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Belief Painted on the Walls

I was gifted the short e-book of poems “Belief Painted on the Walls” by author Carleta Smith.  The anthology is a great read. I encourage you to read it, and the poems are attached for your reading pleasure. 

Full disclosure: “Belief Painted on the Wall” is copyrighted by Carleta Smith, all rights are reserved, and no part of the book may be reproduced except for promotional purposes.

This blog is for promotional purposes, if you like the work, I encourage you to contact the author Carleta Smith at carletasmith@gmail.com for more.

Two poems — A VEGANS TESTIMONY and IT WAS FATE — in particular caught my attention and I think are best of the brief collection. I haven’t read poetry in quite some time; it was a good change of pace. In fact the last time I read poetry was for a class and I was required to analyze the poem. In reading this I couldn’t resist to urge to dissect the two poems that I enjoyed the most. My interpretation follows:

“A Vegans Testimony” 

I drink this water 

And you drink cola 

I eat these veggies 

And you eat meat 

Bravely you do it around me 

But you’re not hurting me 

If I told you that your cola dissolves nails 

And your meat drove some mad 

And you choose to eat it 

Who do you think will be sad 

This is the lifestyle 

Vegan 

What I choose 

I ride with the best of those 

We do this for self 

And if you choose to ride 

Kudos to your good health 

But if you don’t remember you’re only hurting you 

This is the truth…

ROGER THAT…I hear you lady…but can I eat my meat in peace please.  Beyond the direct jab at us meat eaters, it is a coherent poem and in general a call to live a healthy lifestyle.  I’ve often wondered if those that choose to inform others of their opinions about what's best for them actually care or are on a high horse. It's perfectly normal to advertise or suggest, it's rude to assert and berate, e.g. the non-smoker informing the smoker “You should quit smoking, it's not good for you.  You know it killing you right,” as if the smoker doesn’t know the health risks.  With Carleta, I believe she cares and is simply informing though her work.

“It Was Fate”

Did I tell you this story about peace

Peace yearned for love so that he could be free

Did I tell you this story about love

Love always wanted to know who peace was

Until one day walking down the street

Peace said hi

And love was happy to greet

And there they were

Splattered on the screen

Peace & love

Kisses & hugs

Man oh man

There it was

This amazing look of grace

On peace and loves face

All I can say is

It was fate.

This poem is the crown jewel to me.  I can visualize this in the abstract. Further, she inserted little nuances.  Peace yearned for love so that he could be free — he — Peace is male.

Love always wanted to know who peace was

Until one day walking down the street

Peace said hi

And love was happy to greet

And there they were

Well, what is Love. She left it gender neutral. Purposefully, maybe, and I think so. We do live in a time in which the homosexuality debate is front and center. Love could be female or male. She could have left Peace gender neutral, but then the poem wouldn’t be as intriguing. Love is whatever you want it to be. I like it. 

I also found it intriguing that she did insert gender for Peace. In listing Peace as male, I feel she is attempting to bring attention to the male ego, and male lust for power or war often because the male is absent love or in search of proving love. Think of the many fables or actual human history.

Splattered on the screen

Peace & love

Kisses & hugs

Man oh man

There it was

This amazing look of grace

On peace and loves face

All I can say is

It was fate.

When man finds love he then is truly at peace, and any man will tell you when in love even if just for a moment it feels like fate.  I also found this portion of the body and the conclusion to be a nod to the general public interest in celebrity couples. Spatter on the screen — the coverage of "famous couples" is out of control. However, I admit, some couples look great together, and almost seem from what’s released to the public as if they could be role models for relationships, or as the current meme’s go, they display "relationship goals".

Lastly, this poem in simplest terms communicates when you find love you will have or be at peace regardless of the circumstance.

Ultimately, this is my interpretation and as with most art we all see what we want to see or project our thoughts onto the art, and often draw vastly different conclusions.  

Thank you Carleta for giving me the opportunity to read your great work.  If you’ve read this far, consider reading the entire collection.  It’s a good quick read, and possibly a initial offering that is part of a larger work to come.

Belief 

Painted 

On 

The 

Walls 

Poems by: 

Carleta Smith 

Copyright 2015 by Carleta Smith, All rights reserved, 

No part of this book may be reproduced except for promotional purposes. 

