Authored by the Poetic Justice Inaugural Cohort
AFTERWARD WRITTEN BY ROLAND
The following selections you're about to read are dedicated to writers, artists, and free thinkers We turn writer's block into boulevards where paintbrushes form murals to share our story ...
Yasmin
I want to send a dedication to Jesus, My grandmother Jewel Nance/Melissa Benton, and Dean Johns for opportunities at John Boner
I would like to dedicate this anthology to wisdom, healing, and courage. I am thankful for the opportunity to show up, authentic and uniquely; it's been a long time coming. You have arrived you are on stage you have permission to speak, so you choose poetically then we will meet.
Special thanks to Lyrik, Roland, Januarie, Kimberly, Antionette, Marc, DeAmon, and Jada for their vulnerability and openness in sharing their truth and lives with the intent to grow, heal, and transform our community and self
I would like to thank Kimberly Woolfork, Jacob Barnes, and all of the members of the Justus Speak Company I also want to thank leaders Januarie York and Mark Latta for teaching me something new and allowing me to be a part of this project
I want to acknowledge Jessica Johnson, my loving Friend, and companion My sisters, Mary Allen, and Joy Juroff They continually offer me their love, support, encouragement, as well as inspiration Also, all those involved in giving me the opportunity of making this anthology possible.
This is for you.
Young lady take up your bed and reset by the sun
This is for you as you trek through your twenties learning and loving the curves that sprout, stay open minded and never stop growing
This is for you
Woman, thou art loose, free to express, expand, expound and reproduce in all the ways.
Creative in your being, stern and stoic in your studies. You are woman and we need your wisdom to survive.
This is for you
Granny, Aunty, Mother and developer of communities. Your love and dedication over the years make babies comfy and Man speak vulnerable trues, it is to you he listens, to you he share visions. The body that broke bread for me to eat gentil and forgiving as our Heavenly Father. You are woman, you are supreme.
This is for my health, happiness, my peace, my joy my strength Through these works feel me
Rejoice with me Breathe with me as we create something new to restore beliefs
Poetic Justice is a collection of living for the most part a norm choosing to enrich the lives arou the opportunity arrived to say s we polished our eyes, and prepa find within the pages of this an I've learned (S)Heros' don't arriv whistles We do, however, speak things that need to change in o
It's ironic actually; writing the f particular topic Be honest, how thoughts of the opposite race?
listening to a black man remem Would you feel disrespected and empathize with your fellow hum y g black-and-white issues when the truth is we are chastised by our class This is an Orwellian society with too many discussions about being politically correct. And not enough solution-based talk about the morale in our society Laws are created to forbid a helping hand unless excused by the government; as if we need more permission slips
With the direction of our leaders, we collectively found ways we could help others without searching far and wide for help We are the help we need to see "Don't watch me, watch me move, " as the elders would say over a game of chess Life is strategic right? We don't share the same 24 hours despite what that clock says There are times when all the odds are stacked and giving up looks so much better; like wading in the shallow end of "get to it later" My granny always reminded us to "Get Up from your do nothing" and be the change you want to see This book is us trying that Being that Leaving your thoughts like the last breath of a cliffhanger You hear the words and play out the scene in your mind's eye but YOU ultimately must finish the story So walk with us as we trek through this journey, together Justice can be poetic Can you hear it?
New writers formulated by professional artist Januarie York and Marian University Professor Mark Latta, & Melissa Benton, and the John Boner Community Center. The class was a building block to creatively get people to write about their neighborhoods and community engagement within city life.
Once the reader has read the poems from the Justus Poetic Company; hopefully it will send them into deep thought about life and the realities of internal and external experiences that occur daily
The internal human feelings of being hungry, angry, happy, determined, optimistic, and pessimistic. The external forces which the human experience cannot control like poverty, being victims of crimes, gentrified neighborhoods, and (chemical trails with debris) in the air we breathe. The human experience of giving us all choices of making life good or bad for ourselves and everyone else.
New writers formulated by professional artist January York and Marian University Professor Mark Latta, & Melissa Benton, and the John Boner Community Center. The class was a building
block to creatively get people to write about their neighborhoods and community engagement within city life.
Once the reader has read the poems from the Justus Poetic Company; hopefully it will send them into deep thought about life and the realities of internal and external experiences that occur daily
The internal human feelings of being hungry, angry, happy, determined, optimistic, and pessimistic. The external forces which the human experience cannot control like poverty, being victims of crimes, gentrified neighborhoods, and (chemical trails with debris) in the air we breathe. The human experience of giving us all choices of making life good or bad for ourselves and everyone else.
Where are black boys safe?
I would start by saying, are black boys safer in the grave?
Morbid thinking leads to many reasons Yet facts warrant the sab of my heart.
In my eyes, it is not safe in the womb, it is not safe in the air my goodness it is not safe anywhere. Not safe in the homes, not safe in her arms. So, I ask a question why can we not protect our black boys? Who is to say that they don’t deserve to be protected by our community, and by all their Black Queens?
Saving our black boys is my number one priority. I have brothers, uncles a father, and friends too, building our men our boys we must do.
Black-on-Black Crime has to end.
It is their own fault that crimes exist in their com stop blaming the white race for your internal iniq
My city, my zip code has a good and bad mode
The hypocrisy of equality is a tale to be told
The rich will win because neighborhoods are to be bought and sold.
Hypocrisy of equality comes with the idea that all men are created equal in the eyes of God and man-but only the White and Rich get a fair hand.
