jet flow

vocal, honest, serious…funny
with a dash of joy & pain
rolled up into a brown shade of beauty
hidden from the insane…those that choose to judge ‘us’

costumed in “correct” grammar, with a southern twang…
relaxed hair, looking the part, we’ve all unconsciously auditioned for
in a society where our true fruit would be audited for imperfections
too light, too dark, mind too slim, ass too wide….
not lookin’ like the rest &
ya’know err’body pose to be/look/act the same, to past ‘their’ test

Oh… grammar got twisted again….
….Talkin bout me or you?
Talkin bout ‘me’, knowing this life is one ‘we’ all see
Gotta play the game, to be accepted
You can choose to refuse facts, but reality won’t let you forget it

never free….It was never me
& decided to undress the suffocating wrap surrounding me
coming home, shaking my wings
the blues, crying from within…I sing
knowing the juice that flows from within my soul
wasn’t/isn’t considered acceptable
& ‘we’re’ slowly dying inside these molds

my sanity could no longer be contained
I burst clouds with thunder, lightning & rain
within this worlds insanity, cocooned as protection
but only protecting a shell, while my heart was asphyxiating
smothering my soul, living disguised in hell on earth
I let go of an appearance that didn’t embrace, nor reflect me
holding ancient manners that I had never known,
but known forever…. as the drums beat throughout me
unraveling truths revealed by standard setters

I remind’em….“Don’t let the smooth flow fool ya.”
I Am All that my roots have bled
All seeds bore, I Am that worth
no longer will I willing allow suppression of who we birth
for those who refuse to see my thirst
for individuality, uniqueness and the royalty taken
I knew that I knew…. before I actually knew
I sought for a truth that is in my roots…..
…with a fire… venter embedded

today I continue a journey of elevation
for mySelf & soul’s salvation
Could give two damn’s about who chooses to Accept me..…
Or Not…..I Am
hisStory may have suppressed, but never erased Us
I Am
of the many who live, rejected by our own
trying to reflect ourStories, revealed through soul & bones
& every revelation I see, I will implant seeds
into my deepNess, & ‘every’where I can’t & can see
I will flow Self-Worth, Determination & Worthy Pride
because, we have no reason to hide
the truth Is…
We Are more than we were taught, more than we were lead to believe
We Are the worth…. of the battles Our ancestors fought
We Are the roots of existence,

seek prior to what was revealed to us
prior to the diaspora…
OurStory didn’t began with slavery, nor will it end with it
My womb will not let suppressed truths die
as calms come, the fire within my belly ignites inside
to ram lies into their Hell, with their so called sins
tales taken from ourStory, twisted to scramble our mental
keeping us under subjection
got Our people fucked up with this constant rejection

don’t ever allow an outsider, who could give a fuck about you
to convince you that you’re sisters & brothers aren’t enough
I ain’t painting an illusion or imagery, that can’t be accepted
Nah we ain’t perfect, but no one is, despite what we’ve accepted
told it’s just a matter of perception….I don’t believe in rejecting….My own
for the sake of likes & fake ass smiles,
yea we’re on different levels, but the miles to walk are ‘Ours’ together
some have chosen to face & embrace facts
while others still hold to the acts, who aren’t where we’re at
once it was unknown to you, & still much unrevealed
unchaining brains…will only come with patience & time
from years & years of broken backs, hearts, minds…
shed blood & tears

Unwrapped & soul free
Loving Self & the GodIs in Me
One Love Family, Let’s Git It!
Ase’ O!

© LeTisha.W.Bowie 7/31/13

Ain't Worried

Blind & Deaf

speaking to deaf ears

mouths a constant, overflowing dumpster

corner-shelves of drawn shit,

awaiting the funk monster to dispose of it..

quickly, before the repetitive refill

standing still,

stagnant,

yelling to broken spirits & deaf ears,

overfilled for years...

with inactivity

& I beat the drums of ears softly,

with Our wails, until they become shriekkksss!

Our rivers of tears spill, from My heart's tip,

onto pages & pages

enraged!

Eye peer through tear bubble-filled scopes,

looking around Us

“We have to awaken!”

