Sista Circle with T.C.

Jessica's Twin
by Ashley Brooke Dancy
(T.C.'s talented cousin Ashley is also published on Poetry.com

Why do you hate me?
And why do I agree
I'm nothing to you
Because I'm nothing to me?
Wanting to be someone
Someone besides me
My sister's always better
More prettier, thinner, and more clever
I'm known as the other twin
She has the spotlight that once shone on me
I receive hellos, but only out of sympathy
Two bodies with the same face
To be different is what I long to taste
Why am I always second when I was born first?
Maybe some bad luck
An awful curse
Why am I the target of negative things
When all I have are positive dreams?
I want to be remembered for being me
Not just the twin of Jessica Dancy

Things Changed
by Ashley Brooke Dancy

Things have changed
The twin that was thin
is now six months pregnant
A child having a child;
The consequences are wild
she chose this road
Now having to bare this load
She feels under pressure,
hoping not to burst
The spell has switched sides,
now she's cursed.
Having questions and realizations
Now understanding that this baby's her motivation
She won't give up, she's fought too hard
Learning to deal with this irreplaceable card
16 years old and having a baby
Experiencing the repercutions of being a lady
Can't change a thing, yet things have changed
A young girl who's life's rearranged.

BLACK MAN, how do I tell you?

by Jo Ann Bella

Black Man, how can I tell you? What words do I use...? To say...My heart fills with pride to see you stand tall with your child by your side. Manly and strong. You're strong enough to be sensitive, to get along, with an upstart child or an upset mother. What's special is you hold tight, you dont walk away This is YOUR child, so you bother to give, to learn, to live more and more fully each day. While Black with a powerful history at your feet, while male with a presence and legacy too prevalent to be discreet. Your individual soul is made manifest as you nurture God's majesty into that new being you now represent. So I applaud you, Black Man, Not to praise the non-negative things you do for that is your minimal role anyway, but for the positive, life-enhancing actions you take to SHOWour sons, our daughters that pride, dignity, responsibility have always been our way! For teaching, caretaking and OUTRIGHT LOVING is the mark of a people heralded throughout the ages as that righteous group, that is firstto start, build anew,yet needn't CONQUER another day; but rather exists as a testament that the Universal God IS present in man, human-kind,as a beacon of light-to lead, to create, to hold fast to ALL that is Right! Black Man, Father of All. Black Man, now father to one,to many, or none...because you guide, you listen, you participate, you activate, you stimulate. Because you advise, I pay homage to you. I show my respect her and now for you; as I honor you for all THAT you do. And I silently pray to God to thank him for you and ask that through his everlasting grace that he may forever SUSTAIN YOU! BLACK MAN!

SOULGASM

By Tiwanna Burns

Make love to me...

No... wait slow down...

I'm not speaking of the
physical kind.

Come, kiss my soul,

massage my curiosity,

give me soul screaming,
toe curling orgasms of the mind.

Embrace my knowledge,

spread my memories apart.

Go deeper.. deeper.. deeper...

'til you've penetrated my heart.

Tickle my interest,

tease my intellect,

make love to me baby...

without once touching my flesh.

DARK AND LOVELY
by Tony Shearin

I see your skin so soft it's like silk it's smooth,
all the way down to your high hill shoes.
I see you walking with style and grace,
while some men watch and the other chase.
I see your eyes glow as your dimples smile,
I see your beauty from a distance so far as a mile.
I see your figure of reflection as it glides on the ground,
Walking beside you without a sound.
I see your pride in every step you take,
Because everything in you is real not fake.
Dark and lovely you are so fine what is your name,
Because I like what I see and I don't show no shame.

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Who Am I?
-Author Unknown
(submitted by Deborah Logan)

Who am I?
I'm a Black Woman
What makes me strong?
My heritage
What makes me weak?
My fears
What makes me whole?
My God
What keeps me standing?
My faith
What makes me compassionate?
My selflessness
What makes me honest?
My integrity
What sustains my mind?
My quest for knowledge & wisdom
What teaches me all lessons?
My mistakes
What lifts my head high?
God's grace & blessings
What if I can't go on?
Not an option
What makes me victorious?
My courage to climb
What makes me competent?
My confidence
What makes me sensual?
My insatiable essence
What makes me beautiful?
My everything
What makes me a woman?
My heart
Who says I need love?
I do
What empowers me?
Me
Who Am I?
I AM a Black WOMAN

Can You Cook?
by Angela Riddick

When a brotha' asks, "Can you cook?"
especially when you haven't cooked for someone in quite awhile!!!.

your knees . start to quiver a little, asking yourself
will he be around long enough to experience the finest of finest

I have to offer
or will this be carryout?

will he pull up to the window place his order quickly
not really surveying the menu because.

the fast, tasteless food he wants. or thinks he wants

is before him on a list shining through neon lights
a few letters missing here and there.

but just enough for him to select, yet another tasteless meal?
or will he stay long enough to taste my cooking?

not just the clamor and clanging of my caphalon pots
but long enough to experience the finest woman he'll ever know

a gem amongst jewels
a rare find
a breath of fresh air!

Here's a tip, hungry man

Don't ask, "Can you cook?"

unless. you plan on sticking around long enough to experience my cooking!

true. it won't be carryout and.

no, it won't take less than an hour to savor.
if there is such a thing

but. it will be wonderful

deliciously wonderful the finest of finest, ever set before a King.

a Queen!!! and yes, she cooks!

