URBAN BOOKS AUTHORS & WRITERS OF AMERICA

Like A Phoenix

Like a Phoenix…

I rise

In spite of what was planned

As my demise

In spite of my circumstances

No matter the delays

I will rise from these ashes

Come what may

You may plot and you may plan

But what you forgot was….

That my life and destiny

Are ultimately in God’s hands

You see….

From the foundation of the earth

Even before my very own birth

He knew the plans he had for me

He even knew

That this day would come

That I would have my very own Judas

Who would betray me

So, even though today, I may feel a little weak

As death, hell, and confusion surround

No evil will I fear

For You, My Comforter, are always around

So, instead, I choose to rejoice

Knowing that the table is being spread

And an invitation to my enemies

Has been pinned and mailed

No expense shall be spared

And their eyes will be a glare

As we together shall feast and dine

And, in my victory moment, I will shine

And, Like a Phoenix…..I Rise!

Little Black Girl

Little Black Girl

Do not let anyone stop you.

If we can have a black first lady “Michelle Obama”

Then trust me, you can do anything.

Never think that you are less

Then any other race on this earth

You are stronger then they want you to think

If “Rosa Parks” could sit on a bus and not

move during one of the most racist times in

history then, then trust me you can achieve anything

If “Queen Latifah” can be a spokeswoman for Covergirl

Then trust me, there’s nothing you cannot succeed in.

The first is step is never ever giving up.

Success should never be measured by your skin,

But the true gifts that are within.

If at a “Beyonce” concert you can find all nationalities

Singing and jumping, then trust me you can succeed.

It’s the fight in you passed down from centuries

For you to achieve, all I’m asking you is to believe

In yourself even if everyone else doesn’t believe.

The Rebel

So, you say.

There goes another rebel without a cause

Who knows his heart or soul, his direction or goals.

His rules, morals or laws.

Where you stopped asking questions

and began looking for answers is where his journey began.

He fear is to hesitate, stumble or falter, for he may never find his motivation,

drive or desire to fight again.

So, you say,

There’s another rebel without societies structure, education or molding.

Who knows what he may possess, his awareness or values he clings to,

the internal being that is unfolding.

The need for developing self, a path, a guide.

The need to exist in a world that resists believing,

“We can live peacefully side by side.”

So, you say,

There’s a rebel without an open mind, seeing through closed eyes.

Who has walked in his shoes, lived within his wall,

reached with him for his stars in the sky.

Understand, those who now rebel

live through the political decisions, torments and hell.

Hearing the false promises of change

and after all these years of struggle the living is the same.

Understand their willingness to die,

to fight not knowing why.

Targeting the poor, the rich, the young and old, touching each race.

Crime, poverty and disease, has no set time, no set place.

So you say,

There goes a rebel without a cause.

We refuse to understand his need for our approval, acceptance or applause.

We recognize his contributions are negative solutions.

Through our fears, and through his faults;

he becomes a part of our penal institutions

Hear the rebels cry, we are all dying inside….

We have lost our people, lost our dreams, it’s a dying civilization.

Their fight is our fight to save this nation.

Copyright Nanette Buchanan 2010

A REAL WOMAN

A Real woman keeps it real

She will let you know politely how she feels

This woman don't have time for games

She will escort you out the same door you came

A real woman shows up ready to fulfill her role

She's determined to reach her goal

This woman has dignity & class

She allows foolishness to pass

A real woman knows who she is

It's reflected in her walk, her talk, & the way she lives

This woman head is held high

She walks in confidence in each stride

A real woman is not conceded she exuberates confidence within

Labels don't define her she starts her own fashion trend

This woman thinks not only of herself but places others in her plan

She's always ready to lend a helping hand

A real woman don't run during difficult times

She prays & have faith that everything will be just fine

This woman possess a special & unique quality

It's apparent for all to see

A REAL WOMAN

What is Black?

Black is the color of gloom and eternal suffering representing heart ache and pain. Black represents a veil that hangs over a cloud representing a misty darkness. Black is the color that you see when you’re unable to see the light. When you are in search of reaching paradise complete darkness that exist deep down in the pit of your soul a representation of all of the dark things that you could never let go. Black is also the color that submerges the beautiful blue skies when darkness falls. Black is bold confident and stands alone it will fade out anything that is a reminder of what we call dull. Black represents the opposite of light and is an indication of strength dominating anything that appears to be a threat. Black is the color that we see when were under attack. Black can appear to be strong and weak at the same time. How we determine it depends on our state of mind black is a color that has many faces but only one hue. Black is a representation of all the many emotions that you carry inside of you rather it appears to be dark or beautiful at the end of the day Black is always one spectrum.

