nyvette's peaceful place

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public servant and entrepreneur.

This is a personal page of poetry, film and music.
update 11.13.06
---------------

I just had a incident with someone pretending not to understand basic courtesy,
but this work is copyrighted as indicated lower on this page [& on the blog too]
If any poem on this page,
is not indicated as written by another person --
Then it is my original poetry or artwork - Please add a signature or a link.

Thank You & Enjoy the page.
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For anything pertaining to business
please send inquiries to
my alternative comcast.net, e-mail address.
Or log onto Comcast.net and go to my business
page and leave a message.

I will try to get back with you in a timely
manner.

Thank You.

[my alternate blog/journal page - linked at bottom]*
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Resolution & Remembrances for 2006 *
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"If walked a perfect line, there'd be people
who say- I was too perfect...There will always be naysayers, but I won't give them free rent in my head". - [quote] Carl Lewis

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i found god in myself
& i loved her / i loved her fiercely.

ntozake shange - quote
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"When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time." - Ms.Oprah Winfrey

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One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

maya angelou - quote

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Learning the virtues of-
If a donkey kicks you and you kick back, you are both donkeys. (Gambia)

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Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns all clean.

maya angelou - quote

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We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind.

Wangari Maathai - quote

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when you teach a woman - you teach a village.
when you educate a woman, you educate a nation

[unknown african quote]

LEARN THE TRUTH, THEN YOU CAN SPEAK THE TRUTH..

[unknown quote]

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Trying to stay out of biased arguments that do not follow logical progression to any valid conclusion - a basic reminder from college's critical thinking class. [when in doubt*]

http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo.us/longview/ctac/glossary.htm

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If someone is proposing a negative argument, just as a forum to vent anger & venom at another culture because of their own personal issues?

Know when to leave it alone. Let them marinate in their own hateful " venom ".

first keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others.

- thomas a kempis [quote]

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Pray for Peace and Healing, Stay Positive Always!

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on negative urban legends
research them here:
http://www.snopes.com/business/alliance/timberland.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Interests:
Poetry/ Writing/ News/ Vegetarian Cooking/Holistic Health/ Photography/
Independent Cultural Films.

Cultural/ Music / Travel

Travel -

http://www.orbitz.com/

/www.priceline.com/

http://www.travelocity.com/

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I love international film festivals
-----------------------------------
good films by
Ousmane Sembene
Cheik Oumar Cissoko

and many other
nice films:

the keeper - director Joe Brewster
Amour Infinity -Jerry LaMothe
Nelly's Bodega by Omonike Akinyemi
Black Girl - ?
The Secret of Roan Inish
Mostly Martha
Brother from Another Planet - Jon Sayles
Once Were Warriors - dir. Lee Tamahori
Crooklyn by spike lee
hav plenty - dir Christopher Scott Cherot
quilombo (brazilian)Carlos Diegues'
valentines - by julie dash
dry long so - by cauleen smith
taxi (the french film /not the american one) Luc Besson
Bhaji on the Beach -dir.Gurinder Chadha
Chocolat. 1988 version- Dir. Claire Denis
black dju (cape verde film) Pol Cruchten
scent of green papayas ( Saigon ) by Tran Anh Hung.
genesis (malian film) Cheik Oumar Sissoko
faat kine (sengalese film) Ousmane Sembene
samia - (algerian) dir. Philippe Faucon.
soul survivor - stephen williams
secrets & lies - director Mike Leigh
nothing happened (african) - dir. nectarios leonidas
third world cop- chris browne
i like it like that by ? [the video]
Guelwaar (sengalese film) Ousmane Sembene
cycles by Zeinabu irene Davis
sugar cane alley by e. palcy

film - Motherland the journey
http://www.takeawaymedia.com/motherlandtheprogramme.htm

film resources:
-----------------

http://www.flippant.net/blog.html
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/AFR/ASA96/asafilm.html
http://web.africa.ufl.edu/asq/v2/v2i1a4.htm
http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/36/distribution1.html
http://www.africanfilm.com/home.html
http://www.africanfilmny.org/
http://www.imdb.com/
http://www.kino.com

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on cooking -

Here's a short poem about my views on cooking
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When I cook,
I often proceed

as if I'm cooking for Royalty,

using the freshest ingredients when available,
duplicating tried and true old recipes,

handed down from family
crafted by me

Tailored to My precious guest tastes

Minimal chemicals or canned anything.

Believing the Kitchen is like a Medicine Chest

Like the other women in My Family
that have come before me.
[My Mom, My Grandmother & Aunties]

I'm Honored to be preparing
A Very nourishing meal for a King

My King - My Man
and He loves it real Spicy......

Like Me!

Not a PG rated, poetry page - Minors Please Leave!

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nyvette's poems - nyvette's poems - nyvette's

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

a free verse poem inspired by
My Convo with my Wild Mom last night
(june 27/ /2007)

2nd generation caribbean family
Grandmother babysitting
with
grandchildren - aged six, nine & twelve

in for the shock of their lives
to see their Grandmother 60 yrs old
tired of hearing a grandson go on about
a new dance, a girl on the telly was doing..

She get up and quietly does her thing
after watching a music cable tv show
to the amazement of the grandchildren

Yes,their Nana knows how to dance a "Matrix"
but She's Bajan and will always stubbornly call it the "Limbo!"

{that's My Mommy! :) }

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Thanksgiving - You Got Served ! .....

Thanksgiving.........
Married and escaping the upper south...

Over the
River and through the woods

Just talking, while rolling
on highway

touching base mentally and
Relaxing amid traffic jams.

Both of us had been so
busy, Working at our Jobs so hard
Family obligations, trying to get resettled?

It's been such a long time
since

i just chilled and gazed
at My own Husband's Beautiful face?
and talked...
Really dialoguing...admiring his total
beauty....

When We suddenly lock eyes

we get into the "Love thang"..words rushing
out....

The talk from You turned delicious, shades of Blue

as I reach over to caress,
what i know is mine

the heat taking over me,
from feet to head
ablaze.....i'm feeling fire
and
speaking double entendre
as i always do

You always catch on to me, quick

You had trouble
keeping your mind on driving road...

Relatives waiting 4 us
to arrive to our distant destinations
thoughts & talk turned to pure lust

Ilike living out Our fantasies
We don't do much idle dreaming, about sex

because We're Soulmates
We both know the deal...

Calling to cancel plans, hot..but on the spot
because something else important

came up...

because you are
a Man who believes
in deep thorough repetitive sessions

You also, know, that i can hang...
we don't ever need to play around,
being childish or keep, beating around the bush...

instead

We ducked into a
highrise roadside hotel

It's On,
and I'm down.

.....i wanna make You
lose your head

on the bed

on the floor

up against the walls

against the door

while i'm hanging in mid air

i don't care

...everywhere

bathroom's cold tile
against hot skin

until it hurts..

We did it all over again,

because You are most insatiable

& i am your willing accomplice....
your eternal sweet freak

Wild and Peaceful
brazen but shy, passionate...

orgasms bling like strands of diamonds
non-stop, "pop rocks" of building in intensity.

You say,i amaze you,because i can
naturally do that...

but Your stamina totally amazes me..

i keep pace with You
always....i got skill, & i'm never insecure about that.

it only gets better, and better...
because, i love you
more than gold, or anything in this world,

You're all mine.
It's reciprocal, Boo.

We'll visit distant Relatives
another time & make amends....

but Sometimes,
Love & Passion, sometimes gotta come first.

Trying not to die with laughter
much later,

suppressing my
giggles in the pillow pressed against my
mouth, as i lay nude half asleep
across a rented bed

Only God knows where you've thrown my
clothes like a whirlwind,
across the room in a crazy rush
soon as You locked door....