Temptation is a part of life doesn’t matter if it’s wrong or right,
The evil of Temptation is a part of life doesn’t matter if it’s wrong or right,
it makes you do the things you love,
Sometimes the bad is something you can’t control,
The bad forces you to unleash the desires of your inner soul
The Ghetto is filled with crime and pity
You want equality from the white man but kill each othe
You yell black lives matter, but to who
When is your own race going to matter to you?
Black-on-Black Crime has to end.
Black Boys misidentified as one-third
Blackness stoic and marked as solid
A Black Boy
is protected like the green in your po
Full of posers -what’s in your wallet?
Phony? Dirty money?
They’ll say I’m pocket watching
How much a dollar cost when there’s
Raise the stock when a Black Boy's in your area
Safe within these tracks before crossing over – they’ll railroad ya
Remake the song but keep you on the cover
Black Boys are like Pokémon; Catch em' all in the field as students do - Collect your research Get firsthand experience in this desert Shade me Brotha before I die of thirst Black Boys are safe between the first and last breath of his Mother.
Between the oohs and aahs of a lover, Where he first learned game
Speak when spoken to and hold your head high when there’s trouble in the rain. You are the double entre that I try to understand to learn your pain.
Be strong Black Man for the whole world, you can exchange for gain.
IMusingsbyRolandLolla
I Love God, I Love Jesus.
I Love Me. I Love you; I Love us.
I Love them.
I Love up, I Love down. I Love left
I Love right. I Love in, I Love out.
I Love nights I Love day.
I Love hot, I Love cold. I Love this
How can people who know what it does
And seeit take out their loved ones
And still selfishly not pay attention to the obvious
Every time you smoke
You are not only risking yourself but taking minutes off your life with your loved ones.
Someone is needed and wanted by someone else.
Loved by someone else.
How does this keep going at least to those that could most likely avoid that “Big C” monster?
It seems to give the same result
Sucks the life out of many
Drops weight like crazy
Makes great people helpless and pulled away from something or someone special
Only that person can fulfill something somewhere
Doing something
Words
& Thoughts
by Antoinette Wright
In front of court houses Lady of Justice wears a blank bandana across her eyes
On the shores of the Atlantic Lady Liberty stands awaiting your arrival.
Do you know what that means?
See, I’m battling conflicting ideas while walking a Libraic balance beam. Justice is fair, freedom for all with a non-biased approach to truth
Why does moral, values and principles differ like curls when I’m human to?
Justice is remembering who Kanye was going through the wire. Dreaming of soaring high is like spotting a rainbow in your rearview
There’s more on the horizon.
I mean we were only fans
Subscribed to your likeness.
Just keep making music we can vibe to your Highness
We’ll join forces to understand your plight. Wrap words like gifts and sing hymns to fill your soul at night
Just. Us. Eyes. Con't
Justice is the pen that writes letters for the homeless.
Pen pals with distance but love is where the heart is.
Can we talk about a culture abandoned and atrocious?
A holocaust of themes buried between pages never forgotten, Slavery was not a choice, but a contract - work for hire. Documents lost in the wake of learning who the true God is,
Who’s on the Anunnaki VIP club list?
The Gentiles, the Hebrews, the 5%ers, or the Muslims?
Justice disappears when a Nigga trying to share knowledge.
Don’t expand on your hoop dreams
Oh, what’s the trending topic?
What’s the word?
Just another body slain for review by idiot bodies stuck in boxes.
It's no more Bret Harts, just Hitman Farves stealing from the machine. It takes a leader in his Primetime to make change if you know what I mean.
Remove the veil as you sail across several seas for emancipation. Freedom is the first sign of a great nation
White Male
Why
Why
BY JACOB BARNES
There is no need For god’s love is always near
Quench my desire, water my heart Shield me from the dark
Make me your only lover Hell there is no other. OH, I woke up and saw the light you finessed Lied and fault me then took flight Come, sit, heel, fetch
Hey, girl, you’re not my lover you’re my pet.
My big score Gleaming for my every word My stick you adore.
Treat me like a Queen only in front of the company Praise God they spoke up and Loved Me.
Shall I stay and obey?
Peace be unto you
Nego I am not your Motherfu#*ing slave
I am tired of your stick and your one-sided, backward relationship
Your Love for me I do not require I seek love from my God the ultimate power
Now, I love ME!
I cry I cry I cry
Till I wade in my tears
WADE IN THE WATER
WADE IN THE WATER CHILDREN
God, will you trouble this water?
I take with me my tears to the valley where the mountains are wide it is all that I see it is all that will be this is the valley of death
Poured over hands washing the blood Down the drain
Just because hands Are cleaned does Not free us from The stains on our souls
And why are we so afraid of it? Perhaps because it is so ugly
Dripping with blood the deep wounds of American slavery
How do we reconcile Our American past? How do we make it right?
Questions, oh questions
Let us lean in American slavery ended over night the flip of a switch; or so the story goes the reconstruction of America was to reconcile the atrocities of American slavery yet the truth oh what is the truth?
American truth is American slavery living on. How, oh how can we live with ourselves?
Povertyisafallennature
Itisastrippedbeingorderedtoslitheronitsbelly. Infestingourland,water,andair. Hissingnotkissing
Slowlyapproachingtostrikeifwedare. Standupfightandunit. Stompoutthisspinlessparasite. Yourliesarepoisonous.
Your lies are poisonous. We rebuke your debilitating tactics. They no longer resonate with our needs. We seek health, peace, love, and prosperity. Your curse is broken the spell is lifted. Pack your bags And get to getting.
