September Poetry

Untitled

Reset the button of life

No matter what there will be strife

New month, new season to begin

Unraveling experiences from within

Take the time to enjoy what you see

the sun, the moon, the love that

pulsates all around you.

Pretty brown leaves

cascading on the ground

in multiple colors.

Rest the button of life

Start yet again on what you feel is important.

Be it work, school or another life goal.

Find what you need to do, get it done

and push on through to an expanded role.

You may stumble you may fall

it doesn't matter just that you keep on pushing

until you complete your outcome.

The changing of the new season is ready to meet you.

Find a new groove and enjoy each moment as it comes.

(c) 2017 by Mocha Sistah

July Haiku Poems

July Haiku #1

Strong love in my body

Grow from strength and healing now

Gifted from the Lord above

July Haiku #2

Whisper no lies now

Honesty is the key in

Our relationship

July Haiku #3

Fresh beginning  lies

Between two souls merging

Let us build new love

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah

And I'm Wondering

And I’m Wondering (2016) by M. Sistah

 

Across the world where people grieve

Eyes bleeding from misread actions

Now black bodies are shining on the

News for all to see

Unbelievable responses from

Law abiding citizens paid to

Lay bodies in the ground,

Fresh from bullet wounds,

Shots tearing through soft skin

And we are to help justify those

Who don’t know why they

Harmed someone’s child,

Spouse, or daughter.

 

Across the world people are nervous

Eyes wondering why there’s a war

On black men as if it didn't exist before.

Warning, don’t come to the US thinking

You will be safe, because black seeds are perishable

Goods.

Fresh from the womb, shot down in the prime of their lives.

Be careful or you might be next up on the tube

Where media professionals make judgements on

Individuals no longer here to tell their story

 

Across the table parents are coming up with

Excuses for the bad behavior.

Eyes wondering if their seed will be next

Warning, it doesn’t matter how much you ‘prep’

Your children, your teens, or adults in your life.

Strife might come knocking on their door

And a funeral might be in your future

Because black seeds are perishable.

 

Across hospitals, bodies come and are worked on

Tirelessly…

Nurses, doctors, lawyers, other professionals are

Wondering, after the excuses will their family or

Children be on the news.

Will they have to feel the social justice  blues?

When will be too much?

How many more bodies must go in the cold, cold

ground before a change comes.

Sex or Love, a poetic thought

Sex or Love
by Mocha Sistah


Pieces of his soul
are accessible.
Like a dark pyramid she searches
for something that can't be found
but he is a clever thief who wants
her sweetness
but offers blank scraps
of her life.
Meanwhile, he is uncut
and he disappears into
the existence
into oblivion.


What is funny is that he
offers his body as a living sacrifice
a breathing temple that offers
succulent orgasmic delights
these periodic moments of lust
drops in her mouth momentarily
for sparks of time


But his heart has a crust on it
It is solid, nothing pierces its foundation
and to this casual queen
he gives nothing
but sexual itches
that shit ends quickly enough


There's an assumption because the
luscious core has been massaged that
true love exists
however only a desirous seed has been planted


No sense in getting upset
all that has been done is investment of
tasty tongues on short assignment.
Soft moments that will dissipate at the end
of explosive minutes


The body tingles
The heart hurts
The core is torn


Tenderness is not considered
One prays she retains her self worth
and understands while it may be good sex
it ain't love.


He is in his outside zone
covered in a woody foundation
and her love may fall on deaf earts
and an empty shell of a soul


She must understand the position
she has placed herself in
and act accordingly.


(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah

I just wanted to share this poem that I wrote a while back. I hope all is well and looking forward to updating the blog with new author interviews and books soon!

Night Song 

Midnight moon shine like shimmering roses 

embedded on my skin. 

Tear through my oracles like 

a silver light. 

Twirl me beyond the universe. 

Lift me on twinkling space that 

cuts through atmosphere. 

Like a cloud on fire 

as echoes from below lull me 

to sleep. 

(c) 2016 by M. Sistah

BROKENNESS  

I lost my sky under you

With clouds constantly threatening

My peace of mind

Scattered memories

Burned my scarred heart

Pieces of it

Floating in a cold, cold river

Filled with dark mucus, brown shit

And old dull knives.

No sugar,

Honey or ice teas

No home cooked meals

Made from love

No long walks in the city,

Holding, sweet loving hands.

Just cold silence

Torn emotions

Ripped bleeding soul

My lip bitten a thousand times

No sweetness

From your mouth

Just darkness

This hard sadness

Weighing me down

As I crawl on my belly

Reaching through this hell

Dirt in my eyes

As I realized

There is no more us

No more trust

Just time to go.

I gotta recover my soul

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah

14/30 written on 4/7/16 
Day 7 out of 30 of #NaPoWriMo 

Untitled poem 

Beautiful man 
kissing 
my blistered wounds
til they're healed 
echo positive 
chants to my soul 
Sooth my scattered mind
til I'm blind with only 
images of you. 

