*hands clasped* prayers to haiti

(devastating natural disaster settles in haiti)

the quake: it was just minutes to five in the afternoon. students were in school, others were shopping in markets, some on the road, more at home- cooking or maybe sound asleep when the earth began to shake deep…and hard, causing buildings to come crashing down around the worlds of over millions of the haitian people, causing some to be buried alive, and unfortunately ultimately eventually taking the lives of over two hundred thousand.

when the story broke over all media outlets, it was highlighted repetitively: “haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere” …suffers yet again. just two years ago in 2008, they overcame four hurricanes, and it has been over 200 years since the country has experienced an earthquake- let alone one of a catastrophic magnitude of 7.0. but why now? why haiti? why the troubles upon troubles? why their nation- knowing the worst has yet to come.

strong aftershocks continued on throughout the day, on to the next day, and days after that- but the wave…the wave of reality, cries and shouts—the tidal wave of the deaths to accept, that’s what’s mostly feared. the struggle to repair the hurt and rebuild the homes- the hope to feed the hungry and hug the saddened. the earth quaked terribly. shocking to the world, because how can something so natural take place so suddenly and claim lives- “why?” is the question being asked.

let there be hope for haiti- let there be help. countries responded; they flew to assist the haitian nation in dire need- of items as minor as a flashlight… to as major as medical tools.

streets are of nothing but rubble; piles of broken concrete, twisted metal, dust and shattered glass. tents fill open spaces…beneath them are the helpless. their worlds are dark all day- living a nightmare. scared for lost loved ones. females, afraid to leave their tents because of the sick apathetic bastards who seem to not be phased by this crisis- preying on the weak, to rape them, and leave them even more hopeless.
but the haitian people are also showing their brave faces- keeping their faith in god by praying and singing to keep their spirits up- they know that the sun will once again shine on their beloved country.

a nation whose youth accounts for a majority of the population- young people buried under crushed buildings kept faith that they’d be found. brave young ones, not afraid of the shaking earth…not afraid of death.
children have become orphans in a matter of seconds- their parents buried somewhere unknown- no labels. simply nameless bodies, now, under the earth- the earth that killed them. no proper way to die, there was no chance for anyone to at least say goodbye.

hundreds of babies remain unidentified- wounded, hungry and hollering for mothers and fathers who no longer exist. it’s a crisis indeed. people are in physical and mental pain- a type of pain that does not and will not instantly fade away- or even at all.

funds are being raised to help relieve this country of despair. the people of the world are coming together- working together and agreeing with one another…at once. help be provided for the helpless.

people around the globe may be sitting on their couches gazing at the devastation, thanking their gods for their many blessings, their many fortunes, their many lucks and loves and opportunities and abilities, and the chance to give. there are of course those who could care less about haiti, because the earth didn’t shake up their home- the earth didn’t intervene with their daily routines- the earth didn’t inconvenience them. and there are those who question the great humanitarian approach to this particular natural disaster. where was all of this aid when the earth caused that major hurricane and tsunami a couple of years ago? but there will always be questions and doubt- there will always be hate and apathy. but hope and faith overrule.

i sent a text to yele (wyclef jean’s haitian foundation), donating five dollars. numbers to text and call were broadcasted all over for people who wanted to help. on january 22, a telethon appeared on abc network- “hope for haiti now,” raising money for the nation in need. celebrities answered calls from people around the united states making generous donations. they also performed songs dedicated to the people of the country historically known for their many struggles.

i have family there. my grandmother must feel a pain in her soul that makes her bite down on her bottom lip and shed tears from the heavens. there’s fear of the unknown. there also must be prayers raining down to assure that loved ones are where they ought to be. a friend of mine lost her dad to the quake- now buried alongside his mother. may he peacefully rest. may all of those gone now, rest, peacefully. may their spirits take ease and their families be blessed.

when the sky falls- and the earth shakes- don’t wait- don’t break. rebuild the damaged- the sorrow- wait not for tomorrow. ayiti calls.

till the wheels fall off...

life is about having fun all day everyday. never being miserable and never letting anyone rain on your parade. life is about being lively and inviting spontaneity on the ride. it's about change and keeping things moving--evolving, developing, growing, becoming smarter, wiser, knowledgeable and accomplishing dreams. life is about what you want when u want it...fulfilling that void and making every minute of your life a minute of joy and magic. life is about dancing until your legs wear out...singing until your voice is hoarse...seeing today tomorrow and the day after that and never looking back. life is about not only moving-- but moving forward and upward. life is what you make it and finding a partner to experience the joys with you...and if done the right way life will be BEAUTIFUL.

so, most familiarly heard from vocals of Lady GaGa...JUST DANCE- da da doo doo mmm!

hit me and i'm hittin back...

all i saw was him bangin on the glass door. she was on the other side- frantic. but he wants to hit her once more. the yelling and screaming must have been mute to her. i could imagine only being able to see the red rage of fire in his eyes. (i wouldn't open the door either, but then again i wouldn't allow myself to end up in such a situation). Just give the man his damn ring back. it can't be worth that much (the pain- the stress).

