I look to you for
fairness, truth
and loyalty
Your laugh and
smile move me
I wake to your
Smiley Face
lighting up
the world as
only you can

Gazing into your world
  I see the sunrise in your
     lovely & ornate blue eyes

As the power of the moon
  controls tides, you pull me
     deeply within your soul

Our connections forever
  remain R A P T U R E D
     in a compelling enigma

Unexplainable like and
  X-File episode, yet our
     attractions are seamless

U blanketed in my arms
  reveals a confidence and
     soberly tempered peace.

I think I can
but stop just short
wondering all along
with regrets
of not trying

so SHY
confidence evades
like a master criminal
eludes the police

SHY to a fault
yes... it's my fault
yet I yearn to
build my self up
if only in my mind

Taking a portion of
culinary verbiage
and building a
strong relationship
begins by combining
essential ingredients

1 part - trust
1 part - honesty
1 part - compassion
1 part - respect
1 part - humility
1 part - levity

Wisk gently and
F O L D E D  I N
with the key binder
of love
Let it rise,
slowly bake on low,
let cool as needed
and enjoy for an
entire lifetime.

I took it upon myself
to Disconnect for a day

No Social Media
No Twitter
No Email or Text

I was looking to unwind
in a totally different way

No Calls
No Visits
No Car

I drank in the scent of roses
while watching clouds dance.

I walked
I listened
I relaxed.

I build a bridge to you in hopes
to dispense past indiscretions
I don't claim perfection as my
wake has swallowed up many
Face to face and eye to eye, I
humbly regret any pain incurred
Separation and time apart has an
uncanny manner growing bonds
Recalled epic memories that can't
be replaced fill constant daydreams
Time and space fill gaps yet we
hold on to the past for keeps.

Hot and fresh
steam exposed
center when
the crisp shell
is hand cracked
or gently sliced
Lox, cream cheese,
butter or jam
Sides of bacon,
sausage or egg
adorn the soft
middle in
sandwich form
From Poland to N.Y.
with all your
varieties, you truly
hold your own.

Doing my utmost to keep my word

is how I live as taught by my father

although he didn't always keep his

I make a concerted effort to be better

Now that I have a son, it is absolutely

essential 2 have his trust 4 my benefit

Never make PROMISES which cannot

be kept according to mother and as we

know... mom is always always correct

At the mercy of all who dictate my

inner circle, my blessings emanate from

from on high to shape my pathway

Oh PROMISES PROMISES, do I dare

break you, for the repercussions may

have lasting consequences on everyone

so I matriculate to refine my stance on

keeping PROMISES and all it entails.

You are a *****
as a female pup
you came to us
and I wasn't happy
You came under
a cloud of
false pretenses
however
I could not resist
everything about you
Saintly from the moment
you came in your basket
you grew with my baby boy
protecting him at all cost
You were not perfect
as you would run off
from time to time
always returning for
dinner like clock work
Chasing the occasional
squirrel or bird, but
always gentle to all
children and adults
I grew to love you
unconditionally
and the day you left us
was hard to swallow
my tears of sadness
are true
There will never exist another
KARMA
you were unique
kind and a real friend...
No, you were family.

Awaken from a torrent dream
perched on the edge of bed
reflections of
Christmas Past
encapsulate my groggy mind

Grandma asleep
protecting the gifts and tree
from my stealth like
sneak tactics to preview
what Santa left behind

I miss her loving smile
rarely seen in any photo
I miss her hugs & snippets
of wisdom in which I've
passed along to my seed

Longing to see the complete
family gathered as one
in celebration of the
seasons offerings as we
sing, feast and love.

I am of the human race with
common issues we all face
as we navigate through life

My mind is corrupt with
images failure and success
always seeking greatness

Determined to write my
story on my terms, I yearn
for love and compassion

A clear choice to undertake
an ISOLATED JOURNEY
to understand my resolve.

NEVER WAIVER
in your dreams
stand steadfast
and resolute

NEVER WAIVER
in love
jump in with
both feet & commit

NEVER WAIVER
in your word
do your best and
keep it always

NEVER WAIVER
in your handshake
be firm and tight
keeping eye contact

NEVER WAIVER
with your heart
give it freely with
absolute compassion.

Having the presence of mind
to stand up and speak to issues
for what you know and believe
takes BACKBONE

In the heat of the flames
when persecuted and ridiculed
because you stray from the norm
takes BACKBONE

Loving the one you care
deeply for when all around you
take the low road of discontent
takes BACKBONE

Living your life and accepting
your faith without reservation
and pre conceived condition
take BACKBONE.

I peeped you in
my peripheral
and you totally
invaded my
personal space
Crawling across
my wall I see you
you scurrying
as we mysteriously
locked eyes
Trying to escape
my clutches
is futile as I
reach out and
SMASH you with
more force than
necessary
I reflect with a
miniscule hint
of guilt, but that
creepy bug
had it coming
didn't it?

