armor

I’ve worn my pain like armor,

Now there is no need.

Especially when I see

that my anxiety

is a

Burden.

I’ve expressed myself authentically

While intentionally hiding my pain.

I’ve gone to the depths of me and realized

I’m not so scary.

I will not implode,

Explode

Evaporate

Or discenigrate

I imagined I am stronger than I think.

And my thoughts take flight

Have you laughing with Aladdin

On a magic carpet ride.

So I will protect you

from my shadow

By standing in my power and healing

That “I’m a bad mutha…

“shut yo mouth.”

From the womb of Jim Crow parents

And sharecroppers of Mississippi

Granddaughter to a grandmother who

remembers that her grandmother was “an African”

How could I ever rob you from infinite joy

And rest that is your birthright?

When your home is justice

and patience gives way to the revolutions fight.

I will not be a “Baby Mama”

With all this drama.

I will be a “Bad Motha…

“Shut yo mouth”

Grandmother’s Table

Chapter One

She pulled over at the front of her house. It was raining, that misty light rain showering the sidewalk. The back window was rolled down, so that Kobe, her four year old Labradoodle, could hold his head out the window.

She had to finish this text. She would send it, he would think she was crazy, say “Okay” or maybe put up some resistance. But ultimately he would leave. She’d tested him enough. If he couldn’t get past her whirlwind of thoughts, emotions and high expectations, how could he manage the father of her children?

Ahmad would have to believe her. He would have to trust her, if they were to ever have anything more. Taliah couldn’t help but push him away, so she tapped away…

I feel like I wanna end things with us. I am so triggered by small things. When I’m with you things are so awesome then after a few days I’m anxious. This could be for many reasons, but would primarily include the marriage I was in. That’s why I have gone back to therapy.

Nonetheless, I thought that aspect of feelings would go away this second time around with you. I felt I could handle this type of relationship with you. And really I can’t. So, I find myself in the same space as before.

You have been so patient and gracious with me. How I behaved at the party was very embarrassing. And at the same time reminded me of how I was treated for many years. I felt like I became the person who hurt me so badly.

Is this dramatic? Yes, but my feelings be so strong. Anyways, you’re living the single childless life and it’s like your friend said…I have baggage. It doesn’t feel like baggage to me since everyone has some, but I get it. I can’t do the limbo thing with you, even though that’s what people do nowadays. It’s stressful and as much as I want you, I don’t want to be stressed. Maybe I’m archaic and an anti-feminist but this is not for me. This literally makes me feel crazy.

Should she send it? Before he had cancelled their plans together, Taliah was already on edge. These guys were either crazy, ridiculous or boring. Dating felt like being greased up with Aquafor and pushed down a 100ft metal slide. Just today, she dropped two serial texters within the last four hours.

But she felt better now. Maybe she’d save the message and talk to him about her feelings later. Ahmad had a rough day and since he’d told her that he’d be out of touch the next few days, she saved it in her notes and texted,

Hope you have a better night.

She felt like a dumbass.

i’m the bad guy

I don’t have to be the one

but never make me the two.

I’m not the jealous type

but I don’t play the fool.

I understand a good girl gone bad

so much about it resonates.

This suppressed rage can drive one mad

rather keep it in and regulate.

Yet the moment they let loose

lips full of lies reveal the truth.

Watch how quickly I change

use my words to rearrange

Your whole soul

Because you thought I didn’t know

Behind the smile and understanding eyes

Is a mind that reads between the lines

Had to finally decide

that this good girl is gone forever.

And you all were the catalyst.

So much so that in my heart of hearts

I can’t be mad at this.

You.

Me.

Or even them.

Because I let you think that you were him

So really…I am the bad guy.

Truly a magician.

Watch how quickly I change

and you’ll be wishing you were him.

give and take

we were a beautiful anomaly,
who can understand it?
imperfect keys in harmony,
how could He have planned this?
he gives and takes away.
well, how about the pain?
yet i have not grown to disdain
the sovereign in your reign
but if this be inspiration
that propels my sanctification
then without resignation
to your providence
i prostrate my inclination

09.11.13

-RIP Dad 2.24.13