Poetry samples by Author Tanisha L. Herrin.

What Does Black History Mean To Me?

I couldn't imagine living during a time when rules were so strict
And the color of your skin created such controversy and conflict

If you were dark you were treated differently and unfair
By those who had no heart simply because they didn't care

We may have been called stupid or ignorant if we had no education
Times we tried to do something positive with ourselves we faced complication

Our ancestors have been through pain and suffering for so long
It amazes me what they've gone through- to me they were strong

Then came along the black brothers and sisters who paved the way
The inventors, creators, those who made their mark for us to stay

They didn't care what anybody said about the color of their skin
Moving forward they had hope, strength, motivation, and self-discipline

There are people who ask,” Is it really necessary to have a month to celebrate?"
Why not acknowledge African Americans whose contributions were more than great

In the present and even the future, what they did for society in the past
Will leave a mark for generations to come that will forever last

So if you have to ask, "What does black history mean to me?"
Well I can say that I have a better idea of what it means to be free!

Hope

Things have gone from bad to worst

Its almost like you have been cursed

When hope is alive it guides you through

Good things that happen just seem to good to be true

Living in frustration

Through pain and aggravation

Brings on complication

In any situation

Its difficult to think straight

Trying to focus and concentrate

Being dragged by excess weight

Its hard to be patient and wait

Energetic on my feet with no slack

Under pressure and not wanting to crack

Positive thoughts will keep me on track

Steer me away from turning into a maniac

I know I need to break away

From all the stress, anxiety, and dismay

Something to make me feel better today

While I wait for things to get better someday

A Rainy Day

Rainy days remind me of

lost feelings and thoughts

that fall out of place and collect

themselves later on.

Related thoughts grow

into a puddle with a splash in which

they make themselves visible.

But if you don't act on them

or let them sit to long

they begin to dissipate or disappear

into a mind that is lost.

Wasted energy, wasted fuel

because the mind is mentally disfigured;

it mistakes elements that should nurture

as elements acidic to the life line of the mind.

Admire

Positive characteristics that stand out effortlessly
Admire is to wonder
Qualities about you stay in my mind...

I applaud you when you stand up for yourself.
I idolize you for showing true strength.
I praise you as you have a way of helping and giving to others.
I commend your efforts when things don't always go your way.
I appreciate your kind, encouraging words.
I hold dearly the moments when you made me feel good about myself.
I adore your funny personality.
I respect you for being original, just for being yourself.

Beautiful

Beauty is defined from within.
Sights pleasing to the eyes, exquisite, suave, and simple
Scents that may bring fond memories and relaxing thoughts
Spoken words of compassion, kindness in compliments
Listening to a delightful voice singing to mellow music
Touches that are soft, gentle, soothing to the fingertips

Encourage

To give support when it's needed at the most.

Enlighten the heart with confidence
Nourish a spirit with good words
Contribute thoughts that will inspire
Ongoing support to keep you moving
Understanding struggles that arise
Restore hope to those who don't believe
Assure them that things will be okay
Guidance that will watch over you
Emphasis on efforts put in   

I AM

I am a person of wisdom,
I am a person of faith,
I am a person of strength,
I am a person of
confidence,

I am a mother,
I am a daughter,
I am a granddaughter,
I am a niece,

I am intelligent,
I am ambitious,
I am sophisticated,
I am humble,

I am thoughtful,
I am caring,
I am humorous,
I am grateful,

I am quiet,
I am warmhearted,
I am hopeful,
I am blessed.

INSPIRATION CAN BE...

A collection of thoughts
Thoughts interpreted into actions
Actions being seen through words
Words that show different
emotions
Emotions that can show feelings
Feelings we have felt and shared
Shared with loved ones and those
who have touched us
Touched us in some way, good or
bad inside our hearts
Hearts in good spirits or that have
been torn and repaired
Repaired by words of creative
thoughtfulness
Thoughtfulness that comes from
deep within
Within the body, mind, and soul

Justice
(Haiku)

Stand up for what you believe in.

We come together
in support of a good cause
to fight for what's right

Honorable
(Haiku)
An outstanding individual

The good work of one
By marks of recognition
Influence others