Our Shades of Black

Our Many Shades of Black" Lessons learned.... Dedicated to my Twin Sisters, & all of My Brothers & Sisters Granny 'Nora had a subliminal hatred for shades- she had a set of black grands' & a set of whites, which were the lighter shades, she raved; Grandma Clara's hatred for shades was so strong- she wished they were invisible..... emotions so durable, they caused divisions made, …between, her and the "Joy", of a grand-daughter's love, she so desperately craved; ….the birthing’s & deliverances of self-hatred & confusion, ingested by our babes, who ate of knowledge, before knowing they'd been fed, ...devouring words & worlds of Our Precious Elders, like fresh ripe plum, from "Big Mama's" plum tree… anticipating the ripening…. ....& breaking the flesh of the fruit of their wisdom; Their innermost knowing… that: Black we are- "All" ....and in "All" of Our families, we are: Light-skinned, yellow- bones, Red-bones, black, blue-black, Jet-black, dirty- red & copper-toned.... Cocoas & browns & almost whites.... .....name callings of many, and many by Our very own..... ....the pain, of the souls, of the left behind, …of the chosen, has & is obvious & obviously carried for lifetimes; ……in the shades of the songs, of Black Spirits…. Yet We are “One.” My mind recalls: An innocent child spoke, “I’m the light one, you’re the dark one,” and How could she have known? for she had been fed from supposedly wise ones…. …..the ones who chose the lighter shades, over the darker, yet, we are all black….we are all “one” Recalling Her sibling: An also, innocent child, who was the dark scorned, as she cradles that day, like it was her limb birthed….. …..& Grandma, who wished color, was non-existent…..One who preached, “You’re no better than your next brother or sister!” “Who do you think you are?” …..& Granny, who wrote letters, questioning the darkness of the color, of one’s own grand-child’s child… Scalding hot!!!…showers of confusion…. & mental slavery begins… in the minds of our children, who soon realize, they live(d) in a time, when…. you are better, the lighter you are…. the better you will be treat-ed, the brighter your skin…..the more quality you are of a being….. Children wishing for light-skinned babies, before they know the locus of their own beings!!! And so the downfall of our heritage goes! For the fear!! Of judgment! & the same pain of our ancestors! Fear of enduring & sharing their unshed tears, our babies hold fast, to what seems like the truth of endurance- And so ….the patterns of subconscious, negative, spiraling downward, into pits of depression goes on….. The brainwashing began, before we knew what it was…. birthed into young spirits, with the contractions of our Elders own sufferings, as subconscious mental protections….. …..they thought,….. As a means, to blend, with whom they thought were the “civilized ones” “Good-haired” “To birth lighter-skinned babies,” Maybe they wouldn’t suffer so much hatred. ….thinking back & remembering of those days & I know that I’m not alone…. ….my heart feels the division, caused among our bloodline, for causes that aren’t even our own….. I believe “They All” and “They Both,” wanted to protect us, but it was in ways of their very own; ….the ways they’d also been taught…….My Grandparents……Our Grandparents… It’s the venom of “our” own pain, fear, experiences & racism….. …with it came loss & still comes with loss ….that we adapt, fit in, and deal with it, no matter what the cost is … …losing the love of those that should be closest, at the start of a child’s lesson, that should never have been taught……. ….the expense has been & still is: “Our” Spirits, “Our” Smiles, “Our” Songs, and most of all “Our Love of Self!!” …..the cost is more expensive than any purchase…. Because venom is deadly!!! And for the most….. we vaccinate with “acceptance” (of what shouldn’t be accepted!!) It’s like treating a migraine, with a pneumonia medication- It doesn’t work!!! It’s like taking a placebo, to treat diabetes, and expecting your sugar to be regulated!!! You are pacified, not filled or cured and slowly die inside!!! We vaccinate, with accommodation, and “blending in” vs “standing in” …lovin’ Self in “Your Own Skin” & standing!!!