You are smiling, sleepy..and quickly glossing
over to your Folks
Your voice, tired, zapped of energy
Speaking long distance on the evening's phone............

explaining

Why we never made quite it up
that far up the New Jersey turnpike for

some huge Formal Family Holiday
Turkey dinner...

Sitting up in bed,suddenly i'm so hungry
for room service

noticing on my thigh now,
fresh red violet
finger marked grasp, kinda bruises
from being
all contorted and nasty & wild.....

the sweet memories
still fresh in my mind of how we hit it,
and of how i got this, a holiday souvenir...

the sexual bliss, felt the rush of multiple
orgasms like rain drops
beating against the hotel's window, this night....

but? I served You,
so right.. True?

copyrighted poem 3/2007 by nadine [nyvette}

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no time for haterz.............

on this anniversary, when
i know , I should be dead & buried in a grave..

i now hold my infant Son,I feel so Happy & Blessed.

i don't waste precious, gifted time
from My most benevolent Creator,

on being in competition with you.

i'm always constantly
trying to improve myself -

My Education, to learn the things in life
that i need to know...

to improve My talent & skills...

all just For Me

to eventually share.

to leave this world a better place

to complete my own unfinished destiny,
that was once cut way too short,

Given a second chance at life
after some cruel crazy thug tried to take it
one night - as i was coming from home school

if you've ever felt a cold gun to your temple
or icy knife pressed to your throat

that terror of almost
having your life taken, snuffed out

on a dark street like that?

just maybe, you'd stop all the hating or
You'd get life's true message too !...........

You'd evolve, to stop trying to covet or copy
others
& perhaps understand

where I'm coming from.

My own timely revelation
that - That what i have in
my life is so good,life, skills,
love & marriage, children, family
&
Life's everchanging potential

My time has been extended,
here on this earth, without it?

i would have never had the chance
to graduate from college? or to
know what it's like
to make love to my Husband,

or get Married? to have given
Birth?

... or to even hear my parents voice
again, or to see my siblings or friends,
Important people, events & things in my life,

Life, almost stolen,in an instant - violently
Just because some nutta wanted
to attempt abduction and rape? take my life.

but? God gave me another chance.

Now, you come along with your
petty warped behavior

you really don't have clue, do you?

Your hating is insignificant.
it Won't stop me, from ever being me.

I'm not going to waste my life, this chance
on silly stuff,like hating on
or even copying you

when, i recognize all of hidden treasures
that still reside inside of me!

I've had to fight another,
tooth & nail to preserve my own life,
to get it back.

I've moved past that
& took a chance on Love, to become a Wife
to a Good Man
...I'm now to my precious Son,
his Mother
I would not trade my Life for any other.

i'll always cast my own vote first
for me & protect My Family.

Petite, but don't underestimate my strength
or confidence, my will.

I'm never going to be a follower
I wasn't raised to be..

I'm just uniquely me.

(original poem copyrighted by nadine [nyvette] 12/06 - a violent crime Survivor,
Still glad to be alive, in love & Doing my own thing! I welcome, seeing life in 2007, yo - bring it on ~ [smile] )- True Nobility lies in being Superior to your former Self.

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instigators
------------------

it must be some really rough shit

to be so miserable,
insecure and idle

To look around and see life's
good times passing you right on by........

but you choose to sit,
letting life just pass your right on by.......

you can't understand other
people's energy -

- those who choose not to
waste time & energy on you,

as you self destruct and implode.

So you watch, fester and hate on

- other folks, who don't
participle or care for your
immature outbursts, attention seeking childish antics....

They've seen how you work,

& it's the same
dog and pony show, everyday
the signifying monkey hourly,

the....
I'll get my girls and commiserate

the all out - the higher the monkey climbs,

in high definition & surround sound
always exposing way too much unflattering, posterior.
but.... you think you're being cool & funny

I'm already, cognizant that you need
back-up flunkies, an audience
and a full spotlight carrying krew

before you open your
silly mouth to test.

you need backup
to go around doing the
mischief that you do,

because alone, you are so very weak

until you choose to evolve?
you'll sit coughing up venom

staying frozen
in your malady of discontent

dissatisfied
wanting to cause
problems

looking around envious
of those
who see that you're obviously
stuck.

Hidden from the surface
but festering sickening pus...

you're severely poisoned
on the inside

They avoid dealing with you like a
rush hour highway summer's traffic jam

or like bogus pretty waxed exterior'd fruit
priced way too high, for it's poor quality

because sadly,
We all know it's damaged and pure rotten at it's very core.

poem by me 01/09/07

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assorted favorite poems

[other poets & mine]
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Love does not consist in gazing at each other
but in looking together in the same direction.

--Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

[poems on marriage, an enchanting sweet balancing act]
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sweet succession

delicious black night
desire descends upon us, revealing the score...stroking fire against yeilding spun soft sugar doors
teasing rhythms so hypnotic leave us yearning for more..
this man holds Most Precious sacred beats
let's replay these kinky vibes third time
entwined
all mine divine.

by me {{{nyvette}}}

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New Addiction
---------------

immuned to playing with the fire
My Husband just can't understand

Why so much more of it now
I seem to consume on demand

no matter what my friends may worry & say
I crave it, crazy lately night and day

my secret obsession
before my man gets home

on my tongue slippery sensations
feel so right
How can it be so wrong?

how i love to tastes the little tips
I simply cannot get it enough of it

tasting every single fiery potent drop

He's asked me to curb my desires
but I cannot stop

I'm craving
and
I'm addicted to

my beloved jar of
whole pickled jalepeno peppers.

poem by me april/06

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Tell The Truth by Emily Dickinson

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant --
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind --

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latte stop on chilly evening.
------------------------------

I met a Troubled Black Man in a coffee shop,
not far from the city jail one evening in 30 degree weather.

Around 9:30 pm
My Husband & I had stopped
in late, in the evening
after running some errands together -

to treat me to my latte vice.

At first My Husband shielded me protectively
as he often does, in those situations.

Me stepping behind him,
instinctively
as He approached the darkened
entrance to the brightly lit shop
As a Man stood waiting soliciting donations
holding a hardback book.

the Man stepped aside
seeing My Husband wasn't playing.

He let us through as We spoke
politely saying "good evening" to him.
often meeting
drunks in need of alcohol of panhandlers on the street
for money to buy drugs, it's hard to call it.

Once inside
I spoke softly to Husband
"He's just seems a little mental Bunmi?" I said
My Husband nodded, as I placed my order
the bright light so harsh on the eyes
as I stood
Studying My Husband's face.
Searching for an answer.

We don't know what happened?
Obviously, to this Man, something
painful had happened in his life,
broken, hurting?
-It was all visible in the Man's eyes.

My Husband works with People in distress
He also does lots of research
All day and sometimes, even nights
trying to find answers and solutions.
My Job's similar, too.

We all have a breaking point
in Life, that some seem to reach
quicker than others ever do.

Many roadblocks, We all don't always learn to
avoid, like alcohol, drugs and violence?
Unavoidable things like progressive
mental illness? or Some mental malady, quick onset?

I wondered quietly, if the Man had gone to the
Jail across the road, to see a Brother or a Son?
Or a lost friend? or Maybe he's gone to meet
an Old past life memory?

He just stood outside the door now,
in the cold
trying to solicit change from strangers
passing by......

Walking out of the shop later
Bumni, handed the guy a dollar and
some change, the Man thanked us.

"What are You Reading?'
Bunmi asked, as the guy
who held it out proudly to the light showing him.

We both smiled.

"That's a really good Book!"
Bunmi & I both agreed
as the Man smiled
back at us, nodding.