Inspired by Tony Styxx's 'Black Boys Can't Be Superheroes'
Where is a safe space for Black Boys?
Is it the restroom?
Its quiet enough to let loose of self, mist eyes with water and go one about your day
Are you in good health? Take a moment anyway
A moment to pack tissues like iron swords because the world is tough
Tough like Teflon.
Are you tough enough?
Can you toughen up when I call you bitch?
Hold back feelings when I throw a fit
Take the ownership Are you dominant?
Are you cute enough to be seen out in public?
Just checking on you.
I know you’re always on the pursuit of happiness so on the fly you must be but, where is a safe space for young Kings?
It must be out in nature with the trees
Bare and naked you may seem.
You’ll blend in when your chain gets caught between orange and green leaves.
Step back, duck, catch your breath, breathe, life extended an olive branch to climb upon when running from them boys in white hoodies
You got your Skittles?
Wish it was a pistol
So when you feel suppressed, you can eject that super suit, and let them clips go.
I mean, when is there a safe space for black boys?
The time machine is a great invention, you created it.
Ticket in hand intentions to patent it but upon arrival, bombs exploded from an elevator naming you the culprit
I mean, who is your safe space?
Wanted signs of your capture in any era of time.
How can a space be safe when all you’re doing is trying to survive?
Magic tricked the cards to build your own city.
Shared a space on your farm for the incoming community
While you and your family commune a litany for peace through them ghetto wall streets
I can’t find a safe space, if you know Please, please let me know. Because I am most hated; everybody wants a piece of me Each time I come out of my space I Automatically step into a boxing ring. You will never have a successful relationship. You are too much like your momma, loving, And kind. People won’t respect you. This world is full of wolves, and you are a sheep Awaiting to be devoured Love comes with conditions. Romance without Finance has no chance. The words of my Father Haunt me even now. I have stolen, broken Hearts, dated, mated, fathered children, all Grown now. You won’t like what you hear black man. You are most hated and wanted for every crime Imaginable From Indy to Rome, and beyond: I Call it the black man syndrome. Waking up And living black male. Shut up, stop crying punk! Stand up, be a man, and take your blows. You better not defend yourself, because a jail cell Awaits you.
p seeking love and acceptance it Doesn’t exist for you!
MusingsbyRolandLolla
As you become an adult
Each decade priorities will shift
Disconnections from the once connected can be painful too because to be loved and unloved can scar the soul in you.
Connect to your dream, idea or vision
Look for the greatest source of passion
That will help you find your purpose that burns within So, regret won’t hinder your living.
"Time backward, leaving us and coming to us. Where does the time go? Why do we take it from each other and why do we take it for granted? Going through, growing through, and running out of time. They say we all have the same amount of time yet feel that it's less for me. Trying to please all and not enough of myself. My time gets away from me. Why can’t I stop the clock before it crashes?"
-Antoinette WrightRunning against time and fighting against the everyday struggles; watching that clock day in and day out. It goes by fast when you don’t want it to and goes super slow when you want it to go fast. Do we truly have the same amount of time in a day?
Some of us are on borrowed time. Our days are usually gone before we know it. As you watch it go by, you realize you work and play, eat and sleep, then look back on those years spent trying to chase your wishes and dreams Sometimes working two or three jobs just to make ends meet and please others (keeping up with the Jones). Going to college, spending all of your best years – watching it wash away chasing the ultimate dream of being successful only to find out that it often never happens People don’t often get to work in their area of study. You look up and all that time is gone. You worry yourself sick just trying to put food in your mouth, keep the lights on, and have heat and air conditioning through those rough cold and hot days. But you're often not even home to enjoy it because you are at work, wasting all that time away.
Where did all the years go, you ask yourself? Why did I do this? Only to be where I would have been if I just enjoyed myself. Paying for all the material things that you don’t need and that someone could still take from you But you keep reminding yourself to keep your head up and keep pushing. Work for that knowledge and learn as much as you can to get that degree Something no one can take from you once you get it
The years are gone...VAMOOSE!!!!
Who are you jumping through hoops for? To please yourself or someone else? Are you constantly resetting and going over your schedule as you push harder, lose sleep, and jeopardize your health by cutting corners to make ends meet? Are you eating poorly through processed and fast food instead of taking the time to cook? Don't wait to realize those good years and time has been just one big RAT RACE and nothing to show for it! Knowing what you did with that time was a mess and you can't get it back Fighting against the clock and paving a bigger struggle for yourself while missing the true enjoyment of each day.
Antoinette Wright
we do not have the same 24 hours in a given day. I will explain by definition this phenomenon privilege has special rights advantages or immunities. In other words, having the rare opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure.
It is not my pleasure to miss opportunities due to my skin color, gender, education, occupation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, environment, and or social class
Is time money?
Does it equal power?
Does it dominate your soul?
Yet has it made you whole, is it food to my soul?
Does it consume your very being?
Is it transferable?
Is it contagious?
Can I buy it, this time?
No wait, millions have paid with their lives innocent blood crossing lines for it. Them down there, who speculate they're entitled to it time
Has it robbed you?
Has it loved you?
Has it grown you?
Time can be your prison or your escape
Do you waste your time, do you value time watch me do me time
Words by Kimberly Woolfolk
The title of this chapter, Behind The Clock Struggle,” stemmed out of a conversation the cohort had surrounding equity and the statement, “ we all have the same 24 hours of the day.”