Breaking Oppressive Chains
in ones mind can be paradoxical
Holding back ourselves from
moving forward in one accord
We act political and self serving
and yet priorities fall short
A puzzle to be sure and we
take for granted the minute
details to steady the ship.

I need to go back in time
when family was family
communities where tight knit
and church lasted all day Sunday

You know... back in the day
when disputes were decided
with fists and not guns
and meals shared at the table

Once in a while
on any given weekend
we'd pile in the sedan
for a classic SUNDAY DRIVE

No GPS or directions to guide us
just following the open road
no seat belts or airbags
free spirits in every essence

I miss the road games
I miss the family time
I miss those good old days
I miss that SUNDAY DRIVE.

In many ways we are different
color, race, ***, nationality and
heritage to name a few

The parallel is that we are similar
views, make up, character and
love of art, sports and culture

Many fail to understand our
connection and the levels that
it is built upon over time

Perfect, we are not... however
as a unit we move as one and
combine our strengths.

Defined in our youth
by others to shape our
direction in life
Criticized and often
over corrected, the
positive reinforcement
seems fleeting
Was it lack of family
structure or was it a
poor education system
Put IN A BOX to
appease societies
notion of what we
should be.

This parasitic plant
has many rumors
& myths surrounding it
From the Greeks to the
Scandinavians and Brits
MISTLETOE has been
misunderstood and uses
even more obscure
Utilized for good luck
and peace in ancient time
we all prefer the modern
use to kiss beneath
Placed at the center of
any doorway during
the Christmas season
we seek that special
smooch from the one
who moves our souls.

Let me break it down
to assure I get it right

My love is never fleeting
and always worth the good fight

L I S T E N to the of a voices
of the ones who preceded

S E E all the faces of
friends inspired to be needed

F E E L the full presence
of all things to last

L O V E every moment
never clinging to past

Build up yourself first
and lean in to assist others

Be conscious of the world
includes protection of your brother.

I put my lips together
and slowly exhale
melodies ensue that
mimic an original tune

******* in my mouth
as my cheeks bellow
like Dizzy Gillespie
to obtain max volume

A single blade of grass
can resonate a simple
reverberating sound
that tickles the lips

The classic tongue
and teeth method
at any sporting event
creates fandemonium

Much like an instrument
a WHISTLE can serenade
call your favorite pet
or disrespect any female

We Whistle to pass the time
we do it to express glee
we WHISTLE to move traffic
we do it to feel free.

Sitting and waiting patiently
partaking in the spirited conversation
where no subject is off limits

Being mindful and yet having
respect for other opinions
I bite my tongue on occasion

My turn to reside in the over
stuffed reclining man throne
of exterior rejuvenation

Clippers cut, taper and edge
piping hot towels & warm cream
for the straight razor finish

Touched up with the burn of
ice blue Barbasol and talc wisk
finished by a crisp towel snap

A slow chair spin with the mirror
for a 360 view of barbers work
and confirm his skilled perfection

Payment rendered with a generous
tip on the DL while biding good day
to all patrons until next time.

Sworn to serve and protect
above all is the mantra

Lives placed on the line daily
not knowing when it's your time

Care, custody and control
while protecting the blue line

Brother and sisterhood of peace
that isn't for everyone

Look up and I am there when needed
your 6 is mine to guard at all times

Public servant of the finest order
keep the faith and the focus.

I need you
to give life to the bland
My palate longs
to savor your many flavors
the sweet
salty
bitter
sour
etc...
You can change your complexion
instantly
if chilled or heated
then blended with others
you play well together
SPICE of life
you are
as many nations
claim you
Your heat can bring tears
and runny noses
You have the power
to pucker lips
as well as
make any man salivate
like a well trained pet
over your savory presence.

MAKE YOUR DAYS COUNT,
DON'T COUNT THE DAYS.

Drums, bongos, bass
driving sound that
fills the soul & spirit
Bodies in movement
to expressive
BEATS

Africa, Latin, Caribbean
I feel and accept your
offerings of cultural music
designed to up lift in
times of loving peace and
deep spiritual mourning.

What makes my tongue
salivate for more
What flavors make my
knees weak and shaky
A closet foodie with
a need to break out
To share the experience
from appetizer to dessert,
from ambience to seating
The essence pulls us in
and overwhelms, yet we
remain steadfast to be
objective in our critique
At the onset of the bite
I connect to the SAVORY
sensation my taste buds
stimulate almost instantly
Over and over again I
consume until my
gluttonous conscience
shames me to my core
Ironically enough... I
would do it all over again.

I'd like to give thanks to all the amazing
poets and writers who aspire to simply
share from the heart.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and
your families no matter your country,
religion or creed.  Peace unto you.

