Author: czvasser

As a kid, I grew up in Morrisania, in the Bronx and learned to grow food in the Crotona Park victory garden. That ultimately led to a green career including 20 years at the Bronx Zoo and more than 30 years in non-profit management. I learned to cook at my grandmothers knee before I was 10 years old and still love it. My love basketball and I referee boys, girls High School Varsity and recreational basketball. I write, I write, I write. I was an English major with a thought of going into journalism. Hmm, but I still write everyday.

October 24, 2016 czvasser Fried Chicken

Wounds

Wounds
Time has yet to heal
the deep mahogany wounds
of America

October 17, 2016February 23, 2017 czvasser Afroticity

Worth a Thousand Words

I have changed my profile picture, like taking a knee, climbing a flagpole or marching in a pop-up demonstration, to ask “My Fellow Americans” to “Do the Right Thing” again. We did, when we elected Barack Obama and he’s been our Rodney Dangerfield president for 8 years. He didn’t get any respect. Time will tell, I hope, that he served us well and maybe better than any other president we have ever had. But, to the picture. It’s an Ebenezer Scrooge vision of the American future. If we make the wrong choice, Heaven Help us All.

October 6, 2016February 23, 2017 czvasser Fried Chicken

Lions and Lambs

“Until lions tell their tale, the story of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” – African Proverb

What big teeth you have

lay down anyway

my grapes are not yet sweet

I promise to huff not puff

I have miles to go

I have coins for the ferryman

my house is made of glass

I will use smooth stones

I am a shiftless soul

so is sand and time

My hair is a morning storm

there is no night or day

why do we speak conjugally

I am cuffed to you

My wings nevermore inkwell

Your heart a beanstalk seed

I cannot lay with you

you lay with my keeper

god said give the other cheek

Was it a burning bush

an hourglass of rocks

mingle your wine with mine

will I enjoy this

no and it will last a lifeline

make it quick – leave a mark

tattoo with ink and art

Everyone must know I bear horse pearls.

CZVASSER

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)

I Am Not My Hair

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.