Light A Candle In The Dark

Black and Brown

2012-03-08T15:59:00.001-08:00

Black and brown

We’ve got to turn this thing around

We’ve got to end the violence.

It doesn’t make sense.

We need to put our differences aside

We don’t have to take sides.

In actuality, we are all warring against violence and poverty

It is destroying all of our communities.

In Watts and in East L.A.,

People are dying every day.

We are all trying to break our fall,

Robbing Peter to pay Paul

Barely getting by.

When it comes to disappointments and heartache,

We have a tie

The hearse rolls through our communities every day.

We’ve got to stop blowing one another away.

We are the ones crowding the prisons and the cemeteries

So why are we knocking one another to our knees?

When it comes to opportunities,
We are all doing without.

We’re in the same bag trying to work our way out.

If you’re looking for a fight,

Fight to turn the wrongs into right.

Fight against your real enemy,

Drugs, violence, alcoholism, substandard schools and poverty.

Fight for programs to keep our children off the street,

Fight for those homeless men and women without food to eat.

Better education should be the topic of conversation between us,

But there can be no discussion where there is no trust.

If we expect to advance,

We both need to be given a fighting chance.

It’s time to conquer the great divide.

Latinos and Blacks need to stand together, side by side.

United, we can stand but divided, we will fall.

It is our call.

In a world that keeps stacking the deck against us, and counting on us to fail,

We can still prevail.

We can reverse the statistics.

Our children don’t have to be gang bangers and convicts.

When it comes to living on our streets, no rules apply

It’s only do or die.

If we don’t want them to succumb to that trap

We’ve got to help them find their way back

By showing that with determination and the willingness to sacrifice,

They can live a purposeful life.

He Will Take Care of You

2012-03-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

When the cares of this world are trying
Never stop trying.
In the midst of our storms and rains
Through our burdens and pains
We've got to keep going
Sometimes not knowing
Where we are going to.
We can make our way through.
Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo
We've got to know
God will never leave us
Or forsake us.
He is always with us.
Just trust
And believe
His blessings are ours to receive.
When there is no reason to praise,
Praise.
When your world is falling apart,
Trust him with your whole heart.
When he says come,
We must come
Even when all we can see
Is a raging sea.
When our faith is tried like never before,
We've got to be sure,
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
That he is our way out.
The cares of this world can be trying,
But never stop trying.
God has promised and he will do
All that he said he will do
In the darkest hour his light will come shining through.
He will take care of you.

I dedicate this song to the famiily of those whose loved ones were hurt in the Ohio shooting,
And to anyone who is going through heartache and pain. God knows. (song by Angelo and Veronica).

Requiem for Those Who Died Young

2012-02-25T09:09:00.004-08:00

This is a requiem for those who died young,

An innocent victim to a bullet from some gang bangers gun.

A song of mourning I sing

To quench death’s angry sting

I say a final goodbye

On behalf of those left to cry.

Some loving mother’s daughter or son

Never again to see another sun.

Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time

Another victim to black on black crime;

Their life taken by one of the body snatchers in the hood

We should hate them for the crazy things they do-we should.

I find myself feeling sorry for them instead,

Because it’s only a matter of time before they too are dead.

You see, there is no sinful act for which we will not pay

It’s only a matter of time before it’s their day

And their name is added to the list of those who have succumbed

To a bullet from some gang banger’s gun.

It’s a vicious cycle that only repeats.

Death only cheats,

Cheats those who have so much to give

Of a chance to live.

It’s sad when undertakers find themselves being put to the test

By the burdens that come with laying so many children to rest.

I’m tired of hearing about black on black crime

And young men and women doing time.

My heartaches

Every time I think of what is at stake.

I can’t begin

To understand why

So many tears have to be cried.
I herein decry

Nothing can justify

What our children are doing to one another.

Surely, our forefathers didn’t die for us to experience this.

Something is definitely amiss.
We’ve got to uncover a solution soon

And end this cycle of doom.

We’ve got to launch an attack.

It’s time to snatch our children back

From the hands of the enemy

And set them free

From the dungeons of despair.

Father’s and mother’s you’ve got to be there

To keep your children from going astray.

Most of all you’ve got to pray

If you fail in this responsibility

Your child may be the next casualty.

Some gang is waiting to welcome them in

To their den of sin.

We’ve got to find a solution

In order to bring an end to these senseless executions.

Young bodies don’t have to be lining the walls of our mortuaries,

Children’s names shouldn’t be filling the pages of the orbituaries.

I wish there was some way to make our children see

That death doesn’t have to become their reality.

Too many children are being traumatized

And terrorized

By what their young eyes have seen.

At night, they cry out and scream

As they subconsciously think about the stories they hear.

They live each day in fear.

We have a problem that desperately needs to be solved

Or the cycle of death will continue to revolve

From generation

To generation

Until all that is left

Is an ever-prevailing stench of death.

copyright by P. Newman-Harris

" We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Living the Dream

2012-02-24T13:37:00.003-08:00

In every land,
Every kingdom,
Every corridor
Across the world
Someone died
Making the world better
For you and I.
For the cause of freedom,
Men fought until nothing was left,
Some went to their death.
We are the seed they bore,
The fruit of their labor.
We are living their visions,
Manifesting their dreams.
We are bone of their bone,
Flesh of their flesh.
It is our duty to live life
With purpose and pride
Honoring those ancestral spirits
As if we were kin to every man that died,
Every woman that cried,
Suffered loss,
Paid the cost.
These men were not of different fiber than we.
We are of the same tapestry.
To our ancestors we must remain true,
As to ourselves we must remain true,
By assuring that their dreams
Never cease.
Let every heart determine once again,
"Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me."
Until every man is free to be all he was created to be.

copyright by P. Newman-Harris

Goodbye to Whitney continued

2012-02-17T17:54:00.001-08:00

The Dream

I miss you so much
I long to feel your touch.
I know you have finished this race,
But I still long to see your face.
I wish we had more time.
I know this is not your wish, but mine.
You see I had a dream that I talked to you on the phone.
We had a long conversation & I asked you to come back home.
You paused for a moment as I began to cry.
Then, you said,
"This place is better than I ever could have imagined or dreamed.
One day, you'll know what I mean.
I can see Grandma and Grandpa everyday.
I want to stay.
I know you miss me,
But it's time to let me go.
I will be with you always.
Think of me on warm summer days
And moonlit nights.
You're going to be alright.
Always know I love you more than words can say."
Even though I knew you had said all there was to say,
I wanted to keep you on the phone a little while longer,
Hoping that I would grow stronger.
Finally, you said, "I have to go."
I said, "I know."
We said our last good-byes
And, together, we cried.

P. Newman-Harris

Goodbye Whitney

2012-02-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

Whitney

I wish I could have told you something about yourself
Before you left.
Did you know just how special you are?
I'm not just talking about Whitney the superstar.
Did you know that in God's eyes you shined
Brighter than the person the world got to know?
I'm sure by now God has told you so.
I wish we could have helped you through the things that troubled you.
I'm sure given time, the old you would have come shining through.
We will never comprehend
Why things had to end.
It is certain.
You will be missed by family, friends and your fans.
As we say goodbye and release you to God's hands,
Just know
We hate to see you go.
We will always love you.
"You, you, you, you,
My darling you."
We will always love you.

I dedicate this song, After While, by Deitrich Haddon to family, friends, and all whoWhitney touched in her life time.

Though in our eyes, Whitney should have had more time here on this earth, God, the creater and determiner of our fate, has the ultimate say. Tis not ours to wonder why for his ways or not our ways, neither can we understand what he has destined to be.

