I'm a Growing Woman

Knowing of vs. Knowing   The woman or man that you meet---study, learn, and examine them to understand: Where do they come from? Where are they going? What is their background? What are their desires? Goals? Aspirations? Regrets? Secrets? Mistakes? Likes? Dislikes? Wants? Needs? What inspires them? Who inspires them? What makes them happy? Sad? Take notes of their actions. Moods. Whether they are: Alone. With people. With you. Consider their relationships with their parents, friends, social groups, and occupation? Consider their relationship with children---own or another’s? How do they care, respond, and/or treat that person? These actions will perhaps be the same for you or what you bestow upon them/others. The point: know someone by spirit not by name, status, class, size, color, or affiliation. Knowing them beyond the width of their soul proves that their spirit speaks louder than tongue.   D’elegantOne

Birthstone   I am from a city of pain, Where few fathers neglect their daughters. Broken sons are often slaughtered. I am from the “All American City”. A home, somewhat quite bold and witty, Centers a market house that stocked and sold slaves, 82 nd Airborne, salute to the “Home of the Brave”! History of indigenous cultures steered And speared by the rear of Cape Fear. Best interest? In spring, honeysuckles and dogwoods, Plant fresh scent of precious moments of my childhood. I am little gardenia in queue, Raised on Gardenia Avenue. Streets over, eyes squint and zoom Before I enter my pink and white bedroom, Drugs sold and women occasionally auction their souls. "Don’t leave without permission and be careful", Momma always told.   I am a pinched carat straight out of coal, In between hidden smiles and tortured souls, That barely diffuse “Thank You”--- For the city’s daily troubles and midnight blues. I am from a legacy of struggle. Where doubt