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Ivan Brooks Sr Apr 2019
I woke up this morning
thinking of my last poetry.
It was done just before bed,
before I tuned in to the creative frequency,
and activated the poetic code.
That was way long before the
Sun silently crept into the deep,
Taking with it its illuminous web.
The sun which brightly hugs everything,
Is the inspiration for my poetic vocation.


I woke up early this morning
Thinking of my first poetry.
I want it done just before noon,
which is an ideal time of the day.
That ball of fire, millions of miles away,
Doesn't only shine, it inspires.
If the sun rays engulf everything,
The potent glow of the sun might ruin
and overexpose nature's beautiful hues,
one of the inspirations of my poetic vocation.

#IvanBrookspoery
14/04/2019
The sun doesn't only shine, it inspires.
1.0k · Jul 2018
The End Of Everything
Ivan Brooks Sr Jul 2018
Like a cloud of dust on a stormy day,
Everything will soon come to pass.
Be it the peng of hunger in one's body,
Or the wealth people die to amass.

Like the beautiful flowers that bloom,
And Like all the hummingbirds that sing,
The sweet melodies I hear from my room,
Everything here will soon become nothing.

Like yesterday and the day before that,
And the stars that shines brightly at night,
Everything here will soon be gone in fact.
Naturally extinct by time without a fight.

Just like the infinite nature of our universe,
Everything here follows a natural procession.
We can't hasten neither can we try to reverse,
The expiry date set up at the time of creation.

Like time,like death and nature itself,
Like the day, like night and everything,
Like dad,like mom or my very self,
We'll all pass away like we were nothing.
Time will someday catch up with us all.
986 · Jan 2018
Ghetto Poet
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
One day God created the Heavens and Earth and Sonewen
From that impoverished Ghetto came great men and women
And from her shores came Zogos that are nationally notorious
Yet from in one blessed home came a child bound to be famous.

From His Throne he saw that his handed works was very good
So In every households He placed a family to populate the hood
And so from sunrise to sunset, their faces glowed with happiness
Yet it was from one blessed home came a poet bound for greatness.

One day the rumours of war began to echo on the playgrounds
It was December and arid heat had just dried up the muddy ponds
As far as the eyes could see, stranded frogs hopped and jumped
Signs the history of the Sonewen ghetto was about to be transformed.

Transformed it did because in her, the elements of war found a safe haven
Exacerbated by war, compounded by poverty still to God she said Amen
Trusting in Him to bless and bring prosperity according to his divine favors
So from this humble child comes a big thank you for answering his prayers .
Sonewen is my hood in central Monrovia,Liberia,the ghetto that produced the mother of Africa's only winner of the world' best footballer title George Weah, now it's newly elected president...from this blessed ghetto comes one poet bound for greatness..ME !
982 · Apr 2019
If Yesterday Was An Old Man
Ivan Brooks Sr Apr 2019
If yesterday was an old man,
He would be old by now.
His hair and lashes would
Be full of shining grey hair
And walking with a Kane.
He would probably be frail
And proudly speaking of the
Good old days marred with
Conquests and exploits from
From his youthful adventures.
The intricate details of his flamboyant
Years and youthful antics and shenanigans would bring sparkles
To his old wrinkled face.
There would be tears in his eyes
When lamenting on love and sorrows...
Squinting his eyes and fumbling to
Find faded photographs hidden away
In ancient boxes from dusty shelves.

If yesterday was an old man,
He would speak between bad dentures
With shaky voice of an aging legend.
He would go on and on with tales
Of all the places he has been and
Calling the old names of cities and
People long gone but alive in his
Now on and off and fading memories.
He would talk about voyages taken aboard old vessels packed with ancient
Cargoes and Slaves and whale oil barrels.
He would recount stories of monsters
At sea and great beasts that once roamed the earth when it was young
And green and void of pollution.
About places and people and various
Cultures ,would be captivating stories
That young people would only imagine and listen in absolute awe, almost to a point of envy for his rich stories of a good life once lived in the past.

If yesterday was an old man, he would have a repetoire of ancient skills and knowledge that no one has today.He would talk about locomotives and steamships captained by bearded old sailors with horse drawn couches driven by hardened cowboys and couch men.
 If yesterday was an old man, he would talk about world war one and two like it was just yesterday.

If yesterday was an old man, he would know more of yesterday than today.

#IvanBrooksPoetry ©️
4.16.2019
Yesterday as an old man means everything new would be looked at through the old way.
979 · Oct 2018
Prayers for the people.
Ivan Brooks Sr Oct 2018
I cry very hard every night
For the land of my forefathers.
Once called Africa's golden child
Woe unto them that hurt you.
Like a child gunned down,
Somebody shot you in your prime
Your soul cries out for help
Purging the nectar of hate
Joggling the sack of opportunity
Looted out by pseudo politicians
And devoured by corrupt wolves
Who talks as revolutionaries
Paid with very huge salaries.
Hungry kids with sad eyes
Eyes stained with tears line
tears lines that know no tears.
Dried lips and Weak bodies
That can't stand neither walk.
Even if the did, where will they walk?
For the roads are now no more,
Washed away by corrupt erosion.
Ills of yesterday, void of compassion.
Look beyond everything, see the poor
Stuck in the black muddy ponds.
Those real victims of poverty, poverty
Tattooed on the souls of the poor.
Poor people who went en-mass
To the ballot boxes and voted,
For a change that's yet to come.
Waiting From the mangrove swamps
Squinting from the shines of the elite,
Dwarfed by brand new mansions
Gift from the country giant to himself. I'll pray every day for the masses,
Wishing the real Massiah would come.


IB-Poetry©
26/11/2018
For those still in the struggle.
965 · Jul 2018
The Peace Poetry
Ivan Brooks Sr Jul 2018
How can the world find
Everlasting peace for mankind?
Some think we can achieve this
By using our muscles and fists
Nations have tried using bombs
That billows like mushrooms,
Obliterating everything in its path
And giving the earth an atomic bath.
What has all of this brought,
What lessons has war taught?
If peace hasn't been realized
It's because love hasn't been exercised.