...become a part of 'The Rising'

in 'this' reality,

which 'is' a southward spiral of a Divine race...

we chant, we argue, we plead...

of this new day,

of the great unity taking place,

yet, Yet to be seen...

but not only are present ears deaf,

the delivering eyes must be blind,

to the increasing innocent bodies lying

of our men, wombmen, children...

we're continuosly finding...

by the wayside,

day by day by...

& My Soul's ears mourn, to the distant Mother's wail in the wind, for a child gone too soon,

& My Soul's heart outcries, with the Father around the corner, banging the door railing, for a son gone to soon,

& My knees surpass my ankles, hitting concrete pavements, to the moan of grandparents

who lost their child too soon!!!

& sit awake at night wondering why We can't see,

how magnificent the power of Our Love in a multitude could be...

...the rapes, molestations, the diseases

this shit ain't on decrease family!!

& speaking unity ain't nothing,

if we ain't supportin, & upliftin Our Brethren!

...only a sermon, being flushed out to sea,

with the rest of the gradually washing-out ,

man-made, religious mental slave mentality

looking passing seekers by,

looking our spiritually broken Sisters by,

looking our mentally tired Brothers by,

shouting unity over their heads....

cus they ain't got the grammar down,

cus they don't sound all educated, conscious & fly

My Soul breaches Blood & pours pain...

over & over again,

watching Blood dog Blood...

& yeah, I've heard...

“Just cus they black, don't mean they blood”

but what Eye do know is....

live long enough to find out Who you are

& you'll remember what color you are too

…..when you're out trying to survive in this world...

“Oh there will come a time”

...when you will be informed... of just who you are

You just better know...

& Blood gone always be Blood...

Rooted.

“& You will remember, regardless of your shade,

You gone always be Black.”

& go on

sadly,

hindering Our unity

spoken to the communities

unconscious of one fact

a circle goes round & round...

“How much longer do we chase our tails rotating it?”

...degrading the very faces, facing us in the mirrors

One another

Our Ancestors Love...

getting nowhere, we're losing grip

while, trying to grasp It

the truth of Her Love,

...Her knowledge....Her treasures

Antediluvian.

Impregnated, withIn the deepness of all that We seek,

we'd rather watch Our brothers dirt-smother,

in the pit of this corrupt shit,

than to lend a hand, for fear he may rise above,

instead of rise beside you...

as One...

It's time for Us to get a grip over OurSelves

if you ain't bout Ours,

back back, so we can take Our positions,

It's time to be bout this mission

time has shown & does tell,

no one else ever will

write a few lines, spit a pile for the Mother Earth's Crew,

gotta get into Our Souls and do what we need to...

heart, soul & feet

else all talkin remains in vain

& that new name means nothing

to a child who has no idea what is means,

who can't get a job, due to the same ol mobs blocking pro-gress,

who ain't got a dime, in a society that don't give a damn...

determined to keep us rammed in the hind,

don't give a damn whether we live or die,

watching & laughing.....

as we fight, kill & belittle Our own kind

stompin & dumpin Our every move...our every effort

as Our people walk by, heads down, faking pride,

tear-stained souls, unable to break the keloid pain barriers,

unable to feel Our voices,

to feel the leaders...

because there's no walk, to Our talk

Blind Eyes, Deaf Ears

Children of the Sun's Umbrella

uplifting our souls,

worthy more than our lands’ stolen gold

I hold dear each valuable Sun-touched life,

mending, broken, stolen, divided, down trodden….

I’ll always fight

I hold you withIn,  my loves…

story by tale, heart by heart, tear by tear,

each One, your hearts, I bear

with a fist full of A Love Story untold…

of A people… Ohhh too deep to hold… down

we will ever-elevate to Our true states

my sun souls…we must no longer wait

we will no longer quietly endure unjust hate

we rise to The Originals

the truth of OurSelves, seeing reality for Her wealth

Of you- Black Wombman, Black Man…Our Sun Children

We must stand

do seek always… to truly understand… OurStory

I share our antediluvian pains…

the years of unconscious & deliberate hatred that still rains

…continue to control your stance

into Our minds the true ‘sins’ did land

sprouting untruths… that we are less because of the blessings our skin,

in the minds are where these remnants remain,

continuing to try & break down relentless souls that cannot be chained,

trying to crack us once & for all,

trying to make invisible strength inherited, but we will not fall

I share our sadness

…..& Still! ….

our laughter births an incomprehensible joy,

holding an unquenchable knowing,

a fire that’s always burned…

bestowing mesmerizing shades of darkness’s….

