They Real Cool

~~~ Anyone who truly knows me, knows that I have to major passions. Poetry and politics are two of the things in my life other than God and family for which I live and breath. My beloved sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated founded in 1913 by 22 visionary college students is where I filter […]

A Crack In The Pedestal

~~~ We have white history, black history and American history, We have European history, world history and all kinds of history But it is only half of the story What of herstory? Herstory is of the mothers who bore us Herstory is the breasts we suckled Herstory is who dried our tears Herstory is […]

Catch 22

~~~ On one hand I’m applauded Respected Forging my own way In life In the face of stumbling blocks Being able To take care Of self Not relying On anyone Especially a man Always giving credit To God for The grace, in making ends meet On the other hand I’m […]

Black Woman

~~~ Sister…..Queen…..Soldier Black Woman your grace and radiance flowing so naturally about, projecting forceful, yet sensitive images that loudly shout of, BEAUTY. . . Within your eyes a story is told. As you have grown old, has life made you cold? No! Now you’re still proud and bold, for your SOUL it is evident […]

Her Name Is…

~~~ She strides with a regal pose Dreadlocks trail down her backside. Highlights of copper and gold woven throughout her crown. Her physique taunt and limber like that of a dancer. She bathes in frankincense and myrrh, the glow of olive oil illuminates her ebony skin. No catcalls follow her along her journeys for […]

Poem on the Eve of Bob Marley’s 66th Birthday

~~~ Awoke this morning Rain upon the window Syncopated music of ancient ways Crying tears for the oppressed Offering water for the thirsty Looking for redemption on the way back to the sea Bob Marley rose up in a poor village Part Africa – part England – brewed in Jamaica Strong coffee mixed with […]

Bread Pudding Love

~~~ Bread pudding has arrived in high-style it’s the latest vogue fashion food. Dressed in a coconut shell covered with amaretto and white chocolate. Six years into the new millennium they line up in Atlanta for a taste. Nobody had to tell my mama how to make gourmet bread pudding. She’s baked memories for […]

Overheard

~~~ Him: I’m not that athletic So my heart does not Skip, jump, somersault, Or otherwise cardio Over you. I’m not that romantic so I do not write poems Send you roses just because Or make Hallmark richer For you. I’m doing me So when I don’t call Or you don’t see me […]

When Sistas Cry

~~~ Like Lady Day, Bessie Smith or me, she sings, “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine.” It’s cuz, “I’m Waiting to Exhale” in “The Temple of My Familiar.” We’re “Daughters of the Dust” who are “Possessing the Secrets of Joy” as we contend with, “Disappearing Acts” before “Jumping the Broom.” So, like “Jazz” life […]