- Just you!!!! Blending in….with the “Fly” external presentation….appearing so wonderful… “Blending” …carcass…. Dying within from the pain of the desire for freedom….the desire to just be ….wondering of the “Joy” to free yourself, of the internal bondage of Self- hatred!! ….freedom from the bondage of low self-esteem, which “we,” so many, still refuse to claim!!!! It is!!! When you believe changing who you are, to be pleas…ing…. ….for someone who could give a damn about your heart- About Your Soul…. About “You”!!!! And Internally, your dying daily… How would they know? Do you love yourself enough to search within You? To find the things that make You do what You do? I’d been told by my Grandma to, “Leave the past, in the past!!!!” But!! I’d have never known why she shed those tears at night…. if I would have just accepted it!!! and leave it!!!.....leave my people starving for themselves!!!!, ….Without a clue how to truly love Self!!! If I had just left it!!!! I never would have known why my mama cried at night, and why sometimes she still does!!!! If….If I would have left it…Just left the past in the past!!!!! If…I would have just left things alone….left them the way they were…the way they are….!!!! I never would have known why my daddy cried & drank himself sick, almost every day of his living life!!!! …………….If I had just left it!! I can’t!! My heart won’t let me, if I try!!! I am a seeker!!! A seeker of truth!!! It’s because, I love me, and It is because I love you!!! …that I can never just accept what I’ve lived through!!..... …which is nothing!! Compared to what Our Elders survived and died for!!! It’s because My Soul won’t lie still and digest, that accepting!!!, that the shades of our colors!!!... ….that the many shades that lie within Our Blackness, are divisions!!! I regurgitate the notion!!! ….that these forced wedges within & throughout us…that it is Our only way! It is not!!! It is not!!! And I refuse to accept the suggestions that “It’s just the way it is.” Well the way it is, don’t fly well in my wind!!! I’m here My Loves, to send you a message: ….that we are shades of many, hair textures of plenty and the diversity within our blackness, is what makes us unique, a one-of-a-kind, and Blessed people. There is no need to change for the likes of any others- Change for the love of You!!! Know Your history, so that You will know, that there’s more than enough reason to Love You!!! You & Me- We were created in the Glory of the Eyes of a Creator/tress, who makes no error….creating uniqueness in every single detail & shade, with pleasure!!!! I love Our Many Shades of Black, and without them, what color would the world be? Colorless. I said, without Our Many Shades, what color would the world be My Twin Sisters, My Brothers & Sisters!!? Without Natural, without kinky……there would be no curly…..there would be no wavy No. Without “You as created”…..What would this world be? It takes us all, to make this grand variety!! Straight. Colorless. You better look inside, ….let’s teach Our Children there’s nothing to hide!! There’s no reason, not to know where it all began, … otherwise, How can you heal & mend Your broken hearts? How can you teach, if you haven’t been taught? Love Yourself!!! Know Yourself!! Our Many Shades of Black are Beautiful!!!!! © LeTisha.Bowie 4/15/2012

