Words and Nature – Earth Day, 2021

Two things that are true about me: I feel my calmest when I am near a body of water or looking out at mountains or flower covered canyons; and I enjoy words. I recall a time when I lived in Indiana, that I spent hours looking for some moving water. I eventually found myself in…

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Aevrie Rhose: A Rose Gifted in 2020

“What time is it?” “Has it been three hours already?” “What have I done today?” “Did I even shower?” “Aww, was that a smile?” These are just a few of the questions that both my daughter and I asked the last month or so in 2020.  Aevrie Rhose, my first grandchild, came into the world on her due date with 10 toes, 10 fingers, and a cute button nose. Unlike…

2020: A Year of Collective Loss for Black America

{CONTENT WARNING: death, COVID-19, trauma, and police brutality. A 10-minute read.} I think “It” started on January 26th with the news that Kobé Bryant, his daughter and seven others had perished in a helicopter crash. We had just landed for one of two layovers between Shreveport and Las Vegas when the news broke. I recall…

Reparation

Reparation: noun (Dictionary.com).• the making of amends for wrong or injury done: i.e. reparation for an injustice.• usual usage: compensation in money, material, labor, etc., payable by a defeated country to another country or to an individual for loss suffered during or as a result of war.• restoration to good condition.• repair I sit here…

Oh, You See Me

Oh, you see me I’m big and I’m black and I’m loud, and That’s the problem isn’t it? I won’t shut up I won’t sit down You can’t monetize my pain I won’t let you pimp my praise You see me, yet You see the me you need to see, so You can keep seeing…

When I Say I’m Tired

When I say I’m tired Please don’t get it twisted, don’t misconstrue I’m not tired and bowing out, no I’m tired of explaining myself to you I’m tired of holding it in, and Sucking it up And swallowing words that become Swords that cut me from the inside I’m tired of you and your excuses…