The world can't move
Without the power of love.
So let's be kind to one another,
And be our brothers keeper.
I don't care if it happens today
Or tomorrow or someday,
The world needs peace
And a dose of God's grace.
Not wars,it brings destruction.
Not any kind of confussion,
For it causes perpetual division.

For peace we saw the dissolution of the League Of Nations,
And the formation of the United Nations.
Yet still the world can't find a solution
To all the deaths and destruction.
If to our issues we can't find the resolutions ,
What kind of world will we leave our future generations?

#IvanBrooksPoetry©
7/22/2018
Peace is in short supply.
949 · Jan 2018
A Slave's Soul In Winter
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Right in the dead of a very cold winter
When the tired slave's soul is ash gray
And the cotton plantation becomes whiter ,
Begins a poor slave's hard working day .

In Winter when the master makes a call
This was every slave's worse nightmare
It was time for his hard whips to fall
insurmountable pains he couldn't bare .

Snowballs are piled outside like cotton
His Wounds hurts but as usual he's told
Stay strong brother Kunta, just hold on
Just Stay calm till the barn is closed .

This is the mid of a cold bitter winter
And the crow of a **** heralds a sad day
A slave's prayer to God was a sad whisper
He needed strength to get pass this day.

follow me on twitter@ivanclappers
The soul is not freed when the body is in captivity..
948 · Jan 2018
The Final Questions
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Are we talking too much more
about love than loving too much ?
So until we talk a little bit less about
it and do a little bit more about it ,
The world and those in need
of a little bit more dose of love,the
greatest of human emotions ,
will forever lack the much needed love .

Are we overly obsessed with the phenomena
called twitter and following more celebrities ,
who don't need us or the superfluous attentions
we give them ? So until we stop following
these one percent famous people,who are
unaware of our existence, and concern
ourselves more and become preoccupied
with the plights and destitution of the ninety percent
needy people in the world ,they'll forever
lack the love and care they need .  

Are we feeding the greedy politicians
and the government with our taxes more than
we should be caring for ourselves and our children?
Until we realize that our governments , politicians ,
The systems they designed and put in place to corrupt , control and dominate us,needs our money more than we need them. will we forever remain the anvil and pawns in the political game of chess designed for profits and gains ,power and control , manipulation  and dominance .
Every revolution begins with a single act of defiance..every awakening begin with a single question .
935 · Oct 2018
Poetry Is My Drug
Ivan Brooks Sr Oct 2018
Poetry is my choice of drug.
It gets me feeling very high,
Until I leap like a toad frog,
And make me feel alright.

Poetry is my feel good drug.
I Sniff for ideas like a dog,
It warms me up like a coffee mug
And make me float like a log.

Poetry is my ultimate drug.
I hit it hard, line after line.
Afterward, I just hit the rug,
Feeling very good and smile.

Poetry is my version of ecstasy
I party wild with many words.
And like a poet going crazy,
I just imagine and flaunt words.


© IB-Poetry
31/10/2018
I don't do drugs...
904 · Feb 2018
The Poverty Songbook
Ivan Brooks Sr Feb 2018
In my poverty songbook, I wrote
Fear nothing but to do some wrong
Yet I wrote nothing about being broke
All because poverty made me strong.

From birth, I've sung the poverty song
It's about a unilateral fight against poverty
I know the road to the summit is long
I'll rest at nothing until I dwell in prosperity.

There's a verse in the book about perseverance
It's the main reason for which I wrote the song
In there I thanked God for His grace and Providence
For it's within his grace where we all belong.

In my poverty songbook, I left out a lot of things.
There ain't a single verse about laziness and self-pity.
I instead included a request for a Timberland and wings
These two I'll need to get about and do my hustle duty.

IvanBrooksPoetry©️
The quest to escape poverty is the reason people like me made it...I used it as a yardstick and a prism.
882 · Jun 2018
Be Like Water
Ivan Brooks Sr Jun 2018
Be like water,
be formless.
Be like a lion,
be fearless.
Be like the universe,
be limitless.
Be like Bluetooth,
Be wireless.
Be mysterious,
leave people clueless.
Be like a guard dog,
be restless.
Be like a machine,
be tireless.
Be a true hustler,
be relentless.
Be a fantastic poet,
leave your readers speechless.

IB-Poetry©️
12/6/2018
Water is formless and odorless...as humans, we aren't but as poets,we can leave our readers speechless!
845 · Dec 2018
Have You Seen Aurora?
Ivan Brooks Sr Dec 2018
Yesterday I lost a poem.
It took me hours to write.
So,has anyone seen a poem?
I titled it Aurora Borealis.
It was brief and beautiful,
Well written and insightful.

The poem was immaculate
Done in tribute to nature.
This is very weird I know,
Because it's never been done?
So pardon my action,
Result of my frustration.

So,if you see a green light,
Cocooned in ghostly neon,
Bordered in a frosty white dress,
Flash dancing across the sky,
Do have me informed at once.
Or sit back,watch and be amazed.

For those who need to know,
Aurora is like nature's showgirl.
Some call her the Northern light.
She appears when it's chilly cold,
When the night is quiet and starry,
She comes out like a luminous ghost.

IB-Poetry©
20/12/2018
True story..I wrote a very beautiful piece...can't find it anywhere!
808 · Aug 2019
Women
Ivan Brooks Sr Aug 2019
Women, bearers of warriors' marks,
You're the tough layers of the baobab's barks,
Best of the portraits that nature paints,
and Catwalk models of baggy pants.

You have been misled and misused
Your bodies and souls have been abused,
Yet, like a rose planted in a concrete
You majestically rose on your feet.

Women, flawless skins, lipsticks queens.
Fresh like shades of master's greens.
Big bones babes, skinny jeans chicks,
Gorgeous women, with kitchen tricks.
                            
You are every woman, universal mama,
Rest in peace to the mother of Obama.
God bless every woman from Uganda
to the outskirts of the land of Wakanda.

African woman, Mother of humanity,
Thou are endowed with enviable beauty.
Eternal goddesses, brides of great kings
Multitasks babes, doers of great things.

