Hold My Hand In Public

Hold my hand in public to signify that we are together


Like the kiss on the forehead or that embrace you like to give me
To make me feel better

Hold my hand in public

To confirm what you say in private

I'm feeling you. You're feeling me.

Why hide it?


Hold my hand in public


It is such a subtle yet extreme form of affection

It gives clues into the seriousness of a relationship

The gesture assures. The gestures says so much

Your palm in my palm
Innocent, yet intimate is such a touch

Hold my hand in public




©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

The Familiar Look

The look I saw in his eyes was familiar to me.
It took me back…


I began to think about the boys I knew in elementary.


Those who had so much promise!
Those whom hope had such a hold!


Those who were convinced they would be “somebody”!
Oh where did that type of mind-set go?


He looked at me as if he knew he was wrong.
His own conscience had judged him and though torment was evident he chose to go on!


His look replied to me, I’m at the point where I need to be rescued,
I’m starving rapidly… I’m so close to doom.


But my momma sees me as just another man and not her child
There is no in between


As for my father and me we have no common ground.
I choose not to say all of this out loud… I imagine how this may sound!


I am a Black man, who is hopeless,
Yet somehow I’m coping!


Came so close to doing the unnecessary on the lines of straight up locin’
The potential that I possess my circumstance is choking!


Am I the only one that believes in me?


Society along with my family can’t seem to look past the stereotypes, that paint me as the poster child of negativity.


Yes, His look said all and more to me.


I’ am unable to fix the problem that he faces, but I do believe there is a remedy!


The Familiar Look!


©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

Eleven O' Nine Woodside

Eleven O’ Nine Woodside, where I first learned of moonshine


Backyard barbecue
Hearing grown folks conversations and their views


Old ladies that drink
Man, did alcohol stink


Loud talking and cigarette smoke
Men,women ,and children laughing


That was a good time
It was what was happenin’


I remember my Aunt’s smile and her eyes
The impact that she had on so many lives


The mosquito bites and the sweltering heat
Drinking juice after juice and can’t wait to eat


The patience of a child


Full, packed yard
Street filled with cars


Music playing
One of the best occasions


The smell of barbecue
The smoke from a grill
It always takes me back here


Eleven O’ Nine Woodside


A cozy little spot
Situated across from my elementary schools
Man, I miss my Aunt!


Fun times, good food
Adults- some nice, some rude


Some unpleasant and you hate to see them coming
Laughter of children excited
Through the yard running


Cooler temperatures will be coming and school will be back in session
This taught me how to not treat people
Not quite ready for another lesson


Eleven O’ Nine Woodside
Contributed to my views on family and quality time
Where I experienced backyard barbecue's and learned about homemade moonshine


Realizing it is better to be kind and be careful what you say
Don’t hide behind masks
Appreciate the moment and live for the day


Eleven O' Nine Woodside


©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

Tone Of Demand

Cannot be accomplished solely!


The fact is desperate times arose and I became lonely


Talking about settling! Too many people unconcerned, but still meddling!


Life... like bicycling, just keep pedaling'. Keep it moving!


Even if it looks like, feels like, and is evident that you are losing


Pedal in moderation! Speed doesn't mean you will reach your destination


Drive, Discipline, and Dedication


Yearning for a vacation!


A one way ticket purchased from an isolated train station


I'm ready to take a ride!


Drift off to another journey


Enough of my considerate tone, I must say it firmly


With a tone of demand


Tired of being restricted under your command


Lift your hand


Please don’t provoke me


Don’t want to have to say it again



©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

I'd Walk In The Rain

I’d walk in the rain until I’m soggy and wet


I‘d walk for hours if that would help me forget


And for the removal of this fret


I’d walk in the rain if I could experience Lupus no more


I’d walk in the rain if that meant life would no longer be a chore


I’d walk in the rain so my tears could be camouflaged


I‘d walk in the rain if I could feel like I wasn’t against all odds


I’d walk in the rain if that meant I could be the mother I want to be


Running


Laughing


Providing for my one plus three


I’d walk in the rain God


I’m confessing that I would


I would leave nothing undone


I would do all that I should


I’d walk in the rain






©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

The Message That I Didn't Want To Erase

I hear his voice over and over again and I miss his laugh


To spend my whole life with my father is all I asked,


All I longed for was to know and see him more


Hug him hold him close
Let him know he is adored


That he is appreciated


By his death I am devastated


I’m hurt that life would go this way


My longing to see him was eventually quenched
It is his voice that I miss


In conversation at times full of a father’s correction
Him showing a sign of concern and affection


I just wish I had the message to play repeatedly


I’m hoping he knew how much and what he meant to me


I love you daddy
I loved your ways
I loved your conversation


I was amazed with your maturity
With how you stood with open arms


A man that was willing to admit he was wrong and
apologize if he caused you harm


I wish I could hear his voice again
Hear his laugh and see his smile


Rest in peace Daddy,
Love your child


©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.

Hope Does Not Disappoint

I can relate to people because I am a person.



I can relate to "black" people because I am "black".


I’m aware of the specific struggles, the specific setbacks, and the hardships of the "black community".


I’m aware of how the specific struggles, setbacks, and hardships that complicate our lives.


So therefore, the challenge for me is to give back to the "black community" everything it has given to me; such as strength, audacity, love, and hope.


It is hope that does not disappoint.








©2010 Atiya Meadows-Thomas .All rights reserved no republication of this material, in any form or medium is permitted without expressed permission of the author.