Poetry Speaks

This poem just spoke to me. It exists to tell my story! Can you relate?

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise. 

Maya Angelou

Sweet Smile

On those days when you feel like you are alone, unloved and ugly, take a look in the mirror and smile and say, "God loves me." That is the purest truth you'd have said all day. Never mind who's not paying attention to you, never mind what you don't have, you have His love and it's more powerful and precious than anything in the world. Now go along and enjoy the rest of your day, always remember that, ... and smile:)

Loving Relationships

Human relationships are complex. Our thoughts differ from one person to another, and sometimes you might think you are on the same page with someone, only to realise later that you were not. The beauty of relationships is in knowing that unless you communicate your thoughts and views, they will not be known, and applying that knowledge. I have realised that the reason why parents and their children seem not to get along sometimes is because each wants to be understood, but no one says anything. When they speak, they shout and by doing that they make the person they think they are communicating to shut their ears.

What we need to do in order to maintain good healthy relationships is to continually talk about our thoughts and views to each other, we must listen attentively to one another and not expect to think the same way. When we understand that we are different and we are sincere with one another, a bond develops which will keep you close even through trying times.

What causes people to feel hurt by their loved ones is because there is no trust. if you trust that someone would not want to hurt you intentionally, when they do hurt you, you forgive easily, give them a chance to tell you their views and tell them why you are hurt. This works both ways but once you understand how to have good relationships, practice it and you will see it rub off on the people around you. It is very tempting to get upset and conclude that you are not loved or cared for just because of something someone did, but resist that temptation and sober up. Ask questions if you don't understand something, rather than jumping to assumptions. And if you are the one on the wrong, express your repentance and love, don't shy away and leave the other person feeling like you don't even care. Basically, be proactive in your relationships and let love reign.

I have learnt these things from not one experience but many experiences. Family members in particular take each other for granted and tend to think that everything is fine if one keeps out of everyone's way and they stay out theirs, but communication means sharing yourself with the next person and allowing them to share themselves with you. It means sometimes listening to your sister talk about that relationship of hers that you do not support in the first place, and talking about what you truly feel. Its OK to be strong, but you always need a place where you know you are not expected to be perfect. Make the most of it and forgive as you too will need to be forgiven at some point.

He Loves You

"God is saying: my child, I have seen you at your worst, there is no need to hide from my presence, I accept you even when you constantly reject yourself, I alone am the key to your true potential, run not away from me but to me, bring your baggage, and let me give you rest, bring your shame and let me cover you with my glory, lose yourself in me and all shall be added unto you" G.M. Seepe


I came across this on my husband's facebook and it just blessed me. To all those people who are making the most of social media to minister to others, keep doing it, even if it seems like no one is noticing what you are doing, believe me, God sees and your words will definitely bless someone. Though a lot of us became born again in front of a crowd, there are some whom Christ revealed Himself to in solitude, through a song, a poem or a testimony. We need not be religious but make the most of our gifts to preach the good news.

When I Blog

Everytime I come here to write something, it ends up being considered for publication in a local magazine. hmm...
Oh, I also have another short story now to add to my collection, thanks to Blogger! This year will surely end with my writing career being more than ten times better! I am expectant. That means at least twenty published articles in several publications. That means at least ten short stories to be published in my Short Story Collection called 'Stories About You'. Watch out for this book!