Oh, Woman, givers of selfless love,
Sent to us from the great man above.
Oh, Woman thou are blessed,
You shall slay, was long prophesied.

This is a tribute to Maya Angelo's mammy.
Bless your lyrically poetic womb.
 a solemn tribute to Mother of LeBron,
The NBA GOAT, King James of Akron.

Curvy Women work your gorgeous hips,
Smile with your Luscious rogue lips,
Thou are the pollen grains of biology,
and the specimen of perfect anatomy.

Eve of Eden, the apple of God's own eyes,
You gave every woman bedroom eyes
that pierces to the core of diamonds,
Like hardened bejeweled armors.

Woman, thou are truly nature's bounty.
Showcase your freaks and sexuality,
For which your petals toast monthly...
Slay dear queen, slay perpetually.

You came from Adams's ribs to give life
Woe unto any man who mistreats a wife,
Thou are indeed a blessed assurance,
Behold your grace, strides, and elegance.

For Sarah Brooks, my deceased mother,
and Sarah Ivana Brooks, my daughter,
For white, yellow and Brown women,
and all beautiful black African women.

 This poetry, I penned for women is a tribute to everything.
For those nights you stayed up to sing,
Those prayerful songs only God heard,
Lying on tears soaked pillows in bed.


#IvanBrookdpoetry© Bassapoet©
August 16-2019
*This a solemn tribute to all women,
Thanks for everything!
798 · Jan 2018
Poems
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Some poems are like classic cars
They're old, bestsellers and great
Very famous and heavyweight,
Their legendary tales told at the bars.

Some poems are like Lamborghini
Fast, loud and stir up different emotions
They are magical and perform like Houdini
Taking us beyond our wildest imaginations.

Some poems are like a Ferrari
Fast, loud, costly and mindblowing
Some went through fine tuning
Ready for the adventurous desert safari.

Some poems are a Mercedes SLK
Fast,affordable,famous,people's favorite
Upon sight, people just stand around and talk
Every time we see them we celebrate.

Some poems are simple and great
Some are so good and impossible to rate.
Some will keep you woke
Brilliant and so off the hook!

Some poems are so romantic
Appealing to one's fantasy
Some are just so demonic
Embellished with total heresy.

Some poems are like a Rollsroyce
They intrigue us
Classic, historic, famous
They embody royalty, very luxurious.

Some poems are like a Bugatti Veyron
very costly, fast, collectible
Loved by kings and Barons
Making our speed appetites insatiable.

Some poems are Mustangs
Muscles, deep, street savvy
Gruesome like hunger pangs
They are powerful and heavy.

Some poems are like Teslas
Clean, smart, rich people's favorite
Costing the average people accessive dollars
They are smoothly written and moderate.

Some poems are like a Koenigsegg
Fast, rare, collectible and very costly
They instantly sweep you off your one leg
leaving you like '' seriously! ''

Some poems will make you go WOW!
And some will make you bow
Making you feel inferior to the poet
Especially the ones written by a laureate.

Some poems are mundane
containing things to drive you insane
Some poems are just cool
but contains useful cools

Some poems have powerful impacts
they contain deep knowledge and facts
Some poems are very good
Some will nourish you like food.

Some poem will bore you
Some poems will entertain you
Some poems will enrich you
And reach you wherever you are.

Some poems will set your mind on fire
And leave lasting impacts like screeching tires
Some poems are just incredible
Revealing things that are relatable.

Some poems are wonderful
And some are prayerful
Some are a little bit radical
And some are somehow political.

Some poems are just ordinary
Yet they're devotion to start early
And motivation to use during the day
Something to take you all the way.

Some poets are so creative
their poems are just amazing.
Some are outright provocative
Yet their works are just fascinating.


©️ #IvanBrookspoetry✍️
Poems have many attributes or characteristics ...help me if I left some out.
791 · Aug 2019
The Pen
Ivan Brooks Sr Aug 2019
I shed tears of ink
For the voiceless.
I am the only link
To the hopeless.

For the poor I scribble
In love and solidarity,
to highlight the struggle
and do an anthem of poverty.

For the poor and marginalized,
I speak power to the validity,
I bring awareness for those victimized
to quench the thirst of brutality.

I can flow like a mighty fountain
In the face of mistreatments.
I crawl valleys and climb a mountain
In times of impediments.

I can leak useful information
In the cause of injustice.
I can write a memo for a demonstration
On behalf of disgruntled masses.

I am the defibrillator of broken hearts
and the hope of the downtrodden.
I can write love poems and draw arts
Just to motivate and embolden.

I have signed many peace treaties,
and declarations of independence.
I have been used to get properties
And I have been used for vengeance.

I am the weapon of choice for intellectuals
and the shield of protection against violence.
I am the stamp of instant rebuttals
and the glitch of terrestrial intelligence.


#IvanBrookspoetry ©  #Bassapoet
8-22-2019
The pen is everything..
783 · Jan 2018
Black And Proud
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
I'm a black man , I'm the essence of toughness
My roots are deep like the mighty baobab tree
Once a chained slave, today I stand in greatness
I'm a black man , I'm a proud man and I'm free .

I'm a black man , once the master's possession
I have scars stamped to my soul but I'm free
Once a cotton picker , I now have a profession
I'm a black man , a very proud man and I'm here.

I m a black man , the first born of mama Ebone
The black Goddess , the true mother of humanity
Once upon a time in jubaru, I sat upon a throne
Where my queens and warriors all lived in unity.

I'm a black man, I will always be the best runner
Shoot me if you will but my black soul fears no guns
Once like Garvey, today like Usine and Obama , I'm a winner
I'm a free black man and my soul hosts a thousand suns .
If Heaven is pure and white , just like Obama added some Blackness to the White House , me and my black soul will be in Heaven too !
719 · Jan 2018
Footprints In The Sand
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
I say learn to practice what you preach
You have no rights to tear other people down
Remember this life is a long sandy beach
Each man has a unique print of his own.

So learn to always show love and support
No man is an Island, the famous adage says,
Brother-keeping is what life's entirely about
And kindness is a blessed seed sown for better days.