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah 

Yearn (comfort of you) 


Marrying my soul with yours
Tucked in real tight...
I yearn
For pleasures unknown  Rising
from slumber
Daylight comes to interrupt these
thoughts
I have the weak spot in me
that is the love of you
and poisonous desire that
wracks havoc on my soul

You're charming the negativity
out of me
molding this fractured tortured
girl who once cried over things
her soul could no longer take

Rising like God's handpicked angel
I am torn
between what I want to do
and what I need for you to do
with me

Liberations deep within me
taunt me at night
while you slumber
and when I'm deep in my abyss
of lost dreams and desires
you pull me back from the brink
of self-loathing

The comfort of your love
sets my soul free
As I breath in, lay on your
shoulder, easing all the pain away

The comfort of you...love
you give me awesomely wicked
african rhythms that course my body

Glued together forever
my heart
your heart
our lives stay interwined
as your write lyrics to my soul
that fly in the air for all to
hear
yearning, this bliss
yearning, this love
takes me to sweet heaven
and beyond

so
p l e a s e
never
stop the comfort

it's always what I need from you
(c) 2006 by Mocha Sistah 

Haiku 4/30


Sweet air flowing life
Sun shining amazingly so
the earth smiles its love


(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights Reserved

Toxic

Hurled words burn skins
Draw blood
Pierce the soul
Slice down love

Love is not this pissivity 

In this atmosphere pure hatred 
From a dark spirit intent on
Conquering down a pure
Innocent person

Yet you call this love?

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights Reserved 

Untitled
By Mocha Sistah

When I go walking
Care is given to breathe out impurities

When I cannot
Hold my spirit,
some stranger tries to snatch
my joy

When I cannot dream
I pray until tears wash my face
And I sing, sing until my vocals are raw

When I am not whole,
I escape through unrequited
Love in my bones

(C) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights reserved

September Poem

Just Because

Yawning into a brand new day
Lifting my soul into another
Atmosphere
Shall I spread my poetic wings
Over the bruised souls
For just a moment of sunshine
Or take some time
To plant life seeds into
Urban concretes
Whatever it is, I shall
Move positively
In the world
As designated by the
One from above

Redefining life
One moment at a time
Understanding that time
Waits for no one
© 2013 by Mocha Sistah

In positive verse

Hey Musers:

As the song says, "I'm Still Standing..." yeah yeah yeah. Thought I would give a few updates since it's been a while since I've blogged on this medium. I'm still a New Yorker and live in Brooklyn where I am working on projects as we speak. It's September and I'm gearing up for my mentoring with a literary organization in the City of New York where I will be mentoring a young writer. I am excited to bring my energy to that program that includes writing fiction, non fiction and poetic offerings. I"m more excited about the mentoring component. The last time I mentored was about 7 years ago and that was an awesome experience. 

Writing wise, I have been working on original materials and looking forward to publishing a collection in 2014. It is currently untitled so I am not sure what the actual title is as of yet. In November time permitting, I might participate in the National Novel Writing Month activities. I have a few short stories I want to revamp and editing of Not Between These Thighs is a high priority. Not Between These Thighs is a novel about three women on a journey of life that includes love, spirituality, and a little bit of drama in between their lives. 

I am considering publishing a second volume of Speaking Me, a teen anthology that I originally published in Chicago in partnership with the City of Chicago's Cultural Affairs Division.  The anthology will target youth in grades K-12, utilizing short stories, prose and poetry to express their voices! 

In future posts, I will share exclusive excerpts from upcoming work. Stay tuned to find out ways to win a copy of "Keeping the Faith" and writing activities. Thanks for your literary support throughout the years. 

In positive verse and life lyrics, 

Mocha Sistah

Kicking with the Kindle

I found a new addiction, besides my past one to food. As an avid reader, I heard about the Kindle last year but I shrugged it off and thought to myself, nope, not gonna convert. First of all, I love books, and I mean the book you snuggle with. The one you hold close to you, fall asleep with and find your fingers caressing those pages. I never thought in a million years, I'd get bit by the Kindle bug.

Most of it was because I was busy, always got my book from the library, and had room for books. But now that I'm living in New York, it's pretty hard to stack books when space is limited and so, I have in the last month and half started downloaded books by various authors in various genres. I must say it has been very interesting, including reading books by established and new authors. Right now I have been kicking it with Kindle on my blackberry and also Kindle on the PC. Also going to upgrade to the regular Kindle. I'm excited about the Kindle Fire and may upgrade at some point but starting off slow.

