The shadows know little of my existence
perhaps it may be the warmth of my ashes as they fade away
Scattered I am a wind of thoughts burlesque to their resistance
Know that it is the way to keeping the enthusiast tuned
Next to wounds in a zest of a desert pride
Consumed in gloom those fail to see the light shining thru
for its the rise that creates each day anew.
My submission to Sonel’s Corner B&W Challenge. This week’s theme is nature. Hope you all enjoy!
One of my favorite pics converted. 14ft. Crocodile @ Black River, Jamaica.
Shadows stretch past light
as Dream escapes seem alright
amidst an aqua night.
The Inner Voice speaks louder than we may sometimes notice.
We are all small creations blooming into a much larger one.
Sometimes it takes a few clouds to truly appreciate the sunshine.
Stand clear as I move past
tumbling down a long cross-tied stroll
The perception of my existence does meet the iniquities of time
While I find that those who stood before me
only succumbed to the news of this train’s glory
Unlike many a stories
Maybe it’s the burdens to blame
For all the stamina, all the momentum
All of the sunshine, all of the rain
Squeezing all of my sunshine from the Earth
Evaporating dry skies into the rain.
The steam preps the Conductor’s vibe again
Rolling parallel to dirt roads, and trails, business districts
Grocers, farmland, until these cross ties have become old and stale.
Lost souls turned into bones hanging from live oaks where we stood
To desert heat, valleys & Smoky Mountain peaks
Please don’t let me be accused as another
that has let the brakes of fear release me
from straying others off the tracks of life
Many often struggle only because they know Not the facts of strife.
Heading behind the demise of so many
ignored of my patience they failed to see
that my ideals seemed to be just as good as any.
Making it over the hill, ’round those mountainous curves,
I push through any and all that I can
the bloodshed and callous has revered the better halves of stress
I cry in the face of karma yet smile at the faces of death
Always knew the difference between fate and destiny
Always do my best, but never let obstacles get the best of me
The Infamous Locomotive, feel the gust as I set out
Further down a path I did not expect
knowing it’s still so much I haven’t seen yet.
But of all the things…at least now I KNOW that I could…and for that
I have no regrets.
If the World saw less black & white, there would be room for More Color…
Where these tracks may lead
is more than some random place
fear is faced today.
If no one was around would you oblige?
To the sweet essence of our presence and verbal vibrations similar to a stimulant
We often let the past ruin what may be as we tease thorns off the bristle tree.
Love is just that, it may hurt for what it’s worth.
And although I hope those kisses in the wind did reach you at sea
Maybe those inner most cavities and fantasies tingle being reminded of me
Positive vibrations lead me to you and if our will shall be,
may the rapport mend anew.
We’ve grown to understand the fundamentals of chance
Let’s roll the dice for romance…forever?
Who knew…
You’d love me
Cause I damn sure love you…
Yesterday, today, and forever…. however long that may be
And as long as you’re right here…nothing falling under the brinks of time matter to me.
Weekend, where are you?
As fountains pour near a beach,
It’s Monday again.
So many say the words to receive no answer.
A hurtful thought that can eat away at your very soul like a cancer.
That’s why I always promised myself if I ever got the chance to
Fulfill that role I would do it well.
I look my father in his eyes and say thank you
even though I may have gave him pure hell.
He stood there, through the fire storms, from the day that I was born,
and here he stands today
Yes, I may be the cause behind a few of those gray hairs
I thank him because he didn’t have to stay.
Times have truly changed, the role of women being so independent
sometimes the role of a father has to be defended.
No one is perfect but some do use that as an excuse for that same song.
Planting a seed into the cavities of fertility, the true fruit of life.
No one said you have to make her your wife, but be a father.
A true father, so much more than just a dad,
I look at society today and must confess that it is sad.
My daughter will always know her father
I tell the women out there who act as mother and father…stay strong
Times are hard but not as hard as they have been.
Valued who you are, and on behalf of them I’m sorry.
I’m sorry they he doesn’t get it.
I’m sorry that he “got it” then refused to accept his position,
And I’m wishing….. he valued your worth.
I wish he appreciated that birth that was given to him.
To be more than just a donor,
I wish he could accept being the owner…of a blessing.
A lesson of love and life
The number of men that don’t understand…too funny
Its more than just the money, It’s the value of time spent
It’s the feeling of reminiscing on the places you’ve went.
It’s the comfort of having someone there for you…. as an angel sent.
To those that do… I SALUTE YOU!
My personal Honda CBR 954 RR…father’s day gift to myself a few years back. Captured this shot with the Nikon one evening after sunset. No editing, no lie. Mods and customizations done by me, and my bro.
We piled inside the small compact car smelling like Vodka, sweat, and good times.