He went into the shop

We walked to
our car,

Getting into our car
strapping up, talking awhile
handing Bunmi a Honey Glazed,
I held My small latte steady

chatting as We pulled off
We Glanced back at the coffee shop's window

the Man sat reading his book,
at a window table
With Coffee and a snack now

He looked up,
waving to us smiling
with
his opened copy of the Autobiography
of Malcolm X in front of him.

offering up a quick silent prayer,

I hope That This Brother
eventually
finds his way back home.

poem /own my observance - copyrighted 3/22/06

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2:AM precision sting
-------------------------------

while I'm sleeping
you like to sweetly disturb...

awakening the feisty scorpion

that's dangerously situated
between two calm
honey'd thighs

I hear your softly moan and sigh
stroking my silk, unit l'm so wet

your slippery fingers slide,

inside, as I grip tight

you hold your breath.....

Now that,
I'm awake no longer dreaming

the iron's hot pressed hard against my spine

I'm feeling you but....
taking my sweet time

calculating my own strike
on your post midnight maneuvers

as you continue innocently to play me
like instrument

wanting to get me crazy

I feel pure fire,

my muscles
constricting inside like python
ready for prey

I can be fierce, on to your game

Make you cry
call out my name

turn your tables
back on you

when i constrict around sweet iron,
as I love to do

once I've got you on your back

working you
know, I'll attack

a twilight challenge
from onyx and well hung

I'm waking up...
Want to get stung?

Watch me

Make u

scream!

[a celebration on the pleasures of being {{{{multi-orgasmic!}}}}}} poem by me march/06]

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merged
--------------

I'm just pretty spacey lately.
Knowing that this new merging will
be ours and grow

I love You More than
most things

in this Uncertain, crazy
Ever changing world.

You say you're
not really concerned if it's a boy
or little girl

You're just Happy & Proud
because You feel, Ready.

We're Married now, and You're Ready.

while My mind's now stuck
on other pressing things

like?
War, Work, Business, Worries.

Worries,Business, Work and More War?

I just feel sick and lightheaded,
this merge is definitely positive,

Can't really reflect on
or think about much more.

Knowing that this time is very special
I try to stay calm, focused
and include you
whenever I can

because You're My Man

After one full year of marriage?

After two....
now going on
three decades of really knowing You..

Our Future's trying to get here
determined, urgent, full speed ahead!

Our Fate's playing out
Right on cue

Before Christmas, brought up the idea
now reality's bringing this into existence

slipped right on through
Without usual late night resistance

you've conquered my fears
before St.Valentine's Day
we're winging it

Your DNA warriors
Got carried away

Bringing us - right "here".

It's difficult to eat, dream..... or think,
So I turn in early,now
I can't seem get enough sleep

Know I don't seem happy yet, but?I am
feeling trippy, blunted and nausea
Just going through changes

But - still deep inside

I know I'm truly holding Your Best
so? I'm trying to roll with these new changes

Letting Love and Life simply... Progress

Giving Thanks to the Creator,
Anxious, Awed and Humbly

We're Merging Our Paths in History
Now For All Eternity.

[poem by me,
dedicated to Bunmi's little warriors :) march/06

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awakening the scorpion
---------------------------

i am sleepy but i try to hang

watching a late night comedy on TV
across from you
curled up on loveseat
after setting
an empty teacup down on coffee table

commercial comes on
i watch you scribble notes into charts
that you're researching and studying

writing in your usual hieroglyphics style
setting it the aside on top a big stack
before retrieving a fresh new chart

Forever bringing your work home
and You've been at it for hours now...

You give me lingering glance
i ignore you
pretending to be interested in a silly commercial,

but?
feeling sleepy and feeling you......

that little boy that
I've known now -- for well over two decades,
has Evolved into a most Beautiful, Studious
Tempting Man....My Husband

but sometimes
at heart
I'm still a shy ornery little girl
who's kind of pissed
because it's way past her bedtime....

I have to rise early for work tomorrow
and
I'm wondering....

with the distance
between You
and I

the loveseat and the sofa

Your late night's work & My sleepiness

are you at least still feeling me?

I adore you.....
You complain when I turn into bed so early
leaving you up all alone,

Tonight, I stayed up only for you.

reserving a warm place
trying to meet you halfway
making an effort..to be there for you

Or are you so involved with work
you cannot see?

on the sly
I watch him yawn sleepy eyed
sighing, tossing chart on coffetable

turning TV off with remote

"I'm watching that"
I softly lie

You ignore me, smiling
Getting up stretching
I watch your muscles
flex and ripple
beneath the fabric of your shirt

You proceed to turn
all lamps off in the room until it's pitch black
going off to bed, happily.

now... while resting in
warm familiar darkness
all curled up
I smile, too
because I know
I know you're still feeling me

and now...
You wait impatiently, for me too.

10 minutes later
You stand in the doorway

I hear you call to me and say
in that authoritative tone...

"It's Bedtime, Right?'

I think,
"Man, Keep that up, and You'll get stung!"

[poem by me, march/06

"come here boy,
You're sweeter than a ripe mango in a mash up place" quote from lemuel johnson's poem

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best mornings
------------------------------
As i lay
waking
listening to you softly snore

while
early morning's
screens of darkness
lifts
revealing muted daybreaks' lightened hues

It's a special time of day
I seldom need the alarm now
instinctively waking up before it sounds

unlike you.

loving your presence
and your warmth

I move closer
holding you because,
you're mine.

We're together
and what God has joined together
Let no man ever put asunder. ever.

ever.

Busy making mental lists
of what I must do this day
before i go to work

send off card to touch base with niece away at school
return phone call to Mother

25 minutes of yoga
before I even think of making breakfast
while you're showering

get your shirts together
to drop off to the cleaners

reminder to
pick up vacation photos at lunch?

it's almost daybreak

and I'm
trying to pick the right bible passage

that We will both read together
before getting out of bed

One of many little private rituals now shared
I picked up it up from you.

I suddenly hear your
sleep sounds change up

as you exhale deeply and it's
like music to me

enough with making lists

I want to wake you up
for an early morning soul kiss

We're both out of here so early
but today?

I want to linger
remembering last week
this time
lazy vacation's morning in Bim

I slide hand down your groin
gently

You rouse, erect
watching me with approval,
and smile,

I'm blushing

so busted

in early morning's lust

I know, I better finish what I've just initiated....
to start this beautiful morning off so right!

[poem by me -
march/06
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GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it:

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can't stand your job,
- you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body,
- your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car,
- your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, Guess what?
- You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman,
- you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job,
- you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you,
- your very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your "Thoughts," they become words.
Watch your "Words," they become actions.
Watch your "Actions," they become habits.
Watch your "Habits," they become character.
Watch your "Character," for it becomes your "Destiny."

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

[author unknown]

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Violence
--------------

Images From elsewhere
Have drunk
Your thoughts
Mortified
Your glance
Stitched up your tongue
Images From elsewhere
Have forced you
To deny yourself
To your own images
Images From elsewhere
Have tied up
Your mind
And put you
To sleep
In the bed
Of self-destruction.

by Annette M'baye D'Erneville

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sweet butterly's flight
---------------------

l'eau of inspiration
sweetest elixir of love

sweet nourishing waters flow
fueling of explosive creativity
from shared
soul's deepest intense communion

sparking me

making every thing inside feel so right?
Vibrant, pulsating and alive

as it strengthens me

Thank you My Love
I know You must be very tired,

from generous well executed
kinetic energy exchange

surrendering only to you
giving it my best and losing my all in it

only to find the purest form of myself again

You,

like skilled artisan repoussé his metal intricately

or as sculptor chips away at stone
to shape and form most awesome masterpiece

leaving me so breathless,
but ...

as phoenix arises from smoldering ash

Like colorful butterfly emerges from cocoon

Like tightly coiled bud unfurls to brilliant soft perfumed flower

Like the Sun emerges from even the darkest storm clouds

You thoroughly free & energize me.

Rest well, My Dear
and while You slumber..