Black History Month (continued)

2012-02-10T20:39:00.001-08:00

This is a poem written upon the election of President Obama.

Free At Last

By P. Newman-Harris

I never thought we would see

This day in our history.

Until now it was only a dream

That one man esteemed

Long ago.

Who would know

When he said the words, Free at last

That we would see his dream come to pass,

A new day, when an old chapter would come to an end

And a new chapter would begin?

New frontiers are about to be explored

On what was once distant shores.

Martin, we wish you were here

To give Obama a cheer,

To see the beginning of a new day.

It is a new day, a new day for you and for me

A day when we all can agree

To come together, casting aside the issues of color and race,

Facing whatever needs to be faced,

Standing as one nation, under God, one color one creed.

Yes, we still have hungry people to feed,

An economy to restore, and disillusionments to erase

But we have reached this place,

A place where we can look ahead without fear.

For we now know that our hope is near,

We are finally in a position where we can have hope

Above all hopes,

We are in a place where we can write a new story on the pages of time

For new generations to find.

We stand with pride

On behalf of every black man and woman that has died.

We will never stop reaching for the dream,

We will keep on living the dream,

For we can finally rest in the belief of a man who says, “Yes, we can.”

And lean on the promises of one who believed that we would be free at last,

Martin, thank God almighty, we are free at last!

Celebrating Black History Month

2012-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Tribute to Harriet Tubman

Freedom Train

I close my eyes and visions of long ago I see

Spirits of the past keep calling me.

What is it I hear?

Sounds like a train whistle drawing near.

Ain’t no ordinary train

It’s the freedom train

Underground and out of sight

Comin like a thief in the night

Freedom train,

Freedom train.

Comin round the bend

Songs of freedom blowing in the wind

Freedom train, freedom train.

Goin ride that freedom train.

Voices travelin in the dark of night,

“Don’t go left, go right.”

Bloodhounds drawing near

As if they can smell the fear

Hush

Don’t make a sound

Or we will be found

Can’t get tired now

Gotta keep on goin somehow

Freedom train,

Freedom train

Comin round the bend

Songs of freedom blowing in the wind.

We have waited so long for this day

Goin sing a song of freedom in a land far away

All sorrows have passed

We’re free at last

Freedom train, freedom train

Goin ride that freedom train

Some who once came to ride

Have long since died

Their spirits keep calling me

For what a tragedy

That some had to die and never see

Their dream of freedom become reality

All sorrows are passed

We are free at last

Freedom train freedom train comin round the bend

Songs of freedom blowing in the wind.

Freedom train, freedom train

Goin ride that freedom train

Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom, and later led more than 300 other slaves to the North and to Canada to their freedom, too. The best-known conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was acquainted with many of the social reformers and abolitionists of her time, and she spoke against slavery and for women's rights.

Above excerpt taken from
Jone Johnson Lewis'
Women's History Guide

Harriet Tubman

Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Celebrating Black History Month 12/12 (12 months of the year)

2012-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

I came across this on U Tube and thought what better way than to begin Black History Month than with this beautiful song by Melba Moore.

Trying to understand the heart of man

One day I took pen in hand.

Burdened by the condition of the human heart,

I wondered if we’d ever make a brand new start.

Question after question formed in my mind.

It is clear we are running out of time.

Years are slipping away,

The day seems further and further away.

The messages of hate

Continues to formulate and penetrate

In such a diseased world,

Can I even hope for a different world

Before I close my eyes?

How much longer must the innocent suffer and die?

With the light of hope burning dim,
Am I holding on to a chance that is slim?

Surely, we will place our feet on solid ground
I believe the impossible will come to be
Surely,
The insanity will end.

Hate is not the burning message in the heart of men.

Somewhere deep inside of us,

There’s a desire to love and trust.

If my soul is to find relief,

I have to hold onto that belief.

I have to believe

The gift of peace will one day be received

In every kingdom, in every land where there is discord.

Surely one day we will be on one accord.

Surely, peace is more than just a word

Surely, the message will be heard.

Surely, one day the wars will end.

I don’t know when.

Surely, we shall not fail.

One day peace will prevail.

Will We Ever?

2012-01-16T10:01:00.001-08:00

On this King Day Celebration take a moment and pause to say thanks for Dr. King's sacrifice. He did it all for us.

Inspite of the years that have passed
We still remember his words, "Free at Last."
But we will never be free
as long as we view one another as the enemy.
How long will it take
Before we learn from our mistakes?
Somebody tell me,
Will we ever see peace?
Will wars ever cease?
Will we ever stand where he stood?
Will we ever understand what he could?
Will we ever envision his dream?
Will we ever understand what it means?
Will we ever?
Will we ever?
If we only could,
It would be for our common good.
Somebody tell me, will ever,
Will we ever?

What Would You Say? Celebrating the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

It seems like only yesterday

You were taken away

You tried to prepare our hearts and our minds

For what you knew would be trying times.

You never stopped believing that if we did not stop,

One day, we would reach the mountain top.

If you were here today,

What would you say?

Would you be surprised to discover that violence is on the increase,

That we have failed at world peace?

Would your eyes fill with tears

Over the wasted years?

To see that after risking your neck.

Some of us have failed to cash the check

Placed in our hands.

Would you understand why others chose to die rather than live in the promised land?

You wanted us to know your dream,

See your dream,

Feel your dream,

Live your dream,

As our own legacy

To our families.

You spent your life trying to right the world’s wrongs

So we would have a place to belong.

Your vision was not just for some,

It was for everyone.

If you were here today,

What would you say?

To see us throwing it all away.

What would you say?
copyright by P. Newman-Harris

Happy King Day

It's Time to Live the Dream

2012-01-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

I would like to share this essay as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was written just after the election of President Obama.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming. For almost ten years, I’ve been writing poems about racial unity, believing that one day, we’d put our differences aside and walk together with pride, I was beginning to believe I’d never see that day come into fruition. Then, on November 4, 2008, America did just that and elected the first Black American President. It is a day that will go down in history. The swearing in of America’s first Black President will signify the beginning of a new era for our country. For black America, it will also be the realization of a dream. Never since the death of Dr. King, have I seen so much hope in the eyes of Black Americans. Like Dr King, our President has the ability not only to inspire hope, but to inspire people into action. It is, indeed, a gift from God. So many people are talking about how having a black American president in office has inspired them like never before. Even the men holding up the wall at the corner liquor store, are talking of something more. If there ever was a time for black America to do more it is now. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels, so to speak. Our work has just begun. Winning the election is only the beginning of President Obama’s job. We can’t expect him to change the world overnight, but we can expect him to do his best. Just like we expect a lot from him, we should expect a lot from ourselves. The weight of America’s success should not be placed upon the President’s shoulders alone. Although it is very important to pray for the safety of the President and his family, our responsibility shouldn’t end there. We have an even greater responsibility to ourselves to be the best we can be. It is not President Obama’s job to fulfill our dreams. Whether or not we fail or succeed is up to each of us alone. With the economy in such turmoil, it is going to be harder than ever before to make ends meet., but we must not lose hope. When I was growing up I used to hear people say, “When the going gets rough, the tough get going. “ Well, the goings are getting rough and it is time for us to get going. A lot of us have been stagnating in fear, placing the blame for our failures on every thing and everyone else but ourselves. If we are going to move ahead, we have to be honest with ourselves by taking responsibility for our own choices. Just like it is a new day for America as a whole, it can be a new day for each and every one us, a day when we can finally put the past behind us and move ahead. President Obama has inspired us to believe that we can. We must not disappoint him, but most importantly, we must not disappoint ourselves. We have been blessed to see this day come to pass, that alone, places a great responsibility upon our shoulders. It is now our task to be keepers of the flame of hope and peace. For we are visualizing the dreams of the many who died hoping and wishing for this day, but it is not enough to visualize the dream, we have to live the dream. It is time to live the dream!

copyright 2008 by P.Newman-Harris

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my friends and family and frequent visitors to the blog. May your new year be blessed. I'd like to dedicate this song to you all. If we hold on, a change is coming.