Someone yelled ‘Let’s take Marta.’ After all, it’s smarter. Well, it’s just we all had been drinking. Summer was approaching and there was a sudden silence in the air, you knew what everyone was thinking.
Ralph was such a good guy is what we all seemed to pray. He was one exit from home on that fateful day.
With a driven purpose in mind we walked towards the next arriving Blue Line. It’d be ten minutes or so before the next rail was set to arrive. Under the influence it seemed like forever. In the meantime, we’d admire a smoke and a share a few thoughts of laughter. Philips Arena, Five Points… Georgia State soon after. We waited along with a few others in the morning dim. There were no panhandlers in sight, it must have been too early for them. That’s what Greg joked but I saw truth in that. I was almost at a dose when I felt a sprinkle of inspiration in fact. Awakening was the rail’s brakes and images of flying sparks. The old woman sitting by the young lady I met tonight both got off at Inman Park. Those other guys I believe were migrating West. I thought to myself, ‘Marta is Smarter’, even they know what’s best. The conductor insisted Edgewood/Candler would be coming up next. I looked around and there weren’t a familiar face left other than one guy from yesterday’s game. By the time we reached Decatur I had forgotten his name. On similar paths we travel some of our minds lose tract. Then I saw my reflection realizing I am a man of my own and fully understand maps. Have been for awhile now and soloist decisions have become the norm. Through many roads I’ve traveled while weathering the storm. Further I’ve gone, but nowhere near home. Then I see through their eyes. Faces show smiles and in hearts true gloom. Or perhaps, maybe I’ve gone too far as a train passes flashing, ‘No, we were all born to be stars, some just get off to soon.’
Show me the way to be a better man to you,
I know I’m useful but may not be quite what you’re used to
Mold me as I mold you, don’t scold me because I would never scold you
I mean, when you speak I listen,
Although my thoughts you keep dismissing
I’ve tried to make you understand I’m not perfect
But know that you have my undivided…attention
Not to mention…your semblance places me in another dimension
And it doesn’t even compare to your intellect & grace
When I look into your face…. I see my Earth Tone Queen
I mean, I see a star…
I see a flower…beautifully blossomed
And yet so solemn, without a caretaker to render
The proper nurturing…I am
Don’t deny me, help me to refine thee….
Fertilize my soul, together as we grow old
I see you as the fruit sowed while I am groomed,
To be a better provider
Its more than just a seed planted
and sowed, more like living in the Now
I see the reason I have always appreciated your smile.
Evening sunset in Negril
Still going…
…almost gone
On one of my most recent visits back home to South Carolina I had the chance to capture a few shots of the ‘country ‘ life with my Nikon. Of those I snapped, I wanted to share a few that really stood out of this old Ford Mustang which I believe is a 1965 or 1966. The car belonged to a distant relative that refused to sell it…for unknown reasons and to this day, no one knows why. It now sits alone after numerous people have made offers to purchase or junk it only to be turned away as down and bereaved as the old thoroughbred looks himself. I’ve seen this car sit in this same spot and literally fade away as far back as I can remember…I’m 31. As usual, being a sucker for the natural and raw side of nature and material it spoke to me. Instantly the song “Mustang Sally” came to mind by Wilson Pickett. (Youtube it here)
And then I wondered…what if this old pile of junk still had Sally? What secrets would it share from the soapbox? That’s when I thought…Hmmm…maybe this:
You remember when Sally would give you a kiss
Saddle me up and throw me in 1st
Those were the good old days I miss
And if she wasn’t arguing with her old man we’d stop by and get Suzie Q.
That’s when I knew…we were in for a road trip
Two bad girls FREE under the sun… that Thelma & Louise type of sh*t.
Smiles on the run in those bright cat eyes
From the morning dew to the evening stars
Sally’s long gone now… buried not too far.
Backroads we left to the highways we ‘d come… from I-95 to 261
We traveled long ways…gassed up and ready.
‘Long as she didn’t drink too much
We’d pretty much hold it steady.
I thought we’d never slow down,
In ’65 we lived all over the towns
Weeping in tears…Sally tamed me then left
No regrets in my stable this little light of mine still shines
No matter how incorrigible,
Time reaches us all
In due time.
In Its own stubborn way
Nowadays that sleek Dynasty Green has turned gray.
In those days gas was $0.31 cents per gallon
You wanna tell me what it is today?
At the wash they groomed me, brush my mane, and wiped me down
those were happy endings now the only thing that soothes me is these thorns
you mean to tell me they’re calling that acupuncture now?
Ashes to ashes… rust to dust
Wipe weeping eyes staying here isn’t a must
Look right there, it says “original muscle American made 289 with a smile”
Life has long gone cause that synthetic stuff would have killed me anyhow
Ask anyone… they would have told you about Sally & that ‘Stang.