Is it in the way that I walk

or in the way that I move

that’s got you trippin

trying to steal my groove

Is it in the movement of my hips

as I sashay into a room

that makes the brothas sweat

and start to swoon

Is it in the dress that I wear

that hugs my curves and shows my physique

that makes you paranoid but sometimes oh so meek

Is it in the thickness of my lips

or the broadness of my nose

that makes you soon forget

I am as gentle to touch as a rose

Is it in my complexion

Caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate brown

that makes you chose Asian or white and put me down

Is it in the pride I exude

when I quote Malcolm X

reminiscing on all brothas slain

and wondering “who’s next?”

Is it in my Angela Davis afro

or my Maya Angelou tone

as I verbalize images of strength and pride

visions like a movie shown

Is it in the dialect I speak

proper English or ebonics

that’s got you agitated and confused

because I’m so well rounded

Is it in my existence

because I am young, gifted and black

get over your insecurities

if you can’t handle me step back

I am Strong

I am a Black Woman

I am Free

I am me

THE KID

Look at the kid. What

did ever do wrong

except to be staring in

the face of adversity???

Only to be in

a place filled with

heavy uncertainty.

The kid looks for

a way out of the

hood for he understands

having an good

education can point him

in the right direction towards

a perfect life.

What do you

see in the kid???

Gaze into his

eyes. There’ll be

days he doesn’t cry

or how he’ll get by.

The kid soon

realizes all is tough

as the rough afternoon

dwindles the kid

keeps his head up.

The kid takes bold

steps nobody hold

his hand. The kid

makes it to the promise

land.

During his tribulations,

during his frustrations,

the kid become weak

he keep on marching forward

and not backward.

Who is the kid???

The kid has perfect

might. He never loses

sight of what life may

bring him.

The Neighbors We Should Be

It was a quiet Thursday in September,

When hurricane Isabel came rushing by.

Her wind was strong and gusty, as trees began to fly.

So many were without power and food began to spoil.

We asked ourselves how we managed without even a kerosene lamp of oil.

Some even lost everything that was so dear.

But God was in control, and there was no need to fear.

Many lives have been changed, and there is a reason to pause, to stop and think how important we are to each other one and all.

We had to come together and help out where we could.

Sometimes it takes a period of crisis for man to realize the importance of brotherhood.

God destroyed material things and helped us to see,

A pot of coffee, an extension cord, and the removal of a tree, made us the neighbors we should be.

I am Beautiful! I am a Woman!

In the dark of the night shining bright is me

My God I am beautiful

Weaved, curly,kinky,long, straight,short, braided and all over the place.

I am Beauty even on my worst of days

My smile bright and shiny

Even when I am sad I am the essence of Beauty

Carrying babies on my back, working full time and yet

In all my mess

I am Beautiful

I am Queen

To know me is to love me

To desire me

You'll learn the depths of my soul

Learn the power of my attitude has help warriors win the war

I give strength to the weak

I am Power when the lights go dim

I bring forth life

I love with my heart

I have built legacies of King and Queens

I water the concrete and grew roses from it

I as a woman I rule over land flourish it with fruits

I've built businesses and made millions

I ran with cheetahs and howl at the wolves

At the end of the day

I am not just a color

I am Beautiful

© 2012 Tamyara Brown- Tamluvstowrite

Calling ALL writers and authors with a gift for poetic expression!

Put your imagination and skill to the test by participating in UBAWA's 1st Poetry Contest.

Entries must be submitted no later than July 30th at 12 p.m. EST.

1st Place Prize Winner will receive:

*A choice of their favorite poetry book

*A choice of their favorite fiction book

*One year free promotion on UBAWA's website

*Honorable mention at UBAWA's 1st Annual Book Fair

*VIP at UBAWA's Local Bookstore Grand Opening

2nd Place Prize Winner will receive:

*A choice of their favorite poetry book

*One year free promotion on UBAWA's website

*Honorable mention at UBAWA'S 1st Annual Book Fair

Winners will be announced AUGUST 17, 2012. To enter the contest, please carefully read the following submission guidelines below:

STEP ONE: Become a member of UBAWA at www.theofficialauthorscorner.webs.com. Already a member? Proceed to STEP TWO.

STEP TWO: Submit an excerpt of your best poetry sample of no more than 700 words to [email protected] with the subject heading: UBAWA's 1st Poetry Contest. Please also include the following in your email:

1. Your Name

2. City/State

3. List of past publications

4. Website (if applicable)

5. An author headshot

STEP THREE: Look out for your confirmation email that includes information and details on what happens next.

Contest closes after first 20 entrants. GOOD LUCK!