My essence is the second twin, the words in scripture, and the slaves savaged.
In other words, I came to the world by the middle passage.
My skin black like ebony, it lacked the ivory webbery of Spiderman
They thought skin should be dyed and I said it would be you died with no chance.
People say they want to travel to learn themselves but they end up going nowhere
In some ways its like seeing the doctor, they don’t really want to go there.
They get physical because they don’t wish to take a geneology physical.
It is probably mystical, but it is better than thinking ancestry is all from  colony visceral.
But they check up famous people from the past, the ones who said we are free at last.
And then decide they can read a little more with their breakfast.
To get a greater appreciation of their heritage, and to know what was done.
Because to keep on achieving, we have to know what was lost and won.

They want to arm teachers.
I would rather pay teachers
But they replied they would pay teachers to carry arms.
But I sneered that they would ignore teachers who come with open arms
To receive pay.
You cannot convince me that a teacher should only be paid more
If they take up arms.
And if teachers are to play  police
To police our children
Does that mean the role of children in the classroom changes too?
Would teachers be more instructors or security guards?
I don't know how anyone would be able to do both equally well.
It would be like someone being both judge and baliff.

The sad part is if they ask for a pay raise for any other reason
Such as I need to keep up a standard of living
They say we can’t afford it.
But we can’t afford to skimp on education.
They risk their lives every day
To do what is most essential for our society
Teach our kids.
We have people who can protect them.
The teacher's role is uniquely bestowed.
But you add guns to the equation
It makes it more of a battle.
And not one thats adds up.
The violence might multiply
Because more guns cross the divide between teacher and student.
It is said that the teacher’s unions are the problem.
If there was no teacher union there would not be advocates at all.
Because if these people complaining did not talk out of both sides of their mouth
They really would not be able to talk at all.

I said I am through
This is so painful for me to say
I am sorry for doing this
All the missed calls and texts
I saw your attitude and it shocked me.
You said that I had changed, I said you didn’t know me.
We would yell in our conversations, but no one would win.
You was acting suspicious, and you were not that same person I met.
I thought that you were not where you said you would be
I worried you would get more comfort in the arms of someone else
As a form of revenge
But it was not me
I thought that I was going insane
I blamed you
Because I could not look at the person in the mirror.
The truth has escaped this situation
You know what you did
What is this paper
A separation agreement.

I was talking with my cousin one day
He was reading a book on American Presidents
I asked him which president he was most like
He said, All of them.
I have Teddy Roosevelt’s vigor, Jefferson’s intellect, Lincoln’s humor and JFK’s charm.
I asked, How is that possible
That would make you a Frankenstein
Superheros don’t have that many qualities.
It would be like combining Superman, Captain America, Black Panther and Optimus Prime
A president mentor must have flaws as well for you to learn from.
He replied, Why have flaws when you can have strengths?
All dead presidents think like me
I asked, Can you even name all of the presidents?
He smiled and said, There is an app for that.
Well at least he was reading a book about them.
Maybe one day he can count himself as one of the presidential names.

I vividly remember that day
Even though I could not speak words yet
Or even lift up my head.
My parents took me to a Billy Graham crusade in Central Park
It was good to take their kid so that an elder stateman of the faith could speak God things.

When I was 8 years old I got a biography of Billy Graham
And thought that was how I would like to be
Performing in church plays and even giving a sermon.
I remembered Billy Graham spoke like this, I should speak like him.
I was in law school I was the president of the Christian Legal Society
I thought now is my time to do good like Billy Graham did great.
Reaching out to be light upon the world of my law school campus.
It was harder than I thought, but in the end I managed to achieve influence

Later, the call of godly ministry itself came upon my life.
I then realized with the passing of Billy Graham
Other people need to finish the work that he did.
Even though Graham had grand-children, God had none.
Since God can touch Graham, he could reach out to touch me.

In life I wear a mask, in death a grave
This mask is kingly borne to fit the great.
To place remains in grounds with nothing to save.
The mask after my life is just my fate.

To say to smile futile, I have no eyes
They ask why don’t you wear a hat.
I scream disguise is pain to hide my cries
A cap inadequate, I have no use for that.

The parts of life I need to keep today
Will go below as people say their last
The epitaph omits my private ways
The skeleton is still in closets, past.

Headstone is speaking from beyond my death.
To search for truth until not one is left.

Billy Graham spoke to the nation, and preached to the nations.
It was like he was divine doctor sent to the sick world patient.
He traveled the world, using the new medium of television and crusade.
Telling the world to believe in Jesus Christ and become new-made.
Powerful leaders called him advisor, and gave him accolade
He always reminded that the  head of Christ body was the Son of Man.
He evangelized to more people than any person ever from any land.
His message was simple, so simple it was really successful.
Who'd have guessed such common language would have such pull?
God called him home to live with the Biblical apostles and prophets.
Mighty people will arise, in the same anointing that Graham talked with.

The dinosaurs did not die out, the survivors became the Dragon Power.
They left for higher ground in the Arurian Tower.
They worked on the Abyss Sword, Winged Fire Lance, Nike Sling and Composti Bow on their grind.
Because they thought that the power that killed the dinosaurs would come a second time.
To succeed where the first time, they had failed.
But they could not leave the tower, they were jailed.
I, Jonathan Maine, stumbled on the Tower, but the weapons were not there.
That someone malevolent would take them was the worst of my fear.

Suddenly I heard a voice who said, We are the Dragon Power and you are chosen.
To become Dragon-Man, and fight against our enemy called the Drozen.
This adversary is also yours, but our weapons were stolen by various evil.
Now you must go on a journey to get this arsenal back, and save your people.
I asked them why they could not fight, and they said, We do not have a presence.
When the Drozen fired asteroids at Earth, he disembodied our essence.
We could make the weapons, but we could not use these instruments.
But we will give you the power of disembodiment as our influence.
And here is what your people called a watch, it will tap into the power of Dragon.
But do not talk about us, no posts on social media or bragging.
I was astounding, but I was glad to have such nice bling.
Now it was the time to save all of Earth and everything.

