Photo by: Photographs by Jackie
Photo by: Photographs by Jackie
THE POET WITHIN who from an early age did not care THE PRINCESS much for poetry. Never being formally By: Renee’ Smith
I must admit, outside of roses are red and violets are blue this whole poetry thing is new to me. I remember getting cute little cards or letters from guys expressing their undying love for me and sometimes even making it rhyme, but the whole art of expression was something that was new and untouched, until I had the pleasure of meeting Janelle M. Strickland better known as “The Princess of Poetry”. Having the opportunity to talk with Janelle, I found out that behind that sparkling smile was a woman with a “BIG” voice. Straight out of a small town in Siler City came a young woman
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taught how to write poetry, she was introduced to Haiku in elementary school. As life began to evolve for her, she had a lot in her that needed an outlet to get out and be expressed. “Writing was the one safe place that I could express myself without judgment”, Janelle recalls. She found it to be a pleasant retreat away from often what she describes as unpleasant childhood memories. “Writing was my safe haven and I just started writing poetry one day.” She states, there was no lightning bolts or thunder, she just began to hear the words and wrote them out. Coming up with new stuff is the same even today, it comes and she writes. It pours into her and she begins the process of letting it bleed out all over the paper. In her own humble voice she says', “God gave me poetry as a gift and it literally saved my life”. When asked, what was the key to her success, she said she could not relate it to any formal training or educational background, but Faith and Favor'. She credits her gift of poetry to God and states he is the source and resource for the path that she follows. According to her, He gives the instructions and she follows them. Although she admits that she has not always followed his lead. She recognizes the errors that she has made and makes no excuses for
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them, but knows that she has learned valuable lessons that she passes onto others coming up the pathway of life that she once traveled. She has committed herself to learning more of the business and educational piece that has prepared her for another level of effectiveness. Being a 41 year old single mother of four beautiful, well accomplished children; Mia, Jay, Patrick and Jevon. She indicated that they are her accomplishments and the reason that she can not fail. With all grown except one, she has started to feel the empty nest syndrome that falls when our babies are all grown up and have learned to live there own lives outside of the home. It was at that point that she decided to pursue her love of poetry with all the free time that she now found herself with. Leaning on her wonderful support system in her Aunt Tammy, biological father David, her adopted mother and father, Brenda and Charles, siblings and her best friends and sisters Tanya, Earline, Robin and Kim, she goes forth as a performance poet, fulltime. As the old saying goes, Inquiring minds want to know, “why are you still single”, and the answer is simple…..”He has not found me yet. He will know me when he gets here, only the man God has for me will understand that”. As she began reading her poetry the response to it was overwhelming. It reached into the lives of people just like her and touched them. She felt love and now she was able to give love through her gift. Janelle said she used to write about the pain of her life a lot, but one day God instructed here not to anymore. It was good poetry but the center was all the pain that she had felt all her life. It was revealed to her that she had a lot of love to give and share and that it was not an average love. It was a love that was deeper and more profound than most have ever comprehended. Janelle states that as she sat under the leadership of her Pastors Reginald & Lady Holiday she was able to learn more about this love. She was then able to embrace it and began to see what she was supposed to do with it. It was at that point that she then became a faith based love poet and motivational speaker for women who have experienced painful transitions in life. This has brought forth workshops, mentorships and a whole lot of poetry. It was then that she began to research how to perform, by talking with other artists and spending time studying how to operate and run an open mic. She talked to the leaders of poetic movements all over North Carolina and became a specialist at the business of poetry. She had the extreme desire to perform and wherever there was a mic, she was trying to be in front of it. She admits, “I am continued on page 9
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Dear Coffee
Join Dear Coffee as she spills the tea on relationships, love, lust and the things you want to say but just can’t! Have a question, comment or concern you want her to speak on, email: coffee@diamonddivamag.com
Dear Coffee, My man is always talking about I need to let go and be more freaky in bed. We don't always do the same thing in bed but I can tell he is getting bored. I am not all that “old fashioned” but I have not been with a ton of men to know what to do or not to do in bed. I don't want to lose my man because he thinks I can't be all that he needs in the bedroom and I surely don't want him to cheat to get what I am not giving him. How do I let go and be what he needs me to be? Please help, Not Freaky Enough