At surface level, yes, if you are living and breathing we all are given 24 hours of the day. But we all experience those 24 hours very differently And how we experience those hours boils down to equality, equity, and the racist systems that oppress and suppress a large minority of people in our society
A white man, raised middle class, college educated with no kids has a very different set of 24 hours than a black women, raised in the ghetto, high school diploma with three kids to feed. Hence the title behind the clock struggle Discrimination seeps so deeply into people's lives; so much so that it, at its core, impacts the limits of their time to live full, beautiful lives.
Only until you walk in the shoes of those who are less fortunate, oppressed, or discriminated against does one release the brevity and depth of oppression
"Behind the clock struggles" sets out to explore the reality of time inequality.
- Jacob Barnes“Me Myself, and Nobody”
I's isn’t around no more.
I's can’t speak, I’s is now a nobody. I’s is busy working, paying taxes, and Wearing patches, I’s got to feed I’s family. I’s got to buy cars, stop in bars, search for Bargains, go to church. I’s got bills to pay, Then come home broke. You see I’s no longer Available to be with me and myself. I’s got big plans, Going to save the world if I’s can. You see I’s left the building for good.
Now it’s just me, myself, and nobody.
MusingsbyRolandLollaLike a mansion with no windows, a vision of happiness is of one you don’t see. What you replay in your mind and truly believe would make its way to your reality
I heard it's about timing.
We live in a triangular trade of Maslow’s theory misguiding many. To change a whole system is only successful with true intentions. Don’t forget the bells and whistles
To change the whole system?
It's easier to enjoy this mansion with many rooms minus the windows.
We choose to stay indoors because down the hall,
all the kids who didn’t get lynched, Friends of Emmit, play piano and guitar
It sounds quite jazzy
They take turns fine-tuning reality produced by Chuck Berry, Sarah V, and Little Richard.
Maybe in each room, we set up workshops on how to work with moods, and swing past oppression.
Opposition. Fly high.
We teach them academics and one by one, each one can build a platform where others will listen, to survive
There may not be windows, but the back porch opens to wide eye imagination like raccoons scaling for food.
Lakes and rivers pebbled with stones and beads we send prayers through. Baptized by waters granny led us to
I am but one man
But what can I do to end white supremacy
Here, take my finger, No, my hand, my arm
My body, it is yours
For all of me is tarnished
Why are you just standing there Starring at me saying nothing
Please, just take me, Take it, please I beg you
I'm tainted, this white male body
Is tainted with the American history of white colonialism and supremacy I offer myself, my body
As sacrifice for a greater world; one where reconstruction succeeded, and the white man failed
I am but one man
But my blood shall send ripples
What brings us about our behaviors?
Whether they are good or bad?
Who do we pick up our habits from?
Whether it’s being naughty or nice?
Whether it's tidy or untidy?
If we want to be kind or unkind?
If we follow the rules or go against the grain. If we are Evil or an angel to others.
If we are fair or unfair?
If we are prejudiced or not.
Certain gestors that our parents or siblings do?
Things we say . . . .
What brings us about our behaviors?
Words & Thoughts by Antoinette Wright
The joy and pain of the behind-the-clock struggle come from the daily grind of trying to make it
Everyday realities speak to the homeless, poor, rich or middle-class/ food, clothes, & shelter remain a consistent tiresome task
Everyday realities speak to the homeless, poor, rich, and middle-class
Maintaining life’s necessities of shelter, clothes, and shoes is a tiresome task.
My block, My zip code, my city remains problematic to maintain financial stability.
There is good in the community, but it gets jaded by the GRITTY
The Jaded grittiness is the trash dirt and debris in the air we breathe
My block is gentrified with new money and old poverty
The sweet and bitter smell of change surrounds me. There the joy in my neighborhood is found in my community; the good and the bad are all around my city.
There is a sense of never-ending adventure in the air Endless possibilities to be explored and discovered
The sweet smell of youthful bliss; how beautiful the smell
Where has the smell gone?
Why can I no longer smell that sweet youth no more?
Who are the in-betweeners? Have you considered yourself an in-betweener? Are the in-betweeners reachable or should you reach them, why or why not?
Engagement is a concept of this segment of writings and poems that has been highlighted and emphasized. This gives a compelling illustration of the coined term, in-betweeners. Nowhere is this seen better than in the space of communitydriven projects, and initiatives. Let’s grab a coffee at the nearest brick-andmortar shop While we take a long walk and enjoy our block Let’s seek a place to spark conversation, community engagement, and civil stimulation Where we share our trials, victories, and motivations. Your ticket to this vast space is undoubtedly your sweat equity. Your address doesn’t restrict your participation. Your efforts are the mere key to your invitation to live, play, work, learn, shop, and love Yes, it is open to a safe investigation
Colleagues, please explain what you value and what are adorations
To whom all informal or formal relationships and organizations that have been directly impacted or impacted effectively are and shall be the in-betweeners. It is simply stated it’s underrated your input is highly appreciated. “Get in where you fit in”, or better yet engage and or activate your time, energy, resources, hopes, and dreams to reframe from procrastinating According to Oprah Winfrey, who stated during her award-winning talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired on one of her favorite thing episodes, “You get a car, you get a car, you get a car”, we are ALL winning.
To conclude yes, we are reachable, approachable, valuable, and resourceful Your zip code does not impede your action to be involved it is your reaction and response and your answer to the call welcome to, The In-Betweener Revolution.
Many thanks & blessings!
BY KIMBERLY WOOLFOLK
Dwelling between love and an oasis of freedom.
Freedom flowing like water; the faucet that’s never disconnected.