The Dragon Power warned, Drozen wants to destroy everything, even the darkness
You will have to fight the evil on Earth, but keep your eyes on the ultimate test.
I took the watch, and pressed it, and instantly I saw the Diablo-Robots
The Dragon said, the power of the sky-animals on Earth was transformed to throw shots.
Because the asteroids contained a powerful source called Warbeuite.
We took some of it and used it to make the weapons to fight for good and right.
I just had one more question, how do you speak English so fluently?
People would walk by our tower and have conversations beside the tower’s sea.
I took the watch and pressed another button, and suddenly I was at home.
Out in the day, unbeknownst to me, a powerful being was getting off his throne.
Set a course toward Earth, he said, because this earthling will ruin my plan.
I am going to finish now what I should have done in the beginning.
Master Drozen, we are on our way, the Diablo-Robot said with glee.
Little did I know the strongest force in the universe was coming to fight me.

Dragon-Man went back to his home, he did not have a chance
To take back from Shark-Devil the Winged- Fire-Lance.
The next day, he got dressed and went to the building.
They say work is supposed to be the epitome of fulfillment.
See, Dragon-Man’s alter-ego was Jonathan Maine, Esquire.
This is what he would do if he ever had to retire.
But when he got to his desk, there were police all around.
Who told him to get down on the floor and put hands on the ground.
Jonathan never thought this would happen, a lawyer needs an advocate.
He was mad as **** but knew that he had to sit because he was bad at it.
Jonathan was brought to the precinct and placed in a prison cell.
When someone asked what he did Jonathan said I’ll never tell.

Well, well, said a voice and Jonathan instantly knew who it was for dinner.
It was Shark-Devil, also known as Joseph Grant, Police Commissioner.
I’ll let you out if you will work for me, Joseph Grant said with a smirk.                                                                                              
Jonathan sneered, Two wrongs don’t make a right so that would not work.
Well then, I guess your days of being Dragon-Man are over and done.
When I am through with you, only in your dreams will you see the sun.
Don’t’ I get a phone call, I know my rights and I know you know them as well.
Shark-Devil tossed him a cell phone and said, Tell them you are going to hell!
Jonathan picked up the phone and said, Now we have Shark-Devil where we want him.
The only problem is the court case, and to get the Winged Fire Lance from Shark-Devil
They accused me of assault, false pretenses and 4 counts of conspiracy and embezzlement.
In came Shark-Devil, holding the Winged Fire-Lance with evil in his eye
So isn’t it ironic that the Fire-Lance you so desperately wanted will make you die.
No need to go before a judge to say that you will not testify, I’m not that kind of guy.
Drent was an idiot, his powers were almost abysmal and worthless.
I needed something  good who would serve my every purpose.

Jonathan looked at the Fire-Lance, it was so hot and the blade was double-edged.
He knew I had to do something quick, or else he was in trouble drenched.
That’s not irony it’s a paradox, Jonathan shouted as I fumbled with my watch.
Jonathan pressed a button and the Abyss Sword came into his hand to launch.
So now we will battle in jail, Shark-Devil sneered as he changed into his form.
That is no big deal to Dragon-Man because that was where he was born.
The Fire-Lance was a marvelous weapon, good for melee or to throw.
But it was not as good as the Abyss-Sword at the brute hacking blow.
Suddenly Dragon-Man gave Shark-Devil a mighty swing, and he fell down.
This is not the last thing you have seen me, Shark-Devil said as he left town.
Dragon-Man pressed his watch, and now he was Jonathan Maine, scarred.
But now he would have to answer to the disciplinary board to not get disbarred.
He picked up the Winged Fire Lance, and that now made his weapons and arsenal.
The Fire-Lance belongs to those who can use it, and use it then well.
Now the lawyer needs a lawyer,  Jonathan said with a sigh.
One of the prisoners said to him, I think I know a guy.
Jonathan picked up the phone, the one call did not now apply
The voice on the other end said, Don’t worry, I’ll get the charges dropped.
Now Jonathan just has to sit until he can make bail and get this trial stopped.

You’re such a parcel, but not much of a marvel, you lack a price
But that is good because now we have the Oathed Sacrifice.
Such was the words when Dragon-Man stood before his main foe.
He dare not think what types of devices Drent had for pain though.
Dragon-man was taken off the Lynxian Road and it was a horror soon.
I was watching with my cousins one of the last of the Saturday morning cartoons.
My cousins watched for more, I had already seen it all twenty years before.
I was just shocked that they would show Dragon-Man to Generation Y
Dragon-Man looked to me now like one of those ventilation guys.
I could see Dragon-Man smiling, and I knew exactly what that smile meant.
Because he needed the Composi crossbow, and he could only get it from vile Drent.
The arrows were like missiles that sought out and broke down the body.
It was the type of weapon so strong, it was almost ungodly.

The Abyss-Sword, tell me what does it feel like to be killed by your own weapon.
Dragon-Man replied with a smirk, I don’t know you tell me, and got to steppin.
He reached for the Composi crossbow, but it was snatched away by a Brackti Guard.
**** him with the full arsenal we have, and make sure his death is especially hard.
It is amazing that Dragon-Man could withstand such an onslaught.
He cannot stand up against it for long, with such brawn brought.
Some of the firepower gets close, Dragon-Man might not survive for long.
What manner of man can withstand such a powerful throng?
Suddenly, there is a noise, and all of the Brackti Guard fall dead.
Drent you might have to sacrifice yourself, said a voice that they all dread.
Beside all of them were gleaming bullets, which had a hole in them but were filled with lead.


It was the Lady of the Night, who came in with the Nike sling.
This weaponry was fierce and devoured enemies and their everything.
It also  made a hellish noise when it fired Byzantine bullets, nothing could stand in its path.
Drent suddenly disappeared because with the both of them, his death would be the aftermath.
You forgot your cross-bow, she said as she gave it to him with a smile.
What took you so long, Dragon-Man asked, I was waiting all this while.
You forget it takes long to reach you when you put yourself in trouble.
At least be happy I turned the Brackti Guard into pebbles of rubble.
Dragon-Man looked at the Composti cross-bow and this was good weaponry.
If he saw Drent it would be the last time Drent ever stepped to he.
Let’s go, I got the Paroah chariot, there is no time to waste here.
Drent probably went back to regroup inside of his lair.
Dragon-Man climbed inside the chariot and said “I will drive.
The Lady of the Night replied, I got it, because I want to survive.
They drove the chariot away, and Dragon-Man got back to his place
Little did he know that waiting for him was a criminal court case.