Dear Not Freaky Enough, Girl, girl, girl! Every man wants a lady in the street and a FREAK in the bed. You just have to let go of the lady. Watch a few porn tapes; these women are not afraid to do anything. You don't have to go to that level if you don't want to but look at the faces of the men they are with…that's a HAPPY face! Do you drink? Have a glass of wine and relax. If your man loves you, ask him. Baby, what is it that you want me to do. When he begins to share with you, you share with him by doing whatever he says. Then say, “Like this?” Trust me if it's not right, he'll say, “yes, no, slower, lower, faster, too fast, right there”, all of that. Don't be afraid to let him coach you. And in turn, that will be your opportunity to share with him how to get you where you want to be if he's been missing! Teach and train is what I like to call it. Relaxing is the key, that way you won't feel pressured to get it right. Never do anything you don't want to do in bed because then you will dread having sex with your man, but you will never know what you like until you try it. Have an open mind but always make sure you will get yours too!!! Something else that may work is, if you are afraid to be YOU while exploring what it takes to please him totally, be someone ELSE! Wig it out; get you an outfit that is NOT you at all. Be Maya, “the Masseuses”, start out massaging STUFF!!!! Let me know how much he tips you! Ya girl, COFFEE
The Poet Within The Princess continued..... not a groupie of individual poets but a poetry groupie. I love poetry! I love the ministry attached to it and stress the integrity of the gift being used appropriately”. None of us are perfect yet we must use our ability as a wordsmith to manipulate and prostitute the gifts of others. She kept myself surrounded with everything poetry, asked questions, talked with the leaders of poetic movements to find out the do's and don'ts. She started other poetry organizations that are still thriving today, sowed her talents, skills and abilities into others and began to see the larger vision. I am not just another artist, Janelle shared. She is a movement! Janelle indicated she seeks viable opportunities for others, she create shows and venues that allow others to come and share their talents and have the goal to lift poetry to the surface with a new light everywhere she goes. With the release of her newest CD, The Favor of Love on Jan. 20th, 2011, Janelle wanted to show the diversity of her talent and the business side. Through it she was able to self fund the entire project and with the diversities of talent and help of Team Poetic Soul consisting of Nikki Blead singer of Poetic Soul, nd Chris- 2 lead singer of Poetic Soul Band, Deana Marshall-producer & sound technician, and OneBry photography, The Favor of Love shares its concept of what you love and God's will colliding together resulting in God's Favor on what you love. As a performance poet, she said it is her job to engage, enlighten and express positive and uplifting messages to those who come to hear her. The princess as she is profoundly called on stage stated, “I am still growing and perfecting my art form even now”. As I closed I wanted to give Janelle a chance to say to readers anything that may have been left out, and this is what she had to say, “I operate my businesses surrounding poetry, perform as an artist, mentor teen and adult poets, run shows and perform. I am the voice of those with words and no voices. (Taken continued on page11
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DIAMOND DIVA’S
Photo by: Photographs by Jackie
Hunk of the h t n o M
Reggie Smith Raleigh, NC
The Poet Within The Princess
continued.....
from my piece, My Gift is Necessary) I love my family, friends, God and poetry. Together these things make my life happy, fulfilling and exciting. It took me 41 years to find my place after life dealt me many struggles early on. I am a cancer survivor, overcome many tragedies and lived longer than any doctor ever gave me. My grandfather, Elder David S. Strickland used to say his poetry to me and I think that I am in continuation of his gift. My grandmother, Rosetta Strickland, showed me how to be a lady and present myself. They are the initial definition of love to me and I hope to share with the world that same love. Besides God and my children the love they gave me unconditionally, was the greatest gift I've ever received. I do this in their memory and dedicate its success to my children�. Credits Her look is a reflective of the class and style of Carina Cole, owner and CEO of Legacy Couture of Greensboro, NC, www.legacycouture.com .Carina is the personal stylist and fashion consultant (clothing, accessories, and performance attire) for the divine look of the Princess of Poetry. Contact information Website: theprincessofpoetry.com FB: Janelle theprincessofpoetry Strickland Twitter: @ThePrincessPoet Email: theprincessofpoetry@gmail.com Company: Dare 2B Different Entertainment dba The Princess of Poetry presents‌ CEO/Founder Company Motto: If you have talent, I have a stage and where there is no stage I make one! Dare 2B Different Entertainment focuses on electronic promotions and marketing, events, artist development and networking. Using these tools and viable opportunities I offer artists opportunities to grow in their craft and obtain the necessary tools to create a complete artist package and presentation that will yield successful bookings for future revenue potential and clientele.
