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'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

Shamontiel L. Vaughn
Sep 9, 2023
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'My Messenger': Why I love black men

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Photo credit: Kaysha/Pexels

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.


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“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.


Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “Tickled,” “We Need to Talk” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter to keep up with all posts at once.

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