Salute ot Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011-12-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

Happy King Day

A KING FIT TO BE A KING

A King is what you were destined to be

One who could see injustices others could not see.

Hand chosen by God to lead the battle against inequality

You were a King fit to be a King.

You changed the world with one cry, “Let freedom ring.”

Selfless, humble, courageous and strong,

You gave your life to right the ultimate wrong.

Yours was not a message of violence, but one of love,

Peace and humility.

You could forgive the unforgiveable,

Motivate the unmotivatable and move the seemingly immoveable

You awakened the sleeping and quickened the dead in spirit.

You taught us to draw from a well spring of strength

That lay dormant in the pain and agony of injustice.

You gave us a vision of what was on the other side

You ignited our hearts with pride.

You enabled us to see that we could overcome,

If in our hearts we would believe,

That was your hope.

That was your dream.

Penetrating the darkness of hopelessness and despair,

You were a beacon of hope, challenging,

Inspiring and gently guiding us through,

Like the great men and women before

Who championed freedom’s cause.

They may have stilled your voice, but

In our spirits, we can still hear your cry,

“Free at last, Free at last, thank God

Almighty, we are free at last!”

All hail to you Martin

Forever in our hearts you will be

A King

Fit to be a King.

One Wish

2011-12-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

If I had one wish

It would be to make every Christmas dream come true

So, Lord, I’d like to talk to you.

Little Jasmine wants a new pair of shoes,

But if she had to choose,

She’d rather have a place to sleep.

She knows her Mother is tired of staying on the street.

Little Tyler’s gift cannot be wrapped

All he wants is to have his father back.

Every time Nicholas goes to church,

He prays that one day there will be peace on earth.

There are so many soldiers fighting in Iraq

Their families just want them to come back.

All over the world

There are little boys and girls

With needs such as these,

So, Lord, please

Bless them tonight

As they make a wish and turn out the light.

Lord remember those who have no home.

I hate to see them spend Christmas alone.

I come on their behalf

Knowing you can bring miracles to pass.

Lord, we know you are there.

We know how much you care.

So, we come asking you

To do whatever you can do.
Lord, we are counting on you

To make our Christmas dreams come true.

All over the world

There are little boys and girls

With tiny hands clasped

Innocently they ask

Not knowing what they ask

Will be no small task

Lord, I come on their behalf.

If I had just one wish

It would be to make every Christmas wish come true.

Prayer for Peace

2011-12-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you have been visiting this blog for any length of time, I'm sure you have discovered my private passion is for bringing peace and harmony to the world. That is why, especially, at this time of the year, I have great concern for those whose fight for the battle of peace has kept them away from family and friends. For them, I say a special holiday prayer, for their families, and friends, that this time next year, they will be at home hugging their loved ones tight. I wish you all a very Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year...Whoever you are and Where ever you are I dedicate this prayer and this song to you.

To the war torn countries of the world:

For you, I say this prayer today

To Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq, to Jerusalem, Sarajevo,

Beirut, Belfast, Africa, Kuwait, Mongolia,

To the world.

May God 's peace rain from shore to shore,

Cleansing hardened hearts from hatreds of generations past.

May the winds of unrest be stilled at last.

May God open blinded eyes and allow them to

See the world afresh and new.

May he shut the bowels of anger, hatred and wrath

And lead us down compassion’s path

May broken spirits be repaired

and old wounds healed.

I pray that the children of the world

will remain untouched by the violence their young

eyes have seen.

May God raise up amongst them leaders who will teach the

way of peace, godliness and love.

I pray that they will be young men and women

That will desire to resolve their differences

Without the need for weapons or missiles, but instead will work

together to bring about a peaceful coexistence.

I pray that they will not fight without purpose or cause,

but, will choose to stand for what is decent and right.

I pray for those who have lost their lives needlessly.

On behalf of their families I seek comfort and healing.

Lord, I ask that you would fill us with your love.

Give us a heart of understanding and a tolerance for diversity

in race, color, nationality and customs.

Teach us how to love one another with the same love

wherein you have loved us, unconditionally and without merit.

I pray for everlasting peace and restoration for us all.

Forever grant us your sweet Shalom.

In Jesus name.

Amen

Remember

2011-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

To those who believe

Christmas only comes in December

Let’s take a moment to remember.

Remember the Holy one

Remember all that he has done.

Christmas is much more than a season,

Much more than a few days of fun.

Christmas is a time to remember.

Remember the love

That was sent from above.

Remember God’s grace,

Remember his mercy

By showing the same love and trust

That he has shown toward us.

It’s taking a stance,

Independent of circumstance,

For a sister or brother who can’t stand on his own

It’s opening your home

When someone is spending Christmas alone.

It’s going out of your way to help the deprived.

It’s offering someone a ride,

Giving an encouraging word or two.

It’s doing whatever you can do.

It’s standing in a gap for someone,

Regardless of ethnicity, birthplace

Or race.

It’s never about color.

It’s about helping one another.

It’s the caring

And the sharing

It’s about putting a smile on the face

Of boys and girls

Throughout the world.

It’s the showing of God’s amazing grace

Not just one day,

But everyday.

It’s the giving.

It’s the living.

No matter what the reason

Or the season might be

It’s showing the same love as he.

To those who believe Christmas only comes in December,

Lets take a moment to remember.

Remember God’s love.

Remember his grace.

Remember

Not just in December

Remember.

The Story Without End

2011-12-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

There’s a story we know so well,

One we love to tell.

It's been called the story without end.

It has been told again and again.

A story as old as time,

It has survived many lifetimes.

Who hasn’t heard the story

Of how, Jesus, in all of his glory,

In one immaculate birth

Came to earth?

To those who believe,

It is neither myth nor prodigy of the rumor mill.

It is Biblical prophesy fulfilled.

To those who might ask, “How can it be?”

I ask, “How can you not see

The beauty of all his hands has made?”

The green grass, like a carpet, he laid.

His play goes unrehearsed

Throughout the universe.

He, the author of time,

Has written every line.

The flowers, trees, and skies,

Humming birds and butterflies,

The stars that sparkle brilliantly,

The ever-reaching sea,

The sun that shines down on us each day,

The waves that mysteriously roll away,

Are evidence of his power and glory.

It’s all a part of the never-ending story.

He created all that we can see

Just by uttering the words, “Let there be.”

The master of earth and sky,

Keeps the birds soaring through the sky.

He created the mountains, hills and plains,

And he waters them with the rain.

How can we not see the little miracles he gives us every day?

Like a Shepherd, he knows if just one sheep goes astray.

It is he who makes the cattle on a thousand hills

And whisper to the raging sea, “Peace be still.”

To those who will ask,” How can he be?”

I ask, “How can you not see the beauty of his majesty?”
Whether or not you believe the story is true

Is up to you,

Regardless, the story will live on

Long after we are gone

For it is a story without end

That will continue to be told again and again.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Gift

As I sat thinking on Christmases past

How, as a child, I thought of foolish things.