Empowerment through Poetry

What is it that I'm hearing in your voice
by Renee Dennis

What is it that I'm hearing in your voice;
It is doubt, confusion, insincerity or shame; hey, I just want answers, I'm not passing blame.
I'm not exactly clear on which you stand; please help me, help me to understand.
What is missing from this picture that you need to go elsewhere? See, I told you from jump street, that you need not go there.
Your dishonesty and deceit are just a cop-out. Trying to give me an excuse to scream and to shout.
No, I did not sign up for this, so unexpected this twist.
But, here's the bottom line, dear,
You need to make a choice, because at this point --I'm thinking about getting a divorce.
So, again I ask, what is it that I'm hearing in your voice?

A Black Man's View Of A Black Woman
Samuel Wright

Hair as black as midnight,
And with her sun kissed skin.
A body built like an architect dream,
Emerges the black woman.

Legs like the pillar of a temple,
Breast like Mount Everest.
Are some of the things that tell us,
The last of God's creation was the best.

The matriarch in times past,
She rule the home as queen.
Her words were reiterated,
By those who became pharaohs and kings.

She taught babies who became world leaders,
She laid the foundation of things to come.
For those who would take on the task,
To lead their people to freedom.

By the sweat of her brow her children ate,
Quite often she had to do it alone.
She had to raise children and work,
Until they were all grown.

What were her rewards,
For the labor pains she endured.
From childbirth to at least eighteen,
Just to see them become someone for sure.

She bestows wisdom upon her children,
She influences their growing minds.
She teach them self sufficiency,
And make the best of their time.

The hands that feed the new born,
Have subdued the beast that threatens.
She lose her fear when up against a bear,
She fights back without hesitation.

Yet in the still of the night,
While everyone is asleep.
This is when she takes time,
To pour her heart out and weep.

She face and tackle problems,
All through the day.
So this is when she fall on her knees,
And lift her voice to pray.

She puts her burdens to rest,
As she lays her tired body down.
Now she finds rest and sleep,
This black woman with skin so brown.
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I Thirst...
by Stephanie V Lott

Quench my being; give me the resolve to fuel my soul. Ignite my desires with the chalice of wisdom, patience and love to ease these submerging cravings that resonate [from] within. Dabble each droplet of hope until it moistens and I thirst no more!
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If we stop procrastinating
by Marsha Steptoe Culler

If we stop procrastinating and live a little,
without the mental chains of failure holding us down.

Then maybe life would be simply enjoyable.

But instead our past has a grip
of servitude....leaving us to
question our passions, desires,
wants and needs.

Should we, could we - fulfill our destiny,
break the ties of subservience and act on.

Then maybe life would be simply enjoyable.

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So Truly Amazing
by Chereka Melvin

There's nothing more amazing than your warm and gentle touch
That my body seems to long for so, so much
The gentle and soft touch when your lips touch mine
That innerman that makes your spirit so kind
Your childlike smile that makes my inside glow
Those polite mannerism that you always seem to show
Knowing that you always lend a helping hand
Just knowing that I'm proud to say you`re my man
The tingle I feel inside whenever you`re around
Makes me say, "once I was lost but now I`m found"
I`ve never known a love like this before
Which makes me long for you even more
This thang called love is so so contagious
But you my sweet are truly so amazing.
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MY HEARTS' DESIRE
by Cecilia Armena King

I have LOVED YOU
For so long
That I think of YOU
More and more
When you're gone
I've always wanted
You to know
That my LOVE for YOU
Has continued to grow

I long for our first night together
Yet I'm afraid of loosing
Our friendship forever
I'm nervous about how
Our night might end
Will we become LOVERS?
Or remain just friends
I don't know how long I can wait
For us to unite and seal our fate

MY HEART and BODY
Yearns for you
But my mind tells me
I'm being a fool
MY SOUL longs to
Make LOVE to YOU
While my body trembles
Like a child in school

When you play with
Your HEARTS' DESIRE
It's equivalent to
Playing with FIRE
For once you set
Your emotions free
You never know
Where it will lead

I JUST DON'T KNOW
WHAT TO DO
ALL I KNOW IS
I JUST WANT YOU.

4 My Daughter & Yours
by Richard E. Woods, Jr.

I often wondered how it was be,
To grow up in life, and become a Daddy.

Well, now that the time has finally come,
God's Prayer is, we always stay as one.

I know sometimes I make U mad,
And when I do it makes me sad.

Even through there are times, I am very firm,
The reason for this my Angels, is for U - 2 learn.

4 - the wisdom U receive is like a buried treasure,
That is something in life, U cannot measure.

Understand tough love is very hard 2 - receive.
But when U do, U will achieve.

Just always remember your Daddy's Love is unconditionally and true,
And there is nothing in this whole wide world, your Father would not do 4 -U.

Angels U are growing up 2 - be Beautiful little ladies.
But, U will still always be your Daddy's little babies.

Written with all my Love,

By: Richard E. Woods,Jr.
7/18/02

When a Woman of Color Cries
by Ann Simmons

Have you ever wondered what happens to the tears when a woman of color cries?

Are have you ever notice which way the tears flow when a woman or color cries?

Is there anyone there to comfort her, hold her, talk to her, befriend her, understand her, listen to her or maybe even love her?

Will there ever be some strong arms or shoulder to lean on, when a woman of color cries?

What You Deserve
By Hope C. Clarke

It was just sickening, watching him saunter into the living room with
the stench of another woman's essence adhering to his clothes. He smiled
broadly as he approached his wife, ready to falsify the events of the
day. His name is Taylor Grey, age 38, with a very promising future as an
attorney. His marriage is falling apart, but he doesn't know it because
he's too busy burying his head between someone else's skin. Could he be
more careless than entering his home with the embrace of another woman
still clinging to him? Something as simple as a shower and some added
cologne would have covered it up, but if men had a brain, it would
consume them.