Yes! ...we were portrayed in a bootleg show of negative nothings!

& it’s undeniable the power we clench, through it all…

reflecting Our lights that do & will ever glow an eternal endurance,

illuminating beyond it all!!

overcoming separations, after obstacles, through losses, after unjust denials

of lives, of loves…of Our rightful freedom to ‘Be’

We are Worthy!

We are The Beauty of Life,

The Rainbow of The Sun’s Umbrella,

ever-seek my loves…our ancient inner strength,

which guides us through it All again & again…

….intentionally & Mami Earth given parched lands

We can stand On…

because we are The Children of the Sun

© 3/7/13 LeTisha.Woods

A Black Power Poem...In Honor of Our Black Story

....written by Our Sis Queen in Honor of Black hisStory Month....beautiFuLLy PowerFull!!!

Awaken WithIn Your Consciousness

Who Is that… is the motivated?

Who Is that…. is the liberated?

What is liberation? Huh?

….as we say it?

What & Who is love….

& who do you love?

What is it…Black Love?

…..as we say

to make a call……who makes the call?

to share a word of education…or liberation-

to the youth….to the lost….

Who is this liberator?

……the ass moving motivators….Who…. Is?

Motivation.

Liberation.

Education.

Elevation…..

Preach. Teach. Reach……

Who are we reaching withIn the comfort of Our realms?

Define these “We” yell from the roof tops,

into the thin air….

We know what they mean!

We….the consciously, educated & liberated knowledge buffs…..

We talk it!

Or is it……??  talking that liberates “Us” individually

Perhaps in Our little groups that all agree…eh

But “We” are One

Hell yeah there’s much to do!!

Much work to do!! to wash away years and years of Mental Slavery!!

but do we start ?

or do we stay apart?

and continue to complain & talk about the injustices,

that no one else is going to change?

Do we continue motivating ourSelves?

without sharing the wealth of knowledge,

that permeates to the Soul?

Our people have lost hope,

those who retain it are wandering….

With no actions,

we are meeting the needs of “no one”

Perhaps, we think self-educating is enough

It is not.

Not to rebuild what has been knocked down,

stolen, shackled,  physically freed

& mentally slaved!!

Is this the shit you continue to spit!?

We the Black People~ We the Black People

& wonder why they turn away…..

“It is” the reason

it passes no further, than the sight of deaf ears

missing the drum, much less reaching the Souls…

Action is the process of acting or being active!!

to move something in whatever you do,

in your cause, your destiny or your purpose!

For Us!!!

Is it to come together as One!!

Unite Our People!

Is it for the love of Our people, that we must get motivated!

Is motivation not to be motivated…to liberate….to be liberated….

Is it not to take Action?

To do something! ?

It is to make a move

To free

To show what “We” speak divisively, as the “One” we speak of….

“We A Black People”

“Our People”

To uplift, elevate…to Unite

The question is….to All of Our loves…

Pro Black, Pan-Afrikan, Liberated,

Conscious-Minded, Educated, Po’, Rich Black Folk…….

We Are One

How many ways can We count thee divided?

We have been slacked too long in taking Action

The time is now My Sisters & Brothers

to educate with the truth….

Get the hell up, step up & speak up

Move

Take action in Our communities

for the better of Our children, Our Elders, Our futures

Our Ancestors have spoken loudly

Ain’t nobody looking for action from Us,

because we ain’t done nothing as One

Piece of us fighting here, and pieces talking there….

The vast is use to Our talking and so are Our Own people

What’s Up?

It’s time to Unite Physically….Soul Unite

Leaders you have been Called

Step Up!!!