I will
happily be

off experimenting
and
conquering other realms of my purpose and existence

with passionate creativity on volcanic overflow

fueled by Your love.

[poem by me 03/04/06]

***********************************************
Listen more often to things rather than beings.
Hear the fire's voice,
Hear the voice of water.
In the wind hear the sobbing of the trees,
It is our forefathers breathing.

The dead are not gone forever.
They are in the paling shadows,
And in the darkening shadows.
The dead are not beneath the ground,
They are in the rustling tree,
In the murmuring wood,
In the flowing water,
In the still water,
In the lonely place, in the crowd:
The dead are not dead.

Listen more often to things rather than beings.
Hear the fire's voice,
Hear the voice of water.
In the wind hear the sobbing of the trees.
It is the breathing of our forefathers,
Who are not gone, not beneath the ground,
Not dead.

The dead are not gone for ever.
They are in a woman's breast,
A child's crying, a glowing ember.
The dead are not beneath the earth,
They are in the flickering fire,
In the weeping plant, the groaning rock,
The wooded place, the home.
The dead are not dead.

Listen more often to things rather than beings.
Hear the fire's voice,
Hear the voice of water.
In the wind hear the sobbing of the trees.
It is the breathing of our forefathers.

poem by b.diop

***********************************************
new year, old music, much love
-----------------------------------

I hear your voice sing back up
on one of seven vinyl albums that
I still sometimes hide from myself.

Afraid to play them
and of remembering you,

or feeling grief's pain, again.

Sometimes, you're playing drums, on selected cuts
playing piano too.
Like you used to do just gigging with the band

What I think I miss most about your not being here
is phoning you dad
Your distinct laughter
when calling you on the phone
You knowingly answering me on the line.

The music seems to mellow, with time improving like fine wine.

Putting album carefully away, back into sleeve
It's been awhile, but I have to smile

Still serenading me into the new year

One day I'll play this song lingering still in the air,
again
with drooling cooing babies in my arms
covering them
in a hundred kisses in your absence

while dancing in beat to your legacy.

Your grandchildren will know of your skill and your passion
How you followed no particular, musical style or fashion
Just wanting to express, forever following only your heart.

Rest in Peace [jan.2006]

[poem by me 01/01/06]

***********************************************

bunmi
--------------

I listen out for and I'm learning the
sweet familiar music that seems
to surround everything you do

Your mere touch is like magic
fueled by your innovated vision
so precious

Your mind endlessly fascinates
and titillates, my mind, spirit and soul

Upon the eve of your birth
I do not know what
celestial configuration manifested,

Affecting your unique outlook
and personality,
soothing, easing Your
newborn cries

I only know that you are a true miracle
fully living up to your middle name

But now, I also
call you my gift
because your really
my most precious gift

finding new ways to love you forever and infinitely
indeed the highest gift is mine

I know and have witnessed that,
now a part of you will always be
inside of my heart, forever.

[dedicated to olubunmi / my better half -
poem by me.[ march/20006]

***********************************************

Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.

Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.

Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,

There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.

But when two people are at one in the inmost hearts,

They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.

And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,

Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.

[from, i ching]

***********************************************

spared
------------------

i took a deep breath
and thanked My Creator
knowing that I'm part of a
continuous chain

of my ancestors praying for me
on this earth to remain

Never taking the gift of life
again or granted or in vain

appreciating the beauty
this world has to offer
never quite seeing it ever the same

being spared,
i have no real time for hate
just dreams make come true

learning to navigate
through the negative
Doing the things, i need to do

learning to stay safe and protect myself
never stopping my life's mission

or my peaceful flow's high
merging with soul's intuition

because it truly the peace
that neutralized
crime's negative vibe

embracing life more fully now
with arms opened wide

Thanking the One
Who gave so freely to me

using this gift of time
to complete
the best of me.

after gazing in deaths eyes
i know I'm not quite like you

drawing strength from
purpose, peace and the power of love

Thoroughly tested,
and deemed true.

{poem by me 1/30/06]

***********************************************

nude beach
------------------------
once wrapped up in heavy layers
for me comfortably to truly to wear
was a scared young girl still recovering
filed with doubts, fears and such despair

from attempted attack
no longer dressing like old self

hiding fashion's flair and sensuality
now locked away put high on a shelf

a good Cousin and eternal friend
noticed and hated my new style
determined to take me away
to enjoy sun and just relax awhile

She knew something that I didn't,
wanted me to now escape
i secretly held my self responsible
for the violence and attempted rape

She had been there once before
She knew answer wasn't in book

knew of hidden fears and self loathing
from one encounter with deranged crook

When you start to change personality
afraid to look into people's eyes
afraid that you'll provoke them to attack you
My Cousin' s definitely very wise

After wrestling with my own issues
searching deep inside nervously
I decided to relinquish power
attacker still held over me

We packed up for the beach I still wore many clothes
I learned a positive life lesson
about restrictions, that I'd self imposed,
to enjoy peaceful day with nature's blessing

over the course of day t-shirt came off
later the bra, and last part of my bikini
it took so much work and struggle internally
to allow other people even see me

off piece by piece
letting the sun caress
and warm, me like a shield

casting my inner fears off to the wind
a chance to liberate, and be healed

and I saw them in their various shapes
contours colors and forms

no one tried to grab
fight or attack, nor personally do me any harm

the sea gull didn't care
nor the ocean or sand

i got used to the stares
and no intrusive vile roaming hands

just regular unclothed people
relaxing and enjoying the sun

vendors and curious onlookers
but mostly swimmers having fun

surrounded by hundreds people
while no one even dare touch

confirmed a deep peace
and healing

that I needed very much.

[poem by me 2/4/06]

***********************************************

she walks in three worlds
-----------------------------

she walks in three worlds
clear eyes and
movements of grace

back flexible, guarded steps
balancing her own load

while navigating pitfalls
false ground
and slippery roads

she walks in three world

the future present and past

sometimes just observing
taking mental notes
briefly focusing on you

as she makes her own way
cataloging all that she see's

using her foremother's wisdom
administered, in sprinkles & pinches
like secret spices to the pot

when she's doubting her perceptions
of this world

but never for long
continuously affirmed
by the ancestors

who give most accurate direction

She walks in three worlds

although you speak loudly
sometimes, she may not choose to hear you

consciously
She's listened previously
to all that you don't say

deriving more truth, from that

than your words
could ever reveal

curiosity satiated
just moving on

not ignoring you
just - a busy mind dealing with other pressing matters

picking up on vibrations, and truths
that the naked eye cannot see

seeing through to your heart
she'll smile at you

as you randomly serve her
truth
half truths
humor
inspiration
confusion
envy
jealousy
or the occasional outright lie

trying to test

but, she walks in three worlds
She's already called it
long before words left
your lips...

seeing the scars from your pain
or feeling the frustration from your confusions
reacting on your lower self

no, she won't judge you
she's just waiting for you to figure it out,too.

feeling purity of your spirit
of your intentions
ascending to your higher self
she won't intrude on your much deserved bliss

only continuously wishing you love,
understanding and peace of mind
from your imminent healing

[poem by me 2/9/06]

***********************************************

playful poem
-------------------

honey on skin

leaves a sweet taste in mouth

lips sticky with lust

tongued licks, between us

glazed sensations

liquid gold amber flux

catches candle's

flickering light

hot and aroused on winter's night.....

