by.Mwangi Njoroge.
words to my weak faith,
injections of hope into my veins,
smiles and blushes of pain,
defeat and misery
drenching me like the long rains,
am scarred and tainted by life,
my skin,heart and soul
bruised and stained
by life's challenges,
mine is a story of too much too tardy,
a hymn of a soul too valiant
but of a conviction too afraid.
| Event Manager | Creative Writer | Blog & Social Media Manager | Facilitator | Mentor |Pro Photographer & Choreographer | Poet |kaffymwangi@gmail.com | mwangi.kaffy@facebook.com |kaffymwangi@twitter .com
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
in-love with the wrong girl.
maybe after this bottle,
i will stop,
maybe after this puff,
i will realize its enough,
maybe after tonights one-night stand,
i will say she is my last,
maybe if i find you,
i will undestand this is lust,
.....http://ping.fm/kNOHT
i will stop,
maybe after this puff,
i will realize its enough,
maybe after tonights one-night stand,
i will say she is my last,
maybe if i find you,
i will undestand this is lust,
.....http://ping.fm/kNOHT
Friday, July 15, 2011
365 days an year 1 poem or article a day
i started a blog with the objective of sharing my work and works from other people,been away from Nairobi hampers my blogging frequency but i try to share whenever I can.I give you the liberty to comment,critique and share any piece or article on the blog.
http://ping.fm/5wRui
http://ping.fm/5wRui
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
the Black,the White,the Red and the Green
as a poet and photographer i get so many opportunities to travel in this country of hours,am comfortable to say I have been to almost all the cardinal points of Kenya,from the white beaches of Mombasa to the cold hills of the Mau Ranges,I have broken bread with the Karamajong of Northeren Kenya and gone fishing with the Luo in the Eastern and Western part of Kenya,I have gone for nature walks in the Kakamega forest and hiked the great Mt.Kenya.
In all my travels around kenya I have encountered different cultures but simillar brotherhood,a norm characterised by smiles and a helping hand,despite where I was i felt at home because I was at home,the dances and food may have been different but the KENYAN BROTHERHOOD was constant every where I went,I was constantly reminded of what been a Kenyan really meant.
MKENYA...to be continued
In all my travels around kenya I have encountered different cultures but simillar brotherhood,a norm characterised by smiles and a helping hand,despite where I was i felt at home because I was at home,the dances and food may have been different but the KENYAN BROTHERHOOD was constant every where I went,I was constantly reminded of what been a Kenyan really meant.
MKENYA...to be continued
Friday, July 8, 2011
Imperfect
You are not the girl
I see when I close my eyes,
Not the girl I want to spend
with the rest of my life,
You are not the one to understand
the rythm of my cries,
You are not the girl I dream of,
Not the one I wish to betroth,
You are my friend
and true I do love you but........we are Imperfect
I see when I close my eyes,
Not the girl I want to spend
with the rest of my life,
You are not the one to understand
the rythm of my cries,
You are not the girl I dream of,
Not the one I wish to betroth,
You are my friend
and true I do love you but........we are Imperfect
Pleasure (African Woman)
....she don't want to trim her hair....
....she want it wrap up in a turban....
....I love the little skirt she wears....
....she doesn't want to expose her rear....
....she don't want to use them skin care....
....I love the way she is programmed....
....Her meditation so strong....
....what a black woman she is....
....A real woman she is....
....Queen of the mother land....
....she want it wrap up in a turban....
....I love the little skirt she wears....
....she doesn't want to expose her rear....
....she don't want to use them skin care....
....I love the way she is programmed....
....Her meditation so strong....
....what a black woman she is....
....A real woman she is....
....Queen of the mother land....
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine
The July/August issue of Poetry Magazine is now available online at http://bit.ly/mP8mLo
you can also follow and like the magazine by visiting
http://ping.fm/JDyWw
you can also follow and like the magazine by visiting
http://ping.fm/JDyWw
the google+ project
Real-life sharing,
rethought for the web.
Join A quick look at the first pieces of the project.
Sharing is a huge part of the web, a part that we think could be a lot simpler. That’s why we’ve been working on adding a few new things to Google: to make connecting with people on the web more like connecting with them in the real world. We hope you like what we’ve cooked up so far. And stay tuned, because there’s more to come. Take a tourCircles
You share different things with different people. But sharing the right stuff with the right people shouldn’t be a hassle. Circles makes it easy to put your friends from Saturday night in one circle, your parents in another, and your boss in a circle by himself, just like real life.Sparks
Remember when your Grandpa used to cut articles out of the paper and send them to you? That was nice. That’s kind of what Sparks does: looks for videos and articles it thinks you’ll like, so when you’re free, there’s always something to watch, read, and share. Grandpa would approve.Hangouts
Bumping into friends while you’re out and about is one of the best parts of going out and about. With Hangouts, the unplanned meet-up comes to the web for the first time. Let buddies know you’re hanging out and see who drops by for a face-to-face-to-face chat. Until we perfect teleportation, it’s the next best thing.Mobile
Instant Upload
Watch video Taking photos is fun. Sharing photos is fun. Getting photos off your phone and on to the web is pretty much the opposite of fun. That’s why we created Instant Upload: so that from now on, your photos upload themselves. You don’t even have to say ‘cheese’.Huddle
Watch video Texting is great, but not when you’re trying get six different people to decide on a movie. Huddle takes care of it by turning all those different conversations into one simple group chat, so everyone gets on the same page long before thumbs get sore.
'Tree Man': An Amazing Transition
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/popup?id=5536783
Doctors diagnosed Dede with the common human papillomavirus, HPV, and a rare immune deficiency, which, in combination, caused Dede's warts to spread over his entire body.
Dede's gnarled growths sprouted from his face, hands and feet. In a photo taken last year, he sits with his father in their house. At the time Dede hoped a doctor would be able to treat the horn-like extensions that started appearing on his body when he was a teenager. He is known as "Tree Man" throughout Indonesia. (Supri/ Reuters)
Dede Koswara is covered in bark-like warts that have swollen his limbs and sapped his energy and limited his mobility. Treatment appeared to help, until side effects and a medical turf war stymied the effort.
Inside a dimly lighted living room in the heart of the Javanese forest, Dede Koswara blankly examines his bulky hands, which have morphed to the size of catcher's mitts. He shuffles along on blackened, bloated feet, a prisoner of his own mutinous body.
For years, the slender construction worker watched helplessly as his limbs broke out in a swath of grotesque bark-like warts that sapped his energy and limited his mobility.
For years, the slender construction worker watched helplessly as his limbs broke out in a swath of grotesque bark-like warts that sapped his energy and limited his mobility.
Monday, July 4, 2011
shop opened
poetry and articles by kaffy mwangi are back on http://ping.fm/JV27H
feel free to read and share what pleases you.
for those with blogs and websites please send me your web address/URl,also follow me on twitter to know what *cheeky* business am up to on @kaffymwangi.
all in all thanks for the continued support ¤check out the spread¤
feel free to read and share what pleases you.
for those with blogs and websites please send me your web address/URl,also follow me on twitter to know what *cheeky* business am up to on @kaffymwangi.
all in all thanks for the continued support ¤check out the spread¤
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
In The Ghetto
What do they care,
when they dare....
to come into my home full of greed?
Just THEIR need!!!
This, I’ve guessed, THEIR POSSESSED!!!!
Is it someone I know?
Should I stay? Should I go?
Will I ever be sure I’m secure?