An abundant flow of life quenching this ground
The ground in which more roots sprout, blossom, blooming as a flower
I can spread wings like petals fanning, fawning
Bending to allow in more of the Sun
Sons and daughters dig the ground like artist scanning, excavating land, The same hands used to pray
Fingers intertwine with friends as they play,
Children play on these grounds.
The circle of life making its rounds
As the righteous flourish like the palm tree breathing
Growing strong like a cedar in Lebanon!
Opening the fruits of our labor like eyes
And mine have seen the glory
So shine Love. Take up space.
Allow your colors to be bright
We live here and grow here and it is our right!
Reaching to STOP
Reaching to STOP
Reaching to connect,
Connect to my Peace
My Safety, My Joy, My Hope....
Exhaling
My failures, my fears, my slack
Embracing
Abundant love, peace, and growth
I accept my future
Letting go of all limitations.
THISPHRASECANALSOBECALLED THEINDIFFERENT
THEUNCARINGOR
THESOCIALLYISOLATED, AMONGOTHERS
ICHALLENGETHIS;ITHASBEENSAIDTHATBADTHINGS HAPPENWHENGOODMENANDWOMEN TAKENOACTIONTOCOUNTERTHEEVILDEEDS OFOTHERS
ANDTHOSETHATJUSTDON’TGIVEADAMN!!
THECHOICESYOUMAKECANCLEARLYBESEEN INMYOPINION,
THEREISNOIN-BETWEEN
POEMS BY ROLAND LOLLA
We had the ceremony a few weeks ago Aunts and uncles and a plethora of cousins all reviewed pictures of the slide show playing on the screen. Soft music played while we sat waiting for the pastor to begin the ceremony. I had mixed emotions; however, the energy was bland and it was throbbing throughout the room.
When called to speak to remember him, no one made a sound My father suddenly called me by name to help us out. Get things started. I was prepared. I wrote a poem describing the depth of his departure, how back in 08’ he was an unfamiliar light of hope when he strolled through with shackles. Handsome and strong. He lived far away behind a concrete wall for much of my life At the time, the death of his brother, my other uncle, permitted his freedom to see us again To mourn with family.
He was the uncle who disappeared at 15, just took off, and caught a freight as they say He was discussed each year when the family had reunions; he causes uneasiness in the clan, “he is an empty space”, they would say. Stuck in a cycle, it can be hard trying to get away. And there I was contemplating what to say. The family tasked to listen to why his death really hurt.
How I needed to put it in terms that would urge them to speak, to remember, and realize that one day it’ll be me And to think his death had its own agenda Details surely make us peel away guilt like Autumn leaves falling before winter. Explaining how we as a family experience similar pain. That each of us are extreme versions of a hero who didn’t give into the game or let it eat us to shame.
But no matter the distance Family still treated him differently. “Don’t leave him alone in the kitchen he might store your spoons away.” Ashes to ashes, dust to dust funny how we’ll return. The heavenly Father decided it was him that day. And maybe that’s why no one spoke The family didn’t care anyway
I. The in-betweeners care just enough to help but not enough to stay on board of the same fight. The in-betweeners will assist in all endeavors just as long as the participation is not forever
II. Here ye, Here ye come one come all, the in-betweeners are here so let’s have a ball! They never pick a side but are always ready to ride. They are not hot or cold but very lukewarm Partying with inbetweeners will never bring harm. They may never choose one or the other, but they will assist you like a sister or a brother.
III. Pick a side, any side, and please when you do, don’t hide. Be strong with a decision and do not waiver. Come on now in-betweener/ Please get it together. You are wish-washy, and fluckery, your inbetween bull crap is quite suckery! Yes, you are a sucker for that and yes in-betweener that can make you WACK!
Words & Thoughts by
Antoinette WrightHere I am
Feeling hopeless and helpless
In this hospital bed
Can't move,
held by IV and blood pressure cuffs, and heart wires
Then I start having CATS
Crazy Ass Thoughts!
Thinking about people who can’t talk or see or are in major pain, Stuck in bodies that won’t let them communicate I’m here to adhere
Listen and be still
Because I didn’t listen enough
Glad I don’t have to have people think, talk, or make decisions for me right now
Something to think about,
And be grateful
Helplessness and hopeless I’m NOT!!
Hear a call come in from the emergency crew
Lady been in an accident
And stuck under a vehicle: Hand Under Vehicle I'm not in that bad of a situation.
Be Still
A Garden to me is, What can be able to grow. When I take responsibility of helping it grow: I am in a relationship with my garden. Loving, nurturing, and assisting in its survival. How it flourishes reflects me.
I and the garden are one; You see, we Together are a garden, seeking growth and Survival together.
MusingsbyRolandLolla
I’ve lost my mind before and couldn’t remember how to get it back
Staring at the clock on the wall waiting for the second hand to dance
Dance like DJs playing the last slow jam of the night
It's your only chance to learn her name
Hips sway and comfort melts like butter upon us
Lyrics croon trues we wouldn’t dare say
Four and a half minutes to be one to act like I know you
Pretend that we meet here every Sunday,
Before the lights turn on exposing the cool from the lame.
Truth in the pain, it all comes to light.
Remembering who I was before steppin foot in the club that night
I, was a girl in Woman's clothing
Boys vowing to be men by the morning…
But words are fleeting
Leaving on a voyage
Sleepless nights are coming
Wave Bon Voyage when Anxiety is running
Running off fumes like an angry bullet.