Love your neighbor as thyself, the good book says
How long will we go contrary to this universal law,
Commanded by God Himself since ancient of days?
A law in which he invested time and love to draw.

So where is humanity, where is that universal love?
It's time for the strong to give the weak a helping hand
The seed of love is the will of the Most High from above
So let love become that unique footprint left in the sand.

#Vanguard-Poetry23 ©️✍️ #IvanBrookspoetry©️
twitter @ivanclappers #IvanBrooksquotes©️
follower,like,share
'' Love your neighbor as thyself ! ''...This is the closes we can come to loving and obeying God..
718 · Jan 2018
The Inner Voice
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
The voice inside me is never heard
And it doesn't matter how loud it is
Even though I find this very weird
I have never told a living soul about this .

The voice inside me has a frequency
That's measured in some silent decibel
No matter how acute the emergency
No one ever hears a silent bell .

The voice inside me never sleeps at night
It rings in my ears and never stops
Even in my dreams I have to deal with it
Sad that I'll never hear when the pin drops .

The voice inside of me is a vindictive *****
She doesn't care if I deserve some peace
Penetrating my soul like a surgeon's stitch
And disturbing my inner man with ease .

The voice inside of me is a perpetual arrow
It stays in motion and never slows down
Intoned mostly to my pain and sorrow
My voice is a storm that'll never be known .

The voice inside of me is a quiet storm
That will probably never ever be heard
But lives underground like an earthworm
That threads the earth's soil with its head .

The voice inside of me is my late mother's
A voice that continues to bless and inspire
A voice of wisdom I share with my brothers
A voice of a great woman to whom I aspire .
  

#IvanBrooksPoetry
twitter @ivanclappers
Every man has a calling...coming deep from inside !
714 · Jan 2018
Ali Narrates Libya
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
As thousands of migrants sojourned from Timbuktu
All destined for Libya from the ancient Kingdom of Mali,
One ,a patched lip skinny kid , greeted them''Assalamualaikum''
''Why are we dying in Libya ?'' asks the young migrant called Ali.

For several months , everyday , from sunset to sunrise
Ali said he too dreamed of being a part of the mass migration
'' Oh my dear brothers, I wish your plans were otherwise ''
For many of you will not reach your final destination.

Ali said Libya was the cradle of modern day slavery,
Death trap ,a magnate that lures desperate poor Africans
Escaping prosecution, economic hardships and poverty
Just for them to end up dead like sardines in cans.

Oh Africa Ali asks,where are all of your leaders?
What have we done to deserve this unspeakable evil?
Is it because of the hues of our beautiful black leathers?
When did we become the slavery anvil?

Man to man , is so unjust '' he quoted Bob Marley
'' But Arab to Black Africans is another sad story ! ''
'' Why are Black people being sold into slavery?
Why is the whole world sitting so supinely?

~ Ivan Brooks Sr ~
Man to man is so unjust ''says Bob Marley
''Arab against black man is another story'' says the migrant called Ali
709 · Jan 2018
Water Crisis
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Why are there entire cities to drain,
When Somewhere in my village,
People are dying for a drop of rain
Coming from a cave through a seepage?

Why are many places flooded elsewhere
When the drought there is constant
And People are struggling everywhere
To moisturize the soil just to plant?

Why are young Maasai men digging
For hours Into the patched African soil
Searching way into the humid evening
For a drop of water, they have to toil?

Why did nature leave my playground arid
When she rains down billions of liters in Texas?
Streetlights, no lights, drought at the power grid,
Scolding of nature is the caveat of the water crisis.

Why did God give us diamonds and gold,
How can he bless us with an abundance of minerals?
Then seal up the skies and put the rains on hold?
Turning the crisis to a vulture's feast and human funerals.

#IvanBrooksPoetry©️
People in my village prefer to die by drowning....paradise lies beneath the water deaths.
706 · Aug 2018
Poetry Unhinged
Ivan Brooks Sr Aug 2018
Poetry is part of my story
So I write not for glory.
I care about it like my health,
And protect it like my wealth.

Talking about wealth ,I have none.
But if just in case I get some,
It really wouldn't matter.
For me I think peace of mind is better,

So I pen away my thoughts.
Leaving no rooms for any doubts...
My emotions,
And my inspiration.

My frustration,
And desperation.
Through it all,
I tried being stoic and rational.

Even though my pains
Even when it rains.
I write not about a special thing,
My work covers anything.

Sometimes it's about love,
Or about the issues I can't solve.
The things I take to God in prayers
The things others take to soothsayers.

© IvanBrooksPoetry
21/8/2018
I write not for glory...
668 · Aug 2018
Dear Death
Ivan Brooks Sr Aug 2018
Why do you take the great ones?
You come with your death notes
And without any prior warning
You leave scores of people crying
Why leave the ones that are dumb
Why can't we have a referendum?
I don't think it's fair to remain stoic
Maybe you will see truth ,the logic
And the reason to reconsider things.
Nobody likes what your visitation brings
Stop taking the people we love most.
Take a break from job and read this post
Tell me afterward if I'm right or wrong
We are tired swaying to your funeral song.
Today you took the great Kofi Annan
Almost on the same date you took my Nana.
Day before yesterday you took Aretha
Like you took my dearest Aunt Martha.

©IvanBrooksPoetry
We need to talk to death
653 · Dec 2018
2019
Ivan Brooks Sr Dec 2018
2019 will be the year of the dragon.
Or the battlefield of Saigon.
Choose the former or latter,
Whatever you do,do it better.

In 2019, claim your heart desires.
Work and do whatever it requires.
And Move with complete boldness.
In almost everything,look for goodness.

In 2019, just expect your bounty.
To everyone,live without animosity.
Set your table under the full moon,
Your meal will be ready very soon.

In 2019 , live below the Morongo sky,
Don't sit with a box of napkins and cry.
You can take the path to exuberance,
Choose to dwell in absolute abundance.

In 2019,do away with negativity,
And shun those with toxicity.
To everyone,try to be a friend
Remember,Only help if you can.

In 2019, wish for the best of everything.
Whatever you do ,do stop at nothing.
There'll be some setbacks and frustration,
Just believe that all will come to fruition.  