I wanted a new doll every Christmas,

I never once thought of how much it would cost

Or whether my parents had the money at all

I never knew how difficult the task proved to be

When things magically appeared under the tree.

Somehow, they managed to fulfill most of our requests.

I remember the lighted Christmas trees,

The gifts and toys always strewn underneath

I never wondered if one day they wouldn’t be

My belief and faith in my parents never let me doubt.

We rarely had to do without.

Not to imply we had a lot

My parents worked hard for everything we got.

Now that I’m grown, I see things differently.

I know what is important and what is not.

I’ve learned to be grateful for everything I’ve got.

I still enjoy all the lights and festivities of the season,

But it’s not what matters most.

All the toys and gifts we received didn’t last any length of time.

Some were outgrown, some lost, others given away.

In some sense, they were never really mine.

I enjoyed them for a brief period of time.

The gift we received that mattered most,

Is the precious memories we made as a family.

This is what I will always treasure

It is a gift that is beyond measure.

As a child I thought of foolish things,

But now I know the value of the gift

That we received every day of the year.

It wasn’t something you put in a box with a bow

And place under the Christmas tree

It was a gift that will last forever

One that will be with our family always

It can never be taken away

It will never lose its sparkle or shine

It will be ours until the end of time.

That is the unending gift of love

Copyright 2011 P. Newman-Harris

I Just Want to Say Thank You

2011-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Lord, too many times I've come to you

Crying, Lord, what can you do?

Day after day I make my requests unto you

Forgetting about you.

How you have blessed me thus far.

How faithful you are.

I have so much to be thankful for

But I never stop asking for more.

Today, I have no requests or petitions

Just a humble rendition

My praise to impart

With all the reverence in my heart

I want to kneel in that secret place

And seek your face

I want to give you the praise and honor that you’re due.

Lord, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for all the days you've allowed me to see

It didn't have to be

Thank you for the hand of mercy

That kept me safe from tragedy

Thank you for the awesome grace

That brought me where I am today

And gave me the strength to face each new day

Lord I just want to say thank you

I don’t want to sit on your mercy seat

I just want to kneel at your feet

And honor you with a praise that is fresh and new

I just want to thank you.

I don’t want to ask for more.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Today, I have no requests or petitions

Just a humble rendition

Of praise to impart

The reverence in my heart

Lord I want to give all praise to you,

I just want to say, thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving -Count Your Blessings

2011-11-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

I remember the words to an old song,

"Count your blessings, name them one by one"

The words when sung

Didn’t mean much to me at the time

But somehow, they stuck in my mind.

Years have taught me things aren’t always as they seem

A well-ordered life can be raveling at the seams.

The richest man

Can be the poorest man

If he has a beautiful home,

And falls asleep alone

He can have everything money can buy,

But he still has to die.

He can have great wealth,

And be in poor health.

God didn’t have to keep us from hurt, harm and danger.

We could be that homeless stranger

Walking the street

Begging for food to eat.

If we can see the sun rise,

If we can look up and see blue skies,

If we can hear the birds sweet melodies,

Flowing through the trees

If we can still speak,

If we have a job week after week,

If we have some money to spend,

If we have family and friends,

We have something to be thankful for.

Before you ask for more,

Count your blessings,

Name them one by one

Saying thank you for everyone

Count Your Blessings (Lyrics to song)

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/707#ixzz1e0Fa7YiK

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thank You Lord

I have seen some gray skies and I’ve seen some blue

There have been days when I didn’t know what to do

I’ve cried enough tears for you and me

But I thank God for every day he allows me to see

Thank you Lord

I just want to say thank you Lord

For all you've done for me.

When the good doesn't outweigh the bad,

I won't be sad.

I will still stand

I will still raise my hands

I will praise God for each and every blessing he brings

Being thankful in all things

For though he brings the rain

It is he who makes the sun shine again

This one thing I know

Because the Bible tells me so

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights

He will always see me through the dark days and nights

I praise God I can stand

I praise him because I can still raise my hands

I praise God that I can still sing,

Thank you Lord

I just want to say thank you Lord

For all you've done for me.

Sometimes I like to take my favorite praise song and write my own version. This one is based on the song "Thank You Lord" I couldn't find the version I wanted, but I like this one too.

Veteran's Day Tribute

2011-11-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

I personally would like to thank all of our Veterans for their sacrifices for our country. To those who have served, to those who have died, to those who yet live with their battle scars and to those who continue to serve. Thank you. What price freedom? It is my personal prayer that one day the wars will end and we will find peace. It is a dream long fought for and long awaited by the many who yet fight for their inalienable rights.

When?

Loving one another has been no easy task

So these questions I ask,

When will there be peace

When will hatred cease?

When will we right our wrongs,

And learn to get along?

Man’s biggest mistake

Has been harboring hate.

How many must lose their life?

How many must pay the price?

When will we take a stand?

When will we prove we can?

When will we be free

From hatred and bigotry?

When will we conquer the demons inside our head?

When will we end the bloodshed?

When will the healing begin?

The question is when?

How many must lose their life?

How many must pay the price

Before we can stand

Hand and hand?

When will there be no weapons of mass destruction to fear

No heartaches and tears,

No color bars

No more wars?

When will the fighting end?

When will the healing begin?

When will there be peace?

When will hatred cease?

When will we look one another in the face

And feel no disgrace?

When will the hatred end?

The question is when?

Dedicated to those who are yet on the battlefield for peace. We pray for your safe and speedy return.

To all who strive to reach the seemingly Impossible Dream...

Run Into Your Destiny

2011-11-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

God knows everything about you

Everything you will do,

Your successes, your failures,

Everything you will endure,

He knows every tear you will cry

He knows the reasons why

God has a place in this world

For every little boy and girl

He’s given you a dream that only you can see

He already knows what will be

He’s aware there will be road blocks

That will almost keep you from reaching the top

He knows people will try to convince you that

You can't do what you want to do,

But you can make your dreams come true.

You will fulfill your purpose in the end

You might not know how or when

Just know the day will come

His will shall be done.

He’s already done everything he could

To work things out for your good

He wants you to have a future and a hope

That is far beyond your scope

He has instilled in you the passion and fire

To do those things you desire

He’s given you a dream only you can see

He already knows what is to be.

God has designed a place just for you.

Has he not said and shall he not do

All that he said he will do?

You’ve got to believe

Believe

That you can fulfill every purpose

And every desire he’s designed for you

He can make your dreams come true

Just run fast, run free,

Run straight into your destiny

copyright by P. Newman-Harris

Who is Going to Save Me?

2011-10-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

When I look at children growing up today, I wonder what questions must be going through their minds? How do they feel watching our country sweat the small stuff while things fall down around our ears? This is what inspired this poem.

Mama Won’t You Tell Me

Mama won’t you tell me

How can I make it through the day?

How can I run

How can a play

When little children are being blown away?

In a world that is morally sick

How can I not end up a statistic?

How do I stay encouraged when I’m expected to fail?

How can I stay out of jail?

How can I learn to be a man

When there is no one there to take my hand

And no one to understand?

They tell me to stand on my own two feet,

But how can I stay clean living on a crime infested street?

I don’t know how long I can stay on the right path

I don’t know how much longer I’m going to last.

What do I do when there are no jobs and no way

To make a decent pay?

You may think I’m too young to know,

But Mama I want to know

How can I be all I can be

When the decks are stacked against me?

