Poetry
"Daddy's Arms" by Amber Dillard
a little girl depends
upon
a daddy's opening
arms
with a welcoming
smile
that makes her
feel safe inside
"My Pitbull" by Britanny Ferrell
My Pitbull
My razor edge
Pitbull
barks at anything
Around
birds in the
Sky
and me walking
by.
"Distant Love" by Deborah Graves
As I lay in bed I close my eyes
Visions of you run through my mind
Bitter sweet memories are what I hold onto
All of which makes us so vulnerable
As the night passes and I listen as you sleep
I can't help but to wonder is it of me that you dream
The scent of your skin the feel of your soft touch is what I long for
Holding each other so close as our mind, body, and soul constantly explore.
Anticipation is what drives us while when we're apart
But it's love that keeps us from breaking each other's hearts
Patience is a virtue is what they always say
Well we're living proof with me here and you being more than three hours away.
"Our Love" by Deborah Graves
I am yours and you are mine
These are the words that we chant throughout time
I am strong and I am weak
But together we challenge the world, never accepting defeat.
I give him peace and me he gives strength,
There's nothing in this world that him and I have not yet been up against
As the seasons]change from the years passing,
We remain strong[,] impenetrable, everlasting
Sweat, blood and tears is what brought us this far,
But only because it was clear that I was his and he was mine and this we knew for sure.
"To my Diamonds" by Deborah Graves
To my Beautiful Diamond Princesses,
Today, within itself, is supposedly a day where everyone or the one that really cares about you is to show it.
Well, let it be known that my love for you two can never be shown in just one day, neither should the love of the one that truly cares about you.
If it's genuine love you'll know it.
You will not have to question it because it will show, mind you not just in one day, but all the time.
There are some that will say and do just about anything to convince you that it's love, but that's another story for another day.
In the end, all I am saying is that I love you two more than the air I breathe; however, graciously thankful for our Heavenly Father for life because it allows me to be here with you two.
Momma loves you girls not just for today, but for every day, for the rest of my life.
"The Day You Left..." by Carleitha Grier
The day you left, a piece of me left with you.
Hurt, pain, and tears followed the words
That you were no longer here.
The day you left, my phone rang and
Rang with me having no idea that
You were fighting for your life.
All I could do was pray because
The end was near.
The day you left, I stopped looking at
Things the same way. It used to be I'd see
An 18-wheeler and wonder were you near?
Now it brings memories of what once
Was a part of our lives.
The day you left, the Lord gained an angel,
And I felt like I lost my best friend and
Protector. But then I remembered that in
The sky, you can watch me closer.
The day you left, you became my
Permanent keeper. I'm Daddy's girl for life.
"A Man" by Deshanna Grider
A man who once heard a rat
ran screaming all through his home
He sent in the dog
to dispose of the rat
to find out it was only his spouse.
"Just for You" by Deanna Hogans
On yesterday, I decided to put me first. I began my day with the usual cup of coffee. After watching an hour of the news, my focus changed. I opened the blinds in the kitchen and proceeded to the counter to make a list of things to do. The list consisted of three tasks: donate old clothes from my closet, take can goods to the food bank, and sing songs with the elderly at the nursing home.
By completing this list, I felt good about myself. That day turned out to be just what I needed. I helped others and in return, I helped myself. I put myself first by giving back to the community and blessing others less fortunate. This message is not just for me but just right for you.
"Socky" by Deanna Hogans
Born as a pair, with no despair
Same color, length, and stripes.
Casey needed us, John wanted us
We became the latest fad (due to all of the hype)!
Knee socks, Knee socks!
Gotta get some knee socks!
Sang the TV commercial children
Sitting oddly in a shoe box.
Christmas and birthdays came and went
With present and future allowances, now, well spent.
Atmosphere of youngsters, satisfied and content
Until the next phase of money 'tis a spent
"Brutality" by Zach Johnston
Blood falls from my eyes
Everything! Everything dies?
My life has the value of a pit of lies
No truth to be found in this life
Trying to live through the strife
Read my mind and tear me apart
Or hate yourself with all my heart
Doesn't the bird still sing
Even when it has nothing
So why do I hate the day
Or even the night the same way
The witnesses cry out
So let them shout
Heart of rock is all that's left
Nothing there to be felt
The fire died, and I feel no heat
My blood is cold, won't run anymore
My life has become a chore
Don't feel anything anymore
So look down deep, you find me here
It is how you feared
I am dead but Alive
Come back to take what's mine
"Genie" by Zach Johnston
Stuck alone in the night
Looking with the stretch of my sight
Working so hard to see
If someone is looking for me
I'm not asking for Romeo and Juliet
Just someone who won't forget
To tell me hello, how am I
Won't leave me waiting to die
I don't care how selfish it sounds
I just hate how no one wants to be around
My heart is breaking in this lonely shell
This frozen over hell
It's so dark and cold
The same faces are getting old
I want something that last
I wish it wasn't over so fast...