It’s all word for the best, they refused to leave so I stirred the nest.
Put branches with the pointy side up, I preferred no rest.
The people could not sit down, because of the discomfort.
It was missing hurt, so I took them up on eagle wings.
They were enjoying the ride as a new people’s spring.
I went to the top, and I did what some would call an illegal thing.
Suddenly I turned, and to their horror they started falling.
I could hear their calling, and it was appalling but they had to start hauling.
This is not sink or swim, because  I think to win, so I will stand by.
We’re gonna die! Flap and try, When you want to rise you will, command I.
I could see them coming up to reach me, I am glad I did not sound preachy.
Because do as I do, not just as I say, and if you follow me I can teach thee.
Isn’t poetry much the same way, with the nest and  flight.
Every time I write a new poem I am unsure if it is right.
That’s when my nest has to push me to where it is bright.
An eagle that never learns to fly, will be food for predators.
And what would the world be, without me pursued by metaphors.

I said I think I was going bald
My friend said I don’t think baldness runs in your family
No one, from the looks of you, runs in your family.
If baldness was to run in your family it would be on the sides.
Just like when you go to the restaurant and ask for extra sides.
Ouch.
But she kept going on
And I was suspicious
Hair will continue to grow on your body
The same way your love handles do.
I said stop.
This is enough
At least I am not going grey
She fidgeted and said well……
Oh no.

Then, the sigh of relief
So many expectations
This time of year is so stressful
I tell them who I am.
Like they always should have known me
Right on time.
I walk in like my presence was always necessary
The secretary says Hi.
A sigh of relief
It is expected I hand it in soon
The clock is ticking
I looked at the exam
What has he done here
I put down some corrections
I was so glad I can do this at home
I have so much emotion I start singing
The computer freezes
Why did he write this so awkwardly
Time is far gone
I want to finish soon
Why didn’t I pick a different passion
So much work
Good thing I think I’m good at multi-tasking.
Winter break is almost here.
If I had to be in the classroom right now I don’t know what I would do.
So many questions and all eyes on me
Let’s get this thing done.
Now all the papers are on the floor
Good thing the class is graded on a curve
Makes it a lot easier that way
I relax and say it is not so bad
See, now the hard part is done.

This poem is one of the better ones
After all this time
I start to think
Maybe this line isn’t what it seems
I just want to understand
I copied down my thoughts
Is this personification here
Where is this poem headed
Inspiration sure is hard to get.
I’m not easily impressed by writing
This is as good as it gets.
Oops I think I spilled some juice on my shirt.
I was lost in my own thoughts.
Where did that come from?
I could have been on the news segment Do you know where you child is
Wow I never thought of poetry like this
This is talking to me and I just want to listen.
I’m so excited that I have this new poem
Let me give some time to finish this poetry.
Ok I think the school construction has stopped.
Now what do I do with the rest of the day?

I say I am the good.
Nothing good can come of this
Even though they told me
I refuse to simply believe
They say this day cannot be my day
If it is dark here it is light there.
And I want to go there
Maybe they see where the sun went.
I don’t see why they are so loud
The dogs all bark
There must be sun somewhere
I saw it with mine own eyes
The light was blinding
I wanted to see the sunrise
I did not think the sun came up so early
It is the story of my life
This is not  just inspiration

because he misses the black and white
and the other squinting
But now the husband watches tv with one eye closed
this is the new style of television.
as the children were laughing
the wife would say
Honey dearest
Is there something wrong with my eyes?
it’s people-colored.
Its not black and white
honey something is wrong with the television!
and giving a scream
and turning on the television
the husband coming home from work
I could picture the day
the color television was modern technology.
when to them
of modern technology
I wondered what they would make
Some of them were ancestors.
They were, different.
and realized they were not men.
until I read about them
of a crazy old man
I thought it was just a saying
those words my professor said.
I remembered
Those were the days when men were men

You don’t want to finish the battle?
Someone asked me as I took off my helmet
I sighed
I just want to go home
Bury my weapons
And forget that there was ever a war.
Because they do not have a parade
For the people who do not conquer
I felt like we won
Because we survived.
But parades are not just for the living
But for the triumphant.
I don’t think I deserve a parade for a fight I had to be in.
And one that took away more than my innocence.
It went deep down to strip away my naivete
And in doing so also tore apart some of the great in my spirit.
Until it reached the darkness inside of me.
But when I am home
Maybe I can build a new essence.
If I can find the strength and remembrance.
Maybe.
Hopefully.
Someday.

You don’t want that diss text
That Who phone is this text
But it makes you think
Of the time you accidentally dropped your phone in the sink
And cried out, Sink take these hands instead!
You run downstairs and find the bag of rice
How do you trip going up the stairs?
And trip again once you reach the top?
Somehow you do both while carrying the bag.
And you say that the stairs were slippery
But even the stairs be like I did not facilitate such clumsiness.

But you don’t take rice out to put the cell phone in
You dump the cell phone
Sink-water filled and all
Into the bag of rice
This is not a time for delicacy
Your cell phone is dying by the second
You start thinking of all the contacts you would lose if this doesn’t work
You start dreading all the pictures you would lose that you liked and saved.
That you did not upload to Google Cloud
Or share on social media
Because for once you listened to that aunt
Who you only see at the Fourth of July barbecue.
Who said don’t post pictures on social media
Well where is she now with her advice
On how to get water out of a cell phone?!

You take the cell phone out
You think that the rice is ruined
You know what ruined rice looks it
And it looks a lot like this
It even smells funny.
But you stash it inside the cupboard and hope that no one notices
Like when mother says I’m coming home
And you forget that you was supposed to thaw the meat.
So you try to put frozen meat inside the oven
And put the heat on low
And it just makes everything worse
Just like this cell phone
You wish you had an instrument
To **** the water out
Like cell phone dialysis
But that technology is still in the future.
Your cell phone can talk to you in conversation
But any water that gets in stays in
If only cell phones can use the bathroom
Do they have an Ex-Lax for cell phones?
Oh no, because my cell phone is down I can't even look it up!