[by me - inspired by my better half] 2006

***********************************************

la bouche
--------------

I've traced your mouth

a thousand times

first with my eyes,

with my fingers,

now

in my mind

I'm thinking about it

during

idle time at work

or when completing some tedious chore
around the house

just
marveling at it's perfection

outline, fullness, form and curve

waiting for chance

to enjoy privately

and savor

when you get home

kisses like honey

that please and comfort deep

wrapping me in healing rainbows

teasing passions

kindling fires

to a full blown blaze

[poem by me for bunmi] january 2006

***********************************************

Monday nights - served hot
[getting back into week's routine]
--------------------------------------

When you come home
Sometimes it's like

Sun breaking through
the clouds on a rainy day

it's like the ocean's playful foam,
returning back to waiting placid shores

It's like
order and balance being restored
to a world gone completely crazy.

right now
while your holding me in complete silence

i lay basking wrapped
in your love like,
sweet atmosphere

i feel your eyelashes
brush my cheek

you're trying to warm up
from a cold cold day
trailing sweet kisses

and I know

I love you more
than dry land love
to be soaked, hard rain showers

Let's put everything, planned
tonight on pause

Ride this vibe

Love is always best served when hot.

[dinner can always be reheated]

[poem by me - inspired by my husband [march/2006 ]

***********************************************

stolen poem for L.
---------------------

Honor student cheerleader
inner city school.

She snuck out to the party
not knowing that
She would become the party

for warped young boys
wanting to experiment

on ambitious young black girl
way too intelligent and pretty

to even give them time of day

how we in youth
get swayed by random chance
rebelling against

an overprotective mother
who could not shield her

from this kind of insanity
cruel and evil inhumanity

of boys just wanting easy pretty lay

as one slipped
unknown drugs into her drink

whispers from others
in attendance watching
waiting for effect of

cruel hoax as she quench
illicit insane desires
purely driven by man made drug

today She roams the streets
wild and half clothed
looking like a zombie

not remembering her old life
barely Family or her old schoolmates

Go look into her eyes
and see nobody's home, there

She's still pretty
but clearly out of her mind

talking to herself
waiting on dark cold corners after

being used by
strangers in back transient cruising cars
in need of quick release

drugs dimmed the lights
on this bright rising star

that fell from grace
that night of failed mind's freedom's flight

descending into a world of darkness without any kind of order,
that permanently altered and took her precious fragile mind

I see you L
and I know there but for the Grace of God
Go I.

[poem by me 1/30/06]

***********************************************

apparition revisiting
----------------------------

something old come back new again

"jus reach "

I know who you are....

quite sure
we've met once before

under different circumstances
time, and guise

an angry, bitter, restless soul

I don't have time to devote to your charade

or

to even find out what motivates your
time worn methods or why?

Now the names been changed

but game still remains the same

sending out that very same vibe
only Slightly modified

wanting to test,

and test the waters,

again....

I see and I acknowledge,
Who you still really are

at your core

as I've said

we've met before

just

A troubled apparition revisiting

[poem by me]
***********************************************

elegy for a cousin
--------------------

You beat her

and she didn't know why?

a pretty young girl in love
She, foolishly tried

to make you happy
whenever you'd stagger back home
after womanizing boldly

as if you didn't know hearts could break

You, much older
took to bragging
about how you kept your young girl in line.

She'd be waiting by the door
or by the window watching in the night
worried about your violent drunk
inconsiderate soul

being beaten or robbed in dark street or alley
As baby grew big in her, at only 15.

On holiday, I'd visit her
there'd be another child

and disgusted whispers from some family members
wanting to "Do something about you."

While others guardedly kept conspiracy of silence
for reason She was always swollen, depressed black and blue

3 years passed
each time I'd come visit

yet another child born?
all looking just like you

Years passed you never changed
except to upgrade the booze
to now a serious drug habit

one year i came back
I watched as her face lost it's glow
and her eyes lost it's light,
emotionally shutting down speech slurred

with half hearted attempts at
tending to your young children's needs
She took to the bottle
as a means to ease the blows and pain
of her first love
beating her inches within her life
when he wasn't smoking on the pipe

I grew to dislike and avoid you
for beating her down

You kept on abusing
when you weren't out drug using
Still wrapped in that kind of crazy life.

Eventually you knew she'd pass away
and there's nothing left for me to say

about life so complicated
by love's loyal
sometimes hurtful legacy

You stole my cousin's sweet spirit

before her young life had even really begun.

She died at 31
leaving your children motherless
while you still pump poison into your own veins.

i know we are related but
I can no longer look
you in the eyes

I only see your-evil ness
at sadistically stretching out
innocent young girl's death
for 16 long torturous years.

R.I.P [passed early morning 01/10/06 ]

[poem by me] 2006

***********************************************

one seed

We come from one seed
and yet today were still acting like this?

2 brothers and 2 sisters
stolen from Africa
along same coast
parentless,
treated less than human
often beaten, defiled and chained

Separated in the belly
of a slave ship
endured long tortuous journeys
for purpose of forced free labor and exploitation
Same genes and blood
flowing through their veins
hearts still beating strong
one seed's legacy still remains

one dropped and sold on
Brazil's coast

another purchased in Guadeloupe

another dropped and sold in ports of Cuba

one more transported Virginia's harbor.

Adapting and surviving the best way they knew
One seed's legacy, branching out and sprouting
Merging lives and thriving in new places

A few generations pass
Puzzle pieces are still scattered, their senses are scattered too
No longer acknowledging the one seed legacy
No longer looking into each other's eyes or hearts
So angry spouting venom, and misinformation.

They choose to hate themselves most at core
Hating their Forefathers seed & Mother's womb
Hating the place they come from too

Genetically they are branches and seedlings
Grafted from still that One Seed
Descended now into Cousins, and Cousin's once or twice removed

Faith, Strength and Endurance and the Creator helped them
Survive long journey in the belly of the ship

Due to slavery's evil legacy,
and seasoning in the islands,
Speaking different languages and in altered dialects

Mixed hair textures,
Skin tones of different hues, and adopted National Pride
At the cost of rejecting a genetic close Cousin's

Simple dna tests would shock them all the most
to find out, they are refusing to love or marry each another

People who could even be from the same original tribe

Because of forced slavery purposed drop off locations
and the slavery's system of hate's indoctrination

Walls are slowly coming down, although some still rebuke it
Thoroughly seasoned by slavery's harshness in the least
Embracing, the brainwashing and learned genetic ignorance

While the Ancestors eternally grieve for it's lost children,
One strong seed's legacy has survived and still remains
Wrapped in various foreign flags, now hidden cursed

While genetics will always tell a different and accurate story
Their kinship's now often verbally denied.

[poem by me 2006]

***********************************************
other people's poem's - other people's poem's
***********************************************

haiku

early morning light,
dew falls on a spider web's
tinsel reflections

by Jasmine Ntoutoume
(Jamaica)

***********************************************

Jealousy

And most all of your sufferings

Are from believing

You know better than God.

Of course,

Such a special brand of arrogance as that

Always proves disastrous,

And will rip the seams

In your caravan tent,

Then cordially invite in many species

Of mean biting flies and

Strange thoughts-

That will

Beat you

Up.

by hafiz

***********************************************

Memories Have Tongue
--------------------

My granny seh she have a bad memory
when I ask her to tell me
some of her life
Seh she can't rememba much but
she did rememba di 1910 storm
and how dem house blow down
an dey had to go live wid her granny
down a bottom house

Seh her memory bad
but she memba that when her husband died
(both of them were t'irty)
she had t'ree little children
one in her womb, one in her arms, and one at her frocktail
she memba wem dem bury him her heart
buss up inside
dat wen di baby born
she no have no milk inna her breast

She memba how she wanted her daughta
to grow up an be a postmistress
but di daughta died at an early age
she point to the croton-covered grave
at di bottom of the yard

Seh her memory bad
but she memba
1938
Frome
di riot
Manley
Busta
but what she memba most of all
is dat a pregnant woman was shot
and killed
by di soldiers

Chile, I ole now
my brain gaddarin water
but I memba as a young woman, I love to dance
and yellow was my favourite colour
It was mi husban fadda who ask fi mi han
di big people dem siddung outta hall and discuss
everyting
mi fadda agree
cause him seh
my fellow, your granfadda, was 'an honourable person'

I memba how on my wedding day
di guests dem nearly eat off all di food
it was alright, doah
I was too nervous to eat anyway

poem by afua cooper

***********************************************

Mammy Water

She arrives, sign of rain clouds gathering.

