Snap, Snap! Snap, Snap! Black lights, incense, love beads and mood rings. Sho' nuff, daddy-o. It's Poetry Nite at Cotton's Place. In my opinion, Poetry is a written expression of art imbued in deep thoughts which celebrates subliminal bliss carried by silence that speaks so loud. Take a spiritual journey on a cloud called nine.

*Warning: Grown folks talking, so ... take heed.

The first 2 poems are my ultimate favorites. I wrote "Black Holy Trinity" for my wee ones, Miss Leigh, Mira and Uncle Henry. And "The Black Prayer" was emailed to me in 2001. I fell in love with it. Enjoy!

Black Love - Eternal

As I look into your eyes, I slowly fall deeply in love with you

As you take me away from this world with your touch, I fall in love with you.

As I you speak to my soul with your rhythms and vibes, I fall so deep in love with you.

Before you and I, there was emptiness

Before you and I, there was nothing

Before you and I, there was no way

Remember me? As I do you

Remember this, Black Man .. I run to you, racing for hours

I fall to your feet, flying higher than ever before

I breathe you, drinking your love, living on your hidden smile

I trip, just to fall in your arms.. safe from harm

I never drift far from you, your presence has a permanent place in my memory

You are dear to me. My most precious gem

I will never adore another the way I have you

My soul cries out to you, your departure was impromptu

This world strangled you, desperately trying to suffocate your greatness

So you fled, leaving behind "Black Man Imitated"

I await you and anticipate our next encounter on the otherside. Soar, Black Man.

Once again, you are free

How will we meet again? As sudden as you left. Thank you, Black Man.

This time was as great as the last

Be peaceful, journey well

For you are truly my beloved

Until our next encounter.. Black Woman.

                                          - 'Cotton' 

Black Man Rising

You must complete the journey you started. Never ending.

Soar silently above the world. Graceful. 

Regain your strength from endless battles. Renewing.

Focus your mind on your goals. Concentrate.

Black Man, I suffer with you as you struggle to define your purpose. Searching.

I, Black Woman, abide by many rules seeking our destined end. Begin again.

You, Black Man, are bound by human tests, failing. Passing spiritual obstacles.

Your disappointments are my pains. Your failures are my weaknesses. Rebuild.

I comprehend your overwhelming desire to seek out lost treasures. Dig deeper.

All is not lost, but all is not found. Reach to a higher source to satisfy your hunger.

Appearances are not us. For we are beyond the human eye. Eternity's beloved ones.

No longer chasing a shadow of hope. I know now who you really are. Aware.

I have, once again, set you free. Spread your eager wings and fly further than before.

Remember your home. I, Black Woman, await your return. Hurt but hopeful.

Say what you must, do what you will. Faithfulness and honesty follows your path.

I release you to the Heavens to begin again. Humanity is no friend of ours.

I love you, Black Man.

And you only, shall always belong to my soul. Mates destine to fly beyond the forbidden truths etched in our hollowed world.

At your journey’s end, seek me out, Black Man.

For I shall hear your soul call for me, again. Reminiscent of past accompaniments.

There is no end to our beginning. I await you in this life. Anticipating our passing in the life after.

Journey well, Black Man.

Your success is already fulfilled.

Listen to my heart as it slowly stops … without you in my presence.

My wings are unable to soar with you at this time, Black Man.

                                          - 'Cotton'

                Black Imitation

Black Man, Black Man…where for art thou, Black Man?

What I have before me lies the corpse of the new Black Man…

What remains is a washed up being trying to replace and walk in my Black Man’s shoes.

You (finger snap)… are the great (finger snap)… pretender (finger snap) … ooh, ooh..

I despise this imitation of what I initially was presented by my Black Man.

A watered down version of my great warrior.

Honor and grace have been replaced… Deceit and awkwardness prevails exceedingly.

Truth and honesty have been removed… Lies, tall tales and selfishness dominate my Black Man’s humble and giving spirit.

I’d cuss and swear, Black Man, but I recognize that I am my Black Man’s queen.

So instead I’ll exclaim … Black Man! Black Man!

Can you hear me? Answer me and show yourself again.