Running off like how women do it
We just wanna be chased
Open me like water and pour me on ice
I just wanna be sweated
I just need to remember the last time
Like the first time the minute hand was connected
It only takes a second for memories to transcend.
A single breath, to blend with the air
And the thought of you to be whole again
Sirens in the distance
Fill my ears
Black justice
Cries loudly
Hear me
Help me
Ringing
Striking the bells
On top of the tower of Church
Lyrical Offerings by ParaLectra Divine
The chains on my mood swing just snapped and I have no place to run.
Staring at the mirror expecting it to explode or expand from the cracks, Seeing shattered glass fall in random places around the bathroom. Waiting for self to come be my rescue
The Ides of March play roulette as I count the times I attempt to stay simple. The world brings skewed views not designed in pencil. If it were, a war of split personalities and contradictions swallow us whole
Decide if we are Semitic or not.
The movie fades to black and we all scream cut, begging for a review. Who the fuck cares? Cleopatra was played by characters that look less like me and more like you. Does being black still mean void and mute?
Those with hope and dreams are cut short when officers burst through doors like real-life Freddy, hiding behind a mask
Dear Black Man did you hear what the Klan leader said?
Don’t fuck with you know-who, They’ll leap from hiding places and come out to find you.
Desecrate the strong and leave them to hang alone Remix kumbaya as the rope pulls harder against bones…
THE PHRASE IN-BETWEENERS CAN ALSO BE REFERRED TO AS THE INDIFFERENT THE UNCARING THE SOCIALLY ISOLATED, STRADDLING THE FENCE AND THOSE WHO DON’T GIVE A DAMN!!
I CHALLENGE YOU WITH THIS; IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT EVIL PREVAILS WHEN GOOD MEN AND WOMEN DO NOTHING TO COUNTER IT I BELIEVE THERE ARE TWO CHOICES TO LEAP OR TO STAY BECAUSE YOUR ACTIONS CAN CLEARLY BE SEEN SO IN MY OPINION THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN
I watched a bumble bee take itself out.
It crawled with broken legs and a worn-out stinger
Grasping claw and nail toward a river nicknamed Jordan Sand in its teeth
The colors on its back lay etched yellow and black. The markings of a gangsta down to do whatever to protect the Queen.
Sound like you and me
She and him
Us vs them
For when shit gets too hard
To safe haven, we lay -
Down our burdens you love, make things more right
I don’t know what happened to its wings
I’m sure flying was much colder than floating toward the light
Or maybe that’s the name of the game
Some may call it the black man’s plight.
But
I watched a bumble bee off itself.
Slow and peaceful as it realized its pending demise
I attempted to help but buzzing Paul bearers held me back. Things happen for a reason
A homonym for circle of life Cant fight back these feelings
It really make you think about time.
The bumble bee drifted off further down the river
Baptizing, sacrificing itself for his flying family
We must learn to love each other unconditionally.
eyes are watching her every move when she took a deep breath before removing her veil “Do you take this man to be your husband?” the pastor repeated Tears began forming in the corners of his eyes She could tell he was nervous, full of mixed emotions Silence grew louder as everyone anticipated a response Finally, she said in a low voice, “I’m sorry ” Someone yelled, “idiot” while others murmured in their seat “You’re sorry?” I thought we discussed this, ” he replied with annoyance in his voice There was a gasp of audacity when eyes snapped in my direction I guess I am to blame The groom turned to me loosening his tie, and unsnapping the button on his wrist I stared him in the eyes from the aisle seat “If he wants to go clearly there’s plenty space,” I thought to myself “Oh Lord”, muttered the pastor He searched her eyes for a sign of remorse, a faint smile, anything to indicate a joke was near Her eyes swelled with regret while avoiding the groom’s gaze I stood up, cleared my throat, and announced, “I object” with confidence Immediately all eyes were on me Suddenly named responsible for this abrupt shift in paradise, buttoning my suit jacket I turned to leave I couldn’t face her family, especially not her mother She’ll be all right though Once she starts receiving checks, she’ll forget all about this misunderstanding Money doesn’t buy happiness, but she could use a safety net to satiate her woes
“Isabella is it true?” her best friend asked. Her eyes fell toward the ground before meeting her glare. “Yes. I… it was an accident.” “You bitch!” she cried stepping out of her heels and heading toward me. “How could you? And with her?” she spat. “It’s not what you think.” A look of confusion decorated the face of whom I couldn’t care less about. What’s done is done. I turned to walk out of the ceremony when I felt her grab my hand. She was trembling and a bit clammy. I looked at the faces of the few people gathered for this treachery. Moot expressions and silent hatred met my gaze. The groom now sitting in the pew, head in hands confused me. That bastard is the reason she’s leaving with me in the first place. “Bastard, ” I mumbled under my breath. “Let’s go.”
As we exited the church and away from the green pastures and rows of pink and white lilies a blocked call came through on my phone. “Isabella, come here,” her mother commanded. I nodded to her to go ahead, as I answered the phone. Static tickled my ear before a rough deep voice crackled saying, “Do you have the package?” “Yes.” “Deliver yourselves to the address listed at the gas station on 5th and Main. Park in the third row by the door to signal the attendant his instructions. Make no stops. Reggie will meet you there.” I paused, wondering how he knew my location. “Must I repeat myself?” he growled into the phone. “Third row from the door. Got it, ” and hung up. She was walking back to me with a slight pep in her step. “Too much drama on a beautiful day,” she said peeking at the sun. Her mother waved at us in the distance. “Yea, let's get out of here.”