In 2019, be positive and cheer,
Celebrate with a glass of beer.
In 2019, love yourself the best,
And forget about the rest.


IvanBrooksPoetry©
30/12/2018
Are you ready?
645 · Aug 2018
Thank You Hello Poetry
Ivan Brooks Sr Aug 2018
Thank you hello poetry
for making me feel worthy.
Here I can write
And can freely create.
I need no validation
and self-promotion.
It's a unique platform
or a stage to perform
On my own ,to rewind
Time or say what's on my mind.
Here I always feel fine
Once I have the available time
Here I shake no hands
Match to no bands
But when I make a mistake
Somebody wide awake
Inboxes me and respectfully says
You might want to take a look at this
I seriously like this
So I honestly pray
each and every day
to stay
And be very active
And have another perspective
I feel connected
Here ,I feel respected
the emotion, the hype
Just my place and my type
For completion of this process
to other platforms, no disrespect
from poets here, I get more respect!

© IvanBrooksPoetry
29/8/2018
My flowers to hello poetry
629 · Dec 2018
E
Ivan Brooks Sr Dec 2018
E
E is for everything,
Except for one thing:
An empty bag can't stand
Go ahead, try if you can!

E is for everlasting,
Except for one thing:
Nothing lasts forever,
Which is true, however.

E is for Planet Earth,
She is in bad health.
Courtesy of global warming,
Slowly, its core is burning!

E is for the E-cigarettes,
Produced by hypocrites,
Who thinks everyone is a fool,
By making smoking look cool.


IB-Poetry ©
2/12/2018
E is for Everything....
627 · Jan 2018
Musk
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
My favorite is the one by Jovan
The pervasive scent , nothing tops a musk
Why not Drakkar Noir or Ralph's Polo,Ivan ?
It's the appeal and aroma I love the most !

Musk is my favorite cologne.
That aromatic substance,the smell ,
The way it absorbs like a sponge
The mesmerizing and addictive spell .

The power and confidence when worn ,
the longevity and its staying power
That permeates the soul,deep as a ship's horn
Unique scent that lasts for hours .

The power of its undeniable presence
That lasts from dawn to dusk
Nothing compares to the fragrance
Of the distinct and classic scent of the musk.
The smell of a woman's fragrance is everything.
...I therefore match with Musk,to seek her attention.
621 · Feb 2018
Smile
Ivan Brooks Sr Feb 2018
Smile even if you have no reason
for sadness is a dark little prison
That covers us with complete darkness
Which prevents us from experiencing happiness.

Smile if your day is marred by challenges
And your trials are divided into stages
A smile is the sign of the abundance of gladness.
So do it as a token of your gratefulness

Smile even if you're without dimes
For it's the best time that faith shines.
Do it knowing that all will be alright
For against sadness smile is a big fight.

Smile even though you've hit the pavement
For it's another form of acknowledgment
Of the value of your unique staying power.
Which will sustain you beyond the final hour.

Smile for love, smile for life and smile for today
Smile for the blessing to see this wonderful day.
Do it even though you're broken and hurt inside,
Smile for Jehova Jarra is right there by your side.

IB-Poetry©️
2/14/2018
Smiling is just more than showing your teeth.
615 · Jan 2018
Ballerina D'Afrique
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
I hit play, Deng's's music was on repeat
The deep sultry voice sent soft echoes
Bouncing off everything into the street
Kemah smiled and laced her ballet shoes.

Kemah moved like a seductress in heat
Undulated her hips, moved to her feet
And she began to slow dance to the beat
Spinning like a flamingo on the street .

Deng nodded as she started to swing
There's really no dancer like Kemah
Her backside, rhythm, her everything
This was beyond contemporary Zomba .

I too wanted to rock to Deng's beat
Snapping my fingers, swaying at will
I just smiled and remained in my seat
But my old bones refused to sit still .

With Deng's latest hit song on repeat ,
Kemah's body swayed from place to place
Her entire soul intoned to his aesthetic beat
She was a temptress ,a girl with real grace .

Over where I sat in utter amazement
I felt humid looking at her silhouette
Suddenly I knew what Deng's song meant
For Kemah danced my soul beyond ballet .

Under the glow of the golden African sun
Her moves were flawless and unique
She danced like a young Doe on the run
Kemah was a star ,she was ballerina d'Afrique .
A beautiful African ballerina dances in a trance-like state....
everything else was secondary !
602 · Jan 2018
My Dues Are Paid
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
I came directly from through the ranks
All my dues paid, my homage to life
To my God alone all my humble thanks
For bread I slice with prayer knife .

I came strictly from my very own hood
All of my dues I paid through my strife
To mama dear for prayers and our food
For all she sacrificed to save my life .

I came humbly from a very blessed home
All my dues are paid through my chores
To charity, that says take and share some
For all I learned , I am beyond my shores .

I came strongly ready to join the hustle
My dues paid with my years of readiness
To poverty, a real caveat for my struggle
For I've persevered through steadfastness .

#Vanguard-poetry
Every step of the way,everything came at a price..I paid my dues
Ivan Brooks Sr Apr 2019
God smiles every time I Write beautiful poetry,
and He throws a party for dead poets in Heaven.
My poetic vocation is confirmation of his generosity.
Whenever my pen bleeds, He knows I am working.

God smiles each time my poetry starts trending,
He gives Maya Angelo and Shakespeare a hug.
It's an indication of my dedication towards my Craft.
Whenever my work is reposted or liked, He says bravo, son!

IvanBrookspoetry
14.4.2019
I hope He likes this too ...
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Indeed I was born in a s '''Hole  country
A royal citizen of Norway ,the world's best country
Whose citizens refused to come to a country
That elected an a '' hole to lead their country .

Donald Trump is right to call us s'''hole countries
Officials embezzle millions ,yet can't pay salaries
From dawn to dusk the people moan in anguish cries
Malnourished kids live with hunger disease and flies

African governments made their own homes s*holes
Look at the bad infrastructures bad roads and potholes
With all the natural resources our economies and financial woes
For the impoverished and gullible masses ,there are no hopes .