It’s hard to find...peace of mind...
in the ghetto...
A lifeless life, full of strife.
Dirty dealings,
no real feelings.
N-E-G-A-T-I-V-E...
N-E-V-E-R give...
Unpure hearts who tear apart
your life and theirs...
Because they have none,...
because they want some.
They want your things.
Perhaps your rings!!
Or better yet, they want to get
your peace of mind,
a PRECIOUS find.
Because they have none,...
because they want some.
No life, low life, puny ghetto rats,
I think you stink!!
Why don’t you think?!!
There ARE other ways to make a living.
Instead of taking, just try giving.
Fill that void inside of you
with something new.
Try out love and try out peace.
Or at least,
try to remember that we, the others,
we’re your sisters
and we’re your brothers.
So, while you grow fatter
on we, who don’t matter,
and we’re growing thin,
losing ours, so you win;
remember,...
our life’s no game,
we have a name.
We, the others,
we’re Your Sisters
and we’re Your Brothers.
when they dare....
to come into my home full of greed?
Just THEIR need!!!
This, I’ve guessed, THEIR POSSESSED!!!!
Is it someone I know?
Should I stay? Should I go?
Will I ever be sure I’m secure?
It’s hard to find...peace of mind...
in the ghetto...
A lifeless life, full of strife.
Dirty dealings,
no real feelings.
N-E-G-A-T-I-V-E...
N-E-V-E-R give...
Unpure hearts who tear apart
your life and theirs...
Because they have none,...
because they want some.
They want your things.
Perhaps your rings!!
Or better yet, they want to get
your peace of mind,
a PRECIOUS find.
Because they have none,...
because they want some.
No life, low life, puny ghetto rats,
I think you stink!!
Why don’t you think?!!
There ARE other ways to make a living.
Instead of taking, just try giving.
Fill that void inside of you
with something new.
Try out love and try out peace.
Or at least,
try to remember that we, the others,
we’re your sisters
and we’re your brothers.
So, while you grow fatter
on we, who don’t matter,
and we’re growing thin,
losing ours, so you win;
remember,...
our life’s no game,
we have a name.
We, the others,
we’re Your Sisters
and we’re Your Brothers.
Its Not Ya Booty its Ya Beauty!
When we Love
self first
waves of energy comes from within
Racing through all space and time
what do we find, true shine
a blinding dime
pieces glisten
i see it
even when im asleep
its a diamond necklace
to give to you would be reckless
priceless perfect peace
life I pledge to protect it
my years have been put into proper prospective
my past, present and future objective
a nation building specialist
i think we can handle this
as long as we project it and align
straight science
never will we forget
its not ya booty its ya beauty
self first
waves of energy comes from within
Racing through all space and time
what do we find, true shine
a blinding dime
pieces glisten
i see it
even when im asleep
its a diamond necklace
to give to you would be reckless
priceless perfect peace
life I pledge to protect it
my years have been put into proper prospective
my past, present and future objective
a nation building specialist
i think we can handle this
as long as we project it and align
straight science
never will we forget
its not ya booty its ya beauty
Ghetto luv poem
Gul I love you,
Skraight up Fo’Sho.
Or I wouldna told dem ova girls
not to call me no mo.
I knewed it was true,
da first day I seenteded you.
Why you thank I do,
da thangs I do?
Remember how I use ta wine and dine you,
Schlits Malt Liquor and Bar-Ba-Que.
I gave you a bubble baf and fed you grapes.
Dey was on sale that week, a dolla ninedy-eight.
Romanic evenins after dark,
Skreet light walks around the block.
Like da very first time,
you came ova to my crib.
And you got all scared,
cause that roach was on yo Timbs.
I was right dare,
wit a can of spray.
To be yo Super Man,
and save da day.
I ain’t even pay my light bill,
so I can take you to da club.....
Don’t knock ova does candles
and burn up my rug!
And dat nite we made luv,
for a long liddle bit of time.
I hope you got yours,
cause I Sho’nuff got mine.
I woke up early and made you brekfas in bed.
Sep fo I ain’t have no juice, no grits, o no eggs.
Didn’t have no cereal and was fresh outta milk,
so we had some toast and some potada chips.
I usta rub lotion on yo feet,
and massage yo back too.
when you lost one of your tracks
I fount you some glue.
Now what man you know,
ever loved you like dis.
So can u please take my name
off that child support list?
Skraight up Fo’Sho.
Or I wouldna told dem ova girls
not to call me no mo.
I knewed it was true,
da first day I seenteded you.
Why you thank I do,
da thangs I do?
Remember how I use ta wine and dine you,
Schlits Malt Liquor and Bar-Ba-Que.
I gave you a bubble baf and fed you grapes.
Dey was on sale that week, a dolla ninedy-eight.
Romanic evenins after dark,
Skreet light walks around the block.
Like da very first time,
you came ova to my crib.
And you got all scared,
cause that roach was on yo Timbs.
I was right dare,
wit a can of spray.
To be yo Super Man,
and save da day.
I ain’t even pay my light bill,
so I can take you to da club.....
Don’t knock ova does candles
and burn up my rug!
And dat nite we made luv,
for a long liddle bit of time.
I hope you got yours,
cause I Sho’nuff got mine.
I woke up early and made you brekfas in bed.
Sep fo I ain’t have no juice, no grits, o no eggs.
Didn’t have no cereal and was fresh outta milk,
so we had some toast and some potada chips.
I usta rub lotion on yo feet,
and massage yo back too.
when you lost one of your tracks
I fount you some glue.
Now what man you know,
ever loved you like dis.
So can u please take my name
off that child support list?
nah bed of rozes
walkin thru thiz bed of roses:
cross roads and headstones:
R.I.P's 2 friends gone:
thiz rollin stone hard as a rock:
when tha best of both worlds combine:
R-KELLS and JAY:
hard shells decay:
that's why we take L's 2 tha face:
cause any day be our last:
that's why we cast roles 4 tha way we play:
when it gets hot outside:
we cast that shade:
that protects chest 2 nabel:
cause my tech's give labels that wrap round toe's:
that means those shoes ain't fit bro:
tryin 2 tip-toe:
on my shift that's graveyard:
them feins love that gray hard:
weither it's slab or cookies:
professional,rookie:
god or tookie:
take a look n my crystal ball:
tha way that crystal ball when hot water hit that crystal jar
cross roads and headstones:
R.I.P's 2 friends gone:
thiz rollin stone hard as a rock:
when tha best of both worlds combine:
R-KELLS and JAY:
hard shells decay:
that's why we take L's 2 tha face:
cause any day be our last:
that's why we cast roles 4 tha way we play:
when it gets hot outside:
we cast that shade:
that protects chest 2 nabel:
cause my tech's give labels that wrap round toe's:
that means those shoes ain't fit bro:
tryin 2 tip-toe:
on my shift that's graveyard:
them feins love that gray hard:
weither it's slab or cookies:
professional,rookie:
god or tookie:
take a look n my crystal ball:
tha way that crystal ball when hot water hit that crystal jar
Reality Check
Yea you see the hard composure
but theat's far from the real me
i have the softest heart in the world
don't get it twisted though
yo girls' not weak
i've seen things an average 17 year old haven't seen
i've been threw stuff that you only have nightmares about in your dreams
yes i live good now but i've been threw the struggle
i've been to the point where we didn't have any food in the house
but it didn't make me weaker
God threw alot of test at me
but it actually made me stronger
i'm not a G or a thug
but i'm far from a punk
i'm not a fake or a phony
I know where the hell i'm from
but i don't go around flauntin this
cause that's not what real niggas do
i'm 100% real
too bad i can't say the same thing for you.
but theat's far from the real me
i have the softest heart in the world
don't get it twisted though
yo girls' not weak
i've seen things an average 17 year old haven't seen
i've been threw stuff that you only have nightmares about in your dreams
yes i live good now but i've been threw the struggle
i've been to the point where we didn't have any food in the house
but it didn't make me weaker
God threw alot of test at me
but it actually made me stronger
i'm not a G or a thug
but i'm far from a punk
i'm not a fake or a phony
I know where the hell i'm from
but i don't go around flauntin this
cause that's not what real niggas do
i'm 100% real
too bad i can't say the same thing for you.