You’ve slipped away from me. Those evil doers have captured you while I was sleeping… Unconscientiously being with you like in the beginning.

When I awoke, this other “black” man is sloppily trying to fill your shoes… with such gull and nerve to attempt to even walk in them.

I am disappointed with this “black” man.

He is every and all things you are not, but claims to be greater than.

I long for the Black Man I was introduced to.

What have they done to you?

ATTN: Evil Doers- You captivities, your boundaries, your theft, your lies, your illusions of the truth…

You have no power over him or what belongs to me.

I demand you set my Black Man free. Here! Take this sorry excuse you called a “black” man and give me back what you have stolen.

No? He will not be given up without a fight?

As much I figured.
But, I know my Black Man.

.. he is on his way home- back to me.

He is aware of this lost world.

I hear you, Black Man.

Let not the evils of this world destroy the beautiful wonders in ours.

And, Ummm, Evil Doers, that ol’ swith-cha-roo, You see- that “last laugh”- we will have on you.

Black Man Imitated… meet Black Man ..

Re-instated.                                    - Cotton

                 Black Love  

Your strengths, Your vision of life, Your eccentric way of living,

I belong to you…

You held both my hands before I entered this world, Come to me,

Our love has no end...

Talk to my soul, Inspire my being, Strengthen my spirit,

You comfort my mind…

Wounded by pride, Scarred by this world, Dissected by speculators,

Our pain is just a mirror of our strength…

Have your way with me,

As only you can.

Touch beyond my skin…

Continue to love me, As I have for eons loved and adored you,

You are my world…

We are forever one, For eternity, Black Man,

Are they ready? Here we come…

                                        - Cotton

            Black Man - Missed

Black Man, Black Man…

Missed and needed you are-forever will be; as I am now.

My King, concentrate on your Queen. Call for her.

And you shall always see her in the light,

as others search hopelessly in the dark.

I am here, Black Man.

As I have always been.

Bowing before you. Allowing you to be you, only.

All of you.

Come to me, Black Man.

As I imagine you.

Strong, virile. So full of life. Oblivious to this world’s traps.

Continue to endure. You have been placed above all.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

 You never cease to amaze me, my King.

All is not lost.

Because of you, your words, your shared thoughts, your aura-

I believe this.

You, too, are missed and sorely needed in more ways than one.

Be peaceful, Black Man.

Your Queen will remain in the place she was found…. By your side.

                                                   - Cotton

            Black Man Returns

Traveling through darkness desperately seeking the light: Almighty

Rich in spirit – ascending above all else

Deep in thought - realize the transcendence of love everlasting

Spiritually grounded – acknowledge your eminent power sown through peace implemented with strength.

Deterred from hope – selfless acts of rage

Discouraged by humans - bound by the laws of nature

Opening doors for followers seeking strong leadership

Countless haters adore you.

Come forth, Black Man.

You have return to receive your position of grandeur

Men of high standards and elite stature bled for you to survive

Oh, Conqueror, be conscience of your softer side- Protection and self-preservation lies deep within it.

Reflect, Warrior, and remember those who died for you to reign.

Stand strong, Black Man… Your enemies are multiplying

Walk strong, Black Man… Your path is becoming narrow

Live strong, Black Man… There is a place for you on the other side

Pray strong, Black Man… God’s anointing flows through you.

By your side I stand

Preparing for the battles ahead

From the beginning of time until the end … You shall forever be my king

Welcome back, Black Man.          

                                            - Cotton

            The New

Standing on my own – Rising from the destruction

Clothes dusty, dingy and dirty – Hands sparkling clean

Listerine’ing my way to a brand new speech

Shake off the old – Pouring on all the brand new

Open my mind to reveal unfound treasures

Holding the hand of the little girl in me

Kicking the butt of the woman I am

Too many rocks left unturned – Stumbling over them

Too many lessons to be learned – Failing with flying colors

Vibrant, full bodied

Bold just like a fine wine

Enough about me. Let’s talk about you …

Talking about me.                              --- Cotton

                The Prettiest Mom 

Before I was a Mom -

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

 I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -

 I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,

the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.              

