'My Messenger': Why I love black men
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'My Messenger': Why I love black men
Lincoln University of Missouri's Poetry Writing Workshop
Writer’s note: I have not written poetry in over two decades. I used to be deeply into it during the “Love Jones” days. I interviewed countless poets and covered spoken word events*, including some “Def Poets” artists. And I put my college degree on the line for Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance. Still, I didn’t have much interest in even reading my old writing clips until my mother insisted on bringing over an old binder filled with essays and poetry I’d submitted for my Senior Portfolio at Lincoln University (Missouri) in 2003. As I flipped through the pages of writing from 1999 to 2003, some of those old poems I’d written came rushing back to me, mainly “Two Kisses In a Box” and “Houseguests.” This one (below), however, is by far my favorite and always got appreciative smiles from a few in the spoken word crowd.
“My Messenger”
Bubble jacket, thick boots
Sideburns and moustache
Earring in his left ear
And a cute little ass
Baggy shirt, creased pants
Cheekbones are a bit bulging
Pretty lips, clean fingertips
Wallet, back pocket, hugging …
Smooth skin like silk shirts
His mind like fine wine
Luscious lips like a fruit
Gracious smile looks so kind
Brown eyes deep like coal
Wide nose but still becoming
Broad shoulders, long legs
Mellow voice like someone humming
When he stretched his thick arms
I saw his stomach incline
Thin line of hair from his
Belly button to his … never mind!
He then looked at me and waved
He was my message to send
To all my fellow ladies
He’s why I love black men!
* The full article is here: page 1, page 2, page 3.
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