?Ghetto shame?..
Shame to be seen
when neither of you have a dream.
Shame to step out
when all the both of you
ever do is scream and shout.
Shame of what they think
of you?
When luv comes around
you're sure to find a simple reason
to end it!
Shame to be having an unwanted
candle light dinner,
Shame on you for doping up the light bill
funds...
Shame to be sitting there sharing
a stale honey bun?
It's out there somewhere...
Ghetto shame......
SunShine.....................
when neither of you have a dream.
Shame to step out
when all the both of you
ever do is scream and shout.
Shame of what they think
of you?
When luv comes around
you're sure to find a simple reason
to end it!
Shame to be having an unwanted
candle light dinner,
Shame on you for doping up the light bill
funds...
Shame to be sitting there sharing
a stale honey bun?
It's out there somewhere...
Ghetto shame......
SunShine.....................
It?s boring being a monster
It’s boring being a monster,
Chasing kids around,
Hiding underneath their beds,
Not making any sound.
It’s boring waiting on the stairs,
Hoping they’ll walk by -
Boring making little creaks,
Trying to make kids cry.
It takes so long to learn this trade,
To skulk and tap and moan,
It’s boring waiting all the time
In someone else’s home.
I’d like to slide down bannisters,
And shriek and yell and scream,
Boogie to some disco songs,
Let off a little steam.
I’d like to run around the house,
Turn on all the lights,
Eat marshmallows, watch T.V.,
On dark and dismal nights.
I’d like to have a bath sometimes,
And clean my smelly hair -
Put some decent clothes on,
For someone who would care.
I’d like to sit down to a meal,
Smile and laugh and chat,
Have a coffee and ice-cream,
Put on a little fat.
I dream of being normal,
Of having a little fun -
It’s boring being a Monster
When all is said and done.
Chasing kids around,
Hiding underneath their beds,
Not making any sound.
It’s boring waiting on the stairs,
Hoping they’ll walk by -
Boring making little creaks,
Trying to make kids cry.
It takes so long to learn this trade,
To skulk and tap and moan,
It’s boring waiting all the time
In someone else’s home.
I’d like to slide down bannisters,
And shriek and yell and scream,
Boogie to some disco songs,
Let off a little steam.
I’d like to run around the house,
Turn on all the lights,
Eat marshmallows, watch T.V.,
On dark and dismal nights.
I’d like to have a bath sometimes,
And clean my smelly hair -
Put some decent clothes on,
For someone who would care.
I’d like to sit down to a meal,
Smile and laugh and chat,
Have a coffee and ice-cream,
Put on a little fat.
I dream of being normal,
Of having a little fun -
It’s boring being a Monster
When all is said and done.
Anonymous Sex for You and Me
Anonymous sex is very
hot and pleasing.
A girl like me loves to tease.
So do with me, as you please.
You got to be an adult to go to this place.
Its a secret so I try to go without a trace.
I go under the darkness of the night.
Always having a tinge of fright.
Glory holes are there for people like me.
To be able to go have anonymous fun and then let it be.
People come from all around.
To be able to have a chance of getting down.
When I go I always have a plan.
I try to fuck as many men as I can.
The sizes differ each time they come in.
I can only hope for a ten.
They can be small and thick or big and thin.
As long as I am capable of getting it in.
In between my wet juicy lips is where I crave.
For me to turn into his sexual slave.
If its not big enough and unable to fit in between.
I turn them into a queen.
The men are anonymous to me.
I have no idea who they could be.
As they come in one by one.
I get aroused knowing I may be able to make one of them cum.
My pleasure is giving him some.
Until he is unable to hold back his cum.
hot and pleasing.
A girl like me loves to tease.
So do with me, as you please.
You got to be an adult to go to this place.
Its a secret so I try to go without a trace.
I go under the darkness of the night.
Always having a tinge of fright.
Glory holes are there for people like me.
To be able to go have anonymous fun and then let it be.
People come from all around.
To be able to have a chance of getting down.
When I go I always have a plan.
I try to fuck as many men as I can.
The sizes differ each time they come in.
I can only hope for a ten.
They can be small and thick or big and thin.
As long as I am capable of getting it in.
In between my wet juicy lips is where I crave.
For me to turn into his sexual slave.
If its not big enough and unable to fit in between.
I turn them into a queen.
The men are anonymous to me.
I have no idea who they could be.
As they come in one by one.
I get aroused knowing I may be able to make one of them cum.
My pleasure is giving him some.
Until he is unable to hold back his cum.
I think back in time
I think back in time,
Where we had fun.
I thought it was a time,
But i still don't know.
I think of you,
All day long.
I love you, do you love me too?
I don't think so,
But i do hope!
I hoped you would never go,
But you did.
Loved it, your smile,
Your looks, your hair.
I would even walk a mile
Just to find you standing there.
I'm thinking of you,
I really love you!
Where we had fun.
I thought it was a time,
But i still don't know.
I think of you,
All day long.
I love you, do you love me too?
I don't think so,
But i do hope!
I hoped you would never go,
But you did.
Loved it, your smile,
Your looks, your hair.
I would even walk a mile
Just to find you standing there.
I'm thinking of you,
I really love you!
Sweet dreams
Do you ever feel like you're dreaming
Because everything is finally in its place
Its like you've gotten every wish
That is how i feel with you mase
Ever since the day i met you
I've had that tingle down my spine
As i watched you everyday
Deep in my heart,wishing you were mine
Never thought I'd have the chance
To prove my love was true
Until that day you surprised me
Whispering the words "Jess,god i love you"
Now as i sit here in my room
All i can think about is your eyes,your smile, your kiss
Counting the days I'll be lonely
For you i will surely truly miss
I don't know how I'm gonna last 10 weeks without you
When i can't even last a single day
Truthfully and honestly, you're all i think about
Can't stop but i also cant stay
I know its only 2 months and a bit
But tell me, how am i going to last?
Because i miss you when you're not near me
And i don't want you to think of me as your past
So don't worry i won't be gone for long and
While in France the sun is shining bright
Just picture me there in bed beside you
Whispering, "sweet dreams, baby, goodnight"
Because everything is finally in its place
Its like you've gotten every wish
That is how i feel with you mase
Ever since the day i met you
I've had that tingle down my spine
As i watched you everyday
Deep in my heart,wishing you were mine
Never thought I'd have the chance
To prove my love was true
Until that day you surprised me
Whispering the words "Jess,god i love you"
Now as i sit here in my room
All i can think about is your eyes,your smile, your kiss
Counting the days I'll be lonely
For you i will surely truly miss
I don't know how I'm gonna last 10 weeks without you
When i can't even last a single day
Truthfully and honestly, you're all i think about
Can't stop but i also cant stay
I know its only 2 months and a bit
But tell me, how am i going to last?