You mumble to yourself they were focused on the wrong things
When they built the cell phone
Because before your cell phone could be dropped
Thrown or suffer going through the waters.
Sure it did not have the apps
Are apps really worth a new cell phone every new earth rotation?
Nowadays you cant even have a drink next to your phone.
So now you call the cell phone company
And you are relieved that everything is covered.
But to replace it you have to put a lot of money
Because you didn’t have it long enough
You mutter again out long
Since no one is around
They build glass stronger than this.
But you go and get your new phone
And are glad to see that the important stuff is still there.
So when someone text you
And you just see a line of numbers with What's up
You can text New Phone Who phone is this
And let the conversation begin.

They said I would be thrown to history’s dustbin.
I said I could not hear you because I’m busy hustling.
I would rather be thrown to the lions, at least I could lead a pride.
Because I know what is inside, and I don't have to hide.
Who said to give up lied, tried to make sure my hands were tied.
The  lion's strength is in pain, the gazelle he couldn't catch again.
It must have been insane but he managed to overcome their frame.
Who do I think I am to believe I can make it.
Because what is in me is sacred, and nothing can break it.
I cannot give in as long as I stand in the land of the living.
Because I have to have my children see me on television.
Forget my name in lights, even at night my name will be bright.
Because my legacy will be the fireworks that no one can spite.
What is in me is more than fire, because it cannot be consume.
They say be still and I tell them I did enough of that in the womb.
It is called trash can, and if it can that is inspiration to me as a man.
Even trash must be collected,  I'll  build a heritage that's everlasting.

I wanted to know what happened to my ghastly fire
Because wherever there is smoke they have to give me fire.

I tried to come out with all my gunnery blazing
But those guns refused to go and see  fire.

It was like they had told me I could work
That same day they said my friend I had to be fire

I tried to speak to the people around me
When I had an idea it would not catch the  fire

These people would not even go through drizzle
While I told them I would go through hell fire.

So I had to remove Michael from the situation
They said I was uninspired, I said I fought fire with fire.

Your spirit is the one I want to woo
You ask but what about my heart
I reply baby I want to be with all of you.
To stay with you and never depart.

So please give my this chance
And forgive me for this newfound charm
Because this is more than like it is romance.
I would love to have you in my arms and on my arm.

These arms are attached to love handles
The love came because of passion.
The fire inside is our bond and more than candles
Such love we have is never out of fashion.

It is sweet like the honey which comes from the bees
The birds can bring their own spice to complete.
I want to ask even if I have to get down on my knees
And you blushing say get back on my feet.

Your life added to mine would accentuate
The parts of living that are most dear.
My life has turned from second-best to first-rate.
When I asked for you love in this place here.

So please love me kind and tender.
I gave my all so I could ask this question.
I hope that nothing could come and hinder.
Because my time with you is a divine blessing.

Here I am on bended knee
hoping to make you mine;
starting with this chocolate rose,
will you be my Valentine?

I wish to write this poem.
But I could never tell you its all about you.
So when I sent it.
I say it is a metaphor or personification or something like that.
And when you say aww  it is beautiful
I bite my tongue
Because I wish to say you are beautiful.
I couldn’t write any other way to describe you.

And when you say You are a good poet.
I think to myself
Its easy to create when you are the inspiration.
But then I snap back to reality
And go back to the friend category that I know
Crawl back on hands and knees into the friend zone.
But now I hope that being just friends will not be for much longer.
Cupid keeps shooting so it is not safe to say in the friend zone.
My only fear is if I ask
I would lose the friendship we have
So I have to make this poetry speak
I say I was influenced by Valentine’s Day.
But I leave out that you are my muse.
Because every goddess must have her day.

The angels said
I can’t see the tears coming down my God’s cheeks
So I have to cry on his behalf.
It was a bad day
It was the worst day.
Because Jesus had called for his father
He winced with pain at blows
When before he could walk through crowds
Walk on water
And walk with God.
But now Jesus is looking to the sky
And he cannot see his Father.

But the Father can see him.
And the angels can view him and mourn.
They beg God to intervene.
Saying that he has suffered enough.
But God rises from his throne
And says he has to suffer unto death
And rise again.
Michael drew his sword
And said that he was well-acquainted with fighting Satan
He would get Christ out of hell when he dies.
God told him to put his sword down.
The Battle belongs to the Lord’s
Because when I said that God is a God of War
I meant all of the triune God.

Jesus breathed his last.
And it became dark
As dark as the day that it flooded.
Because now all the angels wept.
One of them cried out,
God is Dead!
And God still sitting on his throne replied
The immortal God cannot stay perished.
Because he saw what they did not.
He looked into the afterlife
And saw Jesus walk in victory again.
When Jesus came to heaven
That very day
He smiled and said, I brought the saints with me
All of the mighty people of renown.
They served my Father in heaven
So they will be with him for eternity.
And now
Everyone who believes in me
Will not perish but have life
Because I have broken the back of death.
The Godhead crushed the serpent’s head
Now mankind is free.

We spoke with our entangled manners about the star spangled banner.
Some people could understand us but others said we had mangled candor.
It was more than a flag, it symbolized all of the people who died to be free
But they were silent when we pointed out they don’t stand when its on T.V
I never understood how we could burn the flag but not go down on one knee.
They say to protest non-violently, but I guess some forms of outcry is off-limits I see.
Because I might not agree with what you say, but you still have a right to express.
It’s hard to remain silent when the problems in this country makes one restless.
Because those who have the hardest insight, are the ones who can call darkness night.
But we have to finish having the dream  before we can awake to the light.

People always crying out
Some with the utmost pride
We in the field
You in the house
What field are you in?!
You don’t have a professional field.
You don’t possess no working field.
There are no working clothes
All we can see is your ***** laundry
Where can you hide that?
All the world can see and mock
***** laundry left too long only become legal suits.
The type the government brings against you.
That have you dressed up in court proceedings.
And wishing you had pride in being in the right field
Before it was too late.

There is no education there
In order for there to be a field
It has to be safe for seeds
But our seed are not in fields.
They in jails
They on probation
A place where seeds were not meant to be
A place where seeds cannot grow
A place where seeds die from lack of care.
And the last time I checked
Being part of a system
Is not part of a field.
When all we have to look forward to are gates.
You don’t even work in a field
You mistake bitterness for empowerment.