"Hey, honey," he sang jovially, catching her by the waist and pulling
her into his disgraceful stench. "You won't believe what happened
today." He started, releasing his wife from his grasp so that she could
relish in his tale. If he had bothered to look at her face, he could
have noticed that she was the least bit interested in his normal BS. Of
course, Taylor being self absorbed, neglected to notice the change in
his wife.

Stephanie, his wife worked only part-time for a small pharmaceutical
company. She endeavored having her own Public Relations company. Her
bachelor's was in marketing with a Master's in public relations. Thus
far, she hasn't been able to get it off the ground, but her spirits
hadn't dampened as the five clients she service, make up for the income
deficiency of her part-time job.

By no means was Taylor pulling the wool over her eyes. She was well
aware of his infidelity. Three years is all it took for her husband to
become a dog. Just three conniving, deceitful years. Weekly, she
accepted his peace money; really it was the money to keep the house
running, the normal stuff, like food, clothes, useless entertainment,
etc. Stephanie considered it peace money, because the sight of it kept
her from putting a bullet in his hind-part. Her eyes would twinkle like
diamonds when he placed a thousand dollars in her hand, every single
Friday - without fail. That's right, she thought, without fail, because
the day he comes in without it, he can kiss his "A double S" good-bye.

Stephanie fabricated a smile. "Tell me, what happened!" Her display of
enthusiasm was astonishing. At times, she even fooled herself. His lips
bobbed up and down as he spoke, telling her some crazy story about some
fluzy at his job. She didn't hear a word he said, but reading his
expressions, she was able to throw in a "really! No way! Come on!" at
the right time to keep him lying.

"You better come on in the kitchen before our dinner get cold." She told
him. She caught hold of his awaiting arm and together they entered the
kitchen.

Candlelight illuminated the kitchen. They were nice and bright. The
table was adorned with pink lace. Three deep red roses stood proudly in
a tall glass vase. Two, square, red plates sat opposite each other on
the table with red wine and a crystal flute. Mashed potatoes, beef roast
covered in smoking brown gravy, glazed carrots and four asparagus
stalks.

A twinge of guilt tugged at the pit of his stomach. His lovely wife
spent her afternoon preparing a special diner for him and he spent his
rumpling sheets with Candice. Candice is Taylor's assistant. There was
something enticing about the way her dreads adorned her slender neck.
Maybe it was the simple style she flaunted or that size 6 figure with
the "C" cup breasts. He really didn't know, but whatever it was about
her, it started a habitual twice a week rendezvous that left him guilt
ridden whenever he looked into his wife's eyes.

Taylor perched in his seat, watching as Stephanie sachet over to her
seat. He hadn't noticed the sexy red dress his wife was wearing with a
high split that displayed her curvy wide thigh and muscular calf.
Stephanie was a full-figured woman, but every curve was in the right
place. He loved watching her twist her rear-end when she walked. She
took a seat across from him. Her eyes focused intently on him.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked her, returning an endearing
gaze.

She smiled. The light twinkled in her eyes mesmerizing him. She removed
her stare and looked at her plate. The food was barely warm. That
reminded her of just how long it took him to come in. She returned her
gaze.
"Everything looks lovely. I can't tell you how special you are to me."

His words made her blood boil but she forced a smile. Her eyes glazed in
an attempt to betray her.

"That's sweet Taylor."

He lifted his wine flute and held it up in front of him. Stephanie
followed suit.

"This is to the three years you and I have spent together and the many
more we will share together."

Stephanie wiped her eye and tilted her glass to her lips. She swallowed,
half heartedly because their marriage was a farce. She bashfully
returned her glass to the table and lifted her fork. She scooped up some
mashed potatoes and slid the creamy food into her mouth. Delicious, she
thought.

Taylor sliced his steak and it was incredibly tender. When satisfied
with the bite-size pieces, he scooped up some mashed potatoes then
pressed his fork into a piece of steak then placed it into his mouth.
Devine, he thought. Not even his mother could have made it better.
Stephanie was beautiful in every way. She deserved better. He gave her
more than enough money, but that didn't make up for the guilt he felt
when he cheated on her. He worked some more food into his mouth.

"Do you love me Taylor?" Stephanie asked him. There was something so
knowing in her voice. He wondered what she would ask him next. Did she
now about his escapes or was this just breaking-the-silence
conversation?

"Of course honey, more than anything in the world."

"What if I was maimed, disabled or even ugly?"

"Don't be silly. You couldn't be ugly even if you wanted to."

"You didn't answer my question."

"Honey, I'm not being evasive, it's just that I don't see why you are
asking me questions like this. I do love you and I don't know what would
happen if you were different. I guess I would love you just as I do now.
Well, maybe not if you became really ugly." He chuckled.

"That's not funny. I mean it."

Taylor shoveled the rest of his food into his mouth. He wanted to enjoy
the rest of his meal before it took an uncertain spin.

"You know I've been thinking. What if I dreaded my hair?"

He choked on the wine he just poured into his mouth.

"Why would you want to do something as dramatic as that?" He
straightened himself in his seat wondering if she actually knew.

"I don't know. It's different. I'm tired of this prissy look. I want
something sassy. I think I need some pizzazz."

"Stephanie, you've got pizzazz. There is nothing wrong with your look. I
love the way you look. You're acting strange. Are you sure there isn't
anything wrong?"