Give me something to look forward to
To pick me up when feeling blue
Someone who actually cares
And doesn't send me random glares
But let me be everything they could ever want
I'm not another taunt
I'm a genie in a bottle, mind me
Just gotta rub me right to find me
"Immortal" by Zach Johnston
No more sunshine
A lost person that no one bothered to find
Can't sleep, can't cry
Can't even force myself to die
Watching others fade away
But not me, no, I stay
Years break to months, days to seconds
Sometimes I forget they happen
Wars are fought
Or so I thought
Maybe I'm insane
Maybe my life is vain
People run from me as I smile and nod
Every breath I take is an insult to God
Yet when I see you, I turn and stand
When around you, I feel like a man
Even though I can tear my heart out
And keep on "living" without
It will continue to beat
And I lay it at your feet
Its yours till you forever, sleep
Then I will find a new girl to meet
"Just Tonight" by Zach Johnston
Pain, this pain, never seems to go away
And when I close my eyes, it only seems to stay
Love, this love, it burns my tears in so deep
But my tears taste so sweet
Hate, my hate, gives birth to my fear
The fear that you are no longer here
I'm blind, so blind, my dearest friends have left
And now I stand, without a second breath
My wounds, my wounds so deep and fresh
The put my limits to the test
Your love, your love, you are... so strong
You life me up after being down for so long
Your tears, your tears, are the source of pain to me
To see you cry makes me bleed
Your arms, your arms, so soft and assuring
You should know it was always you I was pursuing
My faith, sweet faith, is not to see us fight
But to ask you to stay, just tonight
"Look In Mind" by Zach Johnston
Space
Space is mind, mine to travel
Space travel, I am light years away
Gone in time, space and mind
Lost in a place between you and I
No I in team, no us either
Still lost between space and mind
Travel with me, my mind is new
A space of opertunity
A mind of my own
Go with me, just me and you
To my mind, space and time
Burn with me, the pages of time
Written with space and mind
New things wept, old times old
Just me in my mind
Space and time
Stare into space, Silent...Quiet...
Lonely place
Look into this frame of mind
This is where I spend my time
Time
This is where I spend my mind
This space of mind
And place of time
Where I see myself alone
Come with me...
See my mind
Bring me time
This space turned new
Just when I get sight...
Of you
"Loved" by Zach Johnston
I look at you through the rain
Tried to forget all of the pain
To erase the scars on my body
But as I look deeper inside me
I see the past that shaped this man
This man that now holds your hand
And no matter how far we stray
By your side, I will stay
Because nowhere else feels right
Everytime I look into your eyes, I see the light
Every breath I breathe
Every thought you sieze
I pray all this is as real as it seems
This is all better than my dreams
I love you babe, so very much
And when I'm around, no harm can touch
This precious skin you wear
Because I will give them something [to] fear
And I will rip through the foes of my past
God, Oh Lord, Please let this last!
"Reaching" by Zach Johnston
Who knew this darkness could be so cold
And that I would be the next to fold
When does the line between right and wrong
Seem as though it's not that long?
How can a man like me
Close my eyes but still be able to see
All the madness in my life
A whole world of insanity and strife
Any old fool could see it now
How my world is crashing down
And I still wear this worn out grin
Knowning I have nothing to win
Even though with no friends and a knife in back
I will not let my days fade to black
Step out of darkness into light
Sometimes there cannot be a reason to fight
Look to the sun to see such beauty
Reach for the light that sets me free
I forget to care about my burning eyes
This warmth does not fade, it never dies
"Sad But True" by Zach Johnston
My eyes burn from not blinking
I don't know what I was thinking
Now I can't take my eyes off you
Where you'd been all my life? No clue
But I knew one thing had to be true
This warmth is love for you
I want to make you feel new
To keep you safe and always be true
If you died, I'd soon follow
Because without you, there's no tomorrow
So let the music continue to play
I promise that I will always stay
"The Dwelling" by Zach Johnston
I live inside this shell we call my life
I hide the gun, I stash the knife
My head aches and I turn around
I see my world turning upside down
And when we thought it was gone
We all knew inside it was never done
This thing inside, it wants out
It tears at my flesh, it screams and shouts
It drinks my blood and shakes my soul
It wants out! It needs to grow
My hands shake and my knees buckle
I hear its screams and the clinging of metal
The chains are breaking and won't last
For it is my future and I am its past
"Time" by Zach Johnston
I see your face
With all its grace
I see all I'm not
You've not forgot
I shed a faithful tear
Wishing you were here
But is day night?
Wish with all my might
That miles turn into seconds
Hoping time beckons
For eyes to meet
And for a while be so sweet
That we want it to last
Future and present, but never fast
"I am a Product of..." by Brittany Jones
I am a woman.
