My thoughts, reflections, and inspirations.
When it feels like life is getting the best of you; when you are in a room full of people, but feel alone; when your tears rush from your eyes like water from broken taps—creating a deep lake of sorrow to drown in; when life feels unbearable; when there are more downs than ups; when [...]
The killing of Michael Brown was a turning point in my life. The death of a stranger never impacted me as intensely, before. This was when I lost my cape. My life started to feel more and more mortal. Fragility and mortality began ravaging and ripping through my psyche, like rabid dogs. Hearing about your [...]
I try to take care of you as best I can. Regular washes and tune-ups. I always have you in the best gear. To others—you may seem ragged and worthless, a clunker. To me—you are special and beautiful. The manual says Toyota, but I know you are a Benz. I never really understood why people [...]
Love, the thickest, toughest, and most opaque pill to swallow. One of those medications where the side effects can be worse than the actual symptoms. Love is a game in which rookies seldom win and pros fall short. When the seed of love is well planted—you can never abort those feelings. I tried dipping my toes [...]
Cherish those nine months Those are the only guaranteed moments The second he is born Not a single moment is guaranteed At a moments notice his soul can be ripped from his body A stray bullet A too tight choke hold Or a drug overdose Can send a stream of tears Rushing over The edges [...]
I am a Black, Nigerian, Christian man, but these identities were not always an integral component of my identity. These identities were challenged day after day. I never identified as being a Black man, until my junior year in college. Growing up in a Nigerian household—my parents always created a divide between us and Black [...]
I always hear, "The darker the berry, the sweeter juice." I never, however, hear anyone speak about how the berry must be crushed and destroyed to reap the juice. I remember times that I wanted to destroy my dark skin in the hopes of reaping some sort of sweet juice. Some sort of sweet satisfaction. [...]
The cranes have eminent domain in the sky Testaments to upwards manifest destiny Sears Trumps Hancock Street corners littered with eager pedestrians for their domain lies in the streets Taming rabid bolting taxi cars Cameras oversee your every move Drive too fast or cross faded white lines too soon FLASH Find yourself posing for pricey [...]
We met as strangers We grew together Then we fell apart Each with a broken heart Only if we could restart Only if we could meet again as strangers
When I am called upon—I have but one goal in my mind I am a heat-seeking missile aimed to deal destruction to anyone or anything that I come in contact with I do not care if you were an innocent bystander Or if you were days away from graduation If you meander in my orbit [...]