We’d return under the moon and I promised old Sally I wouldn’t tell you a ‘thang’.
Mornings like this make me happy to be here.
I know that some still have fears and although their smiles tend to shatter beyond the tears
I’m endured to feel a restoration of the truth within…who am I?
I smile knowing I have a clue that life is made up of more than me and you…or is it?
Sky blues, morning dew glide clips of laughter in the wind as coffe shops bring smiles again
donuts and pastries send the aroma near and far…even the breeze tends to notice.
ALthough we all may tend to lose focus…just take a moment to observe nature’s magnum opus
When the light in her smile wakes me in the sunshine’s shadow
heaven knows its knowing she’s next to my shoulders…
There’s things I wanna do,
That I know you like too.
Riding the freeway passing the flask to you taking 2 sips,
As my hand slides in between those hips
No I don’t drive and drink,
I just like to ride and think….lol
Love when you giggle, rub my hand, & give me those eyes…..mmmm delicious.
I can tell that you’re tipsy,
We don’t have to make it to our destination for you to kiss me.
I’ll pull over right here if you feel the heat,
I got a blanket for the hood, plus there’s plenty of backseat.
I don’t want no good girl, they ain’t good for me….
Bad girls offer so much more excitement you see.
Besides I need a remedy for my A.D.H.D.
Is it right for me to hinder you, knowing what you’ve been thru,
Or should I be a fill-in so the next no smooth talker doesn’t sweet-talk you
Sweep you off your feet, only to not catch you in return.
Love is something I yearn….but not right now
I’d much rather just make you smile…
As long as you can keep me on my toes.
But she can’t be lazy, her motivation & support has to drive me crazy.
Only cause she pushes me to do more…her mind I want to explore
Financial security and doing all those freaky things are a plus,
I need you to arouse my emoption every once and while…..just so I can tell you hush.
I don’t want no good girl, they ain’t good for me….
Bad girls offer so much more excitement you see.
Besides I need a remedy for my A.D.H.D.
You can grab my “D” in public you see… girl I ain’t scared.
But when I tell you “I’m ready, and let’s sneak to the dressing room…be prepared.
Don’t be shy when I nibble your ear whispering something during a movie,
Or I sit you down and tell you that you Move me…
Spiritually and beyond.
Don’t trip when I say life goes on…with or without…because you feel the same.
Not saying that the others are lame…..it’s just
I don’t want no good girl, they ain’t good for me….
Bad girls offer so much more excitement you see.
Besides I need a remedy for my A.D.H.D.
I guess I’m enticed by your gist….I can’t resist
Excuse me when I grab that, when your brother and mother not looking,
Or if I tell you I want you for my dessert when you in the kitchen cooking.
Now, on second thought..when I’m ready for a wife….
That good girl may be what I need in my life
But until then……
I don’t want no good girl, they ain’t good for me….
Bad girls offer so much more excitement you see.
Besides I need a remedy for my A.D.H.D.
Love is something that cannot be misled or depleted,
underestimated, underrated or defeated.
Love doesn’t bring you home, love makes you not want to leave….. in the first place,
and when the road gets tough, love is the strongest alibi… even in the worst case.
Love is unconditional, keeping you strong even when your bones are weak,
Love seals that gap in your mind body and soul, and patches that broken heart that has a leak.
Love understands flaws but also enhances and molding these flaws as time goes on,
Love is holding each other tight, and not doubting one another… because love is just that strong.
Sometimes we mistake love for lust, not realizing love is more than just the physical,
Love brings endless joy, while lust only leaves you miserable.
Love is a bundle of happiness, placed upon your heart by God as a surprise,
Love is me getting a rise, everytime I look into her eyes.
Love is a dream but yet so real, anticipating each day and what it has in store,
my definition of love, is something to die for.
Love is smiling when I go to sleep grateful for every breath I breathe next to you,
Love has me baffled as I think to myself, for there is nothing that I wouldn’t do.
Love is something that never dies, even if we transform…it rekindles once reborn.
This is my definition of love, so much more than just affection….any questions?
YS Falls, SOuth Coast Jamaica. Taken with my Nikon D3000
Picked up a few vintage items at a yard sale this weekend. An old storage trunk, a Singer sewing machine (Cabinet Model), and a Nikon EM. Being a collector of vintage and antique items these pieces spoke to me. History often has a story to tell if we take time to listen. It was a pleasure speaking with the woman who was selling a host of items that belonged to her father who’d recently passed away. She stated that he had been collecting so many things that the home looked like an episode of “Hoarders.” With the quality of these items I was only sorry I didn’t get there sooner. Vintage in today’s world is something to appreciate by all means and uncannily we throw away a piece of the past without even thinking about it. Knowing the value of something beyond the price tag is truly…priceless.
A Soul Driven Mind... 