I led her to a black-tinted SUV a block away behind an abandoned building. Hopped in and drove away without saying a word. Thoughts clouded my mind with all we must deal with before we’re out of this mess. Beautiful and distressed, she leaned back onto her chair to go to sleep. The ‘Thanks for Visiting Virginia’ sign triggered a sigh of relief as I drove out of the city away from one chaotic event to another.
Do you see what I see?
Do you see what I see? In our communities there’s poverty
Do you see what I see?
Do you see what I see? Do you see what I see? House prices sorrowing ridiculously
Do you see what I see?
Do you see what I see? Do you see what I see? Many Neighborhoods are in crisis Schools & businesses are shutting down Leaving families in debt and doubt
Do you see what I see? Do you see what I see?
Stimulus Checks are no longer flowing
Do you see what I see? Do you see what I see?
People joining together They are winning the fight
Did you see what happened? Did you see what happened?
The collective has united
Love poured in hate-out
I am you you are me; We are one big family we are more similar than we are not what are your biggest fears? we all share them we all share the same air, sun, and water we all share this place called, Earth how do we look at those unlike us not as other but as brother? sister mother father son daughter aunt uncle we all share more than we know the veins attached to our bones all come from the dirt the soil of Mother Earth connects us to the water the sun
the wind
the stars you and I; her children a family
-Jacob Barnes
Besides my diary, I know I can talk to my parents. I have a best friend, but wisdom comes from plants rooted deep inside the ground where the soil of my history lay. I’d like to think family defies gravity by the truth it slays. My dad always tells it like it is When a boy feigns interest and jitters set in Pops grabs me by the hand and tells me to keep listening. Tell me the heart will let me know what to do.
A spiritual growth on autopilot: showing me how to move. My mother is a delicate flower with a tough exterior
She’s a warrior writer taking souls dipping them in inkwells, painting pictures.
The soft bristles of her hopes and dreams decorate the canvas only I can see. It's our little secret. She taught me to crochet and sew linens like glue and tissue paper to balloons. A creative soul whom I’m right now realizing oozes from her soul. The only daughter she prayed for, gave birth to and, shared her love of write and rhymes with.
I can be honest and talk to them about anything. For that I am thankful.
Love is a clock with endless ticking.
To get ahead and be someone in this world is the common fulfillment so the journey of life is a complete battle uphill. Life is full of Gems, Diamonds, and Pearls
I am going to make something from this life before I leave this world
H O P E
The yellow radiance
Of the street lights
Almost hum through
The black of the night
The silence is almost Eerily deafening but
The house lined street Holds an omnipresent Feeling of safety
I walk these streets And find familiarity
At every turn
Every sidewalk crack
Every lamp post
Every blade of grass
I've seen almost every Person at some point Who lives on this street “Hello!”
was an everyday phrase
But I worry we will soon Forget how to sing it
Yet there is a glimmer
Of hope in that yellow Radiance light
Humming in the night
It will guide us
And it does guide us
Out of the darkness
And into the safety of
The houses that line
Our streetlight-lit streets
H O P E
Poetry by Jacob BarnesAdmire from within
Until that precious heart ... gives in Do what the heart desires
Allow the heart to love Not be closed off to Burst into a big ball of fire
Limitless expectations to protect That precious heart
Ignoring the signs and Allowing access and wrong Spirits to break it down
Won't take that precious and Enormous love-giving heart
For granted anymore, yet
Allow the ones who already Cherish it and spoil it to the Core.
My block, my hood would be cherished. It would be respected and highly sought after; peaceful. It would be lovely and full of fruit-bearing trees, along with blossoming plants that cascade toward the heavens, shielding my community from the gloom and doom of outside darkness. Hustling and bustling honeybees would bless our sunkissed gardens while embracing a tango of aromatic sweetness. Prisms explode with every imaginable color visible. Remarkable hues as far and wide as it is beautiful. Everyone on my block is housed and loved; no one is forgotten. The territory is occupied by extraordinary humans of all cultural creeds and ethnicities. DEATH, Murder, Suicide, and Homicide have no sting here. Yet it is a natural occurrence of existence. Energy cannot either be created or destroyed, but rather it can only be transformed.
Our block would be (is) kinetically connected to building and renewing
Connections and Disconnections can power and de-power your rights and voice
cause connections make it seem like certain people are always winning
While disconnections can create lives on the edge
No one knows you so no one cares to help you
You look for assistance but support never comes through.
-Disconnections from the once connected can also be painful too
To be loved and unloved can scar the soul in you
God, momma, daddy, sisters, brothers, Cousins, grandpa, and Ma, uncles, aunts, Friends, girlfriends, wives, strangers, And others unknown.
Please forgive me, I am sorry! In my ignorance And worldly self-absorption, I have harmed and
Offended you. What have you done to me? That I should be angry or rotten towards you?
If I were able to reverse it I would, however, I would
Change me not you, which is my place to do. Please
Forgive me, I am sorry! I misread what I wanted and what you needed. I saw things I wanted that I neither needed or deserved. The sum of your influence in my life was mostly for my gain. I have taken more from you than I could ever repay. Please, please, forgive me, I am Sorry! I see the pain I have caused. The world’s allure has caused me to waste all that you gave me. I was Spiritually and morally corrupted. Now I know that I am sane, there is no more to gain I spent all you gave me on past disarray. Please, please, forgive me, I am sorry.
I love all my family, and they except for a few, Also, love me. I have created a barrier between us, As wide as the sea, and we talk often.
When my phone rings I already know, they will Bring up the past among other things.
