Pretty Things

The pretty things
I could have kissed
the parties I have missed
it comes to this
unnatural pose
mangled flowers
children wailing under chairs
a teaspoon full of tears.

Ah, the parties, the pretty things
missed, kissed, it comes to this.

Morning Coffee

Bill Paying

Being a black man is a bill that shows up every month that you have to pay and the vig is outrageous.

Singing

You taught me why the caged bird sings she said as she walked out the door.

The Greatest Commandment

The Second Commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than [this] these’” (Mark 12:28-31)

Yes you are. When you look at African culture hair has always defined who we are. From the braids of one tribe to the shaved heads of another to mud or cloth wraps hair has always been a statement about culture and who we are.

White Tie, Top Hat and Tails

Gladys Bentley was an over the top original when that wasn’t a popular thing to be. Performing in her signature White Tie, Top Hat and Tails she was so, so cool and bending a lot more than gender.

Bass Reeves

Bass Reaves: The Real Lone Ranger.

The Wells of America

Those who drink the water should never forget those that dug the wells.

Billie Holiday

“You can be up to your boobies in white satin, with gardenias in your hair, and no sugar cane for miles, but you can still be working on a plantation.” — Billie Holiday

Game Changer

“You have and always will change the game, so why are you concerned with their retelling who won the last hand. It’s not history that’s important it’s your next roll of the dice, the next turned card. Stop playing with their marked deck”.

Casualty

I was a soldier before I should have been. I’ve fought wars and been left for dead. A prisoner all my life. I’ve been MIA and I am a casualty yet still I rise.