You might wonder why you should get a Kindle. It's a convenient way to read on your phone, your pc or the Kindle. The Kindle comes in a small package, no paper, no pages, no paper cuts, and if you have an Amazon account or a Prime member you can download several books for free. You can slid the Kindle in your bag, your purse and it doesn't take up much space. You can get sample of novels or other books and then decide to purchase the book. You don't have to lug around heavy books, unless you are really traditional and don't want to upgrade to this type or reading device. If you are a writer, you need to reformat your books. Don't miss out on the market. I will do a separate blog about how to use this digital technology.

Current titles I just read recently was: The Crossing by Serita Jakes, Chance Encounter by Earl Sewell, Love UnExpected by Shelia Goss, A Boyfriend for Christmas by Caedem Marquez and A Change of Grace by Marva Fuller. These titles were highly engaging, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I did a podcast recently that you should check out on my Literary Pizzazz show that discusses these books.

Until we meet again, happy reading and have a wonderful holiday season. Don't forget to slow down for a good story...

(c) 2011 by Pam Osbey

Fresh Like This

My life has really zoomed off since January of this year when I decided once again to make life shifts to increase my health and to decrease my unhealthiness. Now don't get me wrong, I have always tried to put my health first but always got over whelmed by crazy things that has happened like my mother's cancer status. However, this time is different because I am no longer using life challenges as an excuse on how or why I won't put my health as a priority in this life. Six months ago, I made a committment to my health, asked for friends to be apart of my journey (my accountability partners have been so helpful in my journey on this, along with my fitness coach, Pamela Lobell, and my friends online at several websites and facebook groups). Lastly, using sensibility as a choice this time, and making substitutions that are reasonable has helped me a whole lot. I try to work out from time to time (in the beginning i wasn't working out at all, now I work out at least 4-5 days a week using videos, or hitting the treadmill hard at the gym). I'm not a person who uses classes, but I love to walk and that's what I do most along with drinking water ten glasses a day! I am feeling blessed and fresh after my hard work of getting down to a size 18 from a size 24. Lots of clothes I can't fit and i will donate to shelters or places (my really nice stuff); the other stuff is getting tossed unless it's something I can have someone amend to my new size. I have a lot of inspirers too. Many of my online friends have lost 100 or more pds! Even some of my close associates have lost 40-60 pds which i feel is a blessing. For me, it's good to just be in a healthier frame of mind. Even when I am stressed, I choose to write, to sing, to walk, shadow box, dance or use my resistance bands. Yes, there are days when I don't want to work out. I try to at least walk, drink that water, and if I get off track, I allow myself the occasional cupcake (which I had one last night at an event -- but I won't be eating that until my bday again). I think it's about a balance. You have to allow yourself to fail, then try again. To mix up your food and workouts. I don't like to get in a rut or get bored so I tend to try new things. I'm currently drinking protein shakes, eating protein bars, lots of fruit, unsalted peanuts and cashews. I can now eat a can of pringles over a week or two whereas before I would gulf it down in one night. I don't eat chips daily and I normally try to do my own smoothies, my own meals, versus eating out daily at fast food chains. Whole foods is not the enemy neither is a burger. You just have to choose lean versus fast food'ng! Use olive oil, and bake or steam your food. Those are a few of my things. My secret weapon is my resistance bands. I use them every day and do wallpushups and a lot of floor work now. Those are only a few of my approaches. I"m sure if you are reading this blog you might have your own that work so please share them. Life can be fresh as you want -- a sweet peach dripping inside your mouth if you allow it ! Don't confine yourself and define your own rules when it comes to this. Read all you can and then apply what you feel will work for your situation. I am currently a person who used to use my circumstances to define who I am; I now define my situations. Mastering my own path through a strength that comes from the one above. I am wishing you a productive and blessed week ahead.

Keeping the Faith

This inspirational book will hit shelves in early 2011. I am honored to be one of the faith walkers who will be sharing personal testimonies. These stories are inspirational in nature and I felt blessed to share some of my own challenges and triumphs in real 'life' scenarios! Vanessa Miller edited the collection and you can do pre-orders soon. Check the blog for details on that. I keep the faith through god's grace and favor, wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That - April 2010

Lutishia Lovely brings back the spiritual fire with a fiyah flame in between sheets of the eye alluring Reverend who has been 'covering' many women at his church, Gospel Truth Church. What you find is generational sensual affiliations with many women and if that hasn't gotten your tongues a wagging, the way the story goes down will. Because Nate has his pick of the flock, he didn't count on his heart falling for one special woman who has the cloth of the Proverbs woman within her spirit as she grows in Christ and away from his 'harem' so to speak. This is a engaging story that explores secrets, abuse of power, generational curses, unhealthy relationships and reality of some churches that some may not want to hear about but is a reality for some churches and their members. Reverend Feelgood is a contemporary story that shows what happens when a bonds are broken, when shocking sins continue to flourish, and explosions happen when the worse in human sensuality and behavior occur. Be ready for a wild ride.