"No. I guess, I feel old and I wanted something to make me feel new
again. Why are you making faces at me?"

"I'm not making faces at you. I'm just wondering why you're asking all
these crazy questions."

His cheeks felt tight as though someone was pulling them. The sensation
reminded him of the way he felt when his aunt Gwen used to pinch them
when he was younger. His mouth bobbed as he started speaking and for
some odd reason, he felt his saliva trickle down his cheek.

"Taylor, that's disgusting." Stephanie remarked frowning at Taylor's
unusual behavior.

He chuckled. Not believing that he had done that himself. Blaming the
incident on her good cooking, he attempted to speak again, but again,
drool escaped.

Stephanie pushed up from her seat and went to the sink. She pulled a
paper towel from the roll and returned to the table and handed it o
Taylor.

"You want to straighten that crazed look from your face and be serious?"
she asked him. Her patience had run thin.

Taylor got up from his seat and went to the bathroom. He didn't attempt
to say anything else because the sensation had intensified so badly and
he needed to take a look at his jaw, which felt really swollen. He
imagined that a severe toothache would follow. His wisdom tooth had been
bothering him lately and this was probably going to be another achy
episode. When he reached the bathroom, he turned on the light and
stepped up to the mirror over the sink. He squealed and hurried out the
bathroom and back to the kitchen.

"Stephanie, hurry, you've got to get me to the hospital." Taylor
screamed as he was in full view of Stephanie.

"Oh my, God. Taylor, what happened to you? What's wrong with your face?"

He fought back the tears.

"I think I'm having a stroke. Come take me to the hospital." He said,
using his fingers to hold his face from twisting any further.

Stephanie hurried out the door with Taylor. She took his car since it
was already on the street. Speeding down the street, she glanced at
Taylor. The sight of him was hideous, like something straight out of a
horror movie.

It only took a few minutes for her to reach the nearby hospital. The two
of them rushed into the emergency room. By the time they made it to the
triage window, his cheeks were forcing his already chink eyes shut. The
nurse summoned the doctor right away. After taking Taylor's vitals and
determining that he was not having a stroke, the doctor pulled a few
tubes out and took Taylor's blood. The blood was sent to the lab for
processing.

Taylor waited in a sheeted off room with Stephanie at his side. He
believed that he was being punished for all that he had done to her and
that if he didn't come clean, he would be disfigured so hideously that
no one would want him.

"Stephanie." He called, patting the bed so that she could come closer to
him. He knew that this was the wrong time to bring up bad news, but if
he was going to come through this, he would have to man up and tell her
the truth, even if it meant losing her.

She moved very close to him, pulling the chair with her so that she
could sit at his side. He was frightening to look at, but she digested
her disgust and tried to show just a little mercy. Of course, not even
two hours ago, he told her that he would leave her if she was disfigured
and now look at him. He was a typical man, always expecting the woman to
stick by him no matter what.

"Stephanie, I want you to know that I love you more than anything in the
world. You are so special to me and I am proud to be with you. I know
that you are the only woman who would stick by me in a time like this."
He paused, swallowed, caught hold of her hand then continued... "I never
wanted to hurt you, but sometimes, being a man causes us to do stupid
things."

"What are you talking about Taylor?"

"Honey, I promise you that as long as I live, I won't ever do anything
else to make you unhappy. Anything you want, I will give it to you."

She listened to him trying to gain pity for his cheating. He deserved
every bit of what he got. God don't like ugly and sometimes, you just
got to show a person how much you mean o them.

"I want so much to tell you this, but I'm afraid of what you will say."

They doctor entered the sectioned off room. He pulled back the curtain
and restored their privacy.

"The results of your test are back. Would you like your partner to hear
the results as well?"

Taylor nodded. He didn't want to keep her out of any other facet of his
life. Whatever was happening to him, he wanted her to know and go
through it with him.

"Yes, I want her to stay. There is nothing about me I want kept from
her."

He acknowledged his wish and opened his file.

"Mr. Grey, your blood turned up with Syphilis. There is no cure for it,
but there are medications to make the symptoms less painful or
debilitating."

Taylor shot a glance over to Stephanie. Her anger was apparent and she
looked as though she could kill him. She remained in her seat, but she
didn't stop glaring at Taylor for even a moment. That bastard had no
idea about the deadly baggage he had been carrying around. She found out
about it three weeks ago when her lips started burning and leaking.

The doctor cleared his throat. "I don't know what caused the
disfigurement of your face. Nothing else showed up. I look like maybe a
pinched nerve. There is nothing I can do about it, but it will probably
go away in a few week or months. Something like this is uncertain, but
you are not suffering from any brain damage or anything that resembles
stroke."

He handed him a bottle of pills.

"These you will need to take daily as prescribed on the bottle and your
partner will have to be checked by her gynecologist to see if she is
symptomatic." He looked behind him at Stephanie. Her complexion had
darkened and her anger was evident.

"You can get ready to go. Here are your discharge papers." The doctor
told him as he left the room.

The room fell silent with Stephanie glaring at him. Taylor's apologetic
look was infuriating. She turned and walked away from him. When she was
halfway through the corridor, Taylor caught up to her, shouting her
name.

"Stephanie wait. Please give me a chance to explain."

She halted. "What would you like to explain to me Taylor? You want to
tell me that your sleeping around was an accident? Or that your lying to
me all this time was a mistake?"

She bolted through the doors and thank goodness they were self sliding
because she would have broken the glass had she touched them, just as
she wanted to do to Taylor.

"Oh, I know what it is, you want to tell me that you didn't mean to hurt
me? That's it right Taylor?"