I appreciate your sacrifices

I really want to make something of my life

But how do I keep trying

When inside I’m dying

A little every day?

How can I make my fears go away?

How can I plan for tomorrow

When I don’t’ know if I’ll make it through the day?

Mama won’t you tell me

Who is going to save me?

It’s In Your Hands

2011-10-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

When we were children, we loved innocent and free

Unconditionally,

With a trust unchanged by ideologies

Untouched by behaviors that contaminate

Untarnished by prejudice or hate

After a while,

We lose that inner child

Our innate ability to trust

Abandons us

If that spirit of trust is to adhere,

We’ve got to let go of our fears.

The Bible says

That the little children shall lead the way

With all my heart I believe these words are true

So, little ones I’m speaking to you.

The future of the world depends on you.

With a heart that is pure and a trust that is true,

You can change the world

For every little boy and girl

For generations, we’ve made the same mistakes

You don’t have to live with our heartaches.

You don’t have to waste years

You don’t have to cry bitter tears

If you treat one another with dignity,

You won’t have to war needlessly

We have spread hatred far too long

I hope you can learn from our wrongs

And put an end to hate

Learn to communicate

The world we live in is a mess.

I’ve lived a life time in a world filled with unrest

I’ve seen the damage that it’s done

You have got to learn how to live as one.

We have proven that the fate of this world is doomed

By a hatred that consumes

It’s so deeply inbred

That it continues to be fed.

You can make the world a better place

You can conquer the problems that we’ve failed to face

It’s clear we haven’t got a clue

So, now it’s up to you.

Our hope is fading fast

The next war may be our last

I hope you understand.

The fate of the world is in your hands.

Beautiful

2011-10-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

We live in a day when children struggle to be comfortable being the person they were born to be. Sometimes we need a reminder that we are beautiful just the way we are. We are all unique, and perfect in our own individuality. We are beautiful.

Beautiful

Beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful, is what you are.

Brighter than any star

In the galaxy.

God created you to be

Different from the rest.

Inherently blessed,

You have a special place in his heart.

You are set apart.

The color of your skin, the texture of your hair

Are beyond compare.

Like the colors of the rainbow,

You have a majestic glow.

Shine like the star that you are.

Chocolate, vanilla, ebony girl

Do your Tyra twirl.

You are beautiful.

God’s Nubian Queen,

Full-figured and lean,

Shine like the star

That you are

You are beautiful.

Beautiful is what you are.

The color of your skin

Is a special blend.

You are stunning and rare

With beauty beyond compare

Walk in the beauty you possess.

No one can make you less.

Hold fast to the essence of you.

Your beauty will always shine thru.

Beautiful, that’s what you are

Brighter than any star

In the galaxy,

That’s who you were created to be.

You have a special place in God’s heart.

You are set apart.

In his eyes you will always be beautiful.

You are beautiful

Beautiful,
Beautiful,

Shine like the star

That you are.

Chocolate, vanilla, ebony girl

Do your Tyra twirl.

You are beautiful, beautiful.

Beautiful is what you are.

Beyond Where the Eye Can See

2011-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Beyond Where the Eye Can See

Beyond where the eyes can see

Are hidden treasures that transcend beauty

Deep inside

Where the spirit hides

Are unchartered seas

And unveiled mysteries

For you and me

Beyond where the eye can see

Deep inside beyond forever

Fading never

Are stories untold,

Pirates booty and hidden treasures ,

Sparkling gems and nuggets of gold,

In fields of plenty

Neglected by the many

Few there be that find

These treasures that dangle on the annuals of time.

The most perfect design,

Aged like fine wine

Oh taste and see

The untold mysteries

Waiting, beyond where the eye can see

copyright by P. Newman-Harris

People are treasures, little nuggets of gold that we sometimes overlook because we don't have the time. If only we would take the time to taste and see, what lies beyond where the eye can see.

The Extreme Makeover

2011-10-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Extreme Makeover

Everyone wants the perfect body

If they don’t like what they see,

They change their anatomy.

Tuck here

Lipo there

Add some lips

Remove some hips

Add some hair

Touch up everywhere

Recolor your eyes, reshape your nose.

Breast,

Do you want more or less?

Leave it to man

To let things get out of hand

Make your baby

Exactly the way you want him to be

Clone the perfect child

He will never go out of style

You can have it all,

Handsome, and tall,

High IQ

He can look exactly like you.

TV is reinforcing this insanity

Feeding into people's vanity

Changing their looks from head to toe

Anything goes

Downsize,

Supersize

Hey,

Whatever you say

You want to change your body?

See Dr. Gotte

He has everything you need

He can make anyone a beauty Queen

Men, you don’t know what is real and what’s not?

You don’t even know what you’ve got.

Even with a closer look,

Some have been mistook

There’s nothing we won’t do.

It’s sad, but it’s true

We are no longer satisfied with God’s handiwork

We’re too busy trying to find someone to do a new work

Sooner or later reality must be faced

There are some things that can never be replaced.

We can change our hair, our eyes,

Our lips and our thighs,

But no matter how much we plan

We can never match the work done by the Master’s hands.

There is Beauty in the Rain

2011-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

There is Beauty in the Rain

When dark clouds loom overhead,

The road gets hard to tread

Raging waters begin to flow

And strong winds begin to blow,

Don’t fret

It’s not over yet

Storms may come and go

But this I know

The storm won’t last

This too shall pass

God’s beauty abounds

In the peaceful sound

Of the rain

On your window pane

Whenever you look at rain with regret

Don’t forget

According to God’s plan

Rain cleanses the land

Replenishes the seas

And sprinkles the trees,

Flowers and grass

So their beauty will last

Earth’s beauty goes unrehearsed

It can never be reversed

It is awesomely displayed

And replayed

Time after time

Like a never ending rhyme

Even in the midst of the storm we can say

Thank you Lord for one more day

Knowing that in the end,

He will make things beautiful once again.

2011-10-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Close Your Eyes

Close your eyes and visualize with me

A world where we could live together peacefully

With no sounds of bombs bursting in air

And spirit of contentment everywhere.

From nation to nation

There would be a shared station

No man esteemed higher than another.

We would live as brothers.

Our love would be so strong

We could do one another no wrong.

We would rejoice in victories not our own

There would be no anger in our tone

We would share a common good

There would be no unrest in our neighborhoods,

No, barrios, no ghettos, no gang retaliation,

No bullets to go astray.

Can you imagine such a day?

Broken relationships would finally heal

With anybody we could just chill.

Imagine never wanting to settle a score,

Never hating any more,

Never having to pretend,

Reject, neglect or condescend

Anyone

Imagine a world with no guns,

Weapons of mass destruction,

Violence or corruption.

There would be no need to fear.

A code of honor would adhere

All decisions would be non-politically based,

And for the good of the human race

A spirit of love would be re-birthed

Here on this earth.

Liberty and justice would eternally reign,

A universal quest for equality would loose every chain.

Every dream denied would finally come true

The world would be made anew.

Close your eyes

And visualize

With me

A world where we could live together peacefully.

A Mother's Tears

2011-10-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

My brother requested a copy of this poem. Since I had to retype it for him, I decided to post it today.
It was one of the first poems I wrote.

A Mother’s Tears

No one sees a Mother’s tears

Silently cried throughout the years

No one knows the secrets she has hidden under lock and key

God alone knows the endless hours she has spent on bended knees

Praying for her family

No one knows how many times she awakens during the night

At the sound of every siren

Feeling her heart sink to the floor

Silently praying until her child comes through the door.