I can do anything like a man.
I am not just another hand.
I am a woman.
I don't cook for someone.
I don't clean after someone.
I am a woman.
I play my own sport.
I pay my own bills.
I am a woman.
I don't depend on anyone else.
I am my own person and I love who
I am.
"The Bunny Barrow" by Tanesha Joseph
So much depends
Upon
A white Bunny
Hopping
I like to hop
Said Bunny
I live in the
Barrow
The barrow is
Black
"A Fatherless Child" by Cedrina Randolph
A fatherless child is what I’ve come to be
You took your life in the darkness one night
Your love was never there for me to see
Little girls and boys all happy and free
As their dads would hold and hug them tight
A fatherless child is what I’ve come to be
I took my first steps with glee
Women all around but you were not in sight
Your love was never there for me to see
When I fell down and hurt my knee
You were not there to tell me it’s alright
A fatherless child is what I’ve come to be
I would write letters to you under the tree
And mother would deliver them to your grave
Your love was never there for me to see
Now that I’m older I say with grief
How selfish of you to take your life
Your love was never there for me to see
A fatherless child is what I’ve come to be
"I Am the Best at What I Do: My Boast" by Cedrina Randolph
HEAR ME HEAR ME!!!!!!
I am the flawless formidable daughter of Janice from the land of Roll Tide
I am known across the land as the sassy sophisticated songstress
My vocals are a precious priceless possession given by the all powerful Creator
Bask upon my admirable anointed talent as my soft silky smooth voice seduces your soul
Everyone wishes they could possess such a perfectly pleasant gift
I am the best there is
Swiftly singing each note as if they are nothing
The angels in heaven applaud as I astound them with my angelic abilities
When the heavenly ruler gave me this golden glamorous voice he was just showing off
I am the virtuous vivacious victor of talent shows
The soprano with a salient sleek voice
I make my talent known
Everyone should know of my rare remarkable artistry
Let me fill your ears with soulful silvery music
And let my voice captivate your heart
"Modern America by Perez Reynolds
The land of the free, the home of the brave
Where a person is chained, a life of a slave
Chained to a rock, a heavy weight to bear
Of addiction and worry, where relief is very rare
A land that shouts, “Liberty, Justice and Pride!”
A land filled with snakes, where the truth has died
Thieves...Liars, they smile to your face
A land of blood, where innocent lives are erased
Where your friends are foes, your enemies close by
This is the land where evil triumphs and good cries
Where is the justice...for the falsely accused?
People accept the lies, the truth they refused
Racism, prejudice, poverty and depression
A land where people lose themselves to gain high glorification
Invisible puddles of tears, Invisible puddles of blood
And an innocent child asks, “Is this my blood?”
You can do no wrong, but still pay the price
A day of no violence, My God sounds so nice
A land of peace, which does not exist here
We are locked in a jail cell, conflicted with fear
My God I pray today for a future of no sorrow
My God I pray today for a brighter tomorrow
(1st place winner of the 2015 Jake Adam York Poetry Competetion)
"Graduation Poem" by Stephanie Scott
Graduation is finally here, and so now ends our high school career.
Always remember the friends we hold dear and look towards our future without fear.
This is the day we have been preparing for,
Since the day we walked through that first classroom door.
Now it's time to say good-bye and spread our wings; we're ready to fly.
So shed a tear, and share a smile; the memories we have are so worthwhile.
And we want to take the time to say thank you mom and dad for helping us along the way.
As you parents watch us from the crowd, we stand here before you being so proud.
Even through all the ups and downs, now you get to see us in our caps and growns.
Because you've been there through it all, nothing can stop us or make us fall.
We offer this day just for you mom and dad. Your wish has come true.
"Untitled" by Stephanie Scott
True love isn’t just a feeling you have with someone. It’s the gentleness of his embrace that speaks throughout the heart. It tells you more about who they are as a person. The spark of the eyes is the kindness of their soul speaking, telling you how they really feel about you. The action you take explains who you are as a person and the amount of care you have for them. The words you say to another is how your heart truly feels and speaks louder than your own voice. You have given me the strength, the courage, the hope but also the faith because you believe in me. You have taught me throughout the time we have shared with another a different meaning of love. Meaning true love is you and me.
"Mama" by Pecola Thompson
Your arms were always open when I wanted to run.
Your hugs were always warm as the sun.
I loved to come home, from the smell after you baked.
Even though sometimes I came home you were mean as a snake.
After you had a bad day, and you realized that everything was going to be okay.
I looked up and said, “I love you Mommy”.
Once you looked up at me with those big brown eyes.
I knew right then and there I was always your heart walking on the outside.
Your love is kind; your love is mine.
Till the day I die you will always be forever mine.