And you have the audacity to be mad I’m in a house.
So yes I’m in a house.
A house I bought with my money, my toil, my sacrifice.
A house I got because I went to schoolhouses all my life.
A house I acquired because I went to church houses and learned to worship.
A house that I could make a garden in
A paradise garden for my seed and kin.
That old house-field dichotomy
Ended when we was supposed to be free.
You say people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
I say people who don’t have a field shouldn’t throw shade.

People who previously had underestimated you.
Said.
Sorry I can’t give my email
Because I cannot see how you can help me
Or add value to my life
Will now want to talk to you like family
Will say to people
In a boasting tone.
Getting uncomfortably close
I knew him from the beginning
I was shooting shots with him
Studying with him
In fact I made him!

Excuse me?
You were the type of person
Who did not want to be in my study group
Because you thought I would bring down your grade.
Your social media was off-limits
And there was a long line of unanswered texts!
Excuse me, but you did not make me.
You were not a factor
Because by the way you revealed yourself.
You could not even make you
Because otherwise why are you around like we friends
When we don’t even have enough hate to be enemies.
Whatever we have does not possess a name
But I will be just fine
Now let me be
Like you did in the past
So I can go take to this famous person
Who wants to speak to me and not to you.

My giving you a poem.
Is like a car dealership giving the choicest vehicle.
Just hand the keys and say drive.
Just give the paper and say enjoy.
I could have gotten it framed.
But poetry is meant to be shared, not confined.
It was like I as a soldier
Had come home from a tour.
From a distant land
But this tour was closer to performance.
Out on the road in buses and hotels.
Reciting for the masses
Because you were not the first to read it, you know.
But I long to see how you think of it.
Do you like this poem?
Or is it meh?
I dread the thought
Of my poem causing so much indifference
That you cannot say words.
I want to cause the same sensation
Of an astronaut coming down to earth.
Because I am down to earth too
Just read my poetry.
And you will see such a marvel
They would have to start over ranking the Wonders of the World.

I was praying one night.
And I said,
God of my fathers
God of Michael Kusi
Please grant me a woman to be by my side
To do kingdom work with me
And to build a dynasty together.
I waited
For several months.
And I wondered if my prayers were delayed
Or if it was just not the right time.
I prayed again
O God what about my prayer?
I heard God say
Right now there is a woman who has uttered that same prayer
And I have gone to prepare a place
Where two are gathered together
There am I in the midst.
Adam had to be in my rest
In the position I had made for him.
Before he met Eve
I told your special someone
I swore by myself
Because there is no higher power by which to make covenant
Like in the Book of Daniel
Your Michael is coming.

Who is your God?
Is he the one saying Great is me
Because I have made money, bow down
To become worthy.
Because it seems that way for some people.
They are looking for a person to bestow the crown of Lord
Who cannot talk to them
Who cannot laugh at what they say
Or comfort their pain.
It is like the olden days
With graven images
Who could not speak on their behalf
Or tell them that their situation will be ok.
But we will praise our trust in Our Lord Most High.
Not in mankind.
Because we can speak to him
And see his face
He can comfort us
And Jesus does not become our God
He always is
Because He is the Great I Am.
So while mankind fails
With their scandals and shortcomings.
Jesus is always speaking for us to our God.

I looked like the angel who fought the devil, so I was called Michael
But my signs were dire and going down, even though they were vital.
But all my family prayed for me on their knees with hands on their Bible.
They called for a Savior even when I was in the incubator.
Attached to tubes and machines, breathing like Darth Vader.
Suddenly a hand stirred, and my eyes twitched as I could understand words.
I must have heard the voice of the Lord unslurred as his commands were heard.
I was brought home from the hospital, with God all things are possible.
Because of the faith we placed in him, even early birth was not an obstacle.
God decreed that the world needed a soldier, I would be given at a general winter date.
And because I would live, I would not suffer the death of a sinner’s fate.

Dragon-man had to leave his body and attach his spirit to the Abyss sword.
Free it and leave the NetherPlace before he was attacked by the Fury of Discord.
His spirit left  alone to penetrate the dryness of the NetherPlace
If he took his body, it would be swallowed by the infernal taste.
Only the vessel of Abyss Sword could break the NetherPlace hold.
And once Dragon Man escaped, he had to cross the Lynxian Road.
Those were the first lines of the comic book that I wanted to buy.
Because I thought that Dragon-man was my hero and kind of guy.
I took it to the cash register and the cashier said your soul too.
I was shocked for a second, and she said that is what Dragon-man would do.
He attached his inside to the sword, you can bind yourself to this book.
She gave me a look like I knew what to do next, I was still shook.
I started being nervous and wondered what was going on.
Because I was not the type to be wearing costumes at Comic-con.
I wanted to buy the graphic novel because he didn’t have a show.
Now I had to give up my spirit to see where Dragon-Man would  go.
Does it count as selling your soul if you do it for a graphic novel.
Because if it doesn't it would either be very good or very awful
Then she laughed and said, I’m joking, 15 dollars is the price.
I thought that was a heist, but then I paid the money to be nice.
I finished it  and saw that he did more with his spirit  than attach
But I wouldn’t want to ruin the graphic novel for you so I’ll leave it at that.
But I really liked the graphics, the action and the ending.
I wished I had it at a young age when I was really into  pretending

It is a feeling I both wanted and dreaded.
I guess I could say I love-loathed it.
You and me sitting together.
Alone.
This is what I thought I always desired.
So why am i so scared.
Why am I sweating even though I feel cold inside.
How come I can't hear what you are saying over my beating heart.
I try to speak
But the words get stuck in the space
Between I love you and my first kiss.
I just wish this feeling could last forever
Or until we meet lips when we meet again.
This will be one of many firsts.