No one knows the disappointments that choke her heart

As she fights to keep things from falling apart

Everyone takes for granted she will always be strong

So, she bears their burdens her whole life long

Bravely, she presses on

Never complaining

Working tirelessly,

Always smiling, gentle and loving

Always there for you and me

A pillar of strength for all to see

No one knows the tears she has cried silently,

No one knows the endless hours she has spent on bended knees

Praying for her family

Saturday (light)

2011-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd keep it kinda light for a Saturday morning...

ACROSS A CROWDED ROOM

The instant you entered the room my eyes fastened on you
And I knew

My heart had come home

To a familiar place it had always known.

Your presence was felt more than heard,

You captured my heart without a word.

Attracted to you like a moth to a flame.

I didn’t even have to know your name.

There was something about your stance

That produced instant romance.

At one glance you took my breath away.

Then, I realized you were coming my way.

You came towards me with a relaxed easy pace.

I could have died just watching the smile on your face.

My heart began to race.

As I thought, “This man is the epitome of grace.”

I stood my ground

Hearing the sound

Of my heart’s accelerated beat.

I could hardly remain on my feet.

You said, “My name is Dan,”

Slowly extending your hand.

That’s all you had to say

To steal my heart away.

Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name

Then, I felt a smack,

And a pillow hit me across the back.

When I opened my eyes, my younger sister was standing over me with a crooked grin.

Saying, “ I’m going to tell mama you were dreaming about boys AGAIN..”

You Can Fly

2011-09-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

No matter what you see,

Believe the impossible can be.

Come what may believe.
The unimaginable will be yours to receive.

When you allow God to direct your path,

Your dreams will someday come to pass.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for.

It is the key to miracles yet in store.

It is that unreachable dream.

It is the evidence of things unseen.

No matter what you see,

Believe the impossible can be.

You can make it through the rain,

You can navigate the vast terrain.

You can move that mountain,

You can conquer that unconquerable sin.

You can see your way through,

You can make the impossible come true.

If you trust God,

You can do anything against all odds.

Stand on his word.

Believe your prayers have been heard.

If against hope you still believe,

The unthinkable will be yours to receive.

No matter what you see,

Believe that the impossible can be.

Don’t let people mess with you head

There may be rough times ahead,

But don’t give in to anger and remorse

You can make it if you stay the course

People will tell you that you can’t make your dreams come true

Don’t let anyone stop you

They will try to make you feel like you have no worth

Remember, they did not put you here on this earth

Nor can they formulate your life’s plan

Your future is in God’s hands

If your friends want to hold you back

Start walking and don’t look back

You can have a future that is bright

But you have to be willing to make the sacrifice

Little girl failure is not a fact

You don’t have to make a living on your back

Little boy you don’t have to waste your life selling crack

You don’t have to end up like that

Set you mind on the good

You can survive the hood

Someone else’s failures don’t have to belong to you

You can live your dreams

You can make them all come true

If you never stop believing in you

God will be the wind beneath your wings

In him you can do all things.

You can fly, you can fly

As far as the sky is wide

You can fly

If you try.

Your dreams can come true

It’s all up to you

You have everything you need inside

Decide

You can fly.

You can fly

As far as the sky is wide

You can fly.

You can fly

If you try,
You can fly

Imagine

2011-09-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Imagine how it would feel not to be free
To live as a slave without hope of being free

Imagine not being able to say what you wanted to say.
To have to do whatever someone else told you to do day after day

How would it feel to live within someone else's boundaries,
Forced to live a vision you could not see.

If you had to keep your emotions locked inside,
Would you be able to live with pride?

If your life was censored by another man
Would you still have a purpose and a plan?

If you were told not to dream,
Would you still believe in the impossible dream?

We complain about things as they may be,
But we never had to live that history.

Every freedom we have today was paid for with a price.
That price was someone else's life.

All I ask is that you consider the sacrifice.
Consider the price

There is a gift that is ours to claim
If we fail to claim it, no one else is the blame.

We can dream
Our wildest dreams,

Soar as high
As we're willing to fly

To forfeit that opportunity
Is to deny our right to be free.

Never forgot those who died that we might be free
Never stop thanking them for that opportunity

It is because of them we can live the dream
Never forget what that means.

copyright 2008 by P. Newman-Harris

So What

2011-09-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

As school begins again, please keep in mind that the opportunity to learn is one that we should appreciate and treasure.

When you go to school, put forth your best effort. Knowledge is the key to success. It's a gift of every child in this nation. All you have to do is unwrap the gift. If you do so, you will have no regrets. It is by far one of the greatest gift you'll ever receive.

So What

So what if it ain’t cool

Stay in school

So what if you say no to gangs

It ain’t no thang

You produce your own act

What someone else thinks, has nothing to do with that.

There will always be nay-sayers

And player haters

Telling you that you ain’t ghetto enough

You ain’t black enough

You ain’t, you ain’t

That will always be the complaint.

No matter what you do, it won’t be right

Just continue to keep your goals in sight.

Being black

Doesn’t mean you have to stay back

Nobody can tell you who you ought to be

Live like you are free

Stand tall

That’s all

Do your best

Forget about the rest.

Accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

That applies to people too

You don’t need people who hinder you.

Don’t let anyone steal your dignity

Don’t give them that opportunity

Embrace originality

And individuality

Don't be afraid to explore

There are many open doors

If doors close in your face,

Feel no disgrace

Knock and keep knocking

Nothing is gained by stopping

You are in the driver’s seat

Never surrender to defeat

Be the student your teacher loves to teach

Don’t be the one no one can reach

Throwing away your mind is a disgrace

It is a slap in the face

To those who never had a chance to learn

And to those who sacrificed so that right could be earned

So what if it ain’t cool

Stay in school.

9/11 Tribute-- The Message

2011-09-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

I heard a message so clear

It was like God had placed his lips to my ear

Why is it so hard for us to comprehend

The messages that have burned in the heart men?

Diana said, "We can make the world a better place.

If we reach out and touch somebody’s hand."

Touch anybody’s hand

Michael’s message in Man in the Mirror

Couldn’t have been any clearer.

You have to start with yourself

Before you can love someone else.
Songwriters have made plea after plea
Hoping we'd have an epipthany.

People all over the world

Sang “We are the World...

“We can make the world a better place just you and me,”

And still didn’t see.

We don’t need an "a ha moment"

To understand why these messages were sent.
Inspite of all our accomplishments and accolades
Our successes pale and fade

We can discount every effort made
If we never learn to live peacefully
Yes, we've explored the depths of the sea

Made the seemingly impossible come to be

Soared into outer space.
If we never resolve the issue of race,
The only thing we should feel is disgrace

When a lack of trust

Still remains between us

What good is it to have intelligence of mind

And remain blind?

How many more years will go by before we realize

What is right before our eyes?

As I pen these words,

I’m only repeating what I heard.

These words are not mine.

God simply wants me to let you know, we’re running out of time.

What time is it?

9/11 Tribute (cont'd)

2011-09-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Wherever we were, whatever we were doing, we will always remember

That day in September.

If there was a collective lesson to be learned by this great nation

It is that regardless of race or place,

Color or station,

When it comes to pain,

We are all the same.

There wasn't a dry eye.

We all cried.

As a nation, we mourned the loss of our fellow countrymen.

In that moment in time, there were no barriers to transcend

We were all just men.

9/11 Tribute (continued) Remember, We Must

2011-09-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Looking back on that fateful day, 9/11/2001,

It is still hard to believe what was done

It’s like a nightmare without end.