i don't get it, and honestly i don't want to understand why women allow themselves to continuously end up with black tears running down their frightened cheeks. black eyes and bruised arms, finger printed necks with excuses such as tripping up the steps.(hit me once and i'm hitting back. then you better watch out for the glass bottles and bricks that'll be flying your way. and if im brave enough you just might end up with a cap in your ____. i don't play that. )

too many women are victims of domestic abuse by people who consider themselves a "man"-- a bunch of b.s. point blank. no real man is going to put his hands on a woman in a harmful way. they're too cool and smooth and respectful to be caught doing such a disgusting thing.

these women need to step up and hit the hell back...then pack.

the most beautifulest thing in this world...

they say you gotta be beautiful on the inside, in addition to the aesthetics of your exterior. but the word beautiful is generic. like the whole "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" thingy. one may say someone is internally beautiful because they are generous, but the next might say someone is beautiful because the person is psychologically challenged (Danger-lol). but seriously..."beauty" is similar to the word "good"- it's boring, simple, plain, and basic. I would want to know in detail what makes me stand out from the rest--inside out and outside in. don't tell me I'm "the most beautifulest thing in this world" because that means jack-squat to me. i want pinpoints...put a magnifying glass to my face and my heart..compare and contrast what's engraved on each part of ME. don't give me simple, i don't deserve simple, cuz i'm not a simple person--only when it comes to things that I shouldn't be too picky about (food, roof, clothes, cash). my heart shines as bright as my big eyes and both are strong enough to sense a liar when one lies. but I can say the most beautifulest thing in this world is one who speaks the truth. the beautiful truth is a delicacy...but I'm a calm and cool person... I can handle it.

p.s- the flower was discovered in south korea and guess what it's called...the "Beautiful Truth"
"Beautiful Truth is Beautiful Trust"

Zebra Eyez

i usually say, watch your surroundings, watch who's around you, be careful of the ground you walk upon. sometimes you gotta use your zebra eyes. everything's cool in color- but black n white is where its at- the truth that is. you never know one's motives or thoughts. people's adversities, woes, and histories are capable of creating devils in disguise. i'm sure you know about the wolves in sheep coats and the frenemies. people are always watching, always plotting, always envious, and be careful of the associates that always choose to fuss. bad enough the government has their every eye on us. and sad enough we fall into the trap. but im sayin, dont get too comfortable and lean to put your feet up cuz the heats always up. although my zebra eyes dont have x-ray vision, i try to not be oblivious to the fact that people are snakes. maybe i should get some night-vision goggles for my zebra eyes...hmm. if that works i'll let ya'll know what's going on behind the curtain.

the lion sleeps tonight...not

sometimes, i sit up late at night, or shall i say extremely early in the morning -and just think. i've been pretty good at not letting things get to me, but sometimes i get anxious. there's a whole world out there and when you really look at it, little ol' me is just sitting in front of this daggon computer tryna figure out what my purpose in life is...my purpose in this world. then i look at all these successful people who have actually worked hard and created a strong foundation to get where they are and to keepin movin on up. so i keep tellin myself that i have to work hard and keep on believin, and every time i accomplish somethin i dont have to throw myself a party. it's good to reach goals in life, but success comes to those who are too busy working hard to notice it. and obstacles are triumphed when your eye is steady on the prize. i think i have a pretty good idea of what it takes to get to the top...but my whole issue is not having an idea of my career path. there's a big ol' world out there...people are sleeping, crying, dying, partying, laughing, driving, eating, sleeping, and sleeping, and sleeping, and i'm up---thinking.

just call me homey the caterpillar

i'm kinda step 1
f- it, i am step 1
lil miss butterfly has to go through me
the time i spent down to earth means nothin to her fly azz
i was over there crawlin
takin it step by step
and she started gettin by
cuz she cute
and she fly
where's the substance butter?
kill me off
cuz i know too much
i get it
i was homey the clown
and now she's flyin around
so
it's fly like a butterfly?
sting like a bee?
no
think like a caterpillar
grow like a tree
they say
she's hot
i'm not
i'm smart!
so what?
really?

im flyer on the wall

I gotta get out there
I must be seen
This fly on the wall thing aint workin
I’m like the camouflage Queen
My voice must be heard
Cuz I’ve got a lot to say
Imitation of the birdie with the word
When I should be roaring before my prey
But when they see me, they stare
They make me nervous
Some may call it intimidation
But nobody’s perfect
This girl with these thoughts
These words, these things
Can’t remain that water that goes with the flow
It’s my time to work against
Speak my piece
Release my beast
Increase some peace
But when the present calls my name
I think- maybe next time, when I’m feelin the vibe.