© 11/4/12 LeTisha.Woods

& the Walls Come Tumblin' Down

….my folk! you quite theater doe’

presentin’ yurs a mesmerizin’ sho’,

they all reminiscing ‘bout stable careers, childhood dreams,

of romance scenes,

‘fo adulthood kicked dey asses into real  Awaken-ings,

& true horror stories b’came realities;

some choose ta watch yo movies, scene afta’ scene,

as if, dem sho’s in demselves, would fulfill dey dreams

while otha’s fully conscious of da bullshit you spit,

ta keep one captured, wit yo chain, ball, & trin--kets

smooth as a gentle, summa’s breeze, as yo mouth flo swept our minds, 

simultaneously it cut raza-blades into our souls,

our struggles, weren’t the fairytales you tol’

yo appealin’ ol’ happily eva-after’s,

& dey lived happily eva- after’s,

it ain’t da truth of da lives we wish fo’-

t’ain’t tales of da shed tears, of the workin’ po’!

t’ain’t da truth of our disembodied ancient ancestors soul’s cryin’

fuh ign’ance ta set our minds free!!

let’s tell’t like’t is “my” folk…for da love of you!!

da facts of dis life

dat we livin’

…ain’t cutting no deals

…it’s time ta get real,

while you swag’n suave’, wit yo hella-dip,

Kangol hat tipped to da side,

cigar smellin’ sweet….you like a rat,

spewin’ a cavity-filled, mouth full of lies;

to yo own fam …

freedom- searchin’ souls….

not truly givin’ a damn ‘bout our goals,

only how many of “our”dolla bills you can fold…

Carin’ less of whose mind’s or spirit’s you’ve sold

ta ya new massa, fuh today’s get rich quick scheme…

sellin’ yo’ stage play, over-nite quick-fixes to yo’ own folk,

even tho, ya don’t believe in ya own joke no mo….

spuing false hope, hidin’ the soul you lost to anotha form of coke

flashin’ yo’ wand….feedin’ hisStory’s miracles out yo’ magic can,

at da cost of anyone’s energy, dat will ride on yo desert land

compensated smiles,

you beginnin’ to know yo err’, yet know no way out…

continuin’ ta nourish yo people wit da ign’ance until we all in drought,

instead of spillin’ yo Awaken-ing…

da deceptions….da lies

learnin’ yo’self…

teachin’ da way ta self-education

                                     self-preservation

                                   self-motivation……self-love.

Free Truth!!!

but at da cost of a few bucks & our soul’s health,

Resurrection …..ReBirthin’ of a nation,

you bring us death.

rather kill yo family, than ta uplift & save even yo own lousy soul,

fa pieces of temporariness, that ain’t even yo own.

The ever……Our inheritance….Ours

tryna seekin’ the truth…

turning the pages of destroyed, with a fine toothed-comb,

while you lovin’ some impermanent specks of gold, nice car, hella-home…..

at the cost of climbing yo’ masters ladder,

a lil’ pocket clitter-clatter,

my love, just a message of wisdom

…..soon as ya step out of line….

rock bottom gon’ sound mo’ like a thuDDah

We’re watching in despair, but…..

We’ll be lookin eye to eye again Pretender…

My Brotha’s..…My Sistah’s Keeper..….My People’s Slow Killer…..

And We’ll say….

 “So glad You’re Awake, You can take your mask off now, You’re back home…

    let’s get to work, there’s progress being made here… We’ve been building.”