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POETRY A BEAUTIFUL EXPRESSION OF LOVE By: Kimberly Knight
Welcome to April everyone; I can't believe 2011 is going so fast! This month Diamond Diva Magazine is celebrating the art of poetry. A beautiful expression of love, life, and pain no matter the subject matter it is enjoyed by many audiences alike and a form of therapy for many. This month I wanted to share with my readers facts about poetry and showcase upcoming events in your area. When I think about poetry the first thing that comes to mind is Dr. Maya Angelou. Her work has been heard all over the world and has been an inspiration to many nations. I remember the first time I read her poem “Phenomenal Woman” it brought joy to my soul. How elegant her words were written and how empowering her message was for women to be proud of their beauty. I loved the way she writes her poetry and
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it has been an inspiration to me becoming a writer. Poetry has been the foundation for many songs, books, and movies in our generation. Greats like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Sonia Sanchez, and Nikki Giovanni just to name drop have been the pioneers for the African-American poet world. Their contributions have inspired many great talents to exemplify their talents through new age poetry styles like spoken-word and open mic. It has influenced great film like Def Poetry Jam, Lyric Café, or Love Jones. The movement of spokenword has become a culture phenomenon and is definitely advancing our culture. If you are ever in the mood for open mic entertainment you should definitely support one of these events. On every 2nd Sunday is “Poets Unplugged” at Oliver Twist located at 8111 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, NC at 6:30pm. This event is open to the public and welcomes emerging talents to participate. Information is provided at the event for any that is interested in participating. Freedom of expression is a gift and should not be taken lightly. As a writer I have had my hand in poetry and found it to truly be a wonderful escape. So I encourage
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From a Males Perspective Ok Ladies, we all have tried to figure out, "What was HE Thinking".Well, now here's your chance to find out. Have a burning question, that needs a male’s touch, or you just want to know why men do what they do, then get it from A Males Perspective. Send all questions, comments and even your concerns to info@diamonddivamag.com, subject “Male’s Perspective” and let's find out what indeed he was really thinking. Settle for More The answer has escaped women for centuries. The question is discussed in coffee shops, living rooms, on twitter, and over chat. Genuine curiosity pushes women to ask it again and again. What is he thinking? What was his motivation, his intent, and his purpose? Does he even know? We hear time and time again that men and women act and think so differently. The only real way to find out what is really going on in someone's head is to ask them. The hope is that you'll get an honest and straightforward answer. We won't get into how often that happens. Just know that this is not one of those times. I'm going to answer any question you ask, and I'm going to tell it straight. So once again I was sent a couple of questions to answer. I looked them over and decided that I would answer the question that I considered the most important. I ignored the question about intimacy. Why? I got tired of turning down the bribes. If another dude tried to pay me to write the things they wanted done to them in this column I was going to lose it. Although, I did enjoy the $6.75 I was offered to mention whip cream, saddles, and French porter outfit. I decided to answer the question about commitment and settling. Should a woman settle? The answer seems to be obvious, but it's not that simple. I'm going to take a little liberty and use some artistic license to answer this question. We'll use the dictionary to guide us through this discussion. Freedictionary.com defines settle as “to put into order; arrange or fix definitely as desired.” So women, if your intent is to put your love life in order, arrange a commitment, or fix a broken heart by finding the partner you desire…. then maybe it's ok if you settle. Many of us have had a taste of an unsettled relationship. It was definitely out of order, some of you had to arrange bail, and many had to fix the damage done to personal property. So to be settled can be a good thing. The key is to make sure that you don't simply choose the best resume to fill that open position as your partner. Too often we prioritize our need for companionship over the desire to find a real match. Ladies, just because he looks “good on paper” doesn't mean he is the one for you. There is a lot of effort put into packing that resume, but will he put the same effort into packing your relationship with devotion, compassion, understanding, and romance? Can he communicate his emotions the way Continued on pg. 15