Just reading the facts about that day made it all begin again

In every way,

It was an ordinary day

On the East Coast, the workday was in full swing.

On the West Coast we were still trying to get into full swing.

People got dressed and left their loved ones not knowing then

That some would never be seen again

Husbands, wives, fathers, daughters, or sons, gone

Relatives, co-workers or friends gone,

The World Trade Center, gone,

The Pentagon, gone

In an heroic effort that left the White House standing,

All aboard flight 93, gone.

In total, 2,973 souls, gone

It is a difficult place to revisit,

But revisit we must

Remember, we must

As much as we would like to forget,

9/11 is forever written on the pages of history

The facts of that day will always be.

As Americans, we can look that day in the face

And feel no disgrace.

As a nation, we came through

We did what we had to do

So, to you and you and you,

I say thank you.

The work will never be through

We still have things we must do

It is our duty and our call to continue the fight

For all that is right.

On that one day in 2001, we stood collectively as a nation, undivided

Providing whatever needed to be provided.

Pain has a way of making us all the same.

We suffered the attack on our country, together.

We mourned the loss of our fellow countrymen, together.

On this 9/11, together, we must stand with pride

For the families of everyone that died

To the 2973

Souls that now soar high and free,

As flags all over the nation on 9/11 begin to fly

We shall lift our eyes to the sky,

Click our heels and raise our hands in salute,

Giving honor where honor is due,

Because, as Americans, this is what we must do.

Love (continued)

2011-08-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

Loving a woman is so simple. Why does it become so complex?
See what you think.

Loving a Woman

It doesn’t take a lot to sweep a woman off her feet.

When love is sweet, she will feel complete.

All she needs is a little bit of your time

You don’t have to fill her with wine to make her feel sublime

It’s the little things you do

That will make her stay in love with you

She has to know you care

You’ve got to compliment her hair

Tell her she looks nice in whatever she wears

Call her just to say I love you

Like you used to do before you said I do

She’s got to feel the romance

Take her out to dance

Hold her hand

The wise man knows it is her love he must win

Again and again

If he remembers to make love to her heart

She’ll never ever part.

Whether she’s your sweetheart or your wife,

She’s got to feel she’s foremost in your life

A woman needs to know that she is the light of your life

That for her, you’ll make any sacrifice.

In order for her love to remain strong

She’s got to know that your love is hers alone.

With that confidence,

She will love you without pretense

Thank her for the joy she brings

Make her feel like in her you have found a good thing

If you do these things, you’ll never have to wonder if her love is true.

She will always tell you.

If you love her right,

The light of love will burn bright

In her eyes

Until the day she dies.

2011-08-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

All my dreams came true

When God gave me you.

I didn’t know how much I had missed

Until heaven granted my wish

And gave me this special gift.

I prayed that God would send the right one.

Now, the day has finally come

God opened the door,

And sent me what I have been waiting for.

This day was meant to be.

We have fulfilled our destiny.

Such joy cannot be expressed.

With you there is no emptiness.

I didn’t think my wish would come true.

Until I found you

My treasure,

Beyond measure.

I didn’t know how much I had missed

Until heaven granted my wish

And gave me the gift

Of all gifts.

For a life-time to come,

You will be the only one

All my dreams came true

When God gave me you.

Let's Talk About Love

2011-07-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

I guess because it's summer and love is in the air, love came to my mind. Now, I've got many thoughts on that subject and many poems I've written on that topic. Love is, as was said, "A many Splendored Thing." Cupids bow finds many a heart and pierces it with lasting love and it cuts many a heart in two. It's all a part of life and a part of love. Without love and pain, there is no life. Better to have lived and loved than never to have loved at all. Someone said that too.

Maybe some of you ladies can relate to this poem.
If it doesn't apply,
Pass it by.

Someday My Prince Will Come

When I was a little girl of ten

I’d dream for hours on end

I had heard people say

Someday, a handsome prince would come and whisk me away.

Like any inquisitive little girl, I asked, “When will he come

And, how will I know he’s the one?”

The answer was always the same.

“I don’t know his name or where he’s from,

But someday, he will come.”
Had all the stories I heard as a child

Gone out of style?

Was the story still good

For a little girl growing up in the hood?

Was there a page of the story I had missed?

Did this prince even exist?

There was no prince to kiss me from my sleep

No glass slipper to place on my feet

No young lass handsome and fair

To climb the locks of my hair.

I couldn’t help but think how unfair it would be

If everyone had a prince but me.

So, one night I wished upon a star

In the hopes that the same star

I wished upon you would also see

And the light of that star would one day lead you to me.

You see, I do believe in fairy tales

And I believe that love never fails.

I know, someday, my prince will come

And all my dreams of love will come true.

What can I say, I’m a dreamer?

I'm not finished with this topic yet.

Here's a song for all you dreamers

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2011-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Men, I apologize for letting Father's Day slip by. I'd like to wish you a belated Happy Father's Day.
I feel that before we can celebrate the men of today, we have to celebrate the men of yesterday, who sacrificed so that we would have the opportunities we have today. Men, this one is for you.

This One is for You

We cannot celebrate today

Without giving tribute to those who paved the way.

In all we say and do,

This one is for you.

We give honor where honor is due

We celebrate you,

The proud, the brave and the strong

Who fought to right the world’s wrongs.

For people you did not know,

You challenged the status quo.

This one is for you, men of every color and race,

Who took their place

To defend their fellow countrymen,

The Tuskegee Airmen,

The Buffalo Soldiers, who determined to fight

While being denied their inalienable rights.

For every contributor to America’s freedom

Who was unable to see this day come.

We stand for those who, with hope in their hearts, rode freedom’s train

Only to find more of the same.

To the brave men that walked the line

Defending the rights that are now mine.

We honor this sacred trust

You have bestowed upon us.

Because of you, we have not only seen the dream,

We now know what it means

To live in a place where freedom is granted, not just to some,

But to everyone who would come.

One day in America, made every dream of equality come true.

So, we reserve this time to give honor where honor is due.

To every ancestor that fell blazing freedom’s trail.

From the greatest to the least of men, we so proudly hail.

For it was their sacrifices that enabled one man

To have the audacity to hope and the courage to believe we can.

In all we say and do

This one is for you.

Never Stop Believing in You

2011-05-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN LIVE YOUR DREAM

Little girl, failure does not have to belong to you.

You can make your dreams come true

I know at times life makes you want to scream,

But don’t give up on your dreams.

It is not true what they say.

Things don’t have to turn out the same way.

So your Mother got pregnant at 16.

You don’t have to repeat that scene.

You can do whatever you want to do.

It’s all up to you.

Little boy growing up in the hood,

You don’t have to grow up angry and misunderstood.

I know your Daddy spent most of his life in jail,

But that does not mean you have to fail.

The same thing doesn’t have to happen to you.

You can see your dreams through.

Don’t let people mess with your head.

There may be rough times ahead, but don’t give in to anger and remorse.

You can make it if you stay the course.

People will tell you that you can’t make your dreams come true,

But don’t let anyone stop you.

They will try to make you feel like you have no worth.

Remember, they did not put you here on earth

Nor can they formulate your life’s plan.

Your future is in God’s hands.

If your friends try to hold you back,

Start walking and don’t look back.

You can have a future that is bright.

You have to be willing to sacrifice.

Little girl failure is not a fact.

You don’t have to make a living on your back.

Little boy, you don’t have to sell crack.

You can do better than that.

