10 Things I Want to Say to a Black Man in America....a Poem of Love

One.

You were born from a queen, created to be a child of God. That means you are royalty. Keep your back straight, head up and remember who you are.

Two.

I want to cure you of your catoptrophobia, so when you look in the mirror you can see the peacefulness of Martin,  the intelligence of Booker T, the hope of Barack, and the beauty of Mother Africa reincarnated in you

I know the world has exploited you from before you know who you were….their expectations have crawled into the cracks and crevices of your cognition where their thoughts  occupy yours 24/7 

it makes sense that you have no idea all that you can be..but maybe the reflection staring back at you will be enough to spark a light in the darkness of places…and illuminate the image I see everyday….a son…a father…an ideal Black Man 

Three.

Don’t be the reason a woman doesn’t trust men…AND I will ensure you won’t have a reason to not value a woman’s worth

Four.

The sterotypes about you may be true, but I’d rather make love to your big heart.   I’d rather unzip your genes to find the person you are underneath the mask that hate has sunk into your bones. I’d rather we reach a peak of understanding and realness and when our bodies shake and quiver I’d rather you shoot passion and hope into society instead of creating another never ending cycle not worthy of recognition.

 And when we’re through I’d rather my throat be sore from screaming the secrets about yourself you’ve never heard before….

 than have my voice be gone….from calling out a title you have  not proved worthy of…daddy

Five. 

There are no super heroes that are your skin color, but that does not mean you yourself are not one. 

That does not disqualify you from acting in such a way that little boys will want to sit on your shoulders to feel taller than life or little girls will vow to marry a man just like you

That does not weaken your ability to be the glue that can fix the broken pieces of the women around you. The strength of your arms gripped around her waist  can be the blanket of protection needed to comfort and relieve her of the nightmare she is in

Six.

Your hands are worth more than hustling on the corner, or holding a mic, they are the hands that hold onto mine, the hands that have the ability to create or destroy a life that your ancestors could only dream of.

While you are so busy trying to create a rap about the importance of a fast life and  the greatness of fast money remember those who listen to lies lose the ability to hear the truth. Do not be the reason why the weight of the world is carved into another young males spleen with nothing but attached false expectations holding him up

if you must use your hands to write a rap may your pen be a vessel for your greatest and most profound truths. May it always be in alignment with your heart, mind, and spirit

Seven.

The reason I am so verbal and strong headed is  because every king deserves a powerful queen by his side we cannot build an empire together if  I am meek and quiet,  so next time we disagree and our voices are raised, kiss me softly on the lips and remember this

Eight.

If the way to man’s heart is through food, I pledge to make you your favorite meal, as long as you clean the dishes afterward

I want to be your equal and not your chef or maid

Nine.

Love can easily be said than done. Show your love and more than likely you will never need to say it aloud to me.

I want to be able to feel it with every move you make. A synchronized movement, an unspoken communication, like slaves in a field, I want your love to be the reason I want to escape the bounded walls blocking me in,

a love worth dying for

Ten.

 You are perfect ….may your light always shine with the intensity of a thousand suns.