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that resume communicates his material success? Don't get caught in love with someone you don't like. It's possible. You can love the idea of love, the thought of being with that person, the way they make you feel, and being at their side. You can also not like their selfishness, disregard for your feelings, irresponsibility, and lackluster efforts. So yes, it's ok to settle. It is ok to compromise. Just don't ever devalue your worth by accepting anything less than you truly deserve. Do not allow selfconsciousness, failed relationships, or outside influence to make you believe that your happiness should not come on your terms. Learn what you want, believe it's possible, and go after it. Now what if he won't commit? What if he is dodging monogamy like neo in the matrix dodging bullets? What do you do? Once again, there is an obvious answer. You can send him a postcard to wherever you shipped his noncommittal behind. Make sure it describes how happy you are without him. Of course, if it were that simple then I wouldn't be writing this column. I say let's return to the dictionary to decipher an answer. Is he really noncommittal? Freedictionary.com defines commitment as “the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action”. When you think about that man and his life, how many things does he commit to? Does he make it to the gym regularly, react when his boys call, watch his favorite teams religiously, or visit his mother or grandmother consistently? If so, then ask yourself if he considers you essential to his life. Seems he commits to everything that he does consider essential. When you take this introspective look do you see disconnects? Are there identifiable reasons why he hasn't binded himself to you intellectually or emotionally? If so, then sit him down and begin to build the capacity for monogamy. Nurture new levels of communication and you'll be stronger for it. If not, then put your support team on notice because a break up is on the horizon. Now there is another definition that applies. Freedictionary.com also defines commitment as “an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.” This definition is the arch nemesis of monogamy. When they see a commitment as restricting, confining, and trapping then the future is bleak. There is a short window of opportunity here. Love and trust can convince a man that the opposite is true and help him to see the advantages of taking a chance. If not, then those same emotions can fill that man with fear and send him running for the hills. Didn't think he ran track? Let his heart become overrun with the thought of you and he'll qualify for the olympics. Now if the freedom of action that he is scared of losing involves other women, then cut your losses and give him his emancipation proclamation. A relationship should be the creation of mutual work, effort, and understanding. Your aim should not be to capture someone's heart. It should be to capture their attention and have them give you their heart. It's up to you to know the difference. Dasan Ahanu is a public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, songwriter, writer, emcee, and loyal Hip Hop head born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is currently a teacher at Duke University's Young Writer's Camp, creative consultant and resident artist at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC and an artist-in-residence at Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC.
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Poetry A Beautiful Expression
continued.....
you the reader to put thought to paper and let your mind set free. A great couple's exercise is to write each other a poem and then share it with one another. You will be surprised how inspiring love can be. I encourage you to share your thoughts on poetry which could be featured in our next issue. Send all comments or questions to Bmoorebride@gmail.com!
MY GIFT IS NECESSARY By The Princess of Poetry Jan. 30, 2010 ©
Let me share my story. Outside of what you see and may even believe this path is not for fame or glory. I have no choice but to write, poetry is a gift to me and this microphone is another opportunity for me to share, to reach and to care. To sow a seed deep inside of you and for it to blossom and bloom into something positive, a source of strength, a word of encouragement…see these are the gifts I give. When I write, only for a few moments is it for me, but mostly it's for all of you… to fulfill your need to hear love on another level, learn how to defeat the demons and devils that plague your mind and for me to find that empty space in your heart and place a word or a phrase there, that will let you know that someone else has felt what you are feeling and you are not alone, and some of us are still there. My gift is not a burden but a swelling in my soul that I have to let go, or else die from all the pressure inside. It's how I live, it's why I thrive. This gift is a necessity for the world to see the better me and the worst of me through the grace of the giver of my gift because that is God and never because of me…and it's because of he that I am even me. Built of the flesh, born and then raised in a mess but now a success because of the gift that I possess…. Poetry is a part of me but more than that I am poetry. It flows through my blood stream and it pulses through my veins. To not get this gift out of me will drive me insane. The words keep flowing from my heart and through my head and writing them out only leaves blank spaces for more to come instead of vacancies that go unfilled. It is the adrenaline rush of my day and at night, it's my thrill, it's my life force, I breath words, spit lyrical fire, it is my gift and this is why I write, why I perform and why I recite because……… I am poetry and my gift is necessary.