devynity speaks

They told me I was ugly,
Something like Pecola, undeserving of love—no kisses, no hugs
“Go scrub my floors!” they said
“Nurse my children and when they grow up they will call you ugly
too, because ugly’s what you are…”
They said the lighter, the better, but still not good enough
Made me hate myself and my sisters
Showed me thin white ladies with narrow noses
Striking elegant poses
Accentuating their emaciation, then they told me I was fat
They put Hottentot Venus on display; with thick hips, thick thighs
and supple behind
And proclaimed her a freak of nature
They called me mammy
And nanny, jigaboo, sapphire, jezebel, harlot, skeezer, slut,
chickenhead, nappyheaded and
Too proud and independent
Too loud and too relentless
The Black males’ emasculator
But still a welfare mother
With one baby on each hip, 5 walking behind
Legs spread open and wide
To keep those checks coming
They probed my insides
Mutilated my body in the name of science
When I complained, I was reprimanded and called defiant
They made me hate myself and
My Blackness
My African-ness
My natural curves
With a nose like your father
A smile like your mother
African—yes!
Before American ever was
And beautiful
Strong, yet delicate
Like the dandelions
They put Donyale on the cover of Vogue, but made her
cover her face
They’ve denied us Oscars and accolades
Told us we should hate ourselves
Told us we should have no pride
Hate our heritage, our culture, our lips, our nose
Then Imus got on the air and called us nappyheaded hos
Told us hip-hop made him do it
As if the word whore was somehow created by our music
As if we criminalized ourselves
They showed me Shirley Temple dancing with Bojangles
Showed me Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch, Elizabeth Taylor
as Cleopatra
Then they gave me Aunt Jemima, gave me ashy knees and
swollen feet DAX grease, straightening combs and bleaching cream
My kinky hair the crown God gave me to wear
And so I permed it
Twisted it out of shape and I pressed it to make it straight
I burned it and colored it blonde
They called me exotic
At once marveling at my beauty and making a mockery
of my humanity
And I’ve been made an exposition
They greased me up and stripped me down
Til there was nothing mo’
Still they copy my style—from my braids to my wrap to my fro
Still they sing my songs
And envy my complexion
Still they put me down
I’m so yellow, so red, so black, so brown
So beautiful—it’s true
They almost convinced me I was ugly
Til I saw you
My sister
Your radiance resonates in my reflection
With cornrows and thick lips
And the backside that switches like a pendulum
Jumping double Dutch in the school yard
Color confident
Almond shaped brown eyes
As if we enslaved ourselves
As if we segregated ourselves
As if we were brought here hating ourselves
Well this is my Black girl manifesto
For my sisters in the suburbs and the ghettos
For Nikki, Alexis, Keisha
For Jessie, and Khalilah
For Black girls who beg their mommies for white Barbies
Looking in the mirror, hoping that their faces will change
For the mikas and the iquas and the aquas and the fiyahs
You are beautiful the way God made you
The sun loves you
Can’t you feel it embrace you?

Written by Devynity (Emcee.poet.blackgirl)

people like me

ok, so i went to australia for a study abroad program in 2008, and there are a lot of different complexions of human beings down under, but no one whom i was able to identify with necessarily. i guess i should make it known that i'm african american. ok, there. so, anyway, while i was down under with the aussies and the kangaroos, i got pretty annoyed with people staring at me as if i was a massive alien with three bugged out eyes wearing mc hammer pants. maybe i'm exaggerating, but when people stare and uncaring-ly- it gets extremely annoying. other than the hands full of ignorant and annoying individuals, i met some really cool people. i met people from all over the world- Germany, India, Thailand, China, Japan, Nigeria, England, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Austria, Norway, France, Mexico, South Africa, Ireland, Netherlands, Holand, Indonesia........they're all amazing people of different lifestyles. i learned how to say "i love you" in german and swedish, and my japanese roommate taught me some stuff. but of all the people i met, no one else was african american, so of course i stood out. although, at times i felt out of my element, i adjusted and made no big deal of not having my homegirls around or brothas hissin and kissin at me while i walked down the street in melbourne. although, i'd take a hiss or a kiss anyday before being called a "black-bitch" while walking down the street in sydney. the crazy part about that is i wasn't deeply affected by the dude that said it. i was actually expecting it, so i guess the preparation denied the chance for me to become disconcerted. and, because there weren't too many witnesses, i wasn't embarrassed. oh, and i have to tell you about this girl from london that asked to touch my hair. yeah, i let her. but after, she was so shocked that it was sooo soft...lol. she expected the brillo naps. and there was this other dummy that assumed people of color couldn't get sunburn-what an idiot. skin is skin and all skin can get burnt. other than that, i had an amazing time in australia. i toured around melbourne, sydney (saw the opera house and the harbour bridge and went to bondi beach), byron-bay, went to brisbane-queensland, saw the 12 apostles, got in a helicopter for the first time, met an australian aborigine (russell dawson), saw some koalas, kangaroos, a dingo, and some wombats, i also ate some kangaroo (yeah, i know...the lil joey- but it was good), vegemite, tim tams, meat pie, and i drank lemon-lime and bitters, i also had a snake-bite (beer with cranberry juice and champagne), unfortunately didn't get to the great barrier reef, but def next time. i became friends with some amazing aussies and i plan on going back pretty soon. although i enjoyed my time there, i was estatic once i landed back in l.a and then nyc because i started seeing people who kinda looked like me, acted like me, talked like me, walked like me, and dressed like me and it was refreshing because i was finally back HOME. it's great to visit other places and meet different people, but there's no place like home and there are no people like your own!