My name is Joseph
That is what my father calls me.
I am a dreamer
But when I told my brethren my dreams
I saw disgust all over their faces.
I don't know why they are so upset.
All I said was that they would bow down to me.
And I would rule over them.
I thought it was obvious even before the dream.
My father gave me a coat
And sent me out to my brothers.
I had another dream
I think I'll tell them in the fields.
But they grabbed me with angry hands.
I had no idea they had such hatred.
They threw me in the pit.
Where there is no waters.
I looked around
I tried to climb out
I slipped and fell.
I'm so thirsty.
Brothers if this is a joke its not funny
Let me out!!!
Will I ever leave this waterless place?
Or will it be my grave?

They told me
Push the envelope, push the envelope.
I said I had to put my stamp on it.
So when I did push it.
I can follow it to the letter.
And tell people my address
I just hope people can read my handwriting
Because this handwriting is not on a wall.
That belongs to home or facebook.
Facebook has a home page
Home I could put a book in my face and turn the page.
But it tells you where I came from
And tells me where you are going.
So I don't need to sign it
That is what the stamp is for.

If its time to make love I’m ready for some history loving.
But when they said I had a bouncing babe in the rotisserie oven.
I said that you did not have to tell me that I had a belly.
Because in most foreign cultures it was a sign someone is wealthy
They retorted that my babe must be in nicu, I told them frick you.
But it sounded more like the word people use when they want to do.
They got offended and stormed off, but how did they expect me to reply.
Did they expect me to apologize to them as if I am that kind of guy.
Smile, and say hi, I’ll work so my belly goes down from nine months to one.
The worst is when they are a stranger and initiate the conversation.
Then I comment on their lack of hair, and say they are aging gracefully.
One person who I told this turned from condescending to a raging face to me.
He whispered my belly needed deliverance, I replied that what his hair needed was dead.
I thought that based on his comments about me it had to be said.
They left on a huff from the train, I’d just thought I would share some of my pain.
Such people need to be taught manners so they are not rude like that again.

It was in the basement
The place where greatness is made
Or where kids go to play games
And tell their parents their avatar is running
So it counts as exercise.
But it was the basement of a holy place.
Although something unholy was about to take place.

One of the kids challenged me to one-on-one.
It was like King of the Hill.
Except I was not King
This was not a Hill
But we had a basketball hoop.
And I accepted the challenge.
He went left.
I was still there.
He went right.
I was the shadow that refused to leave him.
He took a step forward
I took two steps to cut him off.
Then we looked at each other.
I was looking into what I never was
Speed I never had.
Dribble I never wanted.
Shot I never claimed.
He was viewing with horror at what he would inevitably be.
Defense he would need to have.
Basketball I.Q he would need to fall back on.
A mouth full of outdated punchlines he would still laugh at.
Older folk trying to prove that he could hang with the youth.
He jumped.
And I readied myself
And jumped as high as I could.
Almost as high as I did in my youth
I can’t remember jumping this high.
This height is uncomfortable.
But if I could time it right.

I got my hand on the ball.
Silly youth, showing the ball early.
But we bumped into each other.
And I started to go down.
Mount Olympus has been overthrown.
Asgard has been overwhelmed.
There is no wall for Humpty-Dumpty to fall off of.
Because the King himself has tumbled from the hill.
I came down and the ball flew over my hand.
But he came down on two feet.
Stunned.
This was not the last time he would be blocked
But this was the last time I was blocking him.
I decided to retire right there.
Next time we play ball we can shoot basketballs into undersized hoops.
Because I am sure my shot is still there.
While his is yet to be developed.
And I don’t have to worry about being put on my backside.

Poetry
I stepped in from the outside.
Glad to be back.
From the place where I could not touch the waters.
The waters yelled I'll tag you first.
So now I'm IT.
But when I was ready to run after
They decided to play hide and seek.
Wrong game waters, wrong game.
The skyline was not picture-perfect
Where the sun refused to start shining.
And then came out.
But I am the one who is to seek.......
Sun I don't think you know how to play this game.
Because this is not how this game works.
This is not how any game works.

I made my bed outside
It was a water bed.
And I think there is a hole in it.
That wasn't there when I took it outside.
I am sinking, I am falling
I am melting.
Then a voice said You are not melting, stop being dramatic
Stand up.
But I cannot lie in it.
Because there were ants.
Or rather, Ain’ts
From Aunts
These aunts saying Ain’t you supposed to be married  by now.
I sigh
Deeply.
Kids walk by me.
And forget to walk by.
No don't leave your food there you will attract the ants and the aunts with their aint's.
I just came outside to eat.
Show me the way to fulfillment.

But I saw that there were lines.
Long lines.
Short Lines.
I could not see the end of the long or short line.
All of these  line are  in the way
Of where I wanted to be.
Lines that were not moving.
So I sigh
Again
And put a blanket down.
I miss my water bed.
One of those people in those lines came by.
Wow.
And said, Do you need anything?
I may not have the most sustenance
But we can play catch.
I looked at her
And she was indeed a catch.
Oops, I said that out loud.
With the covering of swine silly, she laughed.
I can travel through this pigskin to you on the other side.
This time I made sure to keep that thought in my head.
Good thing she cannot hear how fast I said that.
I spoke so fast internally the thought almost became speech.
Such thoughts when nurtured become our truth.

So we played catch until sundown.
We should have called it drop.
Because she caught the football on her end.
And I dropped the football on mine.
I could not even claim that the sun was in my eyes.
But I did say the sun is in my hands.
I even tried a one handed catch
And the other hand said Stick to two-handed dropping.
My brethren hand said this monstrosity hurts his fingers.
With every throw I did, she had to come closer.
Hey they call it catch, not pass.
My arms were almost reaching her
With every back and forth
We even threw once in a while.
Until we hugged at the end of catch.
In the darkness I came home.
Poetry.
I could get my sustenance now that I’m here.
Never mind.
I received all I needed from the outside.

Armor can’t serve much purpose
If it is broken.
I’m not talking about taking the scattered pieces
And pushing together the broken to make armor.
That is just making the weak, strong.
Or about when armor is pierced in  battle.
The heat of hand-to hand combat
Such armor belongs in a museum
Or in a history lecture with Powerpoint slides.
Because from this armor
You can tell the type of weaponry that transgressed against me.
But If I keep carrying that armor.
The broken pieces cut deep into my tissue
It does not fit the shoulders right.
It makes noises that announce to the world I am coming.
And it provides an opening for someone to stab inside.
They don’t respect this opening
They affix iniquity to injury.
Because Armor can’t serve much purpose
If it is broken
Except as a burial garment.