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BITTERSWEET By: Pebbles Phatgurllove McClain
He asked me why I came so hard. I said I didn't know. He smiled and popped me on my ass, it jiggled a little more. He really didn't know what I really had in store. We kissed and had foreplay awhile and it was really fun. I told him he had to be quiet I didn't want to wake my son. I opened wide and let him go deep, boy what had I been missing? It started getting a little rough for while, slowly slipping into submission, switching from position to position; damn he's scratching that itch that's been itchin'. Trying not to lose myself in him and get caught up and shyt. I will be damned if I become dat bitch. I ain't tryna get strung out over some dyck. I got bigger fish to fry and right now this one's it. I slowly smile and he asks what I'm thinking about. I tell him I want to know how he'd taste in my mouth. I let him put it deep inside and I relax my throat muscles. I feel his body start to shake...I can see for him not to cum is a struggle. Cupping his balls gently, I give them a little tug...next thing I know, I'm swallowin' like a mug. He's gripping the back of my neck. I can hardly breathe. I know I got em where I want him now...I just sucked down his seeds. Standing up to meet him I asked him was it fun? He said ever since he met me, he wanted to give me some. I told him I was glad he stopped by and for him to go get dressed. Told him I would get myself together and straighten up this mess. He walks into the bathroom, damn that man is foine. I wonder what he would think if I told him I was dying. See he doesn't' remember that night, when I met him at the club. He told me he was in a relationship, talmbout he was in love. I said ok well I'm happy for you. Stay in love with your gurl. Since then he's been creepin' with me, I've been rockin' his world. I really hate to do him this way, but man I had to see, how he would react if he and I could really be..together. He is just gonna hafta know that it ain't gone be forever. Try to dis me out in front of your friends? Make me look all desperate, well I will get my revenge. I smile as he hugs and kisses me and tells me goodbye. I wonder what it be like to see a grown man cry. I know he's going back to his wife and kiss their little kids. He would be mad if he knew what I really did. I couldn't let him get away with that, trying to get over on me. So I think I did my job tonight by fuckin' him and givin' him H.I.V. Raleigh, NC ~Š 2010 PHATGURLLOVE~
Schelle & Shon
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BRING ON THE SPRING COLORFUL AND FAB By: Cori Dunn
Spring is approaching and fast I must say!! So if you haven't got your new spring do in mind here is a hint of whats hot and whats not!!! A new season should come along with new color and cuts!! Yes I said cuts and color!! It can be drastic or subtle, but its time for a seasonal All Over trim. When you think of spring you think of lots of color and many textures. Well the same goes for hair. The weather will be warmer so you want the winter heaviness lightened, with a cut and some color!!! Layers will forever be hot like a black pencil skirt and a fresh white crisp top!!! Layer it, texturize it, slither it, taper it!!! Whatever you choose, make it light as a feather and whip it!!! lol Whip it real good! While whipping your new do, why not throw some color that will turn heads!!! Time has changed and we are dwelling in longer well lit days, so lightened your hair like the day!! If you're Jet black , sun kiss it with cinnamon highlights or a two tone affect. If you're already brown then highlight it with golden hues!!! If you're bold and daring try a vibrant auburn or red to break necks!!! Whatever you do , do something new!! Out with the old, in with the new. Change is good! Its a quick pick me up and a few compliments to stroke the ego never hurts!!! Whatever you choose bring in the spring colorful and FAB- U- LOUS!!!!! Have fun!!!