               -Unknown

                       Flirtatious                  

Black Man, you make me smile. I am fumbling my words trying to express my most intimate thoughts to explain your sensuality. But, then again, trying to explain the ineffable, well.. that's quite difficult. Buuuuut, nothing beats a failure but a try.. so, let me give it a shot anyway...

 

---

                Good Bye, Black Man                  

My fondest memory of you is your well articulated conversations. I was very much impressed with your literal expression of beauty and fantasy.

Your intent of promise was extremely attractive. The imagination just seems to soar above unattainable heights.

Being able to view sacred corners of your mind was a humbling experience. Receiving permission to gently roam about and explore private places.

Named and addressed for who you were, who you are and who you will be was of paramount importance in order to arrive at a familiar yet foreign destination. Black Man was conceived.

Physical attributes and intimacy brought me to my knees. Literally... “And God created man…”  Well, thank you, Jesus!

The silhouette of your insatiable appetite to please Christ emboldens me. Aware of the dangers lurking about; visible only to the spiritual eye.

Receiving no pleasure in your pain. You were more blue than black. But you are more black than blue.

But in retrospect, this period would prove to be the apogee in our relationship. Your pain.

I pray for your peace, serenity and your guidance to only be lead by Christ.

You will acknowledge and become such a strong man in Christ. Shouting and praising Him for all to see. Remembering your past but not envying it.

I sorely miss and adore my Black Man. He conquered the feat of becoming an intricate and impressionable part of my world. Fantasy and reality. I leave all benevolence and accept the optimist.

In life’s endeavors, accomplishments and encounters, no other compares to the surpassing One my Black Man and I made.

Gracefully bowing out,

Black Woman (formerly known as Nicole)

Good Bye, Black Man… Wherever you are.

                                                            - Cotton

---

           Good Morning, Black Man

Good Morning, Black Man,

So good to 'hear your voice'.
My journey often feels as though it has reached its end. But then at times - I've elevated to a point of no return. Almost trapped, if you will. With every passing day I find myself becoming more at peace with the world - well at least my part in it. I reject, avoid and mislead. I have 'heart to heart' talks with myself... trying to find answers to those I posed to others. I hold many keys to many doors - fumbling over each to ensure a correct fit. I have committed an overwhelming amount of wrongs to even consider a clean slate. I expect tomorrows consequented end. Not eager to meet my punishments but soon to be delivered.

I become as strong as I allow my spirit, soul and mind to be. Each day is such a different rhythmic beat. Slow, fast. Joyful, mediocre. (sigh) I truly adore you, Black Man - with all of me. All of who I am, is all of who I will ever be. With every changing day... I am who I am. I applaud you and your vast efforts to show this erroneous me its weaknesses in order to bore this wondrous creature once again.

I am free and soar higher when in your presence. My efforts are infallible. My words are empty. My intentions are considered of horrendous impact. Yet and still, Black Man, I adore you ... remembering how you so adored me.                           - 'Cotton'

---

                         Black Erotica

                                                                                                        Good Morning, Black Man…

Umm, for whom I adore above and beyond any one else.

For you are my beloved. For what is the “beloved”?

You are that which I myself am not. In the act of love, you are pure male, and I am pure female.

You are you, and I am I. And intertwined together with you, I know how perfectly you are not me, how perfectly I am not you.

How utterly we are two, the light and the darkness.

How infinitely…eternally not-to-be-comprehended by either of us is the surpassing the One we make.

Ooh, Black Man…with every sound of you- your footsteps, your voice, your breath, your heartbeat, your thoughts … leave me speechless. Wanting to be completely consumed by you. In your atmosphere ... you are seemingly unattainable on heightened levels.

Yes, Black Man… I hear you…calling for me. Anticipating answers. I rise for you. Take control of me.

Breathless I am in your absence.

Umm, Black Man… I sense you. Being hunted by overwhelming, insatiable sexual hunger.

How does it feel?... to you…only you. Sliding in, throbbing and softly satisfying me.

Explain how does it tastes?... to you… only you. Licking, dripping wet.

Black Man… I need your strong and gentle hands.

As you, and only you do, Overpower me. I want you.