"Stephanie, you're right to be angry with me. I can't blame you, but I
honestly didn't mean to bring you any harm. I made a mistake and I just
thought it would go away. I have been trying to tell you about her all
night."

"Taylor, I've been in on to your lies for three weeks. I know about you
and Candice and definitely knew about this curse you bestowed on me. I
hate you Taylor. I hate everything about you. You deserve everything you
got."

"You knew about us and you didn't say anything."

"What did you want me to say Taylor? That I was going to be a good wife
to you? That I was going to work harder at making you happy? What didn't
I do for you? You're selfish and I want you to know that you will never
be able to do what you did to me to anyone else."

"What do you mean?"

"Your face will never return to that player's look. And your second head
will never be buried into anyone else. You're worthless."

"You did this to me?"

"You did this to yourself and I hate you for it."

She turned on her heels not saying another word.

"You did this to me. You hurt me like this?"

"You got what you deserved." She called back to him fingering for the
cab that was passing by. She got in and the car pulled off."

Taylor chased behind the cab telling her that she had the keys to his
car. About three blocks away, she tossed them out into the street. When
she got home, she packed her things, cleared the table and dishes. She
used bleach to cleanse the dishes of all traces of the drug. You can't
cure what you can't find.
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You Were There
by Kelechi Okeahialam

Sometimes the road seems rough and lonely,
It's all dark and there is no hope,
My friends are all gone,
No one to comfort me,
My tears keep falling, hard and fast.
Who can I call, who is there for me?

Then I remember Your Love,
So deep, so true,
I remember Your Grace, that keeps me going on,
I remember Your Blood that was shed for me.
I remember, You are there

It isn't always easy to remember your Word,
I know You always tell me, to keep my mind on You,
But Lord, what can I do?
When the storm is raging hard
Help me; I can't see you in the storm!

You are there, in the pain and the storm,
You are there, every lonely, lonely night,
You are there, when love has gone away
You are always there by my side.

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My Sister, My Sister
by Sharon McKnight

It's all over now.
The fight of substance that took your life for a round.

Now don't get me wrong or take this in a negative way.
I am so proud that you gave it all away.

You gave it your all? what do I know?
It took over your life, with nothing to show.

To get back what I know is deep inside of you.
The touch of a new Life, A brand new life style too.

My Sister, My Sister
You're a person with class.
Ask me how I know? Because God don't make any trash.

We come from the same cloth of Love and Strength.
Just ask him once and believe in him.

Its not an easy road that you have chosen. Believe the devil is mad and girl he will be coming.

My Sister, My Sister
That's all over now, you will see your enemies, by leaps and bounds.

Don't worry about tomorrow, for you should live for today. Don't worry about what might have happened before you went away.

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God Made Me Africa
by JoAnn Partee

God made me Africa
Mother of the Land
First to acknowledge
The first Black Man

And He adorned me with beauty
Anointed me with the color of chocolate so sweet
>From the tip of my head
To the bottom of my feet

Eyes of mine
Deep, dark and bold
Are mere windows
To see inside my soul

He touched me
And I could speak
With knowledge and wisdom
A shelter from defeat

And ravished me with riches
Beyond my desires
Draping me with silks
For accommodating attire

He gave me love
With followers of loyalty
And deemed me a Queen
For I am royalty

God made me Africa
He shined his light on me
For I am his creation
For the world to see

The Man
Barry White
by "The Marine"

Larger than life with his words of love,
His music romanced the heavens above

Never begged for a moment like Keith Sweat,
He soothed your heart until you were dripping wet

His words made a moment of love right,
He made the difference between a last night and gooooood night

His deep warm voice would vibrate your body from head to toe,
When he reached out his hand every woman wanted to go

The Maestro of Love never missed a beat,
He made the music for in between the sheets

His songs will be missed under the moonlight,
There's only one Maestro of love Mr. Barry White.
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A LETTER FROM GOD TO WOMEN

Internet emailer sent in by
Sista Circle member Cheryl Donahue

If you ever look at yourself & feel that you don't measure up, read this.
Enjoy, & remember who you are!

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come   over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.
>From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life.
I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you....I modeled you.

I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.
You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart.
His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.
The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.
Support man as the rib cage supports the body.

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you
taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to
stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are my perfect angel.....You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.
Your eyes......don't change them.
Your   lips-how lovely when they part in prayer.
Your nose, so perfect in form.
Your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest
sleep. I've held your heart close to mine.

Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me. Adam walked
with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my
strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.

You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represents
my image, woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of
God.

So man...treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile.

This is for all the women in your lives. Your sisters, your mother, your wives, your daughters, the ladies you work with everyday, even your online female friends.

Big Girls Are Beautiful Too...!
by G M Carter

In this day and time of society, why is it that some men still can not and do not appreciate a woman for her intelligence, charm and beauty, instead of the packaging container. In an era where "Big Beautiful Women" or "Full Figured Women" have established a platform for themselves, there are still the "men" who rally away from the unveiling. We are in the work force everyday, proud of the achievements we have made and beautiful to look at. Finally, fashion magazines and designers have embraced us for the "diamonds in the rough" that we are. Why are the brothers not responding like wise. I want to meet a man that appreciates me for the woman I am in the fields of beauty, grace, intelligence, individuality and charisma. I meet men that are solely looking for a "Big Beautiful Woman", and not for a woman of value. This is fine, but don't overlook the characteristics that make us the women that we are. To see us is to know that we are the "BBW" or "FFW", but to ignore us is never to know us. There are any brothers in this world that can appreciate me and the millions other women such as myself. TC, maybe you should hold an "Open Call" for men and the BBW & FFW - for a meeting of the minds, souls and spirits. No shallow brothers need to respond.