Blessed with the opportunity
to help others is a gift from above
seeking no gratitude for deeds
of love creates a positive reflection
When provided with means of plenty
be just and PAY IT FORWARD
Joy will be concentrated with focus
upon your heart  It's always good
to be special.

Down by the lake
we pilgrimage to
stroll by water in
the noon day
when the sun is
highest in the sky
I spy the glimmering
dance of reflecting
rays on the surface
I cover my eyes as
it can be blinding
I do my best hound
impression and look
for the flattest rocks
by the lakes edge
Drawing back my
left hand while keeping
low to the ground
I attempt to glide that
flat rock across the
surface of the water
and achieve a many skips
along the surface
4, 5, 6... I can't stop
I'm a master ROCK
SKIPPER and love my
craft, keep playing along.

I thirst for
knowledge
so I eternally
drink it in.

Sliced like a sharp blade
gliding through a melon
without a visible trace
I struggle to find you
even though, I know U
exist because I feel U
Sometimes U expose
yourself with a trickle
of blood seeping from
your edge, however U
often hide yourself well
until treated with the
old school mercurochrome
The burn is evident now
if it was not before
Strategically placed on
my knuckle U nasty
PAPER CUT are annoying
Seemingly cut down to
the bone I source my
band aid to keep U clean
heal well and heal quick.

Words give life to a blank page
deeply etched for eternity

Is it possible
to be
OVER BLESSED
when just simply
being blessing
is enough

I look back
on my life
and it remains
true for me
that I've had more
than my share

Grateful I am
without any
hesitation or
expectancy of
God's glory
shining upon me.

I know it's real
I feel it everyday
either when He
wakes me
or in my slumber
OVER BLESSED.

At the central root
   of our interwoven
      tapestry is a strong
          capacity to love
              originating at birth

                                 From the first touch
                                 we feel
                                 From the first kiss
                                 we receive

Elementary at our
   core value with
      respect to purity
         in understanding
            the context of love

                                  From the first hug
                                  that's embraced
                                  From the first smile
                                  that's graced

FUN-DA-MEN-TAL
   L        O        V        E
      full of grace, grounded
         in principal & entrenched
             in common foundation.

If I was a great bird
an Eagle flying high
looking down upon
the world with a tear
drop in my eye
The damage done by
man, an altered state
of arrogant decisions
driven by greed
Do we really see it?
The poverty
The crumbling cities
The homeless
The politics
The crime
The police
The guns
The media
The parents
The children
The teachers
The food
The water...
PERSPECTIVE
is matter of opinion
we take for granted
as we look away
and walk on by
oblivious in our
own small world
of common issues
WE need to be better
as a people
starting with ME
I need to be better
and remind my
children what is
truly at stake.

The rise and fall
advance and recess

You overflow
the space allowed

Restrictions abound
limitations none

Fluid in motion
a force of nature

Capes and coves
ponds and mangroves

Lunar control
gentle tides roll

Word of your prowess
commands respect.

Slapped into the restraints
of a blissful romance
literally captured by love

Respectfully overstated
but never under diminished
feelings of lasting amore

Sentenced to life without
possibility of separation
unity is bonded forever.

When we see racism...
be BIGGER
stand up to the bully
When we witness crime...
be BIGGER
be that snitch and level justice
When we see hunger...
be BIGGER
feed a soul that is in need
When another needs help...
be BIGGER
give what you can in aid
When a child need mentoring...
be BIGGER
give of your knowledge
When your mate needs compassion...
be BIGGER
be silent and give love.

You majestic
wooden-paddled-wheeled
steamer
splashing down
the waterway
with a distinct sound
that is native to you alone
Timeless you are
with decades of
stories to spin
Smoke bellowing
from your stacks
we break bread
beneath your roof top
Float on to an era
of days gone by
Float on you majestic
RIVER BOAT.

Like clinched fingernails
slowly grinding down
an old blackboard
you received my attention

The few hairs on the back
of my neck stood tall
like a soldier in formation
at a military parade

Was it simple fear or terror
that my mind perceived
upon the news of your
non expected passing

A phone call that made
its way across the country
reaching my tender ears
telling me of your demise

Gone far too soon as I
never was able to say
farewell and express my
love and gratitude

I regret you never meeting
your grandchildren and
witnessing the interaction
and knowledge imparted

Alas I take this opportunity
to say I miss you and love
you for who you were as
a father and mentor to me.

I play to remain
two steps ahead
to outwit & outlast
Moves are made
adapting to ever
changing strategy
The resolve to
take calculated
risks and sacrifice
key pieces to
ensure victory
Knowing all of this
I still paly on a high
level in my mind
LIFES CHESS GAME
is real and take backs
are not optional as
we play for keeps
we play for survival
we play for love
we play for family
we play for redemption
we play to win.