Set your mind on the good.

You can survive the hood.

You can make your dreams come true

Never stop believing in you.

Well Done

2011-04-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

It’s Hard to Let You Go

In spite of all we know,

It’s still hard to let you go

Tho we know you are in a better place,

Tis a bitter sweet sorrow we face

There is so much about you we will miss,

Without you everything will seem amiss.

This is so hard to do,

Oh so hard to do.

Ask me if I have any regrets,

And I’ll say yes every time

I didn’t know we were running out of time.

There is nothing we can say,

Nothing we can do now that we have lost you.

We can ask, Lord why?

As we cry, but any tears we cry

Are wasted tears

Cause you’re not here.

If we had asked the Lord not to take you yet,

I know the answer we would get

If we could write you a letter,

Or call you on the phone

We know you wouldn’t want to come home.

If we could reach you, no doubt you would say

You’d want to stay.

In our heart of hearts we know

What is settled above is settled here below.

It’s just so hard to let you go.

Tho we know you are in a better place,

Tis a bitter sweet sorrow we face

In spite of all we know,

It’s still hard to let you go

So, as we part,

Know that you take with you our hearts.

Tis with great sorrow we bid you Adieu.

Pastor Billy, we will be seeing you.

By and by

In that great meeting

In the sky.

In memory of Dr Billy Ingram

Pastor, Founder of Maranatha Community Church

Los Angeles, CA

These words I leave you in hopes they will bring comfort to us all

Given our pastor’s absence here,

We know he is finally hearing the words he longed to hear.

“Well done. You can come on in.”

Song by Deitrick Haddon

Well Done

Beware of the Dream Stealers

2011-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

In a day of bullying, there is a greater need to reinforce your child's belief in himself,
So that nothing or no one can shake his sense of security.

Being smart, is not something to be ashamed of, and certainly, being different is not a liability. It is a desirable asset. Don't allow anyone or anything to steal your dreams. Dream big and always endeavor to be the best you can be in all your individuality. Do what you know how to do best, be yourself.

“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

William Shakespeare

Beware of the Dream Stealers

Beware of the dream stealers,

The negative revealers

They have nothing positive to relate

They won’t step up to the plate

They want to discourage you

What they are doing is nothing new

If you let them, they will capitalize on your fears.

Keep you in the same place for years.

They enjoy taking the wind out of your sails

And watching you fail.

It’s cool if you’re hanging out and smoking weed,

But don’t try to succeed.

They start talking smack,

Telling you that getting an education is whack

Filling your ears with waste

And laughing in your face.

Beware the dream stealers,

The negative revealers.

They will squash your hopes

Tell you need drugs to cope.

Don’t fall into that trap.

You can do better than that.

Drugs will bait you on a hook like a fish

Destroy every dream and wish,

Make you think you’d be better off dead

Until one day you finally put a gun to your head

The dream stealers won’t help you see your way out

They only plant seeds of doubt.

If you take their advice, you may as well hang your mind out to dry

And watch all your dreams die.

You don't need to swim in doubt

That, you can do without

Surround yourself with those who will uplift,

Stir up your gifts,

Support your dreams,

Boost your esteem.

They say misery

Loves company

Take heed

Dream stealers don’t want you to succeed.

Don’t be a fool.

Stay in school.

If you’ve got to go it alone,

Stay in the zone.

Use everything you’ve got.

Don’t stop until you reach the top.

Never apologize

For being wise.

You can never be too smart.

Pursue your dreams with your whole heart.

Believe in you.

God is the only one who can make your dreams come true.

You don’t have to hold up the wall at the corner liquor store.

You can have more.

Just because you’re from the hood

Doesn’t mean you are no good

So what if your friends think you’re whack

Let them talk smack

Words cannot hurt you

Keep doing what you want to do

You don’t have to end up in jail

You don’t have to fail

Beware of the dream stealers,

The negative revealers

They don’t give; they only take

Make no mistake

There is no hope in coke

Don't blow your mind up in smoke

The dealer is not going to tell you that

When your money is keeping clothes on his back

Drugs will take you on a one-way ticket to hell

That’s a story some won't live to tell.

Don’t be a fool

Stay in school

If you’ve got to go it alone

Stay in the zone

Use everything you’ve got

Don’t stop until you reach the top

Never apologize

For being wise

You can never be too smart

Pursue your dreams with your whole heart

Believe in you.

God will make your dreams come true.

2011-04-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Bigger Dreams

You asked to be a princess but God wanted to make you a Queen

God will make your dreams come true

He will surprise you with what he can do

Before you were birthed

Before you came to earth

Before you could conceive what was to be

He had already determined your destiny.

A young man held a vision

To assist those in need

He planted the seed

His faith enabled it to grow

It took him places he never expected to go.

Today, he travels the world.

Watching miracles unfurl.

God can take you places you have never seen.

He can make you a King or a Queen

He can bless you with riches untold

There is no good thing he will withhold.

There was a little girl who asked God to bless

He did more than bless.

He made her known in every country and land.

His plans for her life surpassed those of any man.

His dreams for her were bigger than any she could see.

That little girl was Oprah Winfrey.

He who has created the oceans and the seas

And sends the breeze to ruffle the trees,

Will he not take care of you and me?

You asked to be a princess, but God wanted to make you a Queen

His desires for us far exceeds our dreams

Out of the rubbles of a life

Comes a bright shining light

Once hurt and abused,

You can still be used.

He used Maya Angelou,

He can use you.

What is meant for bad God can make good

He knows the names of every child in the hood

God can transcend time and space.

He is bigger than any obstacle we might face.

Things are not always as they seem

God’s desires for you can far exceed your dreams

Before you were birthed

Before you came to earth,

Before you could conceive what was to be,

He had already determined your destiny.

2011-04-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Having My Say the Poetic Way

I want to have my say the poetic way

Be remembered among the great poets of time.

Dance on imaginations

Play on emotions

Open poetic doors never opened before

I want to move you to tears, make you laugh,

Help you escape the ordinary

Be that poetic fairy that exposes

The hidden treasures of the heart.

I want to encourage, motivate, and uplift

The weary, discouraged and broken-hearted.

Be the sonorous black voice resounding

In an otherwise quiescent atmosphere

I want you to remember I was here.

A sister, respected and admired like Maya and Nikki G,

Having my say the poetic way!

This poem is part of an unpublished collection

entitled Having My Say the Poetic Way

Light A Candle In The Dark

Black and Brown

He Will Take Care of You

Requiem for Those Who Died Young

Living the Dream

Goodbye to Whitney continued

Goodbye Whitney

Black History Month (continued)

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month 12/12 (12 months of the year)

Will We Ever?

What Would You Say? Celebrating the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

It's Time to Live the Dream

Happy 2012

Salute ot Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

One Wish

Prayer for Peace

Remember

The Story Without End

Merry Christmas

I Just Want to Say Thank You

Happy Thanksgiving -Count Your Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving

Veteran's Day Tribute

Run Into Your Destiny

Who is Going to Save Me?

It’s In Your Hands

Beautiful

Beyond Where the Eye Can See

The Extreme Makeover

There is Beauty in the Rain

A Mother's Tears

Saturday (light)

You Can Fly

Imagine

So What

9/11 Tribute-- The Message

9/11 Tribute (cont'd)

9/11 Tribute (continued) Remember, We Must

Love (continued)

When God Gave Me You (copyright 2008)

Let's Talk About Love

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Never Stop Believing in You

Well Done

Beware of the Dream Stealers

“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”