The 21 year Itch
by D. Johnson

You let me take flirting with you to a place you knew you couldn't meet me at and then me standing there...open...with my married self...and I've never been here before.

I'm VERY married. Been with my Boo for 18 years as huzbin and wife and 2 years prior to that with our son. I knew we were blessed, that our union was smiled upon. I thought I was safe. Knew nothing could upset our foundation.

Then came you. Seducing me out of my comfort zone. Upsetting my hormones and making me blush like an 8th grader, from head to toe. Took up residency in my mind. You knew your energy was throwing me off.

And me, with my proud head held high, became suddenly and surprisingly aware.

Aware of what I wore, how sweet I smelled, and the way I walked past your office when I knew you were looking.

Now you're gone. A bad time for you. A bad time for us. Claimed you didn't know what you did to me. Asked me if I'd be okay. Damn!

What do I do now?

My kids are leaving home for college in a very short minute. Its about to just be me and my Boo as we enter a new season of matrimony. I guess the honeymoon should just be beginning, and yet...

I've got a 21 year itch that these acrylic nails just can't seem to scratch!!!!!

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Someone to Love Me
By Lathisa Harris

I always thought if I had someone who loved me so much, more than freedom
More than materials, more than air. That all the bad stuff that made me a prisoner
would disappear from my mind.

I always thought that if I had someone who loved me so much they could see the
Words running around in my head, they could see my soul bent over and tired
And they would help me hold myself up.

I always thought that if I had someone who loved me so much that together we
Could start life over, and do different things with our children make a life so
Worth living that death would hate to tear us apart.

I always thought that if I had someone who loved me so much that we would
Have a love of all loves, we would giggle on sight of each other, have constant
Butterflies, and kiss passionately all the time.

I always thought that if I had someone who loved me so much I would find my
Smile and use it more often, and I would start to feel good about myself, and
Began to see things in myself that I never thought I was capable of.

Then I discovered that there is someone who loves me so much, more than freedom, more than materials, more than air. There is someone to help me hold myself up when my body gets tired. There is someone who loves me unconditionally. That someone is me.

I learned during my good days and my bad days that I can always count on me, sure I get tired and I get burnt out but I always manage to brush myself off and keep it moving. Self Love is AMAZING!!!

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I wonder...
by Sonya C. Duke

Not a day goes by
That I wonder why
My day just hasn't come
When I open my eyes
And see that prize
That's been waiting just for me!

If it's white & not black?
Will I turn my back?
If it makes me laugh & smile
Will I let it stay a while?
If it's good to me
Like I'm good to me
Will I recognize?
Will I be wise?
To use my heart
And not my eyes
To love and hold my prize

I wonder...

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Word Of Inspiration
by Monique Dent

To handle yourself, use your head, To handle others, you use your heart.

Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Learn from the mistakes of other s for you will not live long enough to make them all yourself.

Yesterday is history-tomorrow is a mystery-today is a gift.

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Guidepost
By Felicia Stewart

My children are my inspiration, my guidepost for all that I do
When obstacles are thrown in my path, I maneuver, I adjust, I visualize them
It gets me through

I am honored and priviledged to provide for their needs
Absolutely relishing in these young bodies and minds that I feed

In my quest to provide financial stability, intellectual nurturing and spiritual guidance
I find direction in the strength of my own mother's character and security in wisdom gained from grandparents whom no longer have a voice but guide me in silence

To afford my children opportunities they most certainly deserve
I place huge demands on myself and try to live by God's Word

I am a spiritual person, placing my children before all others
All who know me will attest
I strive to be one of the many exceptional African-American mothers.

"Magnificence of You"
by Donna Anderson

You know I've heard you speak
Of the challenges you have faced
Heard the music in your laughter
Saw the tears that left a trace

Love has always guided you
You are Faithful, Spirited, Divine
Nothing but the mercy of the Father
Has helped to sustain your mind

Keep the Devotion of your walk
Open your arms and remember to embrace
The Magnificence of You
Bathed in your Precious Endless Grace

I will never cease to remember
The beauty of your smile
How Stunning you look in color
The Magnificence of your style

I will always include you in my prayers
And, as you walk this journey through
Know that I could never forget
"The Magnificence of You"

My Prayer
by Valerie Reeder-Bey

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray dear LORD my soul you will keep. If I should die before I awake I pray dear LORD my soul you will take. LORD, I pray for the mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who have AIDS and are losing control, yet trying their best to hold on to a little hope. I pray for the babies who lie awake at night crying in pain, having AIDS, yet not knowing they are dying . . .or why. I pray for the many people who take time out of their busy schedules to go into the hospital rooms to hold the hand of a person dying of AIDS. I pray for all the family members, loved ones and friends who stick by us allowing us to be ourselves and not judging us when we do. LORD, I even pray for the ones who have pushed us out of their lives, leaving us to live and fight this battle alone. In all of this, LORD I ask you to give us all strength to endure the pain and continue the journey.

And LORD, in the mist of the storm please help us who have AIDS understand, why we have to die this way.

Valerie Reeder-Bey
A woman living with AIDS and fighting this battle since 1988.

TC: I pray that you will continue your endeavors to educate the uneducated, to be an advocate for the infected and to embrace the vision of a world without AIDS.