                                                                                                              

“All They had to Do Was Believe” 

All it took 

Was the right hands 

The right plans 

And the right woman/man 

A round of applauds 

For the king 

Who has conquered everything 

And powerfully 

They didn’t forget about He 

And magically 

Things began to surface 

Smiling faces/praises 

Knew they weren’t worthless 

Let me get a loud hand clap 

For the god 

Because our awesome God 

Knows they’ve worked hard 

And in amazement they receive 

Cause all they had to do was believe. 

“Praise Then Pray” 

She didn’t want me to know 

How she did it 

She didn’t want me to know 

So she hid it 

This powerful bloom 

Left everyone in darkness 

In that room 

Will she ever make a confession 

To the Best 

And allow her seed to manifest 

People say she can 

Heal the world 

Though her mother screams 

Conceal my girl 

She told me if she knew 

She would help 

But she’s holding on to a string herself 

And God’s got her back the rest of the way 

She looked me in my eyes and said 

PRAISE AND PRAY… 

“The Mysterious Wedding” 

She’s getting married and 

Nobodies invited to the wedding 

Why would she hide 

God’s craftsmanship 

 His heaven 

She’s getting married 

And it happened all of a sudden 

Some say it’s real 

Some say it wasn’t 

But she’s getting married 

Granny said maybe the groom is ugly 

Or it’s all in her mind 

I wouldn’t care if he was but ugly 

For her day I would still put in the time 

She’s getting married 

She’s getting married 

She’s getting married 

This is the 

Mysterious wedding. 

“It Was Fate” 

Did I tell you this story about peace 

Peace yearned for love so that he could be free 

Did I tell you this story about love 

Love always wanted to know who peace was 

Until one day walking down the street 

Peace said hi 

And love was happy to greet 

And there they were 

Splattered on the screen 

Peace & love 

Kisses & hugs 

Man oh man 

There it was 

This amazing look of grace 

On peace and loves face 

All I can say is 

It was fate. 

“Feelings of Being Complete” 

I remember how you use to 

Hug me from behind 

Just to combine 

You and our love 

I remember how it was 

I remember how 

We held hands 

As we’d walk 

How on the phone we’d talk just because 

I remember how it was 

Remembering your smile 

How we joked and played 

And these memories all fresh 

Even though it’s been a decade 

I remember how it was 

Remember 

Remembered 

Remembering leaves feelings of being complete. 

“One Day You Will Know” 

They say when people love you 

They give you water to drink 

So I give you 7 cases to drink freely 

Think man think 

What do I have to do to prove my love for you 

You caught a cold and I fasted for days until you got better 

And you did 

For days I grinned like a big kid 

And when you said I love you for the first time 

My whole body got weak 

I’m not lying 

Just trying to confide in you 

Right now 

Just trying to combine with you 

Right now so here it goes 

One day you will know. 

“Robot” 

He said I want to love you 

Like you need to be loved 

Your kisses & hugs 

Your remote control 

Your someone to hold 

Your on and off switch 

Allow me to sit 

And watch you 

To clock you 

To rock you 

To spot you 

In a midst of haze 

Today is your day 

I asked him  

What shall I call you 

Are you a man or not 

He said I am your robot 

Your do what I want 

Whatever you like 

Day & night 

I told him no thank you smiled and said goodnight. 

“My Friend” 

What can I say to you 

To make you understand 

That we are each other’s glue 

And nothing new 

Can come and separate us 

What kind of time do you have  

For me to put a smile on your face 

Baby I just want to make you laugh 

Exist on our own Huber craft  

Spaced out for days 

Ain’t no way 

That our love will fade 

You got me in a maze 

My heart on your guitar string 

My peace on your ring finger 

As we linger in hopes I continue to cope 

And wish that this ish don’t end 

I call you my lover 

My confidant 

My husband 

My friend… 

“Remember Me As I Pray” 

I am believing Him to restore 

Everything back to me that was stole 

10 fold 

And I am believing Him to grant me with peace in abundance 

1000 fold 

I ask my creator to mold me 

To shape me into a virtuous queen 

To grant me with angels in my life both seen and unseen 

To cast down rays from the sun 

To shine on me as I walk and run 

To place a rhythm in my heart that is played  

To tunes of love 

That will never fade 

To dash concrete 

Feeling of joy within 

Reminding me God you are my first friend 

And as shadows of happiness follow me from day to day 

Remember me as I pray. 