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FRIEND STRANGER By: Leevance Williams She came to me at a time when the word lost meant ..Living Out__side Trapped..I was pretendin..but as she kept listenin..she felt the trail of my words out__side its tracks..de railing and failing__ to live up to the sounds of laughter I portrayed..Amazed __ by the strength it took__to keep this look, she played along,only to help me string that difficult happiness song__that evidently got Me thru the day..consequently it wasn't that hard to hear strings popping in each verse__every other word crackin and stopping trying not to let her see my pain!..the hurt! Once separated all I could do!! Was curse!!... But soon as my friend stranger communicated again__ it seemed all the sadness came to an end__and a philosophical connection began__ giving strides to my weary steps__unveiling all that I disguised, saying god is on his way!trust me! he will help!__ It's funny cause all my life I have seen statuues of angels..but none that gave me such gratituuude__ like this voice..never were their faces painted a color..but this one was black..I can tell from the lingo of her tongue__The known struggle in her wisdom__I could tell by her tenacity!!their was no question how black she be!__cause I felt her wings sheltering me like a hebrew slave protecting her child from the sting of the whip!__ let dat marinate.................... while I hold up my black fist!! She told me she would pray for me but I had to ask,---- how can another stranger pray for another stranger to be safe and out of danger---a concept I couldn't fully grasp!!.. She said poppi!!,_ oh by the way that was another way I knew she was black with a warrior mask,__ She said poppi!!you and I are one__this struggle your going thru....my feet! Has been just as deep!! ,,The darkness you see__ at one time my eyes saw darkness just as bleak!!__ The loneliness you feel all you got to do is just kneel!...That is why I can pray for another, Who am I to receive his blessin and not pass it on__All you got to do is believe and stop second guessin_ Her words penetrated me and cut me deep with in my bones__leaving me a jones, like a phene for another hit! So here I am staring out the window... No more pity... No more tears or fears.. Not even an ounce of anger.. All due!!! To my friend stranger
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ICING UPON MY CAKE By: Tamika Johnson aka “Journey Divine”
I prayed and longed for this special day and I am grateful that God has blessed you to come my way. You are My Love and My One true desire and for many years I was alone and thought my heart would expire, From the hurt and pain I endured from the ones before, But God shaped and molded me to wait for what was in store. Though I never could imagine because my mind wouldn't fathom to be blessed with someone like you, To breathe the same air in the same place and same space, You are my connection of lucrative affection embodiment of perfection I am astounded! Our minds stimulate, our souls penetrate to a level that one can not translate You make my heart smile again seeking what's been hidden from within I release. The woman in me can just be as I transform my insecurities to your masculinity Your strength is without measure, Your loving' is beyond pleasure AND I am so Intrigued. When you touch me, when you hold me, when you kiss me, I feel me transcending into eternity, You undeniably add additional Peace and Happiness that already lies within me and your love is unselfishly given unto thee, so I allow myself to be free with you and I truly know that you are indeed my perfect mate, for You are the Icing upon My Cake and Oh How Sweet It Is! Copyright © 2009
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ISLE OF DREAMS By: Rosalyn Marhatta
I live on an isle of dreams and lie under a banyan tree whose twisted arms cradle me from typhoons of emotion. I'm half awake in the shelter of your affection, breathing in your scent of musk and sweat, teasing smiles from you, feeding you adoration. Then the clock radio bangs out “Let's Rock and Roll� as Motley Crue throbs in my head like a woodpecker on steroids. You're transformed back to a black and white image tossed on the floor, a memory piercing my soul. Everything dissolves into dissonance and the longing for you begins again like winter frost on a bluebird's nest. I stare at your photo ensnared in your smile. Then I light a match to its edge. The smoke whispers incantations as the flame scorches my soul and you become ash in the wind.