We talk and talk. They say they want truth, What does that bring, except more separation among Other things. I love all my family, and they Except for a few, also, love me.
I have created a barrier as wide as the sea.
I know them, but they don’t know me; because I have created this barrier as wide as the sea.
To be bold, to be smart
To be an immaculate athlete
One who can carry her own Yet reaching for the sun And that approval Authentic, full of courageous Intuitive and Ambitiousness yet scared And lost with various expectations. Don't really know who to trust yet Too trustworthy and gullible Want to believe that people have no Reason to wrong her but always looking For others positive ways instead of Their faults – she finds herself hurt And withdrawn. When will she follow The ways of her upbringing – see People for who they are. Don’t trust
So much. Not to let the wrong People take up her time – that you Can't get or buy back. Losing time, money And energy is what gets her every time.
Words & Thoughts by Antoinette WrightIt is not well with my soul.
I shall not,
I must not pledge allegiance to the flag of this United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Justice for a black girl who must tend to her younger siblings while their single parent struggles to earn an honest living
Justice for a black boy who cannot read write or speak and is expected to survive these pitiful streets.
Too much naïve political banter
Praise God black, brown all people's lives matter
Justice for higher equal pay, housing, and employment this day
THIS IS THE DAY *(Musical Song)
• God promises to strengthen you. ...
• God promises to give you rest. ...
• God promises to take care of all your needs. ...
• God promises to answer your prayers
• God promises to work everything out for your good
• God promises to be with you. ...
• God promises to protect you. ...
• God promises freedom from sin And additional 3k more promises he reveals in his word, my allegiance is not to man but to My Heavenly Father, My Lord
WordsbyKimberlyWoolfolk
I shall not be moved
Yeshua is my anchor
In him, I have love and favor
Despite your rude
Insidious disposition and attitude
Nothing! I repeat. Nothing!
You do will move.
MusingsbyRolandLolla
You look dirty and Stinky,
but you mean something To me.
Although
We’ve never Spoken to each other, you mean Something to me.
I don’t know
If you’re lonely, homeless and Full of anxiety, you still Mean something to me. I May approach you with no More than a smile and a Silent prayer, as I briskly Pass by. I hope somehow Some way that you’ll that You mean something to me.
Of the human spirit
When spat and hit
Kicked and oppressed
Shines through the muck It hardens over the body
A thin layer of mud
YOU CANT BREAK MY SOUL
It begins to crack and break away
As the soul claws itself out of the mold
The world has created for it
YOU WONT BREAK MY SOUL
A beam of light so bright it blinds
Basking in its glory it creates a beacon of Hope of otherworldliness
YOU WONT BREAK MY SOUL
How glorious your grace
You bless us with your presence
Your grit
Your black holy grit
Poetry by Jacob Barnes
Being a substitute teacher for 14 years allowed me to guide children toward making something productive out of their lives. I was also able to gain an understanding about people from different backgrounds. Some of my favorite memories as a substitute comes from the long-term positions that allowed me to encourage the children The best times were during finals when the students had work they needed to finish and wanted me to help them with the work or take-home test so they would not get a zero or fail the class The children “trusted me” to help them with various assignments from other classes so they could pass to the next grade. The idea that they wanted my help and thought I could assist them made me feel valued and appreciated especially since I was a sub and not really considered anyone important in the education field It was very intense with math, language arts, and social studies finals but those the kids who want to pass are persistent and willing to learn and listen. The ones I assisted always passed and excelled to the next grade.
The kids that were determined and really wanted to learn made me know that my non-important job was significant to them Those kids made me strong and were always letting me know how they feel and what they were going to do. I was their connection to setting and achieving their goals because I showed them they were capable which impacted their selfesteem They impacted my ability to listen and be open to anything
Human: (oxford dictionary) the state or process of living in a particular place, “signs of human habitation; a place in which to live Universal: (oxford dictionary) of affecting, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group, without limit or exception.
Mankind: (Cambridge dictionary) all human beings, both male and female
Animals: (oxford dictionary) a living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous system and able to rapidly respond to stimuli. A wide range of species
Nature: (oxford dictionary) the phenomena of the physical world collectively including plants, animals, the landscape
I use the word, “human” because in this instance I use it as an acronym to emphasize our connection to all things as human beings. With this connection comes a responsibility to care for and protect our space in our homes and our communities by being civil and just. I hope that anyone reading this book will know that no matter who you are, society needs you. Our past misdeeds or indifferences should not keep us from expressing ourselves, and from expressing what makes us tick. Find a group where you can express your feelings, emotions, and skills without fear of rejection, shame, or ridicule if you can’t start one yourself. Look deep inside yourself and ask yourself and ask others what they think of you. No matter what is found good or bad, remembering past mistakes or indifferences shouldn’t silence you. Humanity, the universe, mankind, animals, and nature need us to be caring and engaged in our own space now more than ever before. Roland Lolla
Copyrightinfo
©2023 *************
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookcanbereproducedorusedinany mannerwithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthecopyrightowner,except fortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.
Torequestpermission,contact:AmandaWolf(TheLearningTree)at amanda.wolf9@gmail.comorTheBonerCenterat317.633.8210
StockPhotosbyCanva
PrintedbyTactive
Curated&editedbyJanuarieYork&MarkLatta
ContributingWriters
KimberlyWoolfolk
YasminYork
RolandLolla
JacobBarnes
ParaLectraDivine
AntoinetteWright
SpecialthankyoutoTheLearningTree,TheBonerCenter, &RonaldCraigJr.(TonyStyxx)