“A Vegans Testimony” 

I drink this water 

And you drink cola 

I eat these veggies 

And you eat meat 

Bravely you do it around me 

But you’re not hurting me 

If I told you that your cola dissolves nails 

And your meat drove some mad 

And you choose to eat it 

Who do you think will be sad 

This is the lifestyle 

Vegan 

What I choose 

I ride with the best of those 

We do this for self 

And if you choose to ride 

Kudos to your good health 

But if you don’t remember you’re only hurting you 

This is the truth… 

Thank you so much sweethearts for reading this book. You are so very..very..appreciated!!! This is our gift to you. We hope that you enjoyed it! 

Sincerely,  

Carleta Smith 

Response to: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Who Will Lead Black Americans?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Who Will Lead Black Americans?

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, when you ask who will lead Black Americans; I ask, lead to what?


Black Americans are not a block of people malnourished in leadership.

It’s time for a paradigm shift with regard to “Black” leadership. I don’t deny that it only takes one person to initiate change, or set the right example, or that leaders exist, or that leaders are useful. The idea that it’s up to those that choose to stand out, those that are outspoken, those that are famous, or any “those” you can name to take up the “cause--whatever the cause is” is flawed and has to be eradicated. Further it may be leaving too many feeling helpless, or have them waiting, or have them sitting on the sidelines when they are powerful and can take action to change their circumstances now.
 
Leaders rarely accomplish anything alone, and too often leaders received credit for success that is not warranted. Again, I acknowledge leadership exists and the significant difference a great leader can make, but to the point of moving an entire culture, or block of people, no one leader or group of leaders will do. The voices of “we the people” are too diverse in opinion for that. The actions, ambitions, and conduct of “we the people” are too diverse for that.
 
In asking the question, Kareem clearly assumes that “Black Americans” must be led. The assumption is wrong. The sooner you, me, him, and her, break away from that mindset the better.
 
“Black Americans” are going to continue to do what we have been doing, surviving, thriving, failing, loving, hating, building, stealing, assimilating to popular culture, failing to assimilate with popular culture, creating, etc ... and basically living as every other “group” of Americans do. Black Americans, as every other group of people in America need and desire fair public policy, fair appropriation of resources, opportunity, security, and good governance. It’s a fact that public policy has been an obstacle to progress for Black people in the past. Exceptional people of various races and genders worked to remove public policy obstacles for all people and genders. No one leader or person did that and it happened over time. We the people are still struggling to achieve the objectives seek whether it’s the debate over marriage equality, privacy rights, gender discrimination, unfair lending practices, or any other issue of the day. Our opinions and views will never be in complete synchronization. We lead ourselves, and people of like mind and opinion engage to produce the changes they seek. Leadership is not the problem. The problem is when too many choose to remain on the sidelines. The problem is when too many feel helpless and hopeless. The problem is when too many don’t believe the system works. The problem is when the system doesn’t work. The problem is when a drug epidemic and sentencing laws handicap an entire generation. The problem is when people choose a criminal lifestyle over a legal one. The problem is when people charged with governance execute their duties intentionally focusing policy efforts to the benefit of the few or special interests instead of the general good of the public. The problem is when people charged with determining employment make a choice to discriminate based on name, race, gender, or sexual orientation. The problem is when people with a large circle of influence and platform assert that Black people uniquely require leaders.

It’s cliche and true, and still worth stating. The United States today is a better place for all citizens than it was just 150 years ago, and yes, there is and will always be opportunities to improve the United States.

It’s not cliche, but true, and worth stating to execute the point. It’s a fact that today some Black people don’t take advantage of the opportunities presented. It’s unlikely that there will be a point in which every Black citizen is a successful and productive member of society. No racially identified group of people in the United States will ever be able to claim that every member of the identified group is a productive member of society. Instead of focusing on the false assumption that Black Americans are lacking in leadership, we should be focused on what every United States citizen can do to improve the country.

