I'm Still Here

artwork: "Pure" -C'babi Bayoc

despite any attempts to stop me
to strip me
to hurt me
to demean me
I’m still here.

despite the obvious disdain for my existence
and overall disrespect for my life
irregardless of the constant and continuous put downs
the regulated and ridiculous ridicule
the demeaning and debasing disdain
I’m still here.

I cried
I screamed
I yelled
I threw things.

I calmed down
I accepted
I prayed and
I let go.
I overcame
I excelled.

‘he’ said I wouldn’t make it
‘she’ said I couldn’t do it
‘they’ said I wouldn’t succeed
‘they’ said many negative things
had me thinking that I had no purpose
had me believing that I was worthless
and ‘they’ didn’t even know me.

‘they’ saw the physical
but did not take into account
the mental resolve
the spiritual determination
‘they’ should NEVER count me out!

‘they’ see me now
‘they’ currently have NOTHING to say
‘cause
I’m still here.

by the grace of God
I’m still here.

copyright ©2006 Tonya C
(Thursday August 31, 2006 - 11:14pm (EDT))

I Am

(artwork: "Essence of Ebony" - Frank Morrison)

does my demeanor upset you?

does my confidence disrupt your logical world?
you cannot define my true beauty –
or it’s origins.

you just can’t put your finger on my attraction...........
it’s not just one thing…..
drawn in by a charm you can’t characterize.

I am not petite............
I am not quiet and meek ...............
I have no need or desire to be coy.
I neither seek definition from others, .............
nor do I expect anyone to read my mind.
I’m quite capable of articulating my needs.
I speak my thoughts
and invite you to speak yours.

you cannot explain..........
what you experience from my presence............
the wonder,
the allure,
the fascination
the POW-A!
not to worry…..
I promise to always use my powers for good!

I am precious because I am a creation..............
of the Highest order of Intelligence -
who does not make mistakes.
I know that with God, the world is my playground...............
without God, I will just be played with.

I have the strength to maintain a full time job, and be a lifetime Mother;

I have the intelligence to converse with the highest scholars, and give them food for thought;

I have the resilience of the ages, for I have withstood being ignored, passed over and just plain not seen and still I stand tall;

I have the love of the ages to share with the one man who can appreciate me, even though my heart has been broken - more than once;

I have the faith of Job - because I know that one day, God will open the eyes of the man who will appreciate, honor and respect me

for who
I am -

A Good Woman.

© Copyright 2006 TonyaC
(Wednesday September 6, 2006)

I Miss Love

(artwork: "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, Frank Morrison)

i miss Love,

the intimacy, the touch,

the embrace, sharing space;

conversations, declarations

of love.

public displays of affection - that glorious connection

better than the most delightful confection

floating on clouds, unaware of the crowds

that surround us - because there is only us, when we are together

smiling, just because it’s wonderful to be in the presence of one who

loves you

i miss Love,

the hush of silence shared, dreams, as yet undeclared

holding hands, making plans

walks in the park, whispers in the dark

longing gazes, and fiery blazes

of romantic notions

sweetness wrapped in passion, not always requiring action,

feeling much more than physical attraction

joyful laughter, when all that matters

is being in the presence of one who

loves you

i miss Love,

hands that crave me, thoughts that gave me

wings to fly, to soar on high

eyes that adore me, looking deep into the core of me –

understanding my essence, and subsequent acquiescence

to love

knowing me - all of me - and still accepting me

mornings after, KNOWING that hereafter

I will forever be able to enjoy the presence of one who

loves me

i miss Love

republished 2015

©2006tonyalbc