The Poetry Marathon

I find my center line
Protecting my core self and peace of mind
My hands move like cranes, tigers, panthers, and snakes
Gathering my chi with each move I make
I do not block
I only redirect energy
My opponent is my dance partner
Never my enemy
This is an exercise in empathy and connection
Sticky hands touch souls in this art of protection
We release ego understanding all is intertwined
This kungfu style is for life
Its name means Beautiful Spring Time

The stages are set for a new paradigm
Time to release old ways that no longer serve our purpose that is most high
Three eyes seek clarity through the haze
New adventures await us in these dynamic days
We are on a jjoyous ourney into a new age
There will be many signs to be read as we turn the page
We have been too concerned with I instead of us
We must move fearlessly forward and in our destiny trust
This is a transition that will take us out of our comfort zones
But if some fledglings weren’t pushed from the nest they would have never flown

I stand at the pyramid’s peak exhaling light from Orion’s belt
It feeds me then fragments while flowing out in a kaleidoscope of color across the dunes
I hear the echoes of Ausar, Heru, Tehuti & Anu
They whisper the wisdom of mysteries in my mind
The crescent cancer moon comes down from the heavens to become my crown
Het Heru, Maat, Seker, and Auset nourish my spirit
I am the Alchemist returned to Kemet Nu
The Sphinx smiles because I am the answer to the riddle
The desert gives way to lush life harmonizing with my aura
Prophesy is fulfilled

Lead to lunacy
Yusuf Feline sings Moon Shade
Suffering slows time
Three minutes seem much longer
Culturally biased prompt

The firefly ballerina does a grande jetë like a comet soaring across the cabin
Stained glass miniature bottles suspended by silver constantly kiss each other in a sweet symphonic synchronicity conducted by a Summer breeze
The coquette moon peaking from behind the treeline teases through the window
Heat and humidity thick as porridge hang heavy like a strange mask on the pine scented air

My lion spirit roars releasing dancing flames like a light house guiding those around me through storms
It rejoices in gratitude for the gift of sweet oxygen breathed out by my arbol brethren
Each enhale enhances connections to ancestors answering unasked questions
Alleluia for revelations reuniting my past and future incarnations

Strange cosmic winds blow across the sands of our time shifting them into new patterns
Sychronicities surge sending signals and signs
Old sins of humanity repulse the populace
Nations repent for horrible history that keeps getting repeated
Differences are celebrated as we discover how much we have in common
Viruses unlock genes generating new gifts that awaken young gods from slumber
Awe inspiring abilities adorning those formerly thought as mortal
Starseeds planted long ago release light illuminating life in radius of their shine
Multiplying miracles melting the mundane

Harvest has come

1. Melodies and syncopated rhythms ring in my ear
   Bass bleeding into my skin
   Pulsating drums pace my cardio cadence
   My soul fed through damp grass on the soles of my feet
   Gyrating hips churning warm wind
   A soft hand touches my face
   I see my reflection in kind eyes of a lover who mirrors my movements
   The taste of black cherry balm from our last kiss hang on my tongue after licked lips
   The caress of sunshine charging my melanin
   Sweat painting paths down my body
   White sage smoke streaming into nostrils
   My spirit sings vibrating out to the universe

Is this Tin Man’s heart?
Carved from bleeding wood for chest
Sad beats burden breast

We share the same name and many of the same ways
I see your features when I look at my face
You were a proud dad but with demons
Parted for portions of my childhood with you in prison
Yet away or with me I knew you cared
Always attempted to be a good father when you were there
Conversations and laughs shared while you cut my hair
Instilling a love of nice suits, jazz, and blues
Teaching me self sufficiency and how to use tools
I still remember the call saying you died from pills
13 years later it still doesn’t feel real
A day before the superbowl where Prince performed Purple Rain
The water cascading from clouds mirrored my face tear stained
I cried as Doves Cry played on the TV
No amount of weed or liquor able to relieve me
Maybe I’m just like my father two fold
At your body viewing touching your face that was too cold
I forgive you for your faults I know you did your best
A black man growing up when you did had to face so many test
You beat racism, prison, and an addiction to crack
But even at your worst you always had my back
We share a name so you are called when my name is spoken
I see you sometimes in dreams
Then remember you’re gone when I’m woken.