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War is Wrong
by Binta Phillips (age 11)

War is never the answer
There are better things than massive disaster
All weapons do is hurt and kill.
You know, I do have a right to speak what I feel
And that is to say, "Stop it."
Just 'cause you have a gun don't mean you got to cock it
Yeah Bin Laden got an army
Bush got one too
Put 'em both together you got yourself a "Family Feud"
I know U.S. did some things in the past
Some things that made Iran really mad
But all that can be put aside
Don't make our two countries break down and collide
Can't we cooperate?
And not have children worry about having an early fate
Too many lives have been lost
Too many lines have been crossed
This could all be resolved
Let's tear down evil's walls
Make war vanish and dissolve
So here is the master plan
Let us make peace with Iran
Let's not kill our fellow man
I just don't understand
Why can't we make peace hand in hand?

Gotta Get You Movin
by Dawn M. Courtney

Let's talk about road maps for our lives today. Ever been on a road trip?
Every time I've taken a road trip, a road map was a handy tool. There are
those rebels who like to wing it without directions, but you know there is
nothing like getting lost. I'm quite sure that some of us have been there.
Well, aren't our lives like road trips? We all are trying to get from
destination A to destination B. Think about it. On a road map, you see
every possible way, including points of interest, to get you to the final
destination. You can do the same for your life. You visualize your goal,
and you develop a plan (road map). Now on your road map, you show every
possible way (new thoughts and ideas) to get you to the final destination
(your goal). Remember to include the points of interest (your experiences)
because these make the trip a little more interesting.

Today's Affirmation
I have my road map in hand, and I am moving in the right direction.

Today's Thought
"In order to get to the third step, you have to start at the first."
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Ever-Ready Woman
by JoAnn Partee

Yes....I'm your ever-ready woman
Proficient, efficient, sufficient
Able to endure...totally secure
I'm what you're looking for...
I'm sure
Ever-lasting, ever-loving,
ever-so-beautiful
Whatever ever needs to be...
that's me
I've got the will
I know the way
I've got what it takes to get
through the day!
Yes...I'm your ever-ready woman
I'm the flavor...that you savor
Talk about loyalty
I should be considered as nothing less than royalty
Responsible, dependable, reliable
This is undeniable!
I refuse to be defeated, cheated or mistreated
CAUSE, I'm all that.....
and a bag of chips....
with some dip
No I'm not on a trip!
I'm just an every-ready woman
who loves herself...can't you see
And I'll do whatever it takes
To be ever-ready for me!
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Our Ultimatum
By Tonya Love

I witnessed what appeared to be the surreal last night. Something much more
close to home than any reality t.v. show could offer.   I watched a man,
whose rise to power in this democratic country was not afforded him by
popular vote, give an ultimatum to our evil foe Saddam Hussein.   I contend,
however, that although Hussein was given a choice, I was not. I further
contend that there is a war that exists right here on our own home front
that is being skillfully ignored. It is a war that I, like many other
African Americans, found myself fighting long before the words of an
ultimatum were uttered out of the mouths of our leaders. A war that drafted
and forced me to contend with such battles as unemployment and a
depreciating economy. I am not sure if I am affected more directly by the
soaring oil prices that drive me to put more money in my fuel tank than on
my child's dwindling lunch account or the fact that I may be laid off and
unable to put a dime anywhere. I am uncertain as to whether the threat of
hidden arms in Iraq plagues me more than the hidden guns that are smuggled
into our schools. While it is important to support our men and women in the
armed forces who are vulnerable to unknown attacks on foreign soil, we
should certainly voice our discontent at the decisions made at their
expense. Our leaders should be familiar with the voices they represent
instead of the muted sounds of disagreement. Allowing our opinions to be
heard should not be mistaken for the notions of a rebellious activist but
the reflex of shear human survival. A survival that is essential to us, to
our children, and to our country.   If we are to flex our muscles to the
world as the great peacekeeper or mitigator, let us first attend to the
issues that keep peace at home.   Let Homeland Security represent secure
jobs and homes and liberties that our heritage fought hard to obtain.   If
an injustice has been done through our democratic system then let us find
ways to render it as oppose to passively allowing it to mend itself.   If
your views haven't been voiced then speak, if you've spoken then get the
attention of the right people, if they have your attention then be heard.
This country was created upon the backs of our ancestors who helped build it
and our grandparents who helped mold it. now lets allow our voices refine
it.
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Everything Blue
by Tracy Alston

I saw him
In a crowded room of restless souls
He was everything blue
From baby blue to navy blue
Blue passion
Blue calm
The deep blue ocean
The clear blue sky
Blue infinity
Just oozing with confidence and masculinity
I saw him first or did he see me
And if he did what did he see?
Was it my silhouette?
Or the way that I worked the room like a virtual cat?
Well I asked him and he told me
Said it was my eyes, my thighs, and my wise
That made him want to offer his best
To go east not west
To go right not left
To go up not down
Well, wait a minute
It's OK to go down
Like one goes down to the River Nile
To rest and feast awhile
Like when you dance and go down
All the way down 'til you touch the ground
That's the kind of down I'm talking about
Down and deep to really see
If these eyes meet
If this is akin to something true
Before I wrap myself up in all that blue