Because i miss you when you're not near me
And i don't want you to think of me as your past
So don't worry i won't be gone for long and
While in France the sun is shining bright
Just picture me there in bed beside you
Whispering, "sweet dreams, baby, goodnight"
Do you think of me at all
Do you think of me at all?
Do you remember the good and true?
Do you remember what turned it bad?
Are you happy? Are you sad?
Do you know what went wrong?
Could you hear my painful song?
Nor could I though I was more aware
I just did not know how to take us there
Are you in that dreadful place?
Have you really used this space?
I took your lessons and learned them well
But on your laurels do you dwell?
Did the master learn from the pupil?
For thee and thine and me and mine
Rights and wrongs, mistakes and misconceptions
All are futile without reflections
Look inside and look so true
What is coming back at you?
Is it perfect? Is it bad? Are you happy? Are you sad?
Did you do the best you could?
If you did forgive yourself
Forgive me too if you would
For me and mine and thee and thine
Are complex reactions of their time.
To err is human to love divine
Be happy my dear my love so true
Is always there shining through
Lighting a path, it’s there to take
But if another road you choose instead
Remember me in your head
Remember me in your heart
For truly we are never apart
For I am you and you are me
Always into eternity
My path is there for all to take
My path is, what it is
Do you remember the good and true?
Do you remember what turned it bad?
Are you happy? Are you sad?
Do you know what went wrong?
Could you hear my painful song?
Nor could I though I was more aware
I just did not know how to take us there
Are you in that dreadful place?
Have you really used this space?
I took your lessons and learned them well
But on your laurels do you dwell?
Did the master learn from the pupil?
For thee and thine and me and mine
Rights and wrongs, mistakes and misconceptions
All are futile without reflections
Look inside and look so true
What is coming back at you?
Is it perfect? Is it bad? Are you happy? Are you sad?
Did you do the best you could?
If you did forgive yourself
Forgive me too if you would
For me and mine and thee and thine
Are complex reactions of their time.
To err is human to love divine
Be happy my dear my love so true
Is always there shining through
Lighting a path, it’s there to take
But if another road you choose instead
Remember me in your head
Remember me in your heart
For truly we are never apart
For I am you and you are me
Always into eternity
My path is there for all to take
My path is, what it is
Fighting for your sanity
Fighting for your sanity
Reliving the wounds no one can see
When they do they want to talk,
Answers to questions, to try to understand
But you have no voice to answer with
No words no images
So it must be nothing much really
Just try harder, do this do that
Look we can do it what’s your problem
You have so much ability
So what’s your problem?
Why aren’t you trying?
When your problem is you try too much
You make it look easier than it is
You work so hard you don’t even realise
You’ve done it so long you think exhaustion is relaxed
Yes you have extraordinary abilities
What about the abilities you don’t have?
Yes you are strong and a survivor
But you have to know your limitations
Fighting hard for your sanity
When you don’t fit the boxes
When part of you dazzles so much
That it hides the other that needs so much
Fighting for your sanity
When you don’t know what’s happening
You can’t talk or explain
Fighting for your sanity
Reliving the wounds you yourself cannot see
Fighting for your sanity
Hanging on tight to reality
Fighting for your sanity
Fighting for your memory
Fighting the memories that make you hide
Fighting for the memories that were the cost
Fighting for your sanity
So you can recreate your sanity
Fighting for my sanity
So I can just BE
Reliving the wounds no one can see
When they do they want to talk,
Answers to questions, to try to understand
But you have no voice to answer with
No words no images
So it must be nothing much really
Just try harder, do this do that
Look we can do it what’s your problem
You have so much ability
So what’s your problem?
Why aren’t you trying?
When your problem is you try too much
You make it look easier than it is
You work so hard you don’t even realise
You’ve done it so long you think exhaustion is relaxed
Yes you have extraordinary abilities
What about the abilities you don’t have?
Yes you are strong and a survivor
But you have to know your limitations
Fighting hard for your sanity
When you don’t fit the boxes
When part of you dazzles so much
That it hides the other that needs so much
Fighting for your sanity
When you don’t know what’s happening
You can’t talk or explain
Fighting for your sanity
Reliving the wounds you yourself cannot see
Fighting for your sanity
Hanging on tight to reality
Fighting for your sanity
Fighting for your memory
Fighting the memories that make you hide
Fighting for the memories that were the cost
Fighting for your sanity
So you can recreate your sanity
Fighting for my sanity
So I can just BE
Get the fuck
Get the fuck away from me
Be safe and well but away from me
I too have needs of my energy
Get the fuck away from me
It’s too scary when you can see
What it is you mean to me
Get the fuck away from me
If you can’t cope with my vulnerability
Get the fuck away from me
Get the fuck away from me
The walls are there for those who see
Do you have the ability?
Get the fuck away from me
Be safe and well but away from me
I too have needs of my energy
Get the fuck away from me
It’s too scary when you can see
What it is you mean to me
Get the fuck away from me
If you can’t cope with my vulnerability
Get the fuck away from me
Get the fuck away from me
The walls are there for those who see
Do you have the ability?
Get the fuck away from me
Hush now baby
Hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
I hurt too much to take your pain
And make it all right as rain
So hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
But let’s pretend its all ok
Then I don’t have to make it go away
So hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
I love you baby and meant it well
Even though I left you in a private hell
Hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
Forgive me dear for not being strong
Forgive me for getting it so wrong
Cry my baby and let it out
Cry my baby and be in no doubt
I loved you then and always will
I never ever meant you ill
I want to sing that lullaby
To hold you close as you cry
Cry my baby and feel my love
It’s all I have and it’s enough
Cry my baby let go of the pain
That’s what makes it right again
Cry my baby for now I see
What it is you need from me
I cannot sing you a lullaby
I hurt too much to take your pain
And make it all right as rain
So hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
But let’s pretend its all ok
Then I don’t have to make it go away
So hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
I love you baby and meant it well
Even though I left you in a private hell
Hush now baby don’t you cry
I cannot sing you a lullaby
Forgive me dear for not being strong
Forgive me for getting it so wrong
Cry my baby and let it out
Cry my baby and be in no doubt
I loved you then and always will
I never ever meant you ill
I want to sing that lullaby
To hold you close as you cry
Cry my baby and feel my love
It’s all I have and it’s enough
Cry my baby let go of the pain
That’s what makes it right again
Cry my baby for now I see
What it is you need from me
I chose to live today
When I woke up I wondered if,
today I’d take my leave,
everything just seemed to go wrong.
I thought of giving in,
no more coping or pretence,
took forever just to get out of bed.
But I chose to live today.
I picked a different way.
even when it all seems so wrong.
Yes I’ll make a different day.
I choose to breathe today.
Wont give in, give up or go down.
Yes I choose to live today,
and believe me when I say,
it’s harder than it seems to hold on.
So if you feel a different way,
think back to better days,
take my hand and choose to move on.
today I’d take my leave,
everything just seemed to go wrong.
I thought of giving in,
no more coping or pretence,
took forever just to get out of bed.
But I chose to live today.
I picked a different way.
even when it all seems so wrong.
Yes I’ll make a different day.
I choose to breathe today.
Wont give in, give up or go down.
Yes I choose to live today,
and believe me when I say,
it’s harder than it seems to hold on.
So if you feel a different way,
think back to better days,
take my hand and choose to move on.
what?s it like inside of me?