Her bossom of spilling clouds sings to him

Of full moon’s eagle’s wings,

Of waters of seven halved horns;

Of chimera’s giant beneficient shore;

Sings to him of a whim’s leap

Into lightning howling

As earthwind flows into seawind.

Everywhere is the earthwind of longing

No new wind is called the wind is one (Whirl/wind)

One succour of sails and mute drums

Everywhere is the earth-wind of longing

And she would say no word of her gift of harps,

She would whisper no by-word in the vast silence

Neither wind, nor water, nor man knows her harp:

Her harp is grandmother her harp is her fables.

[traditonal unknown]

***********************************************

***********************************************

haiku

Do your worst, old frost
you can no longer wound me ...
last chrysthemum!

by OEMARU

***********************************************

Refusal - poem by maya angelou

Beloved,
In what other lives or lands
Have I known your lips
Your Hands
Your Laughter brave
Irreverent.
Those sweet excesses that
I do adore.
What surety is there
That we will meet again,
On other worlds some
Future time undated.
I defy my body's haste.
Without the promise
Of one more sweet encounter
I will not deign to die.

Maya Angelou

***********************************************

Bought and Sold
-----------------
(from 'Too Black, Too Strong')
"Smart big awards and prize money
Is killing off black poetry
It’s not censors or dictators that are cutting up our art.
The lure of meeting royalty
And touching high society
Is damping creativity and eating at our heart.

The ancestors would turn in graves
Those poor black folk that once were slaves would wonder
How our souls were sold
And check our strategies,
The empire strikes back and waves
Tamed warriors bow on parades
When they have done what they’ve been told
They get their OBE’s."

Poem by Benjamin Zephaniah
***********************************************

Love poem
-----------
O you,
Who came upon me once
Stretched under apple-trees just after bathing,
Why did you not strangle me before speaking
Rather than fill me with the wild white honey of your words
And then leave me to the mercy
Of the forest bees?

.....Carrefour by Amy Lowell (1874-1925
***********************************************

A Girl
by: Ezra Pound

The tree has entered my hands,
The sap has ascended my arms,
The tree has grown in my breast-
Downward,
The branches grow out of me, like arms.

Tree you are,
Moss you are,
You are violets with wind above them.
A child - so high - you are,
And all this is folly to the world.

***********************************************

Aftermath
--------------

There is an uncommon light in the sky
Pale petals are scored into stone.

I want to write of the linden tree
That stoops at the edge of the river

But its leaves are filled with insects
With wings the color of dry blood.

At the far side of the river Hudson
By the southern tip of our island

A mountain soars, a torrent of sentences
Syllables of flame stitch the rubble

An eye, a lip, a cut hand blooms
Sweet and bitter smoke stains the sky

poem by Meena Alexander
***********************************************

DEEP IN LOVE

Deep in love
cheek leaning on cheek we talked
of whatever cane to our minds
just as it came
slowly oh
slowly
with our arms twined
tightly around us
and the houses passed and we
did not know it
still talking when
the night was gone

poem by Bhavabhuti translanted by W.S. Merwin and J. Moussaieff Masson

***********************************************

Poem
Caribbean Proverb Poems 2
1
Hungrybelly an Fullbelly
dohn walk same pass.

Fullbelly always a-tell Emptybelly
'Keep heart'.

2
Yu fraid fi yeye
yu cahn nyam cowhead.

Yeye meet yeye
an man fraid!

3
Yu si yu neighbour beard
ketch fire, yu tek water
an wet fi yu.

When lonely man dead,
grass come grow a him door.

4
Satan may be ol
but Satan not bedriddn.

Man who is all honey,
fly dem goin nyam him up.

poem by james berry

************************************************

another poem by benjamin zephaniah

Eat Your Words

(from 'A little Book of Vegan Poems')

"I am a veggie table
A table made of veg,
There’s so much fruit upon me
All living on the edge,
Life is hard
But so are plates
And tea can be quite hot,
And vegetarian poets
Make me nervous quite a lot."

************************************************

For Two Flutes
------------------
I HAVE spun a song soft as a murmur of doves at
noon
To the shrill notes of my four-stringed khalam.
I have woven you a song and you did not hear me.
I have offered you wild flowers with scents as strange
as a sorcerer's eyes
I have offered you my wild flowers. Will you let
them wither,
Finding distraction in the mayflies dancing?

From "Nocturnes" by Leopold Sedar Senghor

************************************************
************************************************
my poems * my poems * my poems*my poems *
************************************************
************************************************

[diary on nightstand] poem

black cake in freezer 104 days.....

Quarrelling tiredly, in the middle of the cold night.
I am afraid of how he might see me.
As i struggle to find middle ground,

Yet?
There's a sweetness to him during this moment, that I can't fully describe?

Maybe it's his way of looking, but not looking directly at me

taking in what it is he sees
as if he already knows what's truly there.

I feel transparent.
I panic. Am I losing Me?

He's always offering to solve, fix, instruct, help, or guide or lead ? & I've again declined.....
- wanting to do things my own way.

I'm in Love with him & I struggle,
because I know sometimes middle ground won't always come so easily.

Marriage is supposed to be about two hearts becoming one.

but How?

my heart's racing.
Pitch black room .. my wedding band, feels heavy and it’s swallowing me all up.

Small bed, face to pillow, body to wall, big room....the silence between us,
is so deafening, painful it seem to last a lifetime.

Accepting my fate and fears, and feeling all alone?
I suddenly feel his arms wrapping me up.

He says nothing more,
He is totally wrapping me with faith...
He just holds me to a peaceful night's dream.

Morning.

in his first silences,
He is still honoring the morning and opening his eyes....

i wait for

anticipate
the rejuvenation of his spirit.

new thoughts flowing from lips, his heart in sync with his mind?

I awake as He smiles recounting the previous night's dreams, ear to breasts
Naps to nostrils, we are just wrapped.

I listen to his clear morning thoughts, he is intelligent, black, strong... and

Love is Sweet again

Like the thin delicate strata of reddish -orange papaya flesh so close to the deep vibrant pink?

Sweet like the sound of cool water gurgling in a brook

or sudden raindrops on chilled autumn leaves.

Sweet like the soft hum of bees, on a hot summers day

mingling with butterflies, among the hibiscus

leaping to the frangipani in the garden in a zig zag drunken honey trance.

Sweet like the pristine blue white thick layer of new snow, like fluffy cake's icing
coating the tree tops and roofs of my newly adopted home.

Sweet as the last drops of coconut water spilling down your chin, when drinking it in haste.

Wipe chin, suck juice from all fingers, don't let it hit the ground - kind of sweet.

I close my eyes.
I want to hold on to His sweetness forever.

I feel his rhythm moving against me.
His hope fills me up and it's simply enough.

I am his, He is mine.

We have made it to the 105th day
We are in now in perfect harmony.
poem by moi

***********************************************
my poems * my poems * my poems*my poems *
***********************************************

[untitled poem]

like dancing moth
fascinated by
luminous flame

i craving....

moving like
snake

gaze down
on

satin sleek
hard
ebony obelisk

form...pure perfection

size impressive

loving your stamina
and motion

eternally
internally

sweet moments
calculating

waiting
wanting to
seize...conquer
and devour all

[poem by me 2/21/06, inspired by who else?]

