Snap..snap..snap...snap. Feel the flow, ignite the fire, release that beast. Poetry is a very soulful and peaceful language all it's own. Only few can communicate but many understand it. Indulge yourself in this unique expression of thoughts. Contains grown folk stuff.

Want to express yourself? If you have a poem you would like to be displayed, contact the office at (301) 306-5420 or email me at CottonsGourmet@yahoo.com . *Poems last updated Sept. 2008 with Black Love Eternal.

The Prettiest Mom 

Before I was a Mom -

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

 I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -

 I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,

the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.                      -Unknown

Black Love - Eternal

As I look into your eyes, I slowly fall deeply in love with you

As you take me away from this world with your touch, I fall in love with you.

As I you speak to my soul with your rhythms and vibes, I fall so deep in love with you.

Before you and I, there was emptiness

Before you and I, there was nothing

Before you and I, there was no way

Remember me? As I do you

Remember this, Black Man .. I run to you, racing for hours

I fall to your feet, flying higher than ever before

I breathe you, drinking your love, living on your hidden smile

I trip, just to fall in your arms.. safe from harm

I never drift far from you, your presence has a permanent place in my memory

You are dear to me. My most precious gem

I will never adore another the way I have you

My soul cries out to you, your departure was impromptu

This world strangled you, desperately trying to suffocate your greatness

So you fled, leaving behind "Black Man Imitated"

I await you and anticipate our next encounter on the otherside

Soar, Black Man..Once again, you are free

How will we meet again? As sudden as you left

Thank you, Black Man. This time was as great as the last

Be peaceful, journey well

For you are truly my beloved

Until our next encounter.. Black Woman.

                                          - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward 

 Black Love

Your strengths, Your vision of life, Your eccentric way of living,

I belong to you …

You held both my hands before I entered this world, Come to me,

Our love has no end...

Talk to my soul, Inspire my being, Strengthen my spirit,

You comfort my mind…

Wounded by pride, Scarred by this world, Dissected by speculators,

Our pain is just a mirror of our strength…

Have your way with me, Black Man. As only you can.

Touch beyond my skin…

Continue to love me, As I have for eons loved and adored you,

You are my world…

We are forever one, For eternity, Black Man,             Are they ready?

Here we come…                        - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

                   Black Power

I am ...

Higher than ever before

Soaring on eternity’s promises

I am …

          Powerful beyond belief

          Through my silence, I called you into existence

I am …

          Free because you love me

          Floating aimlessly, led by your spirit

I am …

          Femininity’s most adored creation

          Softly caressing, kissing, dominating, loving you

I am …

          Standing alone

          Bearing burdens beyond your vision

I am …

          Electricity

          Giving life, brightening your dark side

I am …

          Black …

                   Power …

          Creating new paths for you to tread

          Breathing life into your soul

I adore you. Continue walking with me.

Strengthen me with your Blackness.

Deep, dark, mysterious, powerful, sensual, spiritual, dominating, focused…. Rise with me, Black Man.

                                              - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

                Black Imitation

Black Man, Black Man…where for art thou, Black Man?

What I have before me lies the corpse of the new Black Man…

What remains is a washed up 'being' trying to replace and walk in my Black Man’s shoes.

You (finger snap)… are the great (finger snap)… pretender (finger snap) … ooh, ooh ...

I despise this imitation of what I initially was presented by my Black Man.

A watered down version of my great warrior.

Honor and grace have been replaced… Deceit and awkwardness prevails exceedingly.

Truth and honesty have been removed… Lies, tall tales and selfishness dominate my Black Man’s humble and giving spirit.

I’d cuss and swear, Black Man, but I recognize that I am my Black Man’s queen.

So instead I’ll exclaim … Black Man! Black Man!

Can you hear me? Answer me and show yourself again.

You’ve slipped away from me. Those evil doers have captured you while I was sleeping… Unconscientiously being with you like in the beginning.

When I awoke, this other “black” man is sloppily trying to fill your shoes… with such gull and nerve to attempt to even walk in them.

I am disappointed with this “black” man.

He is every and all things you are not, but claims to be greater than.