What’s it like inside of me?
The inner bit that’s rarely seen
Sometimes I give out just a smidgeon
See how the reaction is
Do you have the ability?
Can you cope?
Is it safe?
Is NOW the time?
Do I have the skills yet?
Do I have a safety net?
Each time I tried to reach out
Next time will be harder there’s no doubt
And then along comes someone who sees a bit
And tries to fix that little bit
Then gets annoyed and gives up
They hear one note and think they know the song
And lash out when they are wrong
The silent screaming is at the wrong pitch for them
What’s it like inside of me?
Deep inside where it’s hard to see
Surrounded and hidden by a light so bright
Hiding away the pain, fear, hurt and shame
Described as tight as a clam but that’s not quite right
More like an iceberg. Mrs 90% that’s my name
The inner bit that’s rarely seen
Sometimes I give out just a smidgeon
See how the reaction is
Do you have the ability?
Can you cope?
Is it safe?
Is NOW the time?
Do I have the skills yet?
Do I have a safety net?
Each time I tried to reach out
Next time will be harder there’s no doubt
And then along comes someone who sees a bit
And tries to fix that little bit
Then gets annoyed and gives up
They hear one note and think they know the song
And lash out when they are wrong
The silent screaming is at the wrong pitch for them
What’s it like inside of me?
Deep inside where it’s hard to see
Surrounded and hidden by a light so bright
Hiding away the pain, fear, hurt and shame
Described as tight as a clam but that’s not quite right
More like an iceberg. Mrs 90% that’s my name
Two Dogs
Let me take you by the hand
let me show you i understand
let me show you it is safe.
I let you take me by the hand
but you only took the outer band
the smaller one buried deep inside
was left behind screaming wide
screaming out so urgently
quiet to you but loud to her
why does no one see her there?
the gap so wide it’s hard to see
the strings that keep her still, there
please don’t let her disappear
she deserves to grow and to flourish
all she needs is a gentle nourish
Cut the strings you may say,
let her go, just float away
but if i do what becomes of me?
that great void will grow and swell
and collapse in its outer shell
for i am she and she is me
there is no one without the other.
Better still to take those strings
fill the gaps, make them sing
let them resonate with the same song
She did no harm, she did no wrong
why can’t you hear her painful song?
she does not want to be the strident voice
she agreed the split, she made the choice
one to grow and forge ahead
the other to hide and play dead
until the pain can be felt and shed
but now it is time she was made complete
so inner and outer can finally meet
sing and dance in harmony
she is the harmonic that drove the tune,
she has no anger or need to blame,
she just wants to hear her name
for she is me and i am she
hear our song for both are sung
both are true and both are one
one pitched high and one pitched low
one so bright and one so dim
there is no shame that you could not hear or see
across such a disparity,
past the extent of your reality
a gap so wide, they seem so separate
one so big one so small
is she really there at all?
but now at last they return together
in full sight and range
the strength one of bolstering the other
that strength, in time, returned to nourish
barriers breaking, the whole can flourish
to draw them back together , complete the circle
remove the shade so the light can shine
from both of me strong and fine
let me show you i understand
let me show you it is safe.
I let you take me by the hand
but you only took the outer band
the smaller one buried deep inside
was left behind screaming wide
screaming out so urgently
quiet to you but loud to her
why does no one see her there?
the gap so wide it’s hard to see
the strings that keep her still, there
please don’t let her disappear
she deserves to grow and to flourish
all she needs is a gentle nourish
Cut the strings you may say,
let her go, just float away
but if i do what becomes of me?
that great void will grow and swell
and collapse in its outer shell
for i am she and she is me
there is no one without the other.
Better still to take those strings
fill the gaps, make them sing
let them resonate with the same song
She did no harm, she did no wrong
why can’t you hear her painful song?
she does not want to be the strident voice
she agreed the split, she made the choice
one to grow and forge ahead
the other to hide and play dead
until the pain can be felt and shed
but now it is time she was made complete
so inner and outer can finally meet
sing and dance in harmony
she is the harmonic that drove the tune,
she has no anger or need to blame,
she just wants to hear her name
for she is me and i am she
hear our song for both are sung
both are true and both are one
one pitched high and one pitched low
one so bright and one so dim
there is no shame that you could not hear or see
across such a disparity,
past the extent of your reality
a gap so wide, they seem so separate
one so big one so small
is she really there at all?
but now at last they return together
in full sight and range
the strength one of bolstering the other
that strength, in time, returned to nourish
barriers breaking, the whole can flourish
to draw them back together , complete the circle
remove the shade so the light can shine
from both of me strong and fine
Suicide it?s plain to see
Suicide it’s plain to see
Means different things to you and me
For some it’s such a heinous thing
And for that must be classed as a sin
“Don’t be so selfish” “don’t be so stupid “don’t be so pathetic”
Selfish is not living or dying as one wishes,
It’s expecting others to live or die as you wish.
Death is so feared, don’t think of it, or talk or do it
Death is also a merciful release
It really is just another experience
It does not always mean you have no coping skills
Sometimes it means you have too many and too much to cope with.
For some it is a knee jerk reaction, momentary, fleeting
And not really to be acted on.
For some it is just there, always waiting in the wings.
Brooded upon until it is the only point of focus
For others, it’s the comfort that motivates them to keep going
“Ok if it really is too hard then it’s ok to die.
But just get through today/this hour/this minute first
See if you can find some fun to focus intently on,
See if you can learn a new skill to get you through.
Can you take THIS scab off and heal it?
Maybe today will be the day when someone sees
Maybe today will be the day when someone hears
Maybe today someone will be able to break the barrier
Maybe
And maybe they won’t
So tomorrow you can do it
Just get through today
Means different things to you and me
For some it’s such a heinous thing
And for that must be classed as a sin
“Don’t be so selfish” “don’t be so stupid “don’t be so pathetic”
Selfish is not living or dying as one wishes,
It’s expecting others to live or die as you wish.
Death is so feared, don’t think of it, or talk or do it
Death is also a merciful release
It really is just another experience
It does not always mean you have no coping skills
Sometimes it means you have too many and too much to cope with.
For some it is a knee jerk reaction, momentary, fleeting
And not really to be acted on.
For some it is just there, always waiting in the wings.
Brooded upon until it is the only point of focus
For others, it’s the comfort that motivates them to keep going
“Ok if it really is too hard then it’s ok to die.
But just get through today/this hour/this minute first
See if you can find some fun to focus intently on,
See if you can learn a new skill to get you through.
Can you take THIS scab off and heal it?
Maybe today will be the day when someone sees
Maybe today will be the day when someone hears
Maybe today someone will be able to break the barrier
Maybe
And maybe they won’t
So tomorrow you can do it
Just get through today
Some will go straight from A to B
Some will go straight from A to b
Some will also go through C+d
Some will start at Z to get to B
Some will wander where they will
Knowing they will get there still
But on the way enjoy the thrill
Some will cry and hold their head
Wishing they were somewhere else instead
Tis not fair they do say
Never realising they want it that way
Some will also go through C+d
Some will start at Z to get to B
Some will wander where they will
Knowing they will get there still
But on the way enjoy the thrill
Some will cry and hold their head
Wishing they were somewhere else instead
Tis not fair they do say
Never realising they want it that way
Friend like you
Of all the friends I have ever met,
you’re the one I won’t forget.
And if I die before you do,
I will go to heaven and wait for you.
