POETRY

GOLDEN TOUCH

BY: ZACHARY CALDWELL

Living soul, a touch of gold, Sometimes when l feel infernally, That all I have touched has Crumbled into dust and nothing more. Either a delusion or illusion, And nothing more. But at times, relief, respite, and rejuvenation Intervenes into my thoughts and dreams and I grasp for it whenever and however I can. And however I can attain it sustain, And maintain it I will. If I only can allow a short recess from this state of worry and mortal trepidation, An epiphany or a revelation or even a spiritual intercession, A golden touch, Not much but, Just enough to lift a living soul from dust. WHAT MATTERS MOST

BY: KAREEM JONES

Thank you so much Lord for bringing me through A little bit of me and a whole lot of you That’s the way it needs to be 24-7 One soul is saved, and all rejoice in heaven Once immature, thanks to you I grew So glad you love me, and I love you too You having my back means I need no weapon I followed your scripture since the days of unleavened Bread, back when it was still significant Glad to know that you bless the wise and the ignorant Because in the drawer I am not the sharpest knife I did stupid things that could’ve cost me my whole life Just like that what if I rolled on the train tracks One big splat I would’ve never got my brain back Speaking of brain back what’s up with them brainiacs Not believing in you they’re deranged like a maniac Speaking of maniacs how about the dudes that left me for dead I didn’t die though I healed quite well instead That’s the power of the Lord Almighty God Our testimony means we all have a job Yes, I know I’m blessed that death chalk ain’t tracing me I will praise loud I don’t want a rock replacing me If He wanted, He could make a rock dance and a tree walk He could make the clouds harden up and make the sea talk If He wanted, He could put a sea-hawk on a seesaw Listen to Him He’s telling some of y’all you’re ticking me off Make God mad I’d rather have the sun on my back It burns a little compared to hell and ain’t no running from that Make God mad I’d rather wrestle blue whales Dive right in the water praying that I do well And if you think about it who would I be praying to Don’t wanna hear it I’m sorry if I’m delaying you The devil playing you don’t listen to what he says to do Remember he’s a liar he doesn’t plan on paying you He got people thinking they will be millionaires Focus on the Lord He wouldn’t lie in a billion years It’s not another down, it’s another day up Give it up for the one that’s higher than a layup Cleanliness is next to Godliness so keep it nice and tidy Always give praise to the Lord God Almighty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kareem is a One Step Away vendor, who began writing poetry this year and wrote his first article “No Child Left Unprotected” published in Issue 2. He is going to continue to submit monthly to the One Step Away Magazine. Kareem can often be found in Old City distributing the magazine.

BY: BRYANT E. CULPEPPER, SR.

It’s the little things in life, that always get me by. Like glancing at you across the room, into that twinkle in your eye. The suddenness of your swag sounds the gentle winds. Like prayers that were answered, of sending me a friend. My mind’s all in this daze, not knowing truly the next move. Will I miss out on this too, am I using the right tools. Earth underneath my feet, with thoughts to call mine. A pondered thought of you, that’s calmer all the time. It’s the little things in life, that always get me by. Like glancing at you across the room, into that twinkle in your eye. Fallen dreams and memories, we get back up again. Your vision is sealed in my head, I never want it to end. First words were first heard, in the crossing paths of life. The permanent ink that stroked those scribes, officiating you my wife. I never meant to be too forward, don’t want this to slip through my hands. Romeo is what I want to be, to you the fairest of the land. Quiet streams and gems that gleam, always makes my day. The little things that reflect your beauty, gave me these words to say. I thank God for the little things, that always get me by. Like glancing at you across the room, into that twinkle in your eye. Bernadette Davis you are so special, my heart can tell no lie. The little things in life in which God uses, with that twinkle in your eye. And so I’ll end this ode with terms of the heart, and all that I pen is true. There’s no other woman on the face of this earth, that moves me the way that you do.