Essence of Black Beauty -- My signature poem

After receiving dozens of private messages from close friends and admirers, I’ve decided not to prolong the wait any longer and finally debut my signature poem “Essence of Black Beauty.”  This poem also serves at the title of my first volume of poetry. 

Over the past 30 years I’ve written a sizable collection of romantic, inspirational and erotic poetry. Most of my erotic pieces were written while traveling to some of the most erotic and exotic places around the world, during my 20 years in the Navy.

So what inspired me to write this particular piece?  Let’s just say, I challenged myself to compete with the renowned poet and phenomenal “Renaissance Woman”, Dr. Maya Angelou.

Serving as one of my most highly admired mentors, her famous poem, “Phenomenal Woman” became an anthem I’d learn to live by as a professional military officer.  So quite naturally it was easy for me to come up with the title during my challenge.

But knowing the true history of who I am, as a natural poet, it was difficult for me shield the words of truth from flowing through me.   It’s probably the cancer in me.  Some die-hard astrologist say we are both the Ying and Yang and I often get emotionally carried away at times.

I would love to hear your feedback.  

Should I continue to grind, which is slang for “to continue working on perfecting my craft?”  Or did I fare well in competing with Dr. Angelou in my version of what I consider as the 21^st century anthem.   

        Essence of Black Beauty

                © Syneeda Penland 2008

            Time has changed,

            so have generations of our times.

            Leaving intriguing tales

            and mysteries of our past,

            as I search for answers

            seeking to find.

            I seek to explore the essence

            which defines the mystery

            behind hidden taboos.

            Depicted by false labels and stereotypes,

            shamelessly dictating all that we do.

            Have we allowed these labels to shame us

            from vicious acts exploited in the past?

            Allowing this fear to still haunt us

            how much longer will it last?

            No one put us up on a pedestal

            to be portrayed as delicate and pure.

            Instead, curious of the Essence of our Black Beauty

            strongly desired by those seeking to endure.

            To fulfill the desires of their fantasies

            and strip us of all that once was pure.

            Planting a seed to become nameless,

            scarring our souls leaving us shameless

            of brutal acts, never painless!

            This scar, passed on to each generation

            left never to be discussed,

            yet complete annihilation

            from the history of the heritage

            of African Queens.

            This heritage, so enriched

            by the beauty of her land,

            cradled in the essence of her bosom

            her jewels and all her riches

            are strongly desired by man.

            No longer will we be haunted

            by the mystery of hidden taboos,

            which defaces our heritage

            and wrongfully defines what is true.

            For being Black defines the beauty

            that lies deep within our skin.

            Either at its purest or mixed with other

            combining such a beautiful  blend.

            So be proud of who you are

            and show the world that you are able

            to lift the taboos, stereotypes

            and many false labels.

            Look in the mirror

            and inhale your beauty,

            Embrace it!

            And say out loud...

            ‘with a wink of an eye of acceptance’

            say,  

            I’m Black!       

            I’m Beautiful!

            And I’m Proud!