I will give the angel’s back their wings,
and risk the loss of everything.
Just to show my friendship’s true,
I am thankful to have a friend like you.
you’re the one I won’t forget.
And if I die before you do,
I will go to heaven and wait for you.
I will give the angel’s back their wings,
and risk the loss of everything.
Just to show my friendship’s true,
I am thankful to have a friend like you.
Friendship Garden
In my friendship garden,
grows a flower,
rare and true.
I look a little closer,
and find that it is you.
To me it means all is well.
My sky is clear and blue,
and that is how it always is,
whenever I think of you.
grows a flower,
rare and true.
I look a little closer,
and find that it is you.
To me it means all is well.
My sky is clear and blue,
and that is how it always is,
whenever I think of you.
Sorry Isn't Good Enough.
Enough.I have come to realise,
What a coward I've been.
Overwhelmed by the hype,
And teenage life,
That has slowly beaten me down.
I should have listened.
And I never should have said those things.
I'm sorry.
I was flicking back,
Through snapshots in my mind,
Trying to find a time,
I was happy.
I was shocked to find,
At the back of my mind,
The people I left behind.
And I'm sorry.
I became dismissive.
Fake smiles and dirty looks,
Were allies of mine.
They replaced you.
Your originality and quirks.
I swapped late night talks,
For cheap kicks.
And I'm sorry.
Call this my second attempt,
At being a better person.
But I yearn for happiness,
And crave affection,
Just like I always did.
This is my confession,
A chance at redemption,
And I'm sorry.
My hypocrisy is a talent.
I cannot say anything,
To justify my actions,
And callous words.
Blinded by petty drama,
And fashion disasters.
Selfish doesn't come close,
And sorry isn't good enough.
What a coward I've been.
Overwhelmed by the hype,
And teenage life,
That has slowly beaten me down.
I should have listened.
And I never should have said those things.
I'm sorry.
I was flicking back,
Through snapshots in my mind,
Trying to find a time,
I was happy.
I was shocked to find,
At the back of my mind,
The people I left behind.
And I'm sorry.
I became dismissive.
Fake smiles and dirty looks,
Were allies of mine.
They replaced you.
Your originality and quirks.
I swapped late night talks,
For cheap kicks.
And I'm sorry.
Call this my second attempt,
At being a better person.
But I yearn for happiness,
And crave affection,
Just like I always did.
This is my confession,
A chance at redemption,
And I'm sorry.
My hypocrisy is a talent.
I cannot say anything,
To justify my actions,
And callous words.
Blinded by petty drama,
And fashion disasters.
Selfish doesn't come close,
And sorry isn't good enough.
Still Smiling
Take that knife out your back,
Cry to those who'll listen;
You can't have drama without an audience.
Close your eyes,
In,
And out...
No, you're still here.
Hearts are made for breaking,
Charm falls hand in hand with deceit.
Is this really what you're looking for?
Smile, sunshine.
He was never yours to begin with.
Illusion is as illusion does,
It never does well to assume;
It just makes an Ass out of U and Me.
What does it take to kill a girl?
Three words like a gun to the head,
Lie to me, she whispered. I love you, he said
Cry to those who'll listen;
You can't have drama without an audience.
Close your eyes,
In,
And out...
No, you're still here.
Hearts are made for breaking,
Charm falls hand in hand with deceit.
Is this really what you're looking for?
Smile, sunshine.
He was never yours to begin with.
Illusion is as illusion does,
It never does well to assume;
It just makes an Ass out of U and Me.
What does it take to kill a girl?
Three words like a gun to the head,
Lie to me, she whispered. I love you, he said
MAYBE SOMEDAY
Maybe someday the world will make sense
maybe someday it will stop feeling wrong
maybe there’s hope for a heart badly battered
maybe someday I will feel I belong
Maybe someday I’ll stop feeling frightened
knowing that somehow I’ll find my way
maybe someday I’ll remember the promise
the hope that accompanies each dawn of day
Maybe someday I’ll discover a reason
maybe someday I’ll make sense of the pain
maybe someday I’ll see past these tears
to discover a rainbow has followed the rain
Maybe someday I will not be disgusted
and saddened with every thought of me
maybe someday I’ll forgive myself
for all that I am, and for all I can’t be
maybe someday it will stop feeling wrong
maybe there’s hope for a heart badly battered
maybe someday I will feel I belong
Maybe someday I’ll stop feeling frightened
knowing that somehow I’ll find my way
maybe someday I’ll remember the promise
the hope that accompanies each dawn of day
Maybe someday I’ll discover a reason
maybe someday I’ll make sense of the pain
maybe someday I’ll see past these tears
to discover a rainbow has followed the rain
Maybe someday I will not be disgusted
and saddened with every thought of me
maybe someday I’ll forgive myself
for all that I am, and for all I can’t be
Out of the Ashes
An empty vessel made of clay
a frightened lamb who lost her way
A precious spirit…floundering
a stifled voice…afraid to sing
But God, it seems, had other plans
a Heavenly Task for earthly hands
A life to lead…a home to make
a path to travel for His Sake
Children to raise
making memories sweet
with the other half
she would make complete
Accomplishing tasks
that were far beyond scope
inspiring so many
with her faith and her hope
A heart that kept beating
despite being broken
A soul that kept shining
through hurts left unspoken
Pleasing her Lord
with her spirit so tender
and teaching us all
what it means to surrender
a frightened lamb who lost her way
A precious spirit…floundering
a stifled voice…afraid to sing
But God, it seems, had other plans
a Heavenly Task for earthly hands
A life to lead…a home to make
a path to travel for His Sake
Children to raise
making memories sweet
with the other half
she would make complete
Accomplishing tasks
that were far beyond scope
inspiring so many
with her faith and her hope
A heart that kept beating
despite being broken
A soul that kept shining
through hurts left unspoken
Pleasing her Lord
with her spirit so tender
and teaching us all
what it means to surrender
Must My Words Go Unheeded
Must my words go unheeded
if, by chance, they’re not loud
If their author falls silent
in the midst of a crowd?
In the hustle and hurry
of your daily routine
are you able to hear me
do you care where I’ve been?
If framed in bright sunshine
would I merit your sight
Would you slow down to help me
or begrudge me the light?
I’m silently watching
while you're running your race
I'm feeling abandoned
and so out of place.
As you go through the motions
with your life in high gear
it's so sad you can't see me
I'm usually here
if, by chance, they’re not loud
If their author falls silent
in the midst of a crowd?
In the hustle and hurry
of your daily routine
are you able to hear me
do you care where I’ve been?
If framed in bright sunshine
would I merit your sight
Would you slow down to help me
or begrudge me the light?
I’m silently watching
while you're running your race
I'm feeling abandoned
and so out of place.
As you go through the motions
with your life in high gear
it's so sad you can't see me
I'm usually here
UNIFIED HEART
There must be a place where the darkness subsides where the safe warmth of light begins
A place where the rhythm of life is intact where we aren't made to squirm for our sins
A place where we're given acceptance and love and taught to return these in kind
A place where we know in our souls that true love is the greatest gift we'll ever find
A place where "family" is more than a word implying a bloodline we share
A place where the burdens weigh just a bit less because of the people who care
A place where "I love you" isn't just an expression a commonly tossed about phrase
A place where love's meaning can carry a soul through life's most unbearable days
This place, though elusive, is not hard to find once you understand where you should start
The things we've been searching so frantically for all exist in our Unified Heart
A place where the rhythm of life is intact where we aren't made to squirm for our sins
A place where we're given acceptance and love and taught to return these in kind
A place where we know in our souls that true love is the greatest gift we'll ever find
A place where "family" is more than a word implying a bloodline we share
A place where the burdens weigh just a bit less because of the people who care
A place where "I love you" isn't just an expression a commonly tossed about phrase
A place where love's meaning can carry a soul through life's most unbearable days
This place, though elusive, is not hard to find once you understand where you should start
The things we've been searching so frantically for all exist in our Unified Heart
PHENOMENAL WOMAN
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Recovery
A Last love,
proper in conclusion,
should snip the wings
forbidding further flight.
