POetic Expressions of Truth

Neo Soul is my favorite genre of music. It gives me a feeling that is so great, but I don't even have the words to explain just how great it makes me feel. I am always in the mood for Neo Soul. It has the power to make you smile, cry, and fall in love.

If you do not believe in yourself, who else will? You have to believe that you are capable to do great things in life. That does not have to be arrogance or cockiness. Confidence is not a bad thing. It is necessary to be successful.

We tend to envy things we admire about others whether it be material things or character traits. That envy often becomes jealousy. While we may want what others have, we don't always know how they arrived to the point where they are. The path to get there may have a price tag that we are not wiling to pay. Be careful what you wish for.

There is nothing like a father's love for his daughter. You spend their entire childhood trying to protect and guide them so that they will grow up to be respectable ladies. Then, one day you wake up and realize they are all grown. At that point, all you can do is hope your example was good enough for them to make good choices.

America flaunts the monicker, "Home of the free." While America is the best place to live on earth, there are still some fundamental flaws that keep many people in bondage.

There are times when your heart is so broken that you just don't know what to do. You still try to love, but you hurt so bad. This is about one of those times.

History has many atrocities that people prefer to leave buried in newspaper articles, dusty books, and the memories of those who experienced it and have passed away. It's important to discuss the parts of history that are not that glorious to keep us from repeating the same mistakes. It is also therapeutic for the victims. This piece talks about some of the lasting effects of racism. We can't pretend like it never happened, or that all is ok. 

We have all been there. Living life some type of way. Then you look back and realize just how bad some of your decisions were. We feel like there is no good within us. We can never run so far away that God cannot reach and restore us.

Misinformation gets passed around so easily. Don't be mindless sheep. The fact that it is in print or has strong backing doesn't make it true.

This is the story of the day my mother passed away. Although I knew it was coming, nothing could have prepared my heart for the pain I would feel after she took her last breath. I think I am able to go on with life because her life was so beautiful.

Life can throw some very painful things our way. It is at those moments where we contemplate giving up. This poem come from one of those times in my life. You never really know what people are going through. Check on your folks. 

People often have this misconception that getting into a relationship will fix our personal issues. To add insult to injury, people hide their shortcomings until the relationship has gone too far. It is only fair to let your significant other know who you are before it is too late because the truth will ultimately come to the surface.

It takes a lot of confidence and perseverance to overcome growing up in an impoverished environment. There are so many kids dealing with circumstances that we take for granted. Whether it's not having a bed to sleep in or a meal to satisfy their hunger or even having to navigate through a dangerous neighborhood every day to get where you need to be, some kids deal with things that could easily make a person want to give up on life. This poem is special to me because it describes my attitude growing up - determined not to let my environment get the best of me. This episode is especially heartwarming because my daughter, Addison, asked to recite it.

This is a lighthearted poem that plays off the cliche, "Misery loves company." Just a little something to put a smile on your face.

This is an abstract piece about how life changes. As we grow older, some of our preferences adjust with our age. Some things just do not move us the same way.

This poem is about the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It tells the story of the night Jesus was crucified on the cross for the sins of the world. More important than him dying on the cross was his resurrection on the third day. Without this ultimate sacrifice, there is no salvation.

This is an appreciation of my black culture. Growing up, I had to overcome a lot of negative imagery that could have easily convinced me that I was a second-class citizen simply because of my skin color. The messages in the media, including movies, television commercials, and popular music, all convey that the African-American community is inherently less intelligent, sophisticated, and civilized than other people. Positive imagery of my people is not common. Whenever I do see positive images, it tends to come at a sacrificial price instead of good will. Many of the things from my culture that are depicted in a negative light are the same things that people of other cultures covet (i.e. butt implants and lip fillers). This poem is a conscious look at accepting my black heritage with pride. I realize that society does not define who I am. God made me wonderfully in His image. He made me the person He wanted me to be.

This poem is encouragement to the black wife to support the black husband because black men already face enough adversity in society. The added antagonism from one's wife is disheartening and damaging. I believe there is a misconception of what being a strong black woman is. Many take that to mean she needs to question her man's authority and challenge him for the position of being head of the household. This doesn't prove that you are a strong woman. What is does is make the black man question his worth because, not only is he getting attacked by society, but he is also being attacked in his own home which is supposed to be his safe place. There is also a misconception that a strong black man doesn't need a cheerleader. Walking in unison with, and giving plenty of encouragement to, a good black man will promote an environment where he will honor his wife above all else.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! This is a series of 3 short poems written to my wife, Shannin Helaire. The first one is about the day we met, hence the title "July 19, 1991." The second one, "An Ode to You," is the poem I recited when we renewed our vows for our five year wedding anniversary. The third poem, "Earth Angel," is one I wrote on GP because she is worthy of the compliment. This is just a sample of some of the pieces I have written in honor of her.

There is a misconception that we have to be "good" for God to deal with us. However, the Bible is clear in stating that no one is "good." We all have short-comings and sins that make us unworthy of God's presence in our life. In fact, we are only privy to God's favor because of His grace. He loves us despite all of our faults. We are saved by grace (unmerited favor) through our faith in Him. This poem is about how I work out those doubts in my own mind. I am grateful that God's love for me is greater than my mistakes. Although I wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, I am confident that God' loves me unconditionally with unfailing love.

This poem is about the bond my wife and I have formed over the years. Despite all of the hardships we faced, we made a conscious effort to draw closer to each other. That bond has gotten us through so many tough times.  

We all go through hardships in life. Too often, we go through those hard times without realizing that there are spiritual powers behind the attacks we face. God is always in our corner fighting on our behalf. Going into battles knowing that God has my back encourages me to stand strong even at my weakest moments. The Bible says, "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" Romans 8:31.  

This piece is a ode to my wife, Shannin Helaire. It was inspired by the realization that we do not have an infinite amount of time to be with our significant others. People often take time for granted and have so much regret when their loved ones are gone.