"Art Heals Us" Urth Eagle Tisha interview PT II with Camara Rajabari

"Art Heals Us" Urth Eagle Tisha interview PT II with Camara Rajabari www.ArtHealsUs.com

Art Heals Us! Part 2 Interview: UrthEagle Tisha Bowie from Camara Meri Rajabari on Vimeo.

"Art Heals Us" Urth Eagle Tisha interview PT I with Camara Rajabari

"Art Heals Us" Urth Eagle Tisha interview PT I with Camara Rajabari www.ArtHealsUs.com

Art Heals Us! Interview with Artist/Poet UrthEagle Tisha Bowie from Camara Meri Rajabari on Vimeo.

No Barriers Block My Progression

No More Barriers 2 My Progression by Urth Eagle No Barriers to My Progression No more changes 2 please the likes of U Lovin’ U was da easy part, but of Your expectations- I’ve only met few Livin’ life, being da best of who Eye am; just ain’t enuf; Ya see…..I haven’t given up my Eyedentity, No, not enuf 4 U, but too much 4 me! U longer desire me, but 4 me 2 b u, Or who “U” think I should b, yet “I’ll no longer b, Who it is that “Eye” see” Didn’t realize I needed a degree, when I signed on da line, Didn’t realize it took a Master’s 2 help uplift fellow mankind, Oh, but what U’ve failed 2 comprehend: My possessions can’t b gained in college single-han……ded! Nor, thru the tunnel vision of a suppressed deaf tone! Inherited! The thriving 4 knowledge….. The instinct desire 2 love…… The natural motivation 2 feed……. The internal Spirit 2 move, when My child’s in need My soul 2 sing, cry, shout, love Da consciousness 2 realize all of the above Whatever is necessary 2 make life livable Whatever is necessary 2 bcome unforgettable 2 leave a perceived pathway of da unteachable things…. Those that can’t b taught by da highest professor- nor deans…. Da deep rooted & buried truths, loves, da knowledge’s of all-ways. Of ever. Of Ancient. Of All tunnels & All bays…. If being me ain’t good enuf 4 U, Or U, or U 4 that matter Eye know Eye’m good enuf 4 me! Step! It’s time u go U blockin’ my progression Got kids 2 raise, life 2 live & life 2 leave U grown-should already b raised That’s 4 da kids Education should rim-fill ur dayz Da changes I make, r 4 an uprising Walk forward, Walk upward or walk on! But, Don’t block My Progression!! © LeTisha.Bowie 11/2011

D.E.T.E.R.M.I.N.A.T.I.O.N.

D.E.T.E.R.M.I.N.A.T.I.O.N. by Urth Eagle D.E.T.E.R.M.I.N.A.T.I.O.N. D……estined to achieve-bred powerfully confident- I will fight! E…..ven when the odds are against me, will not fall and stay down T….oo beneficial to just remain idle and allow advantages to pass E….ach and every opportunity – I want to take and educate myself at mass R….ising above the average standards by all means accessible M….esmerized by life’s ill conditions, I want elevation at new levels I….ncreasing knowledge, love and dignity in human existence N…ever having the audacity to settle for today’s circumstances A…..always remembering the lessons of my grand-ma T…eaching me to “Stand tall! be wise!” and repeatedly saying, “Be I…ntelligent!” – This message she left for us all O…n this journey I have decided to stand for what I believe N….ever give up and live each day to the fullest to “my” potential….. To set an example for my royal offspring… “You can be and do your every desire, just give all of your determination with that God-give fire!” © LeTisha.Bowie 2011

Crowned By Birth

Guide to my destination, Leading Mighty Whirlwind, Spirals of Spiritual Wisdom present a tornado, Ready to take on all! Kinky, Full of strength and force! My frizzy, My curly bunch of tightness Like mini twisters, going left, going right, Complex and swift led …..and underneath- wavy funnels of black frizzies, The drive of My Sistahncestors It is the steering wheel’s control of My future, A flashlight that guides the Earth’s magnificence, Transmitted on from ancient memories, A mass of inherited twisted knowledge, Yet Spiritual channeled to be known. Separating into tiny, spring-like, corkscrew shaped, Thick, Bushy, Wooly mass, carried from antediluvian Goddess, Perfectly, Master-made brown and black beauts. My crown The rise of My Fullness, A continuously expanding growth….. Outward- Upwards- Because, it guards My Goddess My Crown ….crowns a Mighty Feminine Cocoa Queen….. Confusion to the enemies, Connection to My Sistah Goddess……protected Crowned by Birth! Crowned By Birth by Urth Eagle © LeTisha.Bowie 9/11/10 AKA “Urth Eagle”

Urth Eagle Spirit Muses

Urth eagle spirit muses by Urth Eagle © Copyright LeTisha.Bowie 2011

Black Queen She

© Copyright LeTisha.Bowie 2011

Urth & Earth Audios 1

Urth & Earth Poetic Audio 1 by Urth Eagle

Euphonic Magical Soul Vision

Euphonic Magical Soul Vision

You see me smile

despite my trials,

Hearing My Spirit’s Voice

through my eyes,

When you hear me hum

to the beat of my Heart’s drum,

My chariot of melodies…..

My interior space

Multitudes of notes float about my embrace,

Giving birth to unknown tunes

Carrying me along this bumpy ride, beneath Her Moon,

Laced with dreams, hopes, desires and love

Spiritually connected to God-dess Earth, Moon, Sun high,

Musical Magic, consoling Life’s disasters

Mother Earth’s Energies, creating delicate ballads,

Short, long stanzas are some…..

Poetry…..lacking the necessity of words,

Bold, vigorous sounds, inventing new strengths within Eye

Eye’m smiling…..Eye Am……In spite & Despite it all,

Knowing that Eye must stand, or else Eye fall

Eye must decline into the depths of Me,

Humming the Angelical melodies…..the music….this presents:

Her……pleasur-ous, satisfying, sensational vibrations…..

