The tree of knowledge

Three monkeys sat beneath the tree
But only two would look at me
And only two would listen
When I asked them where I was.
Of the two who could answer
Only one heard my question
And he was of little help
Because he didn't know himself.

04.25.2017 ebn

Momma used to threaten us

Momma used to threaten us
to get our shit together
some straightened up
but those that didn't
got slicker than ever.

Momma would reward the good
with extra treats and such
the bad one's didn't study that
they bullied theirs from us.

I often wondered, "what's the use"
if hardheads still get paid?
Momma said, "just do YOUR best,
they'll get the bed they made."

Time went on and I looked real hard
to see if she was right
but while I was bent on studying them
I lost track of MY sight.

The bottom line I learned from that
was to get ahead in life
you've got to mind your own business
and leave the rest to strife.

©04.24.2017 ebn

Quick piece

There was a woman I wanted to marry
because she was so fine
but when the ceremony was over
I'm telling you she lost her mind
or maybe she never had one
and acted like she did
reciting lines she memorized
so I would make a bid

I loved this other one to death
her body was perfect for me
I'd get lost when we laid down
swimming in ecstacy
but after so many positions
it started to become routine
they say there's joy in repetition
but I got bored with that queen

Then I met someone who made me laugh
what's more she always made me think
she wasn't all that to look at
but she definitely didn't stink
when we made love we looked at each other
I mean deep into each other's eyes
we were totally vulnerable when we were together
no need to tell any lies

Now when I look back at it
and think about a wife
I consider which one would mother my child
with a healthy and joyful life

©04.22.2017 ebn

Too much baggage

I can guarantee
Blaming it on me
Won’t work.
I want to be free
That’s why she calls me
A jerk.
Everyone can see
That she needs to be
Casework.

©04.20.2017 ebn

Errand

Nothing more scary than old black men
Sitting on a porch, drinking beer, talking low
Ritually swallowing their bitterness
Always full, ready to explode

Even if one was your daddy
A silent password into the dark
You made sure to tread carefully
Measuring your words to prevent a spark

And when you spoke, you trembled
In the midst of this council of gods
Feeling the heat of their fiery eyes
While you waited for your father’s nod

You spoke just loud enough
Respectfully, and not too bold
With a message from your momma
That the food was getting cold

They all leaned back and chuckled
But you kept your eyes fixed to the ground
And your daddy dispatched you quickly
To tell momma that he’d be ‘round

©04.20.17 ebn

Negro sweet

Poppa’s big brown hands called us
Over and we came running
Gathered round him curious and unsure
Looking out for that wet rag he kept
Tucked in his back pocket
And popped us with
When he caught us off guard

He didn’t say a word
Just stared at us
Til we thought we were in trouble
His liquored eyes looking through us
Remembering something
From a long time ago

A crooked grin broke the tight line of his mouth
And he heaved a great big ol titty of a watermelon
Into the air while we watched
Wide eyed and terrified, holding our breath
Til he dropped it… on purpose

We squealed when it cracked open
Bad as bees, dancing
As poppa bent over with a grunt
Picking up chunks and handing them out
To sticky hands with dirty fingernails

©04.20.2017 ebn

Our eyes danced in the fire

Our eyes danced in the fire
As we warmed ourselves in the glow of the past
Fascinated by the flying embers
Rising into the night
Careful not to let them get away
And nestle themselves in dry places
Igniting the dead
To burn the present

©04.16.2017