Coming up next on my show this week will be poet Melissa Ewell Miller discussing her book, Love Notes. Tune in on Tuesday, May 4th at 9 PM ET/8PM CT time.

Til then, keep the pages turning!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That -- Feb 2010

I just finished Sinsatiable by Shelia E. Lipsey. Supertalented Aisha Carlisle lives her dreams of owning her own dance studio but when a challenge gets thrown in her way, instead of waiting for god to lead her in the direction of solving the problem or the solution spiritually, she takes ownership of the issue at hand and totally gets sucked in a life that threatens to tear her world apart. At the same time, she meets a man who at the onset gives her the attention she wants and needs but then as things goes, she learns that not everything is as it appears. Her world is tossed here fro as family issues and her personal world collide. I give this book 4 mochas! The author took a lot of time to build a good story, subplots, and twists and turns with major characters that made this a great read. The title is published under Urban Christian Fiction, you can find it online at Amazon!

I also have a few other books to read including...

A Man's Worth - Nikita Lynette Nichols
First Comes Love - Shana Johnson Burton

I'll keep you posted as things goes along. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead,

Mocha Sistah

Author of the Month: T.S. Jones

Atlanta native, T.S. Jones scripts a book that will move the soul and make you think about motivations of men, women and relationships. Is it more important for a woman to forgo her spirit in chase of the almightly marriage bed, the ring, or should she just focus on the finances she'll gain? There are many different ways this debut author could have written her book. However the fact that she chose to use many different elements in an entertaining way to create tension among her characters, create a dialogue for the sexes to discuss important elements of marriage, relationships, and listening to god's voice is the reason why I chose her as the Author of the Month to feature here on my blog. I love the way she crafted her characters, in a realistic way that gave good portrayals of both men and women within this world of secrets, lies, insecurity, and made this reader finish a book so quick it made my head twist faster than the speed of light. The reason why I asked T.S. Jones to be a feature on my show was the uniqueness of her story and the fact that I felt her book was different than most written in this genre. Not to slight any other authors out there, I felt Ms. Jones spent time developing her characters, plot, and pushed her subplots very well. I also loved the fact that the book felt fluid and realistic than many other christian books I've delved into the past few years. As an author she didn't write any cookie cutter characters. These characters felt real, layered, and diverse in really good ways that made you want to get to that next chapter. Her subject is real, and many women will feel the struggle of the three women on a quest to find love or being married. Some men will also find some good nuggets in here, as well, because this story isn't just about women and love. Its about finding what is real love is. What is committment? What is sacrifice? So many elements I could find in this book that made me want to pick it up again. By the way, I finished the book in 6 hours. Yes, it's that good.

You should pick up T.S.Jones because she has a fresh approach and perspective that will be enjoyable and make you want to call your friends up and have a discussion about the anointing of the word that is displayed in her work. To find out more about this author, please visit her publisher's websitehttp://www.nevaehpublishing.com. This book will have your tongue's waggling, your soul shouting, your head shaking, maybe a tear or two shed, and maybe just maybe you'll smile~

Also, if you want to hear T.S. Jones in action, she was featured on Literary Pizzazz on January 2th. Check the featured show.

Mocha Sistah

As We Come To a Close

Lord, I cannot remember a month going by so fast. We opened the year fresh and anew. I have been literally humping since Jan 1st. On my plate this month as been volunteering with a senior center in the Bronx on Jan 15th and also helping to pack boxes for troops earlier in the month. Trips all over the 5 boroughs has resulted me in connecting services for youth and families between the South Bronx and Queens, Harlem, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It's be crazy but good.

On the book tip, I have been heavily reading a few books. I'm currently in the middle of Sinsatiable by Sheila E. Lipsey, and A Man's Worth by Nikita Lynette Nichols. I also have Tracey Bateman's Thirsty to finish before my next book club meeting.

I have a bunch of authors to interview for the show so keep yourself posted by checking out my show line up at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz

I have been in the kitchen a lot lately shaving calories but cooking up a storm. Since last year, shaved off about 30 + pounds, and hoping to do more but in a very healthy way. I"m cool with losing 1 or 2 pds a week and nothing more. No crazy diets, just me eating god's green earth: 5 fruits and veggies a day! Lots of water, and if I want to eat some discretionary calories, don't go over board.

I'm getting comfortable in my place living here in New York, thus, I am now considering doing some writing and teaching gigs (volunteering my time yet again) with youth writers and in the community.

On the entertainment tip, I got a chance to see Book of Eli and was blown away. Still haven't seen Avatar yet... it's on my list.

Vocally, I want to get in the studio but waiting on god to present some opportunities for that. Until then I'm reading, writing, and working hard for the foster youth.

Hope this friday brings a peace your heart and soul can appreciate.

Talk with you on the 'next' go around.

With light and love always abounding,
Mocha S.