Of Eye…. ~Tis the Euphonically, mesmerizing magic of the music in My Soul

U See

©LeTisha Bowie 11.2010

"Feeling Good" ~Nina Simone

Freedom is mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know what I mean..................New Dawn ....Its a New Day for Me!!!!!

God is Black Goddess

God is black goddess by Urth Eagle

Mama Made A Way

I wrote this when i was in high school, then last year, while talking with a publisher- I tried and tried to edit it, shorten it, etc....to make it into more contemporary poem style, but it's not. It's not nearly the full story, but a brief one of my mothers love and I've decided to share it just as it was written, and as I remember it in its length. Mama made a Way by Urth Eagle

"Do I Move You" Nina Simone

I love Nina!!! and listening to this song today- I wanna know- do I move you???!!!!

The Eye's Soul

The Eye's Soul by Urth Eagle

The Eye’s Soul

Matthew 6:22 states, “The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”

They say “the eyes are the keys to one’s soul”:

……Is it?……my mother’s beauty you see…….?

…..Is it? ……my father’s strength you see?…….in me

Is it?…… My mother’s mother’s………or my father’s father’s?  Hmmmm……do you feel? See? the love that comes, DEEP, from within, my great-great grandparent’s eyes?……..You see……Smile. Yes, you see, it is, the love carried on from within her eye’s soul……..loooonng ago.

Yes! The eyes, they are the keys to one’s soul……carrying the love, the burdens, the joys, the scars…..Can you see it?…..It comes from way down there…..inside……You see?…Down?…Within me?…..

Yeeeaah…..ha….yea….I seeee…..you, ……you see the dreams- yep they’re mine! Cuz, through that fear…. that you see, comes the courage….It’s how they knew….the wisdom……it came from the trials & the tribulations…..the spiritual guidance of wombyn…..not a mirage- it’s reality- the strength, the power, the knowledge you see….. I saw them- I saw her fear, her tears, I saw her worry through the years; His pain, his ache- life…..on his shoulders, to the point of break….ing…….the weight of it all…..yes- it was in his eyes….her eyes’ soul.

……To hold the pain from your children’s hearts, it was & is the instinct of my mother, my mother’s mother’s; my father & his, but…it’s within me, & I felt what was in their eyes… I saw it!….I saw it in the souls of their eyes.

Sssshhh…..listen!!!!!..........do you hear what my eyes say?……Do you hear, what you see? Deep within me? It’s what I speak! It’s how I ex…press my…self!!! Listen!!!!.....SSSssshh.....They read & said: They could do all things through Christ who strengthened them! so long ago, you see it too….in my eyes……noooow, yes, it’s in my eyes……as it was in their eyes, & theirs & theirs before me….the strength of she, the strength of he, which came from the womb of she….I saw it in the soul of her eyes…& what’s in there is the knowledge…. is the power you see in “our” eyes…..the knowledge & power of Christ who also who strengthens me!!!!! , He strengthens us!                Philippians 4:13 

© LeTisha.Bowie

In the Eyes Of

In The Eyes Of

                                                                         I see you

I See Walking Diamonds

The Incidental passerby

Invisibility of nationalities

Invisibility of fashionalities

Invisibility of visibilities

I see you

The concealed knowledge & power of you

Permeating your spiritual miraculousness only to the nonjudgmental

I see you

I see new birth

I see perfection in your imperfections

You are a diamond

Spiritually pure from the contamination of evil trying

Trying to crack your hard, transparent, incomprehensible strength & sway

You flawless precious gem-

They’ve thrown dirt, they’ve tried to infiltrated much hurt

Touched your heart with derogatory & negative mouth flow

Much held hurt

You’re still flawless

 You still stand

Able, as only “You” can

Shine

With “Your Own” illumination, as only “You” can

 Each diamond passing me by, in Her own uniqueness

Having Beauty of Her very own to share

Light the world with the knowing

Possessing you from alway;  from “Your” within

Only “You” can shine like “YOU”

I am the Beholder! Within you.

You are the possessor of your beauty.

Take Hold.

~Urth Eagle Tisha