SCRIBE - BLUEPRINT By: Deep Thinker
ŠDT7 MMX
See, we all have been mislead An amorous Dream falsely forged Becomes a maze mental cell housing Paradise lost Mislead, we all have been Told seek the end result only Discovering Critical foundation faults in this structured Dream Never told the design must be made before prototype created See, we have it confused Or We choose to confuse ourselves Misdirection is a dual sided mirror Looking into the pane glass seeking understanding others Still, we see our reflection first Before we see another, looking to the side we stand Same can be said for our vision for love Misdirected Believing the prototype is already made for our inspection Judging the structure Never seeking to do any labor to build it Never wanting to draw straight edge lines of clarity Always demanding authenticity Still hiding behind deceptive masks, prideful shields, shallow armor Are we afraid of being seen clearly with flaws, still finding out we can be embraced Or Finding out we were not as perfect as we drew ourselves to be See, the time is held in the mind Shift the sands of decision into the awaiting orb of action You can spend your life complaining, demanding, seeking that prototype Hoping it moves, functions, operates 'By Your Command' Or You can motivate your energy, vision to construct the just blueprint With compassion, humility the righteous house of compassion, chemistry, communication, character 'By Shared Design' We have the Vision to Dream Now Do we have the Heart to Work ‌Shall we Build?
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TRUE LOVE By: Darius Farrar
TRUE LOVE Searching high and searching low Every day of my life looking for something called love. Not knowing that keeping it would be A lot harder than finding it. When we met it was like An instant love that I felt towards you But I didn't want to say anything about it. As a matter of fact I didn't want to believe it because it was so soon. But true love has no time limit. Ya know, I sometimes sit back and Think about how much my love for you grows daily. From you doing your wifely duties as far as Being faithful, honest and dependable. Saying I love you really Isn't enough for me? Proving I love you by my actions in and out of the bedroom Isn't enough for me? I pray daily asking God to show you my love. I pray daily asking God to improve me daily. I pray daily asking God to make me a better man So that my love for you can grow even beautifully. You are truly a woman I can say I love. What we have is beautiful. What we have is pure. What we have is honest. What we have is sexy. What we have is true love. (c) 2011 -33-
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BLACK QUEEN By: Peaches
I LOVE ME in all my bountiful glory from the top of my crown to the tips of my toes no one will ever know the joy I hold from unlearning learned behavior being told that my worth was in my size and society says that "less is more" so I held less value in the thickness of my thighs but society doesn't realize that the very thighs that they despise are the enterprise to my pyramid of pleasure what a treasure to gain your true self no amount of money can replace the wealth of loving who you are regardless of what you've got no longer yearning for silky straight hair I happily rock my natural locs you see, my beauty radiates from a heavenly place and when you gaze in my direction beauty may not be what YOU see but I am a masterpiece simply because HE created ME HIS love is Richer than my bank account and deeper than the pool of chocolate in my eyes HE deems me worthy, so I be and I stride with such great pride in celebration of a perfectly imperfect me The woman I was born to be A BLACK QUEEN. Diamond Diva
April 2011
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THE SECRET By: The Werdsman
The Secret By The Werdsman As I look upon you tonight There are so many things to say Wanting to capture and describe The true feelings of my heart Words are yet so inadequate To tell you how I honestly feel Wise words that scarcely My true thoughts will reveal Words cannot describe How I feel for you My eternal love for you is something That will never outgrow A love you will never know
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Diamond Diva Staff April 2011Photographer Diamond Diva
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM ME TO MYSELF By: The Princess of Poetry, J. Strickland
I often battle…. Just to stay ahead. Tryn' so hard to keep, These negative thoughts out of my head. I live…….When others think that I am dead. It's my choice, And…I choose life instead! My hope…..Lies within the impossible. I'm still here, Yes, I am a miracle. My very presence, Is truly impressionable. To settle for less, Than the best, is unacceptable. Sometimes I shudder, At the thought of being alone. I often reminisce, Of past relationships dead and gone. However, I am a woman, both beautiful and strong. Success is my destination; I invite you to come along. I'm confident, In everything that I am. Despite what others think, I don't seek validation from any man. Every dream, every goal, God already told me that I can. Prosperity, Is the penmanship of poetry, within my hand.
Today…..I laugh instead of cry. I value…… Every friendship, I try to let none just slip by. My gift, Is the knotted bond with each poem I tie. My heart, Is now healed with the love of a lifetime. So to myself, I say congratulations! I work hard, To uphold life's configurations. I let no one, Take my focus or break my concentration. Now that I am encouraged, I resume my many obligations.
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April 2011
Diamond Diva