************************************************
my poems * my poems * my poems*my poems *
************************************************

16 -17-16 westbound platform friday nights

six strong young legs
in borrowed stilettos
too big for dainty feet
running
down
icy
subway's stairs

precarious
stares
Oblivious
they're

Victorious in reclaiming Ancient Maiden's Dance

unchaperoned.

approaching train's tunneled breezes,
cooling hot memories of older boy's wicked wine

soft deep tongued kisses

fleeting
teasing passion in dark corners...
just testing limits and boys.

tokens dropped into boxes
turnstiles click
fun ends quick
homeward bound to sheltered worlds

comparing dance partner with girlish innocence and virginal naïveté

shared laughter and spontaneous

memories muffled

Echoing off white tiled subterranean walls

We had a ball

Catching breaths,
catching trains,
catching hearts

making curfew

after leaving dancehall on cold winter's night.

poem by me

************************************************
my poems * my poems * my poems*my poems *
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Things I've observed at 7
[summer vacation with sisters]
----------------
making mud pies in Granny's yard

avoiding ill-tempered rooster in garden,
hens straying from pens and wandering rogue neighborhood goat

Bim's many flying winged insects
truly show no mercy or leniency

towards

pigtailed milk caramel city girls from abroad
wearing pastels, pink and white cotton

smelling of bay rum, talc
and orange blossom soap

relentlessly biting and stinging red welts
all over little legs and uncovered arms

while playing in afternoon's sun.

poem by me

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drummer's daughter *

I'd watch daddy get
real quiet sometimes
the weight of the world on his
shoulders...

tired from life's struggles
tired from the day's work?

He'd go take a nap

Sometime's he'd wake up
later on that night

me

like a felicitous shadow

following
behind my Father?

I'd see uncover his drums
that He kept
away from playful destructive children

sacred
covered in some quiet corner of the house

I'd run
into the kitchen
and brew him his favorite
tea with honey

that

he always drank
from a glass jar
my hands
scalding hot,

transporting his preferred brew

I'd set it down on independent surface
away from his prized drums

My dad

would
light some joss

preparing

He never started right away

I'd soon disappear
play or watch TV?
as children often do

Then it would start

I'd hear

his hand on drum
beating familiar rhythms

softly
and uncertain at first

until the sound grew full
and so rich and bold

I'd turn the TV off
and run to watch
him playing in a trance

until water

from perspiration

poured down his face

from his effort and exhaustion

beating the perfect rhythms

his continence of pure bliss

my heart pounding
too transfixed on his
hands, his posture
and his closed eyes
his smile
of reconciliation with life....

I'd be too moved
to even speak

aware that we were surrounded by things
and influences unseen

that what was motivating him
directing his hands, to the rhythms

a creative force

I'd too one day find
deep in my spirit
through struggle

I could watch him for hours
while sitting cross legged on
the floor

until crescendoed end,

and I'd think at that moment?

How could any child be
more blessed than i?

[poem by me for My Dad]

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adore.... him
[poem for my husband]

Sometimes?
You are like raw clay in purest form
un molded,
to manipulate, stroke, knead and caress
fingers working busily
in tune with your skin's desire
titillating textures and surfaces...
My hands won't soon forget
the pleasure you are to touch
You are like beautiful sculpture, love.

Closing my eyes
running my hands along your
contours, touching not quite touching ....

trying to see
My mind's vibrant colors of you
generated by your heat and form
my inner vision's clear
You are a most original magnificent canvas

Playing you,
I go by your sweet sounds
aurally intoxicating
moans, tones, cadence, rhythm and sighs
the way you breathe so naturally
instructing me as a composer
you are an instrument, to be tuned
until masterpiece is sweetly consummated

I adore your music.

poem by me

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love lesson from saguaro
[arizona vacation]

majestic resilient cactus

viewed against cool night's clear rainbow hued sky
untiring arms outstretched to the heavens in constant meditation
lauding gratitude to the creator's knowing, wise crafting hands

brilliant stars scattered around you dim and shine with celestial precision

your prickly armored thick exterior succumbs to no predators,
nor the afternoons heat or evening's cold

while protecting so fragile a moist stemmed interior

diligently nurturing your core replenishing
all that is ever needed for it's earthly survival

standing together but with enough calculated distance
allowing each to grow tall in it's own right

adapting

to the hard terrain that surrounds you
yet joyfully sprouting brilliant beautiful flowers in due season

roots planted firmly in hard ground,
I will stand with you

head held high relentless whispering,
your soft song of praise into heaven's sacred ear

I will sing with you

A visual sentinel to the desert's stubborn peace

I've watched you in total awe.

poem by me

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POEM -[KITCHEN MANEUVERS]

while visiting
during a summer vacation
Mother in law
looks at the girl
that stole her son away critically

He is married to a short, skinny
vegetarian girl with
long kinky auburn twisted hair,
that she pulls elastic bands,
her forehead
perspiring
as she cooks
in the condo's cramped tiny kitchen.

The girl is looking like the busy,
independent little hot mess that she is.
A mess, who now happens to share
her last name - hyphenated.

Critically watching the girl, that her son now calls "wife"
wipe down counter a bit too fast with paper towels
before allowing it to get
messy enough, a bit
too anxiously
although she is very neat and clean..

She is wasting paper towels.

the Mother in Law is
doing her best now
to hold her tongue,
not to criticize or advise
the girl's way of tending to her own kitchen,

a girl who's way too busy
with her own work
to even fly down for a little weekend visit..

a girl who is a bit too occupied
with her own health

to meet her son's dietary desires, and needs.

Mother in law checks on roast in oven,
scenting the whole place up nicely...
Tonight her baby boy will eat to his fill.

----
Daughter in law glances back at
Mother in law amused, but
with gratitude and allot respect
for raising her "most precious son"
Up to be such a fine - fine- fine, young man
A tender brave warrior, the guardian of her heart?

Her eyes get distracted a moment
resting on the older woman's hands

noticing......

Her Mother in law,
as she is
seeding & chopping the hot peppers,
with the greatest of love and care.

Her hands are a little bit slower in pace, this year's visit,
all knotted up from life's hard toil, from the arthritis....
an accomplished woman
who has raised a house full of hard headed boys,
while, catering to a husband,
long before
she was even thought about or born into this world...

the Daughter in law
feels immediately humbled,
knowing that
She had a long way to go
for her own growth's sake...

Her Husband's Mother, has been there already
and she's done her best.

She studies
her Husband's Mother's furrowed brows
as she is trying her hardest, to share the hot
kitchen's space along beside her without succumbing to
the heat of the tiny space..

the Daughter in law
offers up a silent prayer,
asking
the creator for understanding
& patience with this ongoing situation,
the silly culinary tug of war,
Realizing
There is no wrong or right way..

Their aim and goal are both the same
To nurture a man that they both love,
in very different ways.

They are all in this together, and connected now.

Daughter in law places towel over yeast rolls
on the counter, giving them time to rest and rise,

noticing the shine from the new wedding
band on her finger,
remembering their love....

letting the cooking competition go,
She feels a bit more hopeful,

The peas and rice she's already made
for the nights supper are done.

She goes to prepare two cups of green tea
with honey,
in peace offering
and in truce.

by moi

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poem title [WALK]
-------------------
[WALK]

I know Your walk, man

when meeting you
for lunch?........
or at the stadium for a game, or
at the gym's ball court to pick you up,
even in a noisy partying river front
night's crowd in town after work?

I can spot you
morning or night
even on most difficult days despite
hazed sun and in grey snowy inclimate weather

your steps,
are sure, solid real steady, like your fathers

your energy.......
subdued but there....more
reserved, than lethargic

you tower over me
your legs long,
strong and muscular

able to devour a sidewalk's square
before
I can even open eyes from a blink

the

position of your head
held high,
taking in all visually

sizing up the situation vigilantly
with a thorough sweeping glance

ready

city wise, island wise, and country wise,

versatile, adaptable

aware and prepared for anything
that might "jump off"

as you
stride towards me

posture..... kingly

spine.....

durable and strong
as when
I held you last night

I know your walk,
beloved...