But I, now,
reft of that confusion,
am lifted up
and speeding toward the light.
proper in conclusion,
should snip the wings
forbidding further flight.
But I, now,
reft of that confusion,
am lifted up
and speeding toward the light.
Equality
You declare you see me dimly
through a glass which will not shine,
though I stand before you boldly,
trim in rank and making time.
You do own to hear me faintly
as a whisper out of range,
while my drums beat out the message
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
You announce my ways are wanton,
that I fly from man to man,
but if I'm just a shadow to you,
could you ever understand?
We have lived a painful history,
we know the shameful past,
but I keep on marching forward,
and you keep on coming last.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Take the blinders from your vision,
take the padding from your ears,
and confess you've heard me crying,
and admit you've seen my tears.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb through my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
through a glass which will not shine,
though I stand before you boldly,
trim in rank and making time.
You do own to hear me faintly
as a whisper out of range,
while my drums beat out the message
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
You announce my ways are wanton,
that I fly from man to man,
but if I'm just a shadow to you,
could you ever understand?
We have lived a painful history,
we know the shameful past,
but I keep on marching forward,
and you keep on coming last.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Take the blinders from your vision,
take the padding from your ears,
and confess you've heard me crying,
and admit you've seen my tears.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb through my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Ain't That Bad?
Dancin' the funky chicken
Eatin' ribs and tips
Diggin' all the latest sounds
And drinkin' gin in sips.
Puttin' down that do-rag
Tighten' up my 'fro
Wrappin' up in Blackness
Don't I shine and glow?
Hearin' Stevie Wonder
Cookin' beans and rice
Goin' to the opera
Checkin' out Leontyne Price.
Get down, Jesse Jackson
Dance on, Alvin Ailey
Talk, Miss Barbara Jordan
Groove, Miss Pearlie Bailey.
Now ain't they bad?
An ain't they Black?
An ain't they Black?
An' ain't they Bad?
An ain't they bad?
An' ain't they Black?
An' ain't they fine?
Black like the hour of the night
When your love turns and wriggles close to your side
Black as the earth which has given birth
To nations, and when all else is gone will abide.
Bad as the storm that leaps raging from the heavens
Bringing the welcome rain
Bad as the sun burning orange hot at midday
Lifting the waters again.
Arthur Ashe on the tennis court
Mohammed Ali in the ring
Andre Watts and Andrew Young
Black men doing their thing.
Dressing in purples and pinks and greens
Exotic as rum and Cokes
Living our lives with flash and style
Ain't we colorful folks?
Now ain't we bad?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we bad?
An' ain't we bad?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we fine?
Eatin' ribs and tips
Diggin' all the latest sounds
And drinkin' gin in sips.
Puttin' down that do-rag
Tighten' up my 'fro
Wrappin' up in Blackness
Don't I shine and glow?
Hearin' Stevie Wonder
Cookin' beans and rice
Goin' to the opera
Checkin' out Leontyne Price.
Get down, Jesse Jackson
Dance on, Alvin Ailey
Talk, Miss Barbara Jordan
Groove, Miss Pearlie Bailey.
Now ain't they bad?
An ain't they Black?
An ain't they Black?
An' ain't they Bad?
An ain't they bad?
An' ain't they Black?
An' ain't they fine?
Black like the hour of the night
When your love turns and wriggles close to your side
Black as the earth which has given birth
To nations, and when all else is gone will abide.
Bad as the storm that leaps raging from the heavens
Bringing the welcome rain
Bad as the sun burning orange hot at midday
Lifting the waters again.
Arthur Ashe on the tennis court
Mohammed Ali in the ring
Andre Watts and Andrew Young
Black men doing their thing.
Dressing in purples and pinks and greens
Exotic as rum and Cokes
Living our lives with flash and style
Ain't we colorful folks?
Now ain't we bad?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we bad?
An' ain't we bad?
An' ain't we Black?
An' ain't we fine?
Prisoner
Even sunlight dares
and trembles through
my bars
to shimmer
dances on
the floor.
A clang og
lock and
keys and heels
and blood-dried
guns.
Even sunshine dares
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run.
Guard grey men
serve plates of rattle
noise and concrete
death and beans.
Then pale sun stumbles
through the poles of
iron to warm the horror
of grey guard men.
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run.
Black night. The me
myself of me sleeks
in the folds and history
of fear. To secret hold
me deep and close my
ears of lulls and clangs
and memory of hate.
Then night and sleep
and dreams.
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run
and trembles through
my bars
to shimmer
dances on
the floor.
A clang og
lock and
keys and heels
and blood-dried
guns.
Even sunshine dares
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run.
Guard grey men
serve plates of rattle
noise and concrete
death and beans.
Then pale sun stumbles
through the poles of
iron to warm the horror
of grey guard men.
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run.
Black night. The me
myself of me sleeks
in the folds and history
of fear. To secret hold
me deep and close my
ears of lulls and clangs
and memory of hate.
Then night and sleep
and dreams.
It's jail
and bail
then rails to run
Song for the Old Ones
My Fathers sit on benches
their flesh counts every plank
the slats leave dents of darkness
deep in their withered flanks.
They nod like broken candles
all waxed and burnt profound
they say "It's understanding
that makes the world go round."
There in those pleated faces
I see the auction block
the chains and slavery's coffles
the whip and lash and stock.
My Fathers speak in voices
that shred my fact and sound
they say "It's our submission
that makes the world go round."
They used the finest cunning
their naked wits and wiles
the lowly Uncle Tomming
and Aunt Jemima's smiles.
They've laughed to shield their crying
then shuffled through their dreams
and stepped 'n' fetched a country
to write the blues with screams.
I understand their meaning
it could and did derive
from living on the edge of death
They kept my race alive.
their flesh counts every plank
the slats leave dents of darkness
deep in their withered flanks.
They nod like broken candles
all waxed and burnt profound
they say "It's understanding
that makes the world go round."
There in those pleated faces
I see the auction block
the chains and slavery's coffles
the whip and lash and stock.
My Fathers speak in voices
that shred my fact and sound
they say "It's our submission
that makes the world go round."
They used the finest cunning
their naked wits and wiles
the lowly Uncle Tomming
and Aunt Jemima's smiles.
They've laughed to shield their crying
then shuffled through their dreams
and stepped 'n' fetched a country
to write the blues with screams.
I understand their meaning
it could and did derive
from living on the edge of death
They kept my race alive.
INSOMNIAC
There are some nights when
sleep plays coy,
aloof and disdainful.
And all the wiles
that I employ to win
its service to my side
are useless as wounded pride,
and much more painful.
Preacher, Don't Send Me
Preacher, Don't Send me
when I die
to some big ghetto
in the sky
where rats eat cats
of the leopard type
and Sunday brunch
is grits and tripe.