Americans need everyone in the game. Everyone is needed to help United States reach its full potential and maintain its status in the world.

Four suggestions for every citizen:

1. Turnout to vote and pay attention to politics and policy, especially on the local level. I don’t blame the voters for not voting, surely if better candidates pursued office turnout would improve. However, if you don’t like the candidates, cast a ballot for the best of the choices available, or better yet, become a candidate yourself. The idea that nothing will change so you choose not to vote is self-defeating and self-fulfilling.

2. Accept yourself, not everyone is going to like you. Respect and opportunity are enough. When respect is not given, demand it. When opportunities are withheld, create the opportunity. While it may hurt to not have the opportunity you desire, working to ensure the next man or woman of the next generation does is not a bad thing.

3. The idea of getting out of the hood, the ghetto, or trailer park --- “making it out” --- has to be reversed. I get it, and at the moment I am “out” and chose to leave seeking an opportunity to travel and see parts of the world I had not before. I have plans to go back to my hometown post retirement and begin again. Time will tell if my plan comes to fruition, or, if I put my money where my mouth is. I understand why those who grew up like me want out. However, it is time to consider finding ways to invest (time or money) into underfunded resources that make a difference --- schools, recreation centers, job training programs in poor communities. Further, when everyone with potential and skill “makes it out” those with malice intentions left behind are free to run rampant without balance. There are reasons to move, and there are reasons to stay, it's a personal choice. A friend of mine posted to Facebook:

Permission to be serious for a moment.....watching an aerial shot on CNN of people marching and protesting injustice in my old hood has hit a nerve that I never thought existed. I was born and raised in the Gilmor Homes/Sandtown area. However, I made a decision at an early age to make sure that the world I grew up in as a child would be a distant memory to me as an adult. I did make that happen but if I'm being completely honest with myself, what I REALLY did is forget where I came from. Instead of using my resources to uplift my hood, I turned my back on it. The level of guilt that I've been feeling these past few days is unexplainable. Luckily I'm young enough to still right my wrong

A substantial amount of us that grew up in poverty fail to use our resources to invest (time or money) or return to the poverty stricken neighborhoods from which we came. Often, this is due to the individual that made it out is just barely maintaining their life "out" and are a year or less, or a lost job away from falling back into poverty.  However, there are plenty that have made it out, have a reasonable amount of resources, and view going back from the wrong perspective. A famous rapper stated:

What can I do? where can I go? All my life I’ve grown around black people and poor people. But I can’t live around black people now because they will rob me. And why will they rob me? Because they are starving cause[sic] there’s no money here.

He means he felt he couldn't live around the poor people in which he grew up with because he became rich, but what if it wasn’t just him. What if he was willing to start a business or purchase and renovate homes, and offer them for rent to low income families. Greenwood, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was one of the most successful and wealthiest American communities in the United States during the early 20th Century, until domestic terrorists attacked in 1921. The terrorist attack was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S., destroying the once thriving Greenwood community. Within five years after the domestic terrorist attack, surviving residents who chose to remain in Tulsa rebuilt much of the district. They accomplished this despite the opposition from many of Tulsa’s political and business class. It resumed being a vital community until segregation was overturned by the Federal Government during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation encouraged many to see what they were missing and live and shop outside of Greenwood, causing Greenwood to lose much of its original vitality. Blatant political or business class in opposition to community development does not exist today.  Simply put, it's a risky investment, and profitability will be initially low. Thus we need people to make the choice based on more than a reasonable return of profit.

4. You must take care of your family first, “take care of home”. Focus on being a productive member of society and raising your children to do the same regardless of income level. A famous former NBA player stated, “I'm not a role model... Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids.” I disagree, he could be role model, and I agree with the overall point, just because he or she is a famous, or a sports star doesn’t mean they should raise children that are not theirs. We must make responsible decisions and deal with the consequences of our decisions. Planned or unplanned, take care of your family.

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, Black Americans don’t have a leadership problem. Black Americans, just as every other group of Americans have choices to make and choices have consequences. 

