YOU HAVE SURVIVED

You have SURVIVED the collision of stars.

You have SURVIVED the complex combination of fission and fusion.

You have SURVIVED the odds of trillions of possibilities and accidental technicalities that produced life in a world with inhospitable creatures.

You have SURVIVED an attack of billions of microbes feasting on your skin, exposed from the moment you took your first breath. 

You have SURVIVED war, genocide, slavery, famine, plague, and natural disaster.

You have SURVIVED racism and stereotypes.

You have SURVIVED trigger happy police and "concerned" citizens, while walking the streets in your neighborhood with a hood.

You have SURVIVED failed economic policies.

You have SURVIVED the destruction of your culture.

You have SURVIVED and beat the odds.

You have SURVIVED it all.

You have SURVIVED everything that has tried to kill you.

You have SURVIVED everything negative the universe has to give...

SO WHY CAN'T YOU LIVE???

Written by Kwamy Escoffery

Friend and Brother ~ Happy Birthday!

Mommy Showing The Way

Dedicated to the mother of #SOWL ❤ #NoH8 family! "Don't Worry About a Thing..." #ShoutOutWithLove! ❤

I am a WOMAN now,

But still yes your one child.

Again thinking of you,

Tends to bring a huge smile.

Along our journey,

At times we became mad.

Seeing selves as HUMAN,

Left us empty or sad.

Simplicity of thoughts,

Neither really did know.
Good intent not harmful,

Only for me to GROW.

Love is what we needed,

However received pain.

Yet continued to LOVE,

Despite the lack of gain.

HEALER dwelled in both hearts,

Staying on our side.

Providing while leaches,

Were there just for a ride.

Spirit filled with such strength,

This woman that I see.

Mentor OVER-COMER,

From life's atrocity.

Keep STANDING on those feet,

Fight hard like your mother.
Helping me break cycle,

Abused from another.

Since FAITH is the substance,

Here today I can say.

Learning love in spite of,

Mommy showing the way!

My Real Beast

I am strong and a "Jamaican Woman." Click here if you would like to hear track by Etana on #SoundCloud from her album
 - I RISE - 

Thinking back confusion,
Did not know how to bend.
Body weak cannot run,
Finally reached wits end.

Continued by faking,
What else for me to do?
Unable to disclose,
 Trusting God knew all true.

Trials and tribulations,
Each one safely survived.
Picked up every piece left,
Began feeling revived.

Situations of then,
Moved on to be released.
Carnal weapons that harm,
I discerned my real beast.

An Angel's Tears

ShoutOutWithLove, LLC
Online Business Card

YOU CAN DO IT

~An Angel's tears
within the rain~
~Her heart in fear

for those in pain~

~Wings spread wide

to cover those~

~Calming cries

within their Souls~

~She walks with them

in shadows hide~

~An Angel’s hymn

she does recite~

~Guide me Lord

to keep them safe~

~By your accord

their every wake~

~No mountain high

nor valley low~

~Shall keep my flight

from calming Souls~

~She spreads her wings

in calming peace~

~Amen she sings

with Heaven’s glee~

Written By Duke Sherman

Author of "A Soldier's Thoughts - A Collection of Poems," a Vietnam Veteran Owner of A Soldier's Thoughts Veterans Charity via duketheman1.com 

I Feel Such Pain

Mr and Mrs Raj

~My hunger grows

to be at ease~

~My mortal soul

is not at peace~

~I feel such pain

from years gone past~

~My mind insaned

in everlast~

~My every night

is filled with fear~

~I dream in fright

my body sears~

~I stay not sleep

nor do I wake~

~In limbo’s keep

my body quakes~

~My hunger grows

to be at ease~

~My mortal soul

it yearns for peace~

~I pray my Lord

he gave me life~

~To wield his sword

and end this strife~

~To cleanse my soul

and ease my pain~

~To make me whole

be not insaned~

Written By Duke Sherman

Author of "A Soldier's Thoughts - A Collection of Poems," a Vietnam Veteran Owner of A Soldier's Thoughts Veterans Charity via duketheman1.com 

Honor To Keep

"Salute Soldiers of Life"

Dedicated to Papa @DUKETHEMAN1 forever a Soldier & published Author too!

Yesterdays memorial,

Looking back but again forth.

Fighting for best tomorrow,

Mission making it seem worth.

Leaving loved ones left behind,

Answering a mighty call. 

Lacking knowledge still so young,

Safety now the cannonball. 

Yet who should be decider,

In a foreign land of grief?

Knowing great pain and sorrow,

Then needing help for relief. 

Innocent victims of war,

Still taking place in this day.

Soldiers full of endurance,

Battlegrounds now here to stay. 

Some will remain with visions,

Of times they may never speak.

Remember their sacrifice,

Provide them honor to keep.

Come Back and Stay

Soon Very Soon

Unknown what's to come,

The special eye tears.

Feelings from inside,

My sorrowful fears.

Tomorrows new news,

May still be the same.

Abundant with strength,

And God takes all blame.

Work towards wholeness,

Can't process for you.

Conflicting these dreams,

Since that's what I do.

Desire to help,

However there's me.

Focusing on self,

Hence set captives free.

Time shall be taken,

No masks only real.

Pausing from purpose,

But I made this deal?

Giving all my love,

Helping others grow.

Meanwhile in my life,

Seems I have let go.

Lacking a receipt,

Dimming the bright light.

Destiny I hear,

Challenging to fight.

Overcomer yes,

No not in this way.

Perhaps a brief break,

Then come back and stay.