I've known those rats
I've seen them kill
and grits I've had
would make a hill,
or maybe a mountain,
so what I need
from you on Sunday
is a different creed.
Preacher, please don't
promise me
streets of gold
and milk for free.
I stopped all milk
at four years old
and once I'm dead
I won't need gold.
I'd call a place
pure paradise
where families are loyal
and strangers are nice,
where the music is jazz
and the season is fall.
Promise me that
or nothing at all.
sleep plays coy,
aloof and disdainful.
And all the wiles
that I employ to win
its service to my side
are useless as wounded pride,
and much more painful.
Preacher, Don't Send Me
Preacher, Don't Send me
when I die
to some big ghetto
in the sky
where rats eat cats
of the leopard type
and Sunday brunch
is grits and tripe.
I've known those rats
I've seen them kill
and grits I've had
would make a hill,
or maybe a mountain,
so what I need
from you on Sunday
is a different creed.
Preacher, please don't
promise me
streets of gold
and milk for free.
I stopped all milk
at four years old
and once I'm dead
I won't need gold.
I'd call a place
pure paradise
where families are loyal
and strangers are nice,
where the music is jazz
and the season is fall.
Promise me that
or nothing at all.
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Our Grandmothers
She lay, skin down in the moist dirt,
the canebrake rustling
with the whispers of leaves, and
loud longing of hounds and
the ransack of hunters crackling the near
branches.
She muttered, lifting her head a nod toward
freedom,
I shall not, I shall not be moved.
She gathered her babies,
their tears slick as oil on black faces,
their young eyes canvassing mornings of madness.
Momma, is Master going to sell you
from us tomorrow?
Yes.
Unless you keep walking more
and talking less.
Yes.
Unless the keeper of our lives
releases me from all commandments.
Yes.
And your lives,
never mine to live,
will be executed upon the killing floor of
innocents.
Unless you match my heart and words,
saying with me,
I shall not be moved.
In kiambu tea fields,
leaning into the curve
of Limuru
pianos, along Tigoni ,
in the red hills of Banana,
into the palms of her chained hands, she
cried against calamity,
You have tried to destroy me
and though I perish daily,
I shall not be moved.
Her universe, often
summarized into one black body
falling finally from the tree to her feet,
made her cry each time into a new voice.
All my past hastens to defeat,
and strangers claim the glory of my love,
Iniquity has bound me to his bed.
yet, I must not be moved.
She heard the names,
swirling ribbons in the wind of history:
nigger, nigger bitch, heifer,
mammy, property, creature, ape, baboon,
whore, hot tail, thing, it.
She said, But my description cannot
fit your tongue, for
I have a certain way of being in this world,
and I shall not, I shall not be moved.
No angel stretched protecting wings
above the heads of her children,
fluttering and urging the winds of reason
into the confusions of their lives.
The sprouted like young weeds,
but she could not shield their growth
from the grinding blades of ignorance, nor
shape them into symbolic topiaries.
She sent them away,
underground, overland, in coaches and
shoeless.
When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved.
She stood in mid-ocean, seeking dry land.
She searched God's face.
Assured,
she placed her fire of service
on the altar, and though
clothed in the finery of faith,
when she appeared at the temple door,
no sign welcomed
Black Grandmother, Enter here.
Into the crashing sound,
into wickedness, she cried,
No one, no, nor no one million
ones dare deny me God, I go forth
along, and stand as ten thousand.
The Divine upon my right
impels me to pull forever
at the latch on Freedom's gate.
The Holy Spirit upon my left leads my
feet without ceasing into the camp of the
righteous and into the tents of the free.
These momma faces, lemon-yellow, plum-
purple,
honey-brown, have grimaced and twisted
down a pyramid for years.
She is Sheba the Sojourner,
Harriet and Zora,
Mary Bethune and Angela,
Annie to Zenobia.
She stands
before the abortion clinic,
confounded by the lack of choices.
In the Welfare line,
reduced to the pity of handouts.
Ordained in the pulpit, shielded
by the mysteries.
In the operating room,
husbanding life.
In the choir loft,
holding God in her throat.
On lonely street corners,
hawking her body.
In the classroom, loving the
children to understanding.
Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to her loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conceits,
lay aside your fears that I will be undone,
for I shall not be moved.
the canebrake rustling
with the whispers of leaves, and
loud longing of hounds and
the ransack of hunters crackling the near
branches.
She muttered, lifting her head a nod toward
freedom,
I shall not, I shall not be moved.
She gathered her babies,
their tears slick as oil on black faces,
their young eyes canvassing mornings of madness.
Momma, is Master going to sell you
from us tomorrow?
Yes.
Unless you keep walking more
and talking less.
Yes.
Unless the keeper of our lives
releases me from all commandments.
Yes.
And your lives,
never mine to live,
will be executed upon the killing floor of
innocents.
Unless you match my heart and words,
saying with me,
I shall not be moved.
In kiambu tea fields,
leaning into the curve
of Limuru
pianos, along Tigoni ,
in the red hills of Banana,
into the palms of her chained hands, she
cried against calamity,
You have tried to destroy me
and though I perish daily,
I shall not be moved.
Her universe, often
summarized into one black body
falling finally from the tree to her feet,
made her cry each time into a new voice.
All my past hastens to defeat,
and strangers claim the glory of my love,
Iniquity has bound me to his bed.
yet, I must not be moved.
She heard the names,
swirling ribbons in the wind of history:
nigger, nigger bitch, heifer,
mammy, property, creature, ape, baboon,
whore, hot tail, thing, it.
She said, But my description cannot
fit your tongue, for
I have a certain way of being in this world,
and I shall not, I shall not be moved.
No angel stretched protecting wings
above the heads of her children,
fluttering and urging the winds of reason
into the confusions of their lives.
The sprouted like young weeds,
but she could not shield their growth
from the grinding blades of ignorance, nor
shape them into symbolic topiaries.
She sent them away,
underground, overland, in coaches and
shoeless.
When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved.
She stood in mid-ocean, seeking dry land.
She searched God's face.
Assured,
she placed her fire of service
on the altar, and though
clothed in the finery of faith,
when she appeared at the temple door,
no sign welcomed
Black Grandmother, Enter here.
Into the crashing sound,
into wickedness, she cried,
No one, no, nor no one million
ones dare deny me God, I go forth
along, and stand as ten thousand.
The Divine upon my right
impels me to pull forever
at the latch on Freedom's gate.
The Holy Spirit upon my left leads my
feet without ceasing into the camp of the
righteous and into the tents of the free.
These momma faces, lemon-yellow, plum-
purple,
honey-brown, have grimaced and twisted
down a pyramid for years.
She is Sheba the Sojourner,
Harriet and Zora,
Mary Bethune and Angela,
Annie to Zenobia.
She stands
before the abortion clinic,
confounded by the lack of choices.
In the Welfare line,
reduced to the pity of handouts.
Ordained in the pulpit, shielded
by the mysteries.
In the operating room,
husbanding life.
In the choir loft,
holding God in her throat.
On lonely street corners,
hawking her body.
In the classroom, loving the
children to understanding.
Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to her loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conceits,
lay aside your fears that I will be undone,
for I shall not be moved.
The Traveller
Byways and bygone
And lone nights long
Sun rays and sea waves
And star and stone
Manless and friendless
No cave my home
This is my torture
My long nights, lone
And lone nights long
Sun rays and sea waves
And star and stone
Manless and friendless
No cave my home
This is my torture
My long nights, lone
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