Be Your Own Inspiration
by Renee' Johnson

Happy New Year! I can truly say that 2004 was a very blessed year for me. All of my experiences have taught me lessons that I will definitely use to my advantage in the years to come. I'm not really big on the resolution thing, because I believe that you should set goals for yourself throughout the year. But one thing I do promise myself, even during those writer's block spells and the low moments, is to keep writing. There are times when I have to dig in the archives for inspiration, and it works, all the time. 

Writing poetry comes very easily to some people. Being a poet, well, that takes a little more work. The ups and downs can be very discouraging and I've seen plenty of writers, very talented ones, let go of their poetic dreams because they cannot handle rejection or criticism. Pursuing a writing career in any genre can take it's toll on your ego. Especially if your ego is bigger than your passion for writing. And we all know that critics, contrary to their own beliefs, do not know it all. So, that being said, don't let others discourage you. The one thing you can count on is that there will be SOMEone out there who will criticize your work, but if you do not believe in yourself, you can't convince others to believe in you. The best advice I've ever received about writing poetry is this: Read it, learn it, and read it some more. I offer you that, along with this: Be your own inspiration.

 

....So Address Me As Such

I can see right past your intricate masks
give a sophisticated answer to any question you ask
raise 1 or 10 children through struggle and strife
run a major corporation and be a supportive wife
converse with the 'Big Wigs' or holla atcha in the hood
say "Absolutely wonderful!" or "Haaay, it's all good!"
put you in your place, without sayin' much
I'm an intellectual Black sista,
....So address me as such

Possessing the strength of the strongest foundation
my voice speaks in volumes heard throughout the nation
my hands grasp doubt and turns it into hope
and these hands have cut society's "limitation rope"
because there is no limit on the strength that I possess
the determination I have, my courage or my prowess
the force of my power can be felt with one touch
I'm a strong Black sista,
....So address me as such

My heart contains love in its purest form
unconditional, absolute, and everyday reborn
my love can surpass the most grueling of tests
it supplies assurance where there is unrest
my love bonds, and shapes, and molds, and holds
it begins from birth, to "infinity-years-old"
you can even feel it without physical touch
I'm a loving Black sista,
....So address me as such

The passion that is swelling, brewing inside
rises to my surface, it never hides
whether it's simply displayed when I take a stand
or when it's seductively unveiled for my man
it's intensity is unrestrained, and uninhibited
and just like my strength, it is unlimited
it can be overwhelming, for some, a bit much
I'm a passionate sista,
....So address me as such

Intellectual, strong, loving, and passionate
sophisticated, powerful, affectionate, immaculate
I'm not your hoochie, your bitch, or your hoe
I'm the center of life, more than you'll ever know
I'm your sister, your auntie, your niece, your mother
and I stand beside you, not behind you my brother
I come in different shapes, shades, and sizes
and no one can deny me when this sista rises
my style is captivating, thank you very much
I'm a beautiful Black sista,
....So address me as such

rsjsj
©1999, the Mytsexxy/Sinsualmind Experience