath vibrates with an attitude

of faithful gratitude.

Speech avoids saying

what’s divisive and crude.

We made progress.

BECAUSE OUR…

Voices share positive messages

through spoken words and songs.

Pens speak to societal issues

to correct what is wrong.

Services address the needy

to help them get on their feet.

Hearts impart empathy—

what many people need.

We made progress.

BECAUSE OUR…

Minds steadily seek knowledge

from the cradle to the grave.

Backs prostrate in prayer,

giving thanks for each...

The Drought

Went for a Monday morning stroll 

three weeks ago today

Nature filled this lake to its natural brim

with sun-tweaked tranquil waves

Silver reflections pranced 

across a pale blue sky

Leaves, green and papery thin,

sensed their spine would wither and die

Each tried to stay glued to their robust roots

The end of a season closed in

I paused and watched the water’s edge

ebb rhythmically, then flow and bend

One week ago, today

I went for a morning walk again

Empty lake burned bone dry

With sun-soaked crusted dirt

Tears paddled my surprised eyes

Bronze leaves mauled with holes

Acorns dotting barren earth

I stood — the stillness of death felt cold

At this moment, no glossy reflection

to camou...

The Red in Your Blue Attacks Blacks

The Red in your Blue kills Blacks.
The White in your Blue blinds your eyes.
The Blue in your Red will keep you back.
“No justice, no peace” is the united rallying cry.
Now stop these brutal attacks.
Your red, white, and blue world 
is now the color of fire.

G-HOST

Calm your way
into complacency.
Harmonize your way
into thin air.
Humble your way
into acceptance,
then vanish into a place
where no one sees you;
you won’t even care.

No snaps record
your place in the sun.
No reflections note
any mystical malfunction.
With invisibility 
your ability to cope
remains a mystery.
You breathe at a
higher frequency.

Friendship

Friends

The seed of something

good always remains.

No matter how

much time and distance elapses,

the essence of love

surfaces again and again.

No need to prune profusely.

You’ll only tangle the bond.

No need to meddle foolishly.

Rich roots of affection

will surely grow on.

No matter how much space

displaces ripening desires,

the germ of longevity

tolerates turmoil,

chaos, and distance.

True friendship

COMING HOME, REGARDLESS (1519)

Digging underground to Passage, onward.

Sorting the forest from the trees.

Moving steadfast to Freedom’s Way.

Watching our backs on prostrate knees.

Reverencing wombs to heal carved scars.

Referencing wounds to decrypt who we are.

Studying the roots to master the future.

Timing each moment to measure the years.

Chains half done.

Gone, yet here.

Chains half done.

Gone, yet here.

Clear the path.

What’s needed has been given.

Walk the path.

What’s been given, we are living.

Honor the past.

Walk into the Ordained Beginning.

Pass on the past.

This promise is worth pledging.

Looking back to journey forward,

is life’s natural sprouting deed.

Victory’s germ has taken root,

and with t...

IT'S ON US

Road towards love.

Roads towards hate.

Which road do

WE

CHOOSE OR

REFUSE

TO TAKE?

A world of love

embraces many.

Picture people living

in sweet harmony.

A world of hate

embraces discord.

Picture people living

solely by the sword.

Roads toward love.

Roads toward hate.

Which road will

WE

CHOOSE

OR

REFUSE TO TAKE?

Black Boy

Bursting through the door

Bigger than life.

Breath, a strong wind.

Heart beats like a drum strikes,

Saying, “Pay me your mind.

I’m a thunderous cannon.

I’m a bolt of lightning.

I’m the Mother Land draped

Over your bleeding heart.

I’m the paint on the canvas

Of your seedy art.

Walking, talking, bold and emblazoned.

I will be seen wherever

and whenever I reside.

Don’t worry ‘bout me.

I, Black boy, wouldn’t hurt a fly.”