Mary walked in the garden.
Like Eve did in the creation.
Only she was looking for her God.
Not trying to hide from him.
Looking for a place to escape the eyes of God.
She saw His face
And asked where did they take my Lord.
He replied, I AM he.
Jesus said I will go to my God.
So tell the world.

Thomas was part of that world
But Thomas has said
Or proclaimed
I will not believe
Belief will not be discovered in me
Until I am able to touch his side
Afflicted by a spear
Touch his hands
That were nailed to the cross.

Jesus came
And said, Thomas look, look
Behold the Son of Man who died to save the world.
Put your hand.
Take your best finger and point.
And put it into my side
See how it goes all the way in.
Right to the knuckle.
That spear went all the way in too.
Take your other finger
And put it into my palm.
See how it digs into the hand?
Those nails went all the way through.

Jesus met Peter as well.
Jesus was saying feed my lambs, feed my sheep
Jesus looked at Peter and whispered, Feed me
For I am the Lamb of God
This was different from God in the garden.
He caught Adam and Eve with the seeds of the forbidden fruit on their tongues.
The sweetness of this fruit caught in their throats.
The juice dripping from their lips.
While in the garden God pointed at Adam and Eve
And said you fed yourself.
The evidence is all over your face.
Helped yourself to food that was not yours
Because you wanted the knowledge that is all mine.
You did not eat to live, you ate to rebel.
And in all rebellion must come punishment.

Jesus came and said the rebellion is over
I have come to lead a new movement, a new uprising.
Now is the stage of fulfillment in Christ
Now mankind does not have to feed
Mankind can feed me.
Because I fasted in the wilderness against the face of the enemy
Feed me his insecurities.
Feed me his needs
He can touch me and see where I suffered
So his suffering can finally come to an end.

Ignorance of commands not to eat forbidden fruit made sinners leave.
Jesus sat in the land of the living and ate a dinner reprieve
He told the shocked disciples one of you will betray me, slay me.
They looked at him like he was crazy,how could one of us play thee
Jesus proclaimed I will die for all of mankind, so please pray for me.
Peter cried out you lost your grand mind, I can’t stand behind this, it’s not the way to be.
Because Peter could not fathom such an end so useless.
Christ rebuke was Get behind me Satan and called Judas a friend after smooches.
Told Judas to do his mission rapidly, he went into position happily.
Judas brought all of the army to set a religion trap for he.
They led Christ from the Garden, this was the price of a pardon.
God called Christ his beloved so Jehovah had to rise up his darling.
Then Jesus was called to the celestial award show in heaven.
The Word was the acceptance speech of Jesus to go be a blessing.
Jesus nominated by God showed his face to great fanfare.              
He's accommodated at five-star hotels called The Place He Prepared.
Podium was the mercy seat, God had to acknowledge his worthy feat.
Jesus dressed in white rose from the red carpet of Earth complete.
Christ took the statue from God to say I'd like to praise my Father.
Who raised this sacrifice from graves and raised me from slaughter.
Beside him beaming with joy, standing by his side was his Bride.
Made up of the saints who died, and followers of Christ with pride.
Angels give a standing ovation, Michael and Gabriel cry out "Preach Lord"
Jesus finishes his acceptance speech for the Most High God Award
Given to him unanimously by the members of the Trinity, Jesus then bowed.
We as believers would someday join infinity and the angels in the crowd.
He played the difficult part of Son of Man so well, Jesus surely made his Daddy proud
We applaud with Glory to God in the Highest, Hallelujah and Amen
No one else could play the role of Messiah in the God Trilogy, Jesus had to portray Him.

It wasn’t my choice to come
I wish I had better things to do.
But I did not want to leave.
You almost lead me to the altar.
I asked where is the sacrifice.
I should have asked who are we sacrificing to
I did not see the knife held behind your back
That was about to be plunged into my back.
All I saw was a type of smile
That seemed out of place.
I just turned
And saw a quick motion
I thought it was a helping hand.
But it was more sinister than that.

At first, all I felt is pain
That I could not remove
That I could not reach
That I felt, I could not endure.
You were gone.
Made one excuse or another
That I had stopped believing long before this day.
You were gone
And left me alone
Not even on the altar
Just alone.
You had wanted me to come with you
As you were leaving
But no one is that beautiful.
And at the end, you thought everyone was more worthy.
All you left me was this open wound.
This wound, that was not yet behind me.
But you were gone
And as I freed the knife behind my back
I also felt free
Because you were gone.

How would we explain to the aliens
The ones who traveled light-years to reach us.
The ones who could be our fathers
That we got rid of football?
We were playing it all this time
But sorry, you can’t watch it
Because we thought it was too violent.

But more people die from your plant-flavored beverages?
Excuse me?
Isn’t alcohol made from plants or am I wrong
The aliens would say so smugly.
And we would be ashamed.
And silent.
Because they were right.
We would be more concerned with banning football
Than in banning the alcohol at tailgate parties.
But, of course
Since there is no more football
It would simply be a party.

But the violence, the violence.
Did you put rules inside this heelgame?
This toe spectacle?
It was called football and yes, we did have rules.
We equipped our players
As soldiers do to wars
Their arms, were arms.
The football itself was bullet-shaped.
They had guards as well.
Not so people could not get out
So that people could get in
The end zone.

And now we start to realize.
We didn’t ban football because of its violence
We banned it because it was convenient.
It could be our scapegoat we brought out to bash on.
It made some of us feel like better people.
And some of us hang out heads in shame.
And as the aliens left.
We saw a group of youth playing **** the Ball Carrier.
And hope that these youth would take that game.
And make it the next great American toe spectacle.

I wanted to walk but it was like an elevator.
You brushed me off and said that we would talk later
Just to show that I am not the one to mess with.
Ill become I.T and turn your life into a horror flick.
But I’m not down for all the chasing and running.
Because I breathe too hard, she will know I’m coming.
She will probably laugh and think this is the best comedy.
Then I will tell her I am not the next solemnly.
I swear by now I am the one who is haunted in this franchise.
This love has to be coordinated and I don’t have the hand-eye’s
You didn’t follow the script, because you wanted to ad-lib.
So it frustrated me that I was seething while you were mad glib.
But when I said I was leaving, suddenly she were concerned.
But respect is not taken, and mine was not earned.