"Girl I Love You" by Terrance Turner
Girl I love you,
And I know you love me too,
I'll keep you happy,
In love with me.
I wrote this song,
Hoping you'd listen.
I have no lies,
No more lies to tell.
No more lies,
No more secrets to hide,
Until we die,
And love is gone away.
Girl I love you,
And I know you love me too,
I'll keep you happy,
In love with me.
You're my sweetness,
My heart's desire,
I'll keep you happy,
In love with me,
I can’t stop girl,
Loving you,
I’ll keep you happy,
I’m in love with you.
Girl I love you,
And I know you love me too,
I'll keep you happy,
In love with me.
I’m going to love you,
And do the best I can,
To keep you happy,
In love with me.
Girl take my hand,
Be my wife,
I’ll keep you happy,
In love with me.
Girl I love you,
And I know you love me too,
I'll keep you happy,
In love with me.
I can’t stop the rain,
But I can stop the pain,
I’ll keep you happy,
In love with me.
Girl I’ll always love you,
Want that be nice,
I’ll keep you happy,
In love with me.
"Tender Moments" by Terrance Turner
Tender moments, they seem so precious to me.
Tender moments, like sweet memories.
Tender moments, I wish you were here.
Tender moments, to wipe away my tears.
When I wanted to say I’m sorry,
You were not around.
When I wanted to cry for you,
You couldn’t be found.
When I wanted to be faithful,
You broke up with me.
When I wanted to stay, you made me leave.
Tender moments, they seem so precious to me.
Tender moments, like sweet memories.
Tender moments, I wish you were here.
Tender moments, to wipe away my tears.
I wish I could see your face
And look in your eyes;
Talk as we hold hands
And walk outside.
See the leaves fall,
Fall from the trees.
Feel the wind blow,
Like breathing on me.
Tender moments, they seem so precious to me.
Tender moments, like sweet memories.
Tender moments, I wish you were here.
Tender moments, to wipe away my tears.
I feel your presence by the fireplace;
I’m on bended knees;
You’re reaching for what’s burning inside of me.
I feel emotions being touched;
I want you here.
Just whisper in my ear,
I love you dear.
Tender moments, they seems so precious to me.
Tender moments, like sweet memories.
Tender moments, I wish you were here.
Tender moments, to wipe away my tears.
"Why Must a Rose Have Thorns" by Leanna White
Why must a rose have thorns? Is it to show the love we have for each other that is not bruised?
Is it to keep the pricking of our hearts that are constantly bleeding?
Is it to say I love you but will only stab you in the back?
Is love really meant to have thorns, or is it to show the intertwined beatings of the scared, battered, bruised, and mistreated love between us?
I believe love is as love does, and the thorns are razors that cut us deeply like the devastation caused by trusting one to be in love with us but only to break us down.
Thorns are only the true representation of the intentions of the human heart when theirs is a rich to gain.
Is this really why roses have thorns?
"Believe" by Chasida Wilson
Happily Ever After
I believe
Although it has not been discovered
I still believe
Yet those who are thought to be blissfully happy are not always so
Believe in you I do
If those who are truly happy fall out of happiness
I shall still believe
Someone devoted for many years could be led astray
Believe?
Yes
I will always Believe
"Betrayal" by Chasida Wilson
Hatred and treachery fill my vision
Express I must
It has been spoken before
Yet it must be said again
Different
Truth is spoken
Yet you fail to care
Friendship I have given
Your back is what I receive
The air must be nice
On a horse so high
Wrong is not in words
Although we all see the serpent in your eyes
A dog that is female
With hateful words you shall aid
The destruction of what draws near
"Autumn" by Moriah Windus
The earth bend her ear to listen to me,
She sang a song of me,
Oh she sang a song of me,
For a season she wore my mood,
Shadows shifting, and dreams passing,
Dance the day and are gone by night,
Leaves fall of gay decay
By the night,
The world's a right,
Such vivid blue she wears,
And set up as gems upon her brow,
The stars still twinkle there,
If I know the voice of calm it is she-
And not a word she says,
By the day the wind comes panting,
The trees go ranting, tossing bough, tossing limb,
All the earth is chanting!
A song! A song!
The shadows go, the shadows come,
And they play the day away,
And the air is scattered through with magic,
Vapor curling, crystal clarity,
Off the air goes chanting!
A song? A song?
Away the day, come the night!
She wears my mood-
She wears it well!
"Untitled" by Ashlee Womack
Why, oh why
Are times so hard?
Wish money grew in trees,
Or in my very yard.
Money is low
There are no jobs;
Tears roll down
With sad sobs.
Loss of houses
Vanishing of fancy cars;
Things seem so out of reach
Like the many stars.
A victim of scarcity
Deadly it creeps;
Comes on suddenly
To knock me off my feet.