I long for the Black Man I was introduced to.

What have they done to you?

ATTN: Evil Doers- You captivities, your boundaries, your theft, your lies, your illusions of the truth…

You have no power over him or what belongs to me.

I demand you set my Black Man free. Here! Take this sorry excuse you called a “black” man and give me back what you have stolen.

No? He will not be given up without a fight?

As much I figured.
But, I know my Black Man.

.. he is on his way home- back to me.

He is aware of this lost world.

I hear you Black Man.

Let not the evils of this world destroy the beautiful wonders in ours.

And, Ummm, Evil Doers, that ol’ swith-cha-roo, You see-

that “last laugh”- we will have on you.

Black Man Imitated… meet Black Man ... Re-instated.

                                              - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

             Black Man - Missed

Black Man, Black Man…

Missed and needed you are-forever will be; as I am now.

My King, concentrate on your Queen. Call for her.

And you shall always see her in the light,

as others search hopelessly in the dark.

I am here, Black Man.

As I have always been.

Bowing before you. Allowing you to be you, only.

All of you. Come to me, Black Man.

As I imagine you.

Strong, virile. So full of life. Oblivious to this world’s traps.

Continue to endure. You have been placed above all.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

 You never cease to amaze me, my King.

All is not lost.

Because of you, your words, your shared thoughts, your aura-

I believe this.

You, too, are missed and sorely needed in more ways than one.

Be peaceful, Black Man.

Your Queen will remain in the place she was found …

By your side.                            - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

              Black Woman Remains

Strong, Weak, Elated, Deflated, Superior, Inferior -

Black Woman Remains …

Adored, Hated, Loved, Abused, Praised, Mistreated-

Black Woman Remains …

Healed, Scratched, Elevated, Demeaned, Romanced, Fu?ked ...

Black Woman Remains …

Responsible, Careless, Spiritual, Worldly, Guided, Lost –

Black Woman Remains …

Leader, Followed, Beginner, Latter, Honest, Deceitful –

Black Woman Remains …

Platinum, Cotton, Clouded, Crystal, Frugal, Gambler –

Black Woman Remains …

Proud, Uncouth, Stable, Scattered, Lead, Lost –

Black Woman Remains …

Head over feet, Hand over mouth, Maid, Destroyer –

Black Woman Remains …

Tired, Working, Wise, Green, Grounded, High –

Black Woman Remains …

Through it all. Lost along the way. Consistent to turn the expected end.

All I am - Is who I will ever be. Slandered in order to be loved.

Embedded in time. Etched in to an imaginary existence.

This … Black Woman Remains.

                                            - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

           Good Morning, Black Man

Good Morning, Black Man,

So good to 'hear your voice'.
My journey often feels as though it has reached its end. But then at times - I've elevated to a point of no return. Almost trapped, if you will. With every passing day I find myself becoming more at peace with the world - well at least my part in it. I reject, avoid and mislead. I have 'heart to heart' talks with myself... trying to find answers to those I posed to others. I hold many keys to many doors - fumbling over each to ensure a correct fit. I have committed an overwhelming amount of wrongs to even consider a clean slate. I expect tomorrows consequent ed end. Not eager to meet my punishments but soon to be delivered.

I become as strong as I allow my spirit, soul and mind to be. Each day is such a different rhythmic beat. Slow, fast. Joyful, mediocre. (sigh) I truly adore you, Black Man - with all of me. All of who I am, is all of who I will ever be. With every changing day... I am who I am. I applaud you and your vast efforts to show this erroneous me its weaknesses in order to bore this wondrous creature once again.

I am free and soar higher when in your presence. My efforts are infallible. My words are empty. My intentions are considered of horrendous impact. Yet and still, Black Man, I adore you ... remembering how you so adored me. 

                                           - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

    The Black Prayer

Why Did You Make Me Black Lord ..
Lord ... Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
the world would hold back?
 
Black is the color of dirty clothes, of grimy hands and feet...
Black is the color of darkness,
of tired beaten streets...

Why did you give me thick lips,
a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone
who receives the hated stare?

Black is the color