My poetry took baby pictures of mankind
Before the photograph was invented.
They said to put them in an album
I said that there was none there
It had to be created
And can you help me?
They asked why did I not paint portraits
This is what we know.
I replied I am not here to give you what you know
But where you should be.
Besides, you hang up portraits in museums.
And admire them.
You hold baby pictures when you sit on the couch
And ask them questions.
Like I think he has daddy’s nose?
Is that supposed to be a nose?
I think this poetry is very touching to me.
I did not create this to embody the figure of one person.
I revealed this poetry for questions to be answered
By you.

I am a man of my word
But what happens
When there is no word
If we just meet.
How do you know my character
When characters have not been said or written.
Can character be formed?
Can my word be bond?
When we have not exchanged pleasantries.
I must strive to be the man you want to deal with
No the man you say did not even act like a man
But as a rascal.

So once words are spoken
They are bond
And I will be a man to them.
Adopt them as my own.
Raise them.
Take care of them.
And make sure that they are good.
I would not want to be a man of bad words.
A man to bad words.
Because then I will be a man condemned by bad words.

In the beginning,  was the Word.
The Word did battle with the dragon
The dragon was an angel.
Everything in the beginning was good,
Until iniquity was found in this angel.
Then the WAR began.
It was a fight to see
who would win,
the Word, and the dragoned angel.
God prevailed.
In heaven.
Now he had to prevail on Earth.

And as he lay dying on the cross
He heard a voice.
And he recognized that voice
It was Caiphas.
But Jesus knew the SPIRIT behind that voice.
Caiphas walked up and down
And spat out
If you are the Son of God
save yourself!
You don’t even have to save us.
Enough is enough of this nonsense.
You claimed,  to be able to save the world,
But you cannot free yourself off of two sticks?!
The Word was silent.
The one who spoke creation into existence did not speak.

And Caiphas continued.
You disgust me.
Now look,
you are calling for Elijah.
We all know His fire cannot help you this time.
What are you gonna do,
Burn yourself off of the cross?!
Just step off the cross, and the pain will be over
Your allegiance to your cause, is astounding.
Or more accurately, pathetic.
Because of it, you are now stuck between two thieves,
hanging in the boiling hot sun,
about to die.
Is this how you envisioned yourself?!
Such is the fate of fools.
The problem with dying for a cause is when the cause demands more than death.
  
Well, Jesus died.
And rose again
He was the one strong enough to lift the stone
Because the Son of God could not stay buried.
Although he left our sins buried.
He rose again.
And brought the victory from heaven, to earth, and back to heaven again.
So now we can walk in victory everywhere our feet can touch.

My name is nobody
My name is somebody
My name is everybody.

Who is awesome.
Well, everybody is awesome.
But I’m somebody, and I don’t think I have all the awesome.
And I’m nobody, and I think that awesome escapes me.

Who can do it?
Everybody could not do it.
And we can’t accept that nobody could do it
Because that would be an excuse.
So we will call on somebody.
Well, I am somebody.

But now they are asking
Whose fault this is?
It cannot be everybody’s fault.
Even though I scream I am everybody.
It has to be somebody’s fault.
I whisper I am somebody.
Maybe
Just Maybe
What happened was nobody’s fault.
And I smile
Because I have been telling you all this time
I am nobody.

I yearned to speak from the walls of my heart
But it was a glass house.
No foundation
They say the chambers were empty.
I think there is blockage there.
They said I needed to bypass
I said I needed to GET. IT. OUT.
So that I can breathe again
So that I will breathe, freely
Because right now my heart is racing.
And it is not on track
They said I had a stroke
I replied it was a stroke of genius
They urged me that this type of stroke does not come from the heart.
I have to sit down, I have to lie, down.
The room is spinning
And the walls of my heart are caving in.
The glass from the house is hurting me.
I yearn to speak from the walls of my heart
But when I finally tried, the walls were no longer there.

I was sitting inside
After a long time out in the snow
I was glad to be back
But what should I drink?
What would be the perfect beverage to warm my innards?

Coffee:
Come to me, my son.
You can have me in many flavors
I am multifaceted.
Forget about hot chocolate
You don’t need marshmallows
And I come in dark too
Like the chocolate you like.
Tea is just holier-than-thou water with plants in it
That didn’t even have the courtesy to be cooked.
Because no one wanted to
They just took it from the ground and put it in a doggie bag.
You deserve better
I can keep you awake and keep you warm.
You can finally use the coffee maker
You got for Christmas
And thanked Aunty for in a handwritten letter
That you said you would use and never did.
Until now
The time is come
Put me inside
Both the coffee maker and your belly
And I assure you you have no regrets

Tea:
Pshaw, forget about coffee
You need an entire machine of life support
In order to make it.
Don’t forget about me,
Your faithful friend.
I can be hot or cold.
No one has ever drank dark coffee cold.
And speaking of which
You don’t need the darkness of coffee in life.
I am light and bubbly.
I come from foreign nations
Yet I live as family in your home.
You can drink me without sugar
And not feel as if your mouth is dying.
I have so many flavors to choose from
And you are home all day
So more of me to pick from!

Hot Chocolate:
Uhh, how come no one mentions me?!
I am the childhood favorite
That you make with milk
Then when you step on the scale
And don’t like how the numbers add up
You make it with water.
I come in flavors too
And they are all chocolate.
No need to add sugar
Because I brought my own.
You can add marshmallows.
Or whipped cream.
Because I am like the ice cream of beverages
The amount of toppings is limited to your imagination.
You don’t need a machine
Well, you do need a microwave
But even then, you could heat my brethren over the fire
And pour me in.
Even though I am a dark-colored beverage
People drink me because they like me
Not just to stay awake
Unlike other beverages I know.
I wont mention names
cough cough Coffee, Tea, you know yourselves
So choose me
Your companion from adolescence.

So many to choose from.
I think I would take one of each
For each meal.
After all, they are the three kings of winter beverages.
The only question is
Which one do I drink first?