Let's not get angry at the dumb a''  President of America
But rather direct our discontents at our corrupt leaders in Africa
Who hides money in Swiss banks and vacations in Arabia
Africa,thou mayest not like this ,time to wake up from the coma !
Truth hurts but it helps...
578 · Apr 2019
The Cross At Notre Dame
Ivan Brooks Sr Apr 2019
For many centuries,
She stood majestically.
She saw many tragedies,
but have stood defiantly.

When disaster struck,
She emerged unscaled.
It's not just by sheer luck,
On her, our Lord was nailed.

Amidst the charred ruins,
and the hot burning flames...
As if reborn with spread wings,
she radiated like ten light beams.

The cross at Notre Dame,
like Jesus on the cross of Calvary,
took it all until the firemen came.
The cross at Notre Dame will never go away.

IvanBrookspoetry
4.17.2019



'
This was inspired by another poet's work...credits
568 · Jun 2018
Questions
Ivan Brooks Sr Jun 2018
What's greater than spoken words,
Yet poets flip them seamlessly?
What's Sharper than a Samurai's swords,
Yet great warriors used them bravely?
What's better than a woman's tender body,
Yet some men abuse them repeatedly?
What's purest than the tears she sheds
Yet it flows when she sobs quietly?

What's better than a mother's love
Yet she gives it so unconditionally?
What's more precious than a human life,
Yet many men live ever so carelessly?
What's more disappointing than Donald Trump,
Yet some Americans love him dearly?
Who came up with the idea of slavery,
Yet the world refuses to apologize openly?
Who invented the deadly assault rifles,
That people ****** innocent kids with remorselessly?

Who actually built the pyramids
That to this day, stands rigidly?
What's the function of the U.N,
Why are nations warring perpetually?
Why is it so impossible for mankind
To have peace, live and love harmoniously?
Where's justice for my queen mother
And the innocent people killed senselessly?
Why don't we appreciate the creation of this beautiful earth,
Why do we continue to destroy and mismanage it simultaneously?

Who came up with the concept of religion,
How did God Almighty become
A part of the prosperity Gospel industry?
Why do Rastafarians
Call him Jah,
Who are the true Christians,
Why do Muslims call him Allah?
Who named the Lord Jesus,
And why do priests proclaim
Peace unto us?
Who are Hindus,
What is the story about krishna?
Why do others worship
Budha?
Why do witch doctors
call him Babba,
Why do others believe
In no God,
But pray to the universe?
Why don"t they honor his word,
Yet from the bible quote a verse,
And when things falls apart,
They cry in his name?
What really is that?
Oh what a contradiction
And a big shame!


IvanBrooksPoetry©
7/6/2018
What question do you wish to ask?
550 · Feb 2018
Fireflies
Ivan Brooks Sr Feb 2018
Fireflies need no introduction.
So at night time they just glow
And light up the constellation
With that natural illuminous flow.

Fireflies are nature's lightning bugs
When they glow they teach us how
To love by giving free undeserved hugs.
That ****** the summer's evening show.

Fireflies lights up the natural environment
Especially in the midsummer nights
When they form part of the entertainment
That nature designed using bright lights.

Fireflies are nature's beautiful showgirls
They love flying and flexing their wings
When they giggle at night like schoolgirls
Who set fireballs to the playground swings.

IBPoetry©️
2/9/2018
Fireflies aren't flies and their fire glow but don't burn.
535 · Jan 2021
Psalms In Times Of Troubles
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2021
In times like these,
When troubles surround us.
and death hangs in the breeze,
ready to plunge with sudden chaos....
In lull, I say this psalm of trouble.
"Oh Jah, to you alone I look,
Help me to swim this sea of struggle,
Save me from this tidal hook".

Troubles may come on the double,
and pop me like a bubble.
They may Knock Me down,
Push me out of town,
Nudge me to the brim,
or prompt my glow to go dim...
still in Yahweh, I believe,
like a fig tree, I will survive.

In troubled times
My faith in Jah will double.
Though I lack dimes
and my limbs begin to wobble,
to Jah, I look and trust,
In him lies my power.
This, from dawn to dusk I'll boast,
Every day, every minute and hour.

#IvanBrooksportry📖
In times like these, this Psalm I scribble for thee.
530 · Feb 2018
Questions From A Sex Slave
Ivan Brooks Sr Feb 2018
Upside down she hangs
from the stainless steel pole
She moves as her legs swings
Holding firm as she plays her role
Cat calls from ***** men echoes
From the lighted dance floor
She danced in high heel shoes
Often looking through the door.

She was half naked and she knew
That was her fate as a pole dancer
She felt ashamed, for she was new
She had no rights as a *** worker
A job assigned her by the smugglers
Tired, She often thought of the end
How could she escape her handlers
They had to do this every weekend.

Somebody threw her an old dollar bill
Undulating her hips, she tried to go low
One man touched her against her will
She flinched and gave him a big blow
This brought more jeers from the men
The music stopped, in came her handler
He seemed angry and slapped a woman.

The echoes, her high heel shoe squeaks
Then the music suddenly pauses for the show
It starts with the pimpish boss and the geeks
Suddenly I began to wonder to myself, how?
How did I unwillingly become a *** slave
Can somebody tell me where I live?
Why have not a soul to tell me to be brave
Tell me, do everything you can to keep alive.

Roll calls from the pimpish boss of bosses
I was born free but now I was a *** slave,
Who is to be held accountable for the abuses?
I need freedom, I need to say bye and wave.
Upside down, for many hours I would  hang
From the steen of the stainless steel pole
Making sinful moves, making my legs swing
Holding firm to dear life as I played my role.

How did I become an object of pleasure
Can somebody kindly answer my questions?
Why have I not a soul to help me find closer
To tell me, sister, there are better options!
How soon did society forget to fight for me too
Can somebody please hola at the government,
Tell them I am a woman, not an animal in the zoo
Make a plea against *** slavery, just a statement!

Now is the time to question *** slavery
Can somebody tell my mama to keep fighting
Have not a father to free me from my misery?
Beyond my will somebody sold me, I'm missing.