A Long Way from the Hood..
By Tonya Love

In the midst of an impending war, we must take the time to mourn the death of an icon. Fred Rogers, who became a household name through his children's program, Mr Roger's Neighborhood, is not only synonymous with public television but with peace, love and goodwill. In Mr. Roger's Neighborhood he taught many of us simplistic values such as how sharing can be fun, how it wasn't nice to lie and it was actually okay to care about people. In Mr. Roger's we were able to lose ourselves in the neighborhood of make-believe, find our way home on the trolley and end our day with a cup of hot chocolate on the couch. So how did such a humble spirited man, known for his plain sneakers and zip-up cardigan, become such an icon to a generation that is obsessed with popularity and greed? Its true that many of us visited Mr. Rogers during the formative years of our life. To some of us Mr. Rogers had become our hero, taking us places we had never been before. As we've become older, however, we've seen that neighborhood change. Where simplistic values once stood is a more complicated life. It has changed so much that we no longer whistle to the tunes of a "wonderful day in the neighborhood" but rather rap obscenities about the degradation of the 'hood. We are no longer impressed with the adventures in make believe land but are rather impressed with trends that leave no room for the imagination. So how is it that Mr. Rogers has survived this new neighborhood unscathed and we didn't? Had he and Mr. McFeeley moved to a new block without our knowledge? Did we somehow abandon the neighborhood for a life in the fast lane? The truth is Mr. Rogers never moved and the foundations that he laid over twenty years ago still exist. We've found ourselves out in a cold world through our own misguided direction faced with terrorism, corporate embezzlement, unemployment and war. While these things probably existed even in Mr. Roger's neighborhood, we know that he would have found the good in the midst of it. Perhaps he !
has remained our icon because we know that Mr. Rogers would have invited Saddam Hussein in his home to learn about new and interesting things about his country. Or perhaps he would have convinced Hussein to tell the truth about his weapons of mass destruction. He would have probably told the execs at Enron that its better to share and maybe even told John Malvo that it wasn't nice to kill. Afterall, Mr. Rogers didn't become our hero because of the "nerd" like personality that we tend to be ashamed of but rather his admirable form of humanity that we long for. Now we must bury our long time friend and neighbor but if we do not put to rest the things he instilled in us perhaps we may find ourselves once again "in a beautiful day in the neighborhood."

I WILL REMEMBER YOU
by Tracy Alston

In the early morn
I will remember you as the sun shining brightly
Bringing forth a new day
You will remember me
As a gentle breeze carrying a melody
Through an open window
In the noontime
I will remember you
As the stillness after a thundering rainstorm
You will remember me as the sweet juice of tropical fruit
Spilling down the corners of your mouth
In the night
I will remember you
As a full moon among distant stars
You will remember me
As the flicker of dancing lights
As the warmth of comfort
As the mist of a waterfall
And when you remember me
You will surely whisper my name
And I shall hear you as a love song
Playing feverishly in my heart

Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?
by Dyone Mitchell

Do I ever cross your mind my love?
Do you ever think of me?
When you dreaming as you're sleep at night
is it my face that you see?

Do you ever reminisce my love?
when you're sitting all alone
and thoughts of our last night's passion
send a chill right to the bone?

Do I ever cross your mind my love?
when you're feeling especially blue
and you don't know why but you're suddenly high
and you just don't know what to do?

Do I ever cross your mind my love?
and a smile comes across your face
because you're thinking of how nice it felt
when I kissed that special place?

Do your palms start to sweat
and your pulse skip a beat
when you're having sweet thoughts of me?
Does your skin start to tingle
and your heart begin to pound
as though it's bursting to be free?

Do not fret, my pet, if the answer is yes
to any of the above
because just like me it's easy to see
you're not crazy...you're just in love!

To Be You
by Tonya Love

i'd like to lay next to you
and breathe the air you do
i'd like to hug you from behind
take some of your burdens and make them mine
i'd like to seize your thoughts and make them glass
so that i can see into your past
i'd, of course treat them with care
even make them mine , if i'd dare
but even if you wouldn't
or even if you couldn't
i'd still like to lay next to you and breathe your air
i'd like to lay my head on your chest
and listen to your beating heart, 'less
you turn over and listen to mine
which would be perfectly fine, 'cept
i never heard a heart of gold
and i'd like yours to be the first i hold
and maybe you'd think i was too bold
but that's okay, i wouldn't care
'cause even if you couldn't
or even if you wouldn't
i'd still be content just to breathe your air
i'd like to rub your skin with with the back of my hand

and help you contemplate the things you don't yet understand
and,
i know its hard being a Black Man
so maybe you'd just let me look through your eyes and stare
but even if you couldn't
or even if you wouldn't
i still just want to breathe your air

Smart & Social
by Eva Proctor

Smart and Social that continues to be me
Always being all that I can be

Living to love and loving life
Knowing that love is my God-given right

Demanding to be treated nice
Never paying too high a price

Forever searching-forever free
Smart and social, that's definitely me

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What is Soul Food?
Writing is my first love! Therefore, SistaCircle.com wouldn't be complete without an area for you to express yourself and dish out your best poems, essays and stories. Here you can feed your mind and spirit with literary "food for the soul" - Soul Food! The act of putting one's thoughts down on paper is a Divine one, and a recipe for creative fulfillment. So, cook up your best poems and short stories, and get ready to serve it up here! I've met many of you who are proud members of book clubs and writing groups.
We've chatted online and on the streets and I think I can say that we've bonded quickly over a love for reading and a passion for writing! This space belongs to you. And one thing is for sure, you can always come back for seconds....

Submission Guidelines:
Send your original poems, essays and stories to me along with your name, telephone number and email address. SistaCircle.com is a non-paying website provided for writers, poets and essayists to publish their
work on the World Wide Web. Since poets often use poetic license for effect, spelling will be left unless it is an obvious misspelling. Please proof all work before submitting, and do not use ALL CAPS in your work. Submitted work remains the property of the creator and is self-copyrighted.

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