©LeTisha.Bowie 8/5/12

hisStory

long before “we” were born

we were lost in visions of unilateral beautalities…

& we are…

ere “our” time,

theirStory blanketed ours,

their truth had been bought, taught, published…..it was

and so it was digested…it was learned;

we’re living it…each of Our life’s times’ now,

as our elders lived each of theirs’

& She’s tried to present Her place…

Truth

& we continue to leave Her homeless…

going on suffering our inner wars,

having belly- toils, pain laced hearts & sick scars…

trying to cypher internal confusions brewing,

wondering why we had to sit perfectly still….for hours at stoves,

scalps sizzling, like Nana’s beef stewing,

chemical straighteners to look someone’s “norm”,

attempting & attaining unbent coils,

to appear like the acceptable, trying to outrun the eyes of our storms,

increased internal & external damages,

at any cost…. We did… We do…,

as if our birth crowns are sins…,

having stomached the sayings of “the presenters….of their truths”

we lost all adoration of Self,

“No love of Me”

Our torment…“pretty” by their standards,

not by individual true rights,

…by the measures inoculated in black souls,

completely blinding Our sight

bind-ed

not only by slave owners & masters of straight hair and blue eyes,

*got that- straight, not straightened*

But, by the comfort-ability of Ourselves!

….accepting deplorable value, by those of no higher measure,

fighting not for the beauty, the power, the love within,

the strength of ancient, of all times, where there’s no need to pretend.

Now, some seeking & conquering Our reality,

finding lost truths & connecting roots,

do so, only to have condemnation & judgment

thrown at our self-enlightenment,

from our own blood.

denial of the never-known,

of OurHistory,

knowledge of Self & Self-love,

that which was never lost to us,

but never known to us;

pain inherited…. Impregnated…

unconsciously, anciently severe…

none has chosen to be…

to be “them”, to be “you”, to be “me”

to be “us”

……we were gifted…Blessed!

yet, never embracing or conquering old fears,

nor hurt, pain, or confusion….the tears,

…the internal enslavement of Our souls for years!

it’s time to fight the oppression ….time to fend!

to break the cycles of mental & intimate slavery! Time to send…

the message:  they “thought” they were free,

& then so did we…. now we see…

…..the time is at hand.

…free on the paper and soul shackled,

externally disguised & internally confined,

fronting the part of someone else’s lie…

Confounded.

refusing to stand for freedom, to love Your Natural Beauty…

God created.

Yet afraid to demand…

to awaken in peace, In the color of your own skins,

In the puffiness of your strands, The curves of your stance,

In the erotic-luptuousness of your lips, The fullness of your hips,

The strength inherited!!

The way You were created!!

Created to remain in the image of Our production!!

….the images of our perfect, brilliant reproductions.

why must we alter us to fit the diseased minds?  …

whose mental states, refuse them the capabilities of vision,

of the beauty in uniqueness, but instead created divisions…

It’s because we’ve contracted the disease

But there is a cure...

Its name is Awaken.

Awaken from your slumber.

Recognize the spell we’ve been under.

“Such beautiful full coils, just pin it up right there…Cute.  ...skins dark and smooth….”

“You looking so good & fine my black man….You love this song too! Let’s groove”.

…..as she walked away from the mirror.

Look into the mirror.

….Into Yourself

Know Yourself.

We were created The Image of Beauty, as it exists at all.

Recognize what’s going on around us, knock down your walls.

OurStory is diminishing,

being completely replaced by hisStory

know yourself and the truth of yourStory.

© LeTisha.Bowie 8/3/12

Soul Dip

work bound
makin’ ‘nutha dayz pay
left glancin’, at dark brotha,
goin’ opposite my way
he gotta sway
dat slight dip, in his hip
‘aint nuthin’ wrong wid dat stride
got strength… ownin’ its smooth,
as he bobbin’ his head
to his own tune
I smile- keep on my way
gon’ to make my day
an’ at its end- headed out….
‘nutha brown brotha walkin’ bout
can’t help but smilin’
don’t matta’ whetha’ My Brotha rich, middle, or ya wanna call’m po’
dat Soul beats deep, like dah King he bon’ ta be
in His Own sway, His Own way
gotta stride, gotta dip dat study of pride,
an’ fo’ da stop-light turns
…..reflectin’
…..even young black boys, young men, Our Elders
dey send Dey Own Rhythmic Vibrations bone marrow deep,
Puttin, smiles in yo’ souls,
Givin’, yo’ eyes unheard beats,
Makin’ you bob yo’ heads an’ tap yo’ feet…
Dat Black Man’s Soul’s Dips’ got His Own beat.

5/29/12 © LeTisha.Bowie