©️IB-Poetry
2/21/2018







'
Modern-day slavery, *** trafficking is wrong .Soiciety needs to do much more.We all have a moral obligation to stop bad people from abusing young girls and selling them as *** workers.
522 · Feb 2018
This I can Do
Ivan Brooks Sr Feb 2018
I can sit and write a love story
or a very nice piece of poetry
about a girl who was so beautiful  
and make it sound wonderful.
I can write about her attractiveness
maybe say something about the softness
of her satin-like skin and kissable lips.
I can describe how she undulates her hips
When she sways to the beat of the music
and make moves looks seamless and classic.
I can describe her strides as she rocks the beat,
Leaping like a ballerina in uncontrollable heat.
I have the option to call her a sinful seductress
Or take my time to paint her as a temptress.
.......all because I'm a poet.

IB-Poetry
2/15/2018
I CAN DO THAT AND MANY MORE...
519 · Nov 2018
How I Got Over
Ivan Brooks Sr Nov 2018
At school
I wasn't too kool
And I wasn't tall
And Didn't know all.
In statue, I  was short,
But yet I fought.

On the playground,
I joked around
But I wasn't a fool
Always kept my cool.
When I got beat on
I made peace and moved on.

I came from a community
Known for poverty,
Yet mama tried.
At night she cried
Asking God to bless us
And help us to focus.

Mama was the bone of my family
So she woke up very early,
Papa had a side chick
So his moves were quick.
Back then I didn't know,
Everything was kinda slow.

On the field, I was a defender
Who didn't spare my own brother.
On my team, I played number two
No matter where, when or who,
I always defended my position
To me, it was part of my mission.

As a kid, I loved to go to church
Even though we didn't have much,
Yet Mama pressed my Sunday's best
Just so I could fit in with the rest.
At church, I prayed to my savior
For our hardship to be over.

On the streets, we had big bothers
Who protected us as our mothers
So we never went astray.
For this we had to somehow pay.
For good street education
And a guaranteed protection.

As a kid I had peace of mind
To my peers, I was nice and kind
So it was until the advent of war
I left home and went very far.
Crossing foreign land and sea,
Going as far as the eyes could see.

So this here is part of my story
Told in the form of poetry.
This is what transpired back there
I hope I'll be read everywhere.
This is my exile letter,
The story of how I got over.

©IB-Poetry
12/11/2018
I got over is part I my life story ...penned through poetry
513 · Jan 2018
Walk Away
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Walk away
When he starts to beat
And make you weep.

Walk away
if he is cheap
and starts to hide and sneak.

Walk away
If he doesn't support you
but instead suppresses you.

Walk away
If he can't sleep
at night and starts to creep.

Walk away
if you're not appreciated
and your love starts to get underrated.

Walk away
When your love isn't reciprocated
proudly walk away and be respected.

Walk away
If he really doesn't know your worth
And not about relationship growth.

Walk away
Maybe Somebody else deserves you
Somebody who will call you boo.

Walk away
If he will not remain loyal and committed,
Take you seriously and be dedicated.

Even though you tried to hold it together
walk away if you see no future in any brother.

Walk away
If you live in fear
before you drown in tears.

#IBPoetry©️
twitter @ivanclappers
As a dad to a beautiful and brilliant young lady, I am a strong advocate of gender equality, women empowerment and women rights.I will tell my sisters to walk any day if things aren't right!
504 · Jan 2018
Ball pen Superstar
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
The stage is set..
The red Light's on ,
The condition is right ,
It's time to shine my son !
The time has come,
The world is ready ...
Superstar Welcome home,
Do them ***** !

Become a sensation,
In you a star is born ...
You are my inspiration,
Blow the poetic horn,
The world's watching...
Just keep going !
Don't stop creating,
Keep up the grinding...
Maybe from the onset,
You will be wrong..
Don't you ever get upset,
Like kunta Kanti,be strong !

Flex your muscle...
And keep pushing ,
And own your hustle .
Like a scribe ,keep writing ...
Stay active,
Keep grinding,
Remain calm but be passive,
Some day you gonna make it !
Don't wait ,
keep pushing..
Don't ever Quit !
keep writing ...
Make yourself at home ,
Poetic Avatar ...
The time has come
Mr ball-pen superstar !

~Ivan Brooks Sr. ~
twitter @ivaclappers
#IvanBrookspoetry
There's time for everything...and when it was time for his star shine , like an AVATAR ,he was colorful and blissful beyond measure..
He became the Ball pen Superstar .
500 · Jul 2018
Life Is Full Of Bullshit
Ivan Brooks Sr Jul 2018
Be careful who you ride with,
For Life is full of *******.
A very beautiful chick
Can become a bad *****.
A beacon and egg sandwich
Could be the head of a witch.
Open your eyes very wide,
And know in whom to confide.
Embrace nearly everyone
But trust not a single one .
Fight for your very self
but it's your choice to help.
My advice could be wrong,
But take heed and be strong.
For this life is full of *******,
And not everyone can see it.

#IvanBrooksPoetry©
27/7/2018
Excuse my French!
490 · Jan 2018
Poetic Justice For Mama
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Many Sleepless nights
Living on empty stomachs
Warlords, Senseless fights
Carrying on daylight murders.

Many young people were killed
Innocent women and children
Wooden box coffins unnailed
As the hopeless masses ran.

Three hundred fifty thousand
Number of innocent souls lost
Unmarked graves in the sand
Why did they die, at what cost?

Rest in peace to mama dear
One of the innocent souls lost
Oh justice, how close or near?
For answers, we need you most!

Power, weapons, money I have not
Spoken words I'll use to demand justice
Until I die, this fight I'll always be about
Mama is the caveat for demanding poetic justice
I will never have another mother again.The woman who gave me life taken by war orchestrated by heartless warlords..today enjoying power.The only weapon and power I possess is the POWER of spoken words to demand justice for mama.
Ivan Brooks Sr Mar 2018
If the beautiful ones aren't yet born,
Who are these beautiful ones,
What are they doing here?
Are they going to be able to share,
where will they come from,
will any of them go to the prom?

