Morphological Confetti

I’ve had a "crook" in my neck ever since I heard the news about Michael Jackson's death. No, MJ’s news alone didn’t give me this "crook." After hearing about MJ, I got a call that an extended family member died of a heart attack as well and on the same day. I don’t know what hour, but the same day; I couldn’t believe it! The first news about MJ caused tension in my right shoulder as I listened to the report on CNN and I thought back over the past couple of months and remembered having thoughts of him dying. Don’t ask me why? My wife asked the same question, but I thought of MJ dying and how terrible it would be. Anyway, the tension and stiffness begin to ease a little as I watched his famous “Rock with You” video on BET – That song and video are both classics. So, as I mentioned, I got the news about the extended family member yesterday as well. The news caused my head drop into my chest as tension went up the back of my neck. By the way, I distinguish him as “e...

Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. I wanted to share a poem from my recently published chapbook, Liquid Lunch . This little poem goes back to Sunday mornings in North Carolina when I would wake up to sound of my grandmother singing church hymns in the kitchen. It was her way to give thanks to the almighty, while she prepared Sunday dinner. This poem represents one of my most cherished memories of her. God bless her soul. Enjoy your day everyone. Here is my poem: Eunice Best Faith Sunday morning snooze Sunday morning blues Momma singing in the kitchen Sunday morning news Jesus is the top story Faith is her morning glory. Note: To purchase copies of Liquid Lunch click on the buy now button in the right margins (Hwy 125). Thanks.

[ Lil' Stevie's mother is sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of tea. Lil' Stevie walks in with a confused look on his face ] Lil’ Stevie: Mama, would a goat make a good Christmas present? Mama: A goat? Why would anyone want a goat for Christmas? Lil’ Stevie: When I talked to granddaddy on the phone, he said that he would buy me a goat for Christmas if I come stay with him in North Carolina. [ Stevie’s mother laughs out loud ] Lil’ Stevie: What’s so funny mama? Mama: Well, what did you say? Lil’ Stevie: I asked him if I could bring the goat back to Washington D.C. if I changed my mind about staying. Mama: What did he say? Lil’ Stevie: He said I could ‘cause DC already has a donkey and an elephant. He said that it was about time for something new like a goat. Mama: [ Smiling ] Oh, grandpa went political on you. I guess that it is about time for a new symbol of change in Washington. A goat is a great political symbol because goats get rid of all the trash arou...

These are some photos I took on the way to North Carolina two weeks ago. I love taking pictures of cotton. It's part of my heritage and who I am. Many of us (white and black Americans) would like to forget about the not so distant past when African Americans were slaves in this country, but it's difficult for me to forget because my family never completely left the county our ancestors were enslaved in. Therefore, I celebrate the beauty of that heritage in writing, pictures, and song (when I learn how to play an instrument or sing). *smile* I embrace and love that part of me that touches down deep...deep in my soul. Peace~

(Click to Enlarge) The road to writing a poem a day is too tiresome. So, I'm going to sit under this tree here and rest. I know...I know what I said, but I'm so tired and that shade looks so nice and cool. P.S. I want to give a big thanks to new blog friend, Lovebabz . She's cooler than this shade tree. Peace~ Photo: Road off of Hwy 125 in North Carolina Photo Source: Stephen Bess

"Looking back on when I was a little nappy headed boy, then my only worry was for Christmas, what would be my toy. Even though we sometimes would not get a thing, we were happy with the joy the day would bring...I wish those days could come back once more, why did those days ever have to go? I wish those days could come back once more, why did those days ever have to go? Cause I loved them so." ~ Stevie Wonder By the way, I am the taller of the two little boys. I remember that day well. I also remember that the shirt I was wearing was new and my grandmother purchased some flip-flop sandles to keep my feet cool. It was the Bess Family Reunion in the Summer of '75. Stevie Wonder's hit song, I Wish , would not become a hit until 1977, but it was so appropriate for this photo. I mean, just look at that image of me, little Stevie; life was so simple then. Peace~

I'm headed down south for a few days to see family and friends. I'll be back soon. Mr. Philp, I wish that I could make it down to Miami. Then, we could have a Red Stripe and talk about literature and blogging. *smile* I hope that you all are having a wonderful Summer. Peace~

My grandfather's old school house in Hassell, North Carolina Population: 72 Photo info: I took this picture in December of 2006. The school housed children in grades primary through secondary. There was some rain the day I took this picture. I love the way the rain made the brick steps glisten. It also gave the old building a slightly different shade.

I want to share with you one of my favorite Psalm . I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I hope for many blessings to you and your loved ones on this holiday weekend. Peace~

This is just one more change to this blog. I wanted a template that complimented the theme of my website. I like this template because it has the texture of a scroll or old papers. I'm sorry if some of you miss the bright Orange. This should be it for a while. Thanks again for all of your support. Peace~ Photo: Side view of my grandfather's childhood home in North Carolina.

These are photos of Downtown Williamston, NC. I took these pictures on Christmas Eve. Downtown is equivalent to about two to four city blocks. I love it! Small towns have a certain charm about them during this time of the year. Otherwise, it was a great time spent with family and friends. Williamston Downtown Other sources: The Martin County Chamber of Commerce online

Share-Croppers By: Langston Hughes Just a herd of Negroes Driven to the field, Plowing, planting, hoeing, To make the cotton yield. When the cotton's picked And the work is done Boss man takes the money And we get none, Leaves us hungry, ragged As we were before. Year by year goes by And we are nothing more Than a herd of Negroes Driven to the field-- Plowing life away To make the cotton yield. These are photos that I took on Wednesday in Martin County, North Carolina. Martin County represents my roots here in America and cotton is where it all began. Have a great weekend!

My grandfather's birthday was on Saturday. He has made it to the blessed age of 87. He lives in North Carolina. He is in Martin County along the Roanoke River. My family has deep roots in that part of the state and Martin County specifically that goes back 150 years. My grandfather is a great source of information and a direct link to the past. He is a joy to talk to because he has become quite the conversationalist in his older years. I have so much to thank him for. He arbitrarily talks about his youth and usually the happiest times of his life. It's funny...he doesn't talk about past loves, but of past cars. I don't care what question I asked he would always mention the car that he owned around that time. I asked him about the time that he asked for my grandmothers hand in marriage in 1945. He responded with, "I had a green 1938 Chevrolet." Well, he did mention that there was another girl that wanted him to marry her, but he wanted my grandmother especially...

Good morning! It was a little difficult getting up this morning. I got in from North Carolina around 10:00pm and once I got settled in I slept clean through the night. It was a great little getaway despite the circumstances. I went to North Carolina to show support for my long time friend, Anthony, whose mother succumbed to Cancer last week. It's amazing how those tragic moments in life can bring about such pleasant ones in return. I got a chance to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen in years. They were all there to support our friend who needed us. We hugged and embraced as we all met at Keisha's house. We talked about our lives and marveled at how much we've changed and how much we haven't. We listened to music, ate pizza, drank and laughed. It was at that moment that I realized my life and how precious it is. I appreciated seeing my friends, but I also appreciated the fact that I've evolved since High school. I'm not the same insecure teenager beg...