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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!