When these beautiful ones come,
will they live in a normal home,
What will they look like,
will they ever go to church,
or be able to work,
or get in the kitchen and cook,
Will they eat with a fork,
love music,
and act classic?

Will they admit to being wrong
and afterward, sing a song?
Will they be happier,
Will their butts be bigger,
will their eyes be prettier,
will their strides be better,
will their skins be smoother?

Will they be able to forgive?
or look at others and wave,
where will they live,
will they learn to drive,
Are they going to behave,
will they ever get married,
or ever be happy,
or say the word sorry?
will they act like ladies
and be proud or their beauties,
or will they have babies
and tell them stories?

When will it happen,
will they love men,
or mess with women,
How long will it take?
Will they be able to bake,
will they love mommy,
or smile for daddy,
who will those lucky parents be,
will they Meet them to drink tea?

If the beautiful ones aren't yet born?
what's taking them so long,
what will they look like,
what will their voices sound like,
will they ever go to church,
or be able to work,
or read the Holy Bible,
will they embrace the hustle,
or live amongst the people?

IB-Poetry©️
3/2/2018
The beautiful ones are like tomorrow, they might never come.
469 · Jan 2018
Days Of Our Lives
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Some days we are productive when we walk
Depending on where we go with the message
Some days we are destructive when we talk
Depending on the interpretation and usage.

Some days we can be helpful in our absence
Depending on the toxicity we bring with us
Some days we can do all these with our silence
Depending on the complexity of one's status .

#Vanguard-Poetry23
©️
Days of our lives..do our days control our lives?
462 · Nov 2018
I Hate Winter
Ivan Brooks Sr Nov 2018
Chilly Cold Winds,
As nature unwinds
Stormy days
Traffic delays,
Frosty windows
Noisy Snowplows.
I hate this season,
For one particular reason,
I'm an African.
I'll do what I can
Just to pay my bills
I'll do what it entails
Until thou kingdom comes,
Until earth consumes my bones,
I'll forever hate winter.
That cold soft powder,
That ghostly white creature,
The nuance of mother nature.

© IB-Poetry
21/11/2018
I hate winter.
460 · Jan 2018
Black Essence
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
Being black is the essence of strength
The ones my ancestors relied on to survive
When forcibly shipped across the ocean's length
Hanging on to only hope just to keep alive .

Being black is the essence of performance
The ones we put up at the mighty Apollo
When jazz and blues fill hearts with romance
As Chuck Berry's feet moved like flamingo .

Being black is the essence of toughness
Like those possesed by the giant baobab
Comes rain, storms, it stands in calmness
Defiant just like the sons of Queen Habib .

Being Black is the essence of athleticism
Portrayed by LeBron James, Jordan and Tiger
Gifted Black brothers born with enthusiasm
Black Essence runs deep as the River Niger .
Very inspirational piece, ceremoniously rich in tone...Black Essence celebrates  my people, their struggles ,strengths athleticism and talents .
459 · Oct 2018
Every Poet Is A Plagiarist
Ivan Brooks Sr Oct 2018
How many poems have we written,
How many more will we write?
How many matches have we stricken,
How many more will we strike?

How many candles have we burned
In search of knowledge and wisdom?
How much in total have we learned
Do accused poets deserve freedom?

How many words have we really used
How many letters have we composed
How many plagiarists have been sued
How many of us have been accused

From other poets and other writers,
How many lines have we ever stolen?
Why are poets such horrible liars,
When last was this secret rule broken?

©IvanBrooksPoetry
15/10/2018
No poet is innocent of this crime!
458 · Oct 2018
Untitled
Ivan Brooks Sr Oct 2018
Fear no man or his words
only what he's capable of
doing behind your back.
Bow down to no man ,
not only if you attend his funeral
and see him turn and rise.
Consider all men equal
because no matter what he has,
or what position he occupies,
like you, he was born naked
and will surely die some day.

©IvanBrooksPoetry
14/10/2018
Just another one, without a title but with a purpose.
449 · Jan 2018
A Blessed Man
Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 2018
I'm not even a soldier, yet I have fought my own battles
Conquering some territories without a single commander
I'm not decorated, yet I have earned my very own titles
Enjoying all royalties, God Almighty has been my provider
I'm a man but beyond all measures, I'm mighty blessed.

I'm not even an astronaut, yet I have touched the deep skies
Soaring the galaxies and seeing beyond my very own dreams
I'm not even wealthy or connected, yet my needs God supplies
Touring many kingdoms and eating cakes topped with creams
I'm just a man but beyond all measures, I'm mighty blessed.

I wasn't considered a writer, yet I wrote inspirational quotes
Inspiring mortal souls to wake up, wise up and fight to the end
I'm not even a laureate, yet I produced classic iambic notes
Encouraging people to live on, move on and never ever bend
I'm just a man but beyond all measures, I'm mighty blessed.

I'm a man who writes not for glory, but for a very deep cause
Awaking the slumber souls of all faded dreams to take a flight
I am just a nomadic poet endeavoring to inspire without pause
Hoping to help those with aspirations and desires to just fight
I'm just a man but beyond all measures, I'm mighty blessed.

Ivan Brooks Sr©️
I'm grateful to God for my life and the numerous blessings...
443 · Jun 2018
Not Moved, Not Shaken!
Ivan Brooks Sr Jun 2018
I have been homeless
But never hopeless.
I have been jobless
But not faithless.
I have been penniless
But happy nevertheless.

I have been laughed at
But have never cared about that.
I have been downplayed
All I did was prayed.
I have been talked about,
Thrown out,
And beaten up...
Yet have never given up!

My home has been taken
But I have never been shaken.
When my possessions were removed,
I remained resolute and not moved.
I have been disenfranchised
Ostracized
And immobilized...
Yet I remained unfazed!

I have been used
And falsely accused.
I have been seriously abused,
And my ego bruised.
Though my suffering has been long,
Yet I have remained strong.
I have been called all sorts of names,
And unjustly pinned with blames...
Like the mighty baobab tree,
I haven't been moved as you can see.


#IvanBrooksPoetry©
12/6/2018
Where can a little stream carry a big stone?
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