I am more than I seem,
for I’m Blood bought redeemed.
Gave it all to gain
now serving the one who reigns.
My mission is simple
to live as a symbol,
to bring light to the dark,
and help love find its mark.

My life was brought with a price
thanks to the blood of the Christ.
I’m not better than anyone,
just another adopted son.
I’ll be about my father’s business.
So, apologizes for the realness,
but I got no time to play games
too many people lost to flames.

So, calling all blood saints,
be strong and do not faint.
It’s time to get those robes *****.
Sermons don’t need to be wordy.
Come join us in the trenches
because you also use to be wretches
And the one who saved you
Needs you to help too.

In my youth I said I was more than black.
That my melanin was skin deep,
just a glance doesn’t reveal anything.
Time has taught me that I’m black enough.

I’m black enough that I got a college degree
to go with the Oreos kids called me

Black enough to pause when a cop rolls
by, even though I’ve committed no crime.
Black enough that I got family doing time.

Still black enough to be excited
about Black Lightning, Black Panther and Luke Cage.
Black enough to know people will see we are more than rage.

Black enough to never
let anyone call me outside my name,
and to rock twists until they became my mane.

See I’m black enough to know
I’m blessed enough to be made in his image.
That every breath in this body is a privilege.

I’m blessed enough to have two parents at home.
Blessed enough that God’s with me when I roam

I’m blessed enough to use these words as weapons,
cutting down all societal expectations.

Blessed enough to know that yes,
I am more than black,
but I’m still black enough.

I’m neither light nor darkness,
just the shade that allows people
to enjoy a sunny day.
I have rejected darkness, to fight
for the light of those who reject
me because they don’t understand
why I am the way I am.
I am grateful for the friends
who are the bedrock of my life.
I might not belong in the light,
but I love it just the same.
I will protect all those who seek refuge,
and support those who saved me.
From this day until my last.

Please don’t say not all men, when me too
becomes me three, me four, then twenty,
two thousand, too many for boy to be boys
or locker room talk.

We can’t talk away when men power grab
for things they have no right to touch,
with 140 characters insincere apologizes.

It’s time to man up and speak out and say
that being a gentleman is more than chairs and doors.
It’s less bro fists, shrugs and awkward laughs.
Instead, it is not cool bro, and really man you know better.

Because we know better, we know what goes on behind
closed doors, and only dealing with it when the doors are open
is not a solution but a symptom of the problem.

Being a nice guy does not give you access to her thighs.
Compliments don’t allow you to pass judgements
and what she wears, where she goes and what she does
does not mean a free pass.

If this culture thinks silence is permission
than I will be loud until no one has to say me too.

Even as the snow
Falls white blossoms continue
to bloom on and on.

I gave up on tears
Long ago, so I will let
The sky cry for me