It's taken me time to recognize,

deep in my mind to internalize,

and appreciate your unique pace's speed
and rhythmic meter

but I now see you approaching,
long before you can look down low and see me

I know your walk.....

I cherish our vows
and I'll take my steps,
trying to keep up with you hurriedly with my size 7's

Forever,
throughout eternity - when warranted,
to meet you, somewhere halfway.

[poem orignal by me inspired by bunmi]

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[impromptu session]

thigh slap
groins grind
mouths mesh
hands caress

clock ticks
light licks
worked you discreetly
tortured so sweetly

drop beats
stippled heat
while synchronized
beats hypnotize

nails dig
tongues tease
gripped grab
repeat release

delve stab
constrict jab
wet slide
pried wide

impale evade
retreat invade
attack recline
tangled entwined

need no music
but music's nice
like geese in flight
while crushing spice

kill it fast
conquer slow
where it will end
nobody knows

climatic end
watery procession
loving our impromptu
quickie sessions.

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[KEEP YOU]
(poem for agony long distance romances )

month 3

Liked my life as it was.
loved it , long before you.

never felt an ounce of loneliness
no depression or feeling blue,

Took leap of faith , now we are lovers,
I'm loving, all the things you do?

I'm awake now and considering, if I should keep u?

--------------
month 6

You've secured your place in my heart
and the bickering begins

calling me at odd times lately,
having issues with my male friends

suspicious feelings, from the distance
the accusations soon begin

stressed, I don't know how to soothe your fears, to keep u.

--------------
month 9

Now you're reading me the riot act
do's and don'ts with your demands

flying up here on whim now, pushy
posturing like you're my man

and I'm fully realizing
This affair's quite out of hand...

I'm in love and hurt ..... but I'll abide - to keep u.

-------------------
month 12

done without my consent so anxious,
you've already set the wedding's date?

rushing me to fit your schedule
Sweating me, so? I'm irate

love's passion once shared, like hot fire
quickly smoldering to cooled down pace

I need to get " me " back a little while, to keep "us"

-----------------------------------
a year and a half

Slowed things down, for my sanity
taking salsa class at the Y

back on celibacy kick now
on regained" lost " freedom's high

but the letters You keep sending
Melt my heart, I can't deny

that I miss you and wondering if, i should have kept u?

--------------------
1 year and 9 months

said it wasn't going to happen
but it happened once again?

made love all night long ignoring advice
"to be strong" from wise friends

your plane's leaving in an hour
when you're gone, my tears begin...

Man, I love you - balancing things this time , to keep u.

--------------------
2 years

daydreamt leaving you this morning
while you slept peacefully in my bed

yearned to flee down fire escape quickly...
but served you King's breakfast instead

can't erase the fact you're in my heart
Left deep tracks... where you've tread

Relocating and engaged now,
Yes, I'll keep u.

copyrighted 2002 nyao's work

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fusions
{{striving for oneness}}
poem / acronym

yearning all day for communion
and I know, lessons will be sweet
beckoning me to soul's reunion

your expertise, cannot be beat
unfurled flower, stamen's kissed
merging forces, centered bliss.

original work by me

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[NIECE ]

innocent soul born into this uncertain world
a happy little strong beautiful, new baby girl

the whites of your eyes are so clear they are blue
as you're watching my face curiously
and as I'm watching you

with your padded strong fingers, now at gripping mine,
and sweet new baby scent, You are simply divine,

You are unique as a star and defy most definitions
born a few weeks ago, perfect brand new edition

your little eyes now look sleepy, yawning as babies do
rest easy little one, may your sweet dreams come true.

poem by me.

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[ROOTED FIRMLY LIKE TREES]

from the palest shades of brown
mahogany wood and coffee hued
you're the most miraculous force in life
that I have ever viewed

old African women rooted firm like trees
when transplanted seem to thrive
with such grace, love, class and practiced ease
keeping legacies alive

you administer strong glue daily
that keeps families together
looking out for children, grandchildren too,
through changing times, and changing weather

caring for your elderly husbands
with the gentlest of touch
knowing when to back off, lovingly
when enabling way too much

time's bent your frame, and your hands may wrinkle
but you're still spoiling us with love you've sprinkle
revered keeper of old time recipes
like duckanoo, bammie, gungo stew peas

walking in Mexico, Manchester, and Flatbush
at Sunday's church or at a fish market's stall

any place that I may travel
African Queens, I love you all

nurturing and planting little gardens
with tiny seeds of hope and love
imparting infinite wisdom constantly
sharing visions from up above

reverently burying loved ones
and drying many a grieving tear
reminding us never to give up in defeat
and not to live our lives in fear

I just want to say my thank you's
I could never repay such a debt
You're an inspiration in timeless motion
teaching love's lessons, I can't forget.

poem by me copyrighted 2005

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[props]

a man with a vision is much more
than worth his weight in pure gold

strong men with conviction and fortitude
are true treasures to love and behold

like diligent works that are constantly in progress
watching the stages in which their visions unfolds

never giving up their dreams, for one minute
harboring souls that can never be sold

they say a man's mind's a most powerful aphrodisiac
and to this notion, I'll certainly agree

They are no match for perceived competition
lacking accomplishments, reached goals and intrigue.

for their creative ability for thinking outside of the box
and solving problems from all known possible directions

Giving props to those righteous intelligent men
Who offer not merely, just a sexual connection.

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sunshine like rays
---------------------------

the ripe joy and sunshine like rays
i feel between my thighs
and in the pit of my belly

sometime's too much beauty to contain
discreetly

as I walk down the street
effervescing bubbling with joy
skin glowing

feeling my little hips move
in autonomous perfect seductive sway

my steps quick
as if wanting to dance

to the universal
music of passion, triumph and love

feeling the sweet hollow
of your now missing weight of
your recessed form to
converted to
delicate sweet memories

like silky spun gold threads

stirring still deep inside of me
while suppressing the urge to sing inspired

My steps
light as air

as Jealous women
watch in disgust, envy and hate

and the Brothers watch,
lick their lips,
nodding my way
smiling

they remember and know why i always shine

I'm in love with life
and all of it' s vivid colors
caressing me deeply

nature and earth
in sync and harmony

universal love vibes
shielding me from other's malevolence

I'm hoarding pure happiness intimately
that cannot be shaken
discouraged or disturbed

Even on a most rainy kind of day

[poem by me]

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blaze
-----------

being complete because
you were perfectly
and uniquely
made by
the creator.

happiness can come to you single
or in a relationship attached
to another

loneliness can come to you
single or in a relationship with
another.

bliss, exists whether one is
sexually active or celibate

beautiful and chaste
whether nude or clothed

relaxed having fun and joking
or being driven studious and serious
multifaceted

defining myself by my beliefs
and that alone
re-affirming my purpose in this life

resilient woman

sometime doubting,
and often tested

like ore

going through the fire
and coming out refined golden
flaming enriched with spirit,
creativity and pure thoughts.

[poem by me]
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No TV Chef Husband...
-------------------------

Just order take away Chinese......
Again, you've burned the leftover rotis and peas
I love you, although
You're known destroy
Perfect frozen gourmet pizza, expensive
organic TV dinners with cooking directions printed in 2 languages
that I know you fully comprehend, on back of box.

Causing microwaves to malfunction, lights in house to dim,
and industrial quality ovens to have smokey implosions
Setting off smoke alarm's with batteries that are not faulty, dear

This year.........

I found out that, you were not lying to me at all
You once told me the complete truth,
truth, I just brushed aside blindly with naivete, my youth...

You really can't cook to save your life.
but I got your back
through all kinds of kitchen and culinary strife
Besides? after all, Cooking is not the most important thing.
Thanks for alerting me, years in advance,
You gave me time to prepare,

signed, love your wife

[poem by me]

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