Come to me. Cum … Black Man… on me.

Anywhere you want. Cum… Black Man.

.. I want it all.

I am anticipated your touch… Waiting is not an option.               

                                                            - Cotton

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                Black Freedom

I am guided by spirits unknown to you.

Are you free?

I am strengthened by powers beyond your world.

Are you free?

I am adored by those who despise me yet seek me.

Are you free?

I am loved endlessly by my soul’s mate.

Are you free?

I am gifted with secrets passed to me from my predecessors.

Are you free?

I am influenced by forces accumulated through time.

Are you free?

I am energy … driving weak minds towards me.

Are you free?

I am the teacher…passing down precious gifts. No praise given.

Are you free?

I am the Earth’s gold.

I am Heavens’ greatest creation.

I am Eternity’s child.

Are you free? Are you Black? … No, you are not me.                      

                                       - Cotton

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                 Black Power

I am ...

Higher than ever before

Soaring on eternity’s promises

I am …

          Powerful beyond belief

          Through my silence, I called you into existence

I am …

          Free because you love me

          Floating aimlessly, led by your spirit

I am …

          Femininity’s most adored creation

          Softly caressing, kissing, dominating, loving you

I am …

          Standing alone

          Bearing burdens beyond your vision

I am …

          Electricity

          Giving life, brightening your dark side

I am …

          Black …

                   Power …

          Creating new paths for you to tread

          Breathing life into your soul

I adore you. Continue walking with me.

Strengthen me with your Blackness.

Deep, dark, mysterious, powerful, sensual, spiritual, dominating, focused…. Rise with me, Black Man.                          

                                                          - Cotton

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            Black Woman Remains

Strong, Weak, Elated, Deflated, Superior, Inferior -

Black Woman Remains …

Adored, Hated, Loved, Abused, Praised, Mistreated-

Black Woman Remains …

Healed, Scratched, Elevated, Demeaned, Romanced, Fucked –

Black Woman Remains …

Responsible, Careless, Spiritual, Worldly, Guided, Lost –

Black Woman Remains …

Leader, Followed, Beginner, Latter, Honest, Deceitful –

Black Woman Remains …

Platinum, Cotton, Clouded, Crystal, Frugal, Gambler –

Black Woman Remains …

Proud, Uncouth, Stable, Scattered, Lead, Lost –

Black Woman Remains …

Head over feet, Hand over mouth, Maid, Destroyer –

Black Woman Remains …

Tired, Working, Wise, Green, Grounded, High –

Black Woman Remains …

Through it all. Lost along the way. Consistent to turn the expected end.

All I am - Is who I will ever be. Slandered in order to be loved.

Embedded in time. Etched in to an imaginary existence.

This … Black Woman Remains.

                                                - Cotton

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                      Guidance

Because of who you are, we will be. You are determined, so we follow by lead.

You are humble yet stand firm according to your testimonies and trials.

Champions and warriors are formed by their tribulations, you exceed beyond human sight.

Obvious to believers, yet lost in sight by this world.

Continue to be lead by His spirit, the Comforter has never steered you wrong, His efforts are not in vein.

Black Woman, you reign over others, failing to none.

Be proud of your anointing, no matter how powerful it may be. Submit to it and you will go farther than you have already come.

Be peaceful and journey well.

Thank you for your Word this morning, Ms. Oneida.

                                                --- Cotton

---

               The Ending

As if time stood still for us

Only to speed up and loose our way

Illusions are our reality

Painting seamless pictures of perfection

False truths lead the way to our demise

Countless acts of resurrecting a deteriorating corpse of a bond

Spinning in a whirlwind of loving lust and physical attention

Persuaded by your egrecious acts of attempted love

Simply to find a cold, harden shell previously owned by a heart

Ask no questions to avoid any lies

Georgie Porgie is at it again

Torn between your lips and your dick

Torn between my fist and your face

Stuck in a place complicated to escape

Finding a loophole called Truth

Riding the wave called Never Again

Accepting the revelation called Being Grown

Arriving at my paradise called Self Preservation

This is our end .. to my new beginning.

                                             --- Cotton