The People's Lawyer

 

Attorney General Eric Holder: The People's Lawyer

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Who Will Lead Black Americans?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a TIME magazine contributor wrote the op-ed "Who Will Lead Black Americans?" in March.  It's well written and concise.  However, I feel his view is exactly what's wrong with the way we, American's of African descent, approach problems in society today.  

To be clear, his title "Who Will Lead Black Americans?" is provocative and misleading.  One might think he advocates for the next MLK to rise up, however, if you read the piece you will find that he doesn't think another MLK is needed, but many.  He clearly articulates that history has shown that it took more than MLK alone to usher in changes in American society, which is true.  He then concludes that it was basically MLK and the other prominent leaders of the era that sacrificed for the change they sought, that would eventually benefit all American people, which is not entirely true.  For the present day, his lists a few men and women that he feels have assumed the leadership mantle, and indicates there are many more:

"This list is incomplete. It will always be incomplete, because new voices arise daily. As you’re reading this, please imagine me at home berating myself for the names I inadvertently left off the list and know that I am feverishly scribbling down additional names. At the same time, there’s something inspiring about knowing there are so many dedicated, selfless, and brave leaders that I can’t fit them all into a single article."

A reasonable view, but the wrong view. We don't need many leaders, we don't need one leader, Americans in general, and specifically Americans of African descent need all hands on deck to step up to the plate and swing for the fences.  My rebuttal to Mr. Abdul-Jabbar to follow.  First, take in his opinion below.

http://time.com/3732034/black-leadership-america-today/

Where is today's MLK? Black Americans don't need a single leader—we need many

It’s either a sad irony or a fitting tribute that the end of Black History Month dribbles right into March Madness. No sooner do we finish celebrating significant African-American contributions to American culture than we get to see some of our finest young black competitors perform amazing feats of athleticism. Seems like even more cause for celebration. 

Except that a 2012 University of Pennsylvania study concluded that 64% of basketball players in the six top teams in American college conferences are black, though only 3% of the entire student bodies are black.
Are colleges exploiting young, black athletes when they’re good for their sports franchises, and ignoring their educational needs otherwise? It certainly looks that way, by the numbers. But who’s manning the watch for African Americans? When it comes to education, when it comes to employment opportunities, when it comes to systemic civil rights violations by police departments like those uncovered this week by the Department of Justice report on Ferguson, Mo., who is willing to take on this intense and often contentious responsibility?
 
This weekend our nation will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march known as “Bloody Sunday.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is on our minds, and for many people so is one burning question: Where is today’s Dr. King? I’d argue it’s the wrong question. In the act of canonizing Dr. King, we’re forgotten that no movement is ever advanced by one voice alone. This country wasn’t founded by a single person, but a group of visionaries who didn’t always share the same vision. Dr. King’s voice was lifted by many others — Malcolm X, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis — who may have marched to a different drummer but marched in the same direction.
 
Bringing about change requires, as Liam Neeson might say, “a very particular set of skills.” Leaders have to notice subtle shifts in the political landscape that threaten the rights and standing of blacks in society. They have to analyze complex information and question even more complex motivations. They have to be socially responsible in not attributing every societal stumble to racism. They have to have a clear and articulate voice in explaining when injustice occurs, and they must have the courage to tell the world — even when the world doesn’t want to hear it. Finally, they must be able to offer practical solutions to specific problems and have the drive and charisma to inspire people to participate in those solutions.
 
Who are the leaders in the African-American community willing to bring all aspects of injustice to the public’s attention, especially when the public doesn’t want to hear it? The black community has many brave and dedicated leaders, so no simple list will do them all justice. Some leaders operate on a very local level. Even though they help many in need, they will not be recognized as a national leader. The best I can do is mention those who have become a public face and voice for many African-Americans. At the same time, it’s important to understand that the 43 million members of the black community are not a single voice. Like every other ethnic group, they have a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social beliefs. However, they do have a nearly unanimous voice when it comes to believing that there are institutional injustices aimed at them as a group.
 
A 2013 poll commissioned by BET founder Robert L. Johnson asked a sample of the black community whom they considered to be their leaders. President Obama was the clear winner here with 91% approval. The question of leadership was trickier when asking who spoke for them most often. Surprisingly, when given a list of seven of the most prominent black leaders and asked, “Which of the following speaks for you most often?,” 40% said “none of the above.” Some may find this discouraging because it indicates a lack of unity, but I find it an encouraging sign that the African-American community is not quick to let others speak for them in a one-spokesperson-fits-all manner. Instead of blindly following a political figurehead, they look at each issue, weigh what individuals are saying, then choose sides.

In that Robert L. Johnson poll, the Reverend Al Sharpton received the most votes of any individual, with 24% saying he spoke for them most often. He was followed by the Reverend Jesse Jackson (11%), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (9%), NAACP president Benjamin Jealous (8%), Congressman James E. Clyburn (5%), and former Chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele (2%).
 
Clearly, the men and women in the BET poll are all significant leaders in the black community. They have continually raised their voices, even when others would shout them down. They have sacrificed, endured, and persevered. But there are a few more whom I’d like to mention — some obvious, some not. This is a kind of All-Star roster of Old School warriors and up-and-coming rookies. In no particular order, here are some additional leaders who have, as the Bible says, “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith.”

• Cory Booker. The first black U.S. Senator from New Jersey is a contender to be the next black president. He’s a straight-talker about the problems we face and an articulate and reasoned spokesperson against all forms of bias. One of his priorities is to find ways to encourage economic growth for a fairer distribution of wealth.
• Eric Holder. The outgoing U.S. Attorney General has been an outspoken champion of equal justice for all Americans since he was a student activist in the 1970s. Not content to go gentle into that good night, Holder is leaving office still fighting against the discriminatory death penalty and other forms of injustice.
• Kevin Johnson. The first black mayor of Sacramento is not yet a national name in politics, though he is as a former NBA All-Star. But his focus on educational matters makes him invaluable in improving economic opportunities for black children.
• Keith Ellison. As the first Muslim elected to Congress, Ellison could have coasted as a symbol of diversity rather than as a fighter on behalf of tolerance for all people. He is an outspoken proponent of a woman’s right to choose, LGBT rights, and international human rights.
• John Lewis. One of the original leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Lewis has spent the last 28 years in Congress trying to keep the U.S. out of wars while supporting legislation to fight poverty and promote national health insurance.
• Oprah Winfrey. Some might dismiss her as a pop-culture phenomenon, but that would be wrong. Through the sheer force of her personality and intelligence, Oprah has done much to dispel stereotypes about African Americans, African-American women, and women in general. She has promoted literacy, gay rights, spiritual introspection, and social responsibility.
• Phillip Agnew. As head of Dream Defenders, an organization dedicated to realizing Dr. King’s “dream” for America, he is one of the young activists fighting racial violence, advocating more educational opportunities, and ending inequities in the prison system.
• Brittany Packnett. It would be enough to be a top official with Teach for America, the non-profit organization that is working to eliminate inequality in education. But Packnett was also a major organizer of the Ferguson protests and has since been selected as a member of the Ferguson Commission, which is charged with investigating racial and economic inequality in the St. Louis area.
• Bell Hooks. Educators and social critics like hooks articulate the issues and see connections that are necessary to forge lasting solutions. Her writing on the interrelations of race, capitalism, and gender and how it is expressed in our cultural institutions helps us understand that fighting injustice requires seeing a bigger picture.
• Cornel West. Like hooks, West is an educator whose work focuses on race, class, and gender and why we must address all of them together in order to affect meaningful change. More than an academic, he has often been on the front lines of protests across the country.
• Harry Belafonte. As an internationally renowned singer, he has traveled all over the world to perform for enthusiastic audiences. As a humanitarian, he has traveled all over the world to help the downtrodden and to fight injustice. A couple years ago he gave the keynote speech at the NAACP Image Awards show and had us all battering our hands in applause for his rousing call to political action. At 88, he’s still an energetic and unapologetic voice for equality. He is a reminder that activism is a lifelong commitment.

This list is incomplete. It will always be incomplete, because new voices arise daily. As you’re reading this, please imagine me at home berating myself for the names I inadvertently left off the list and know that I am feverishly scribbling down additional names. At the same time, there’s something inspiring about knowing there are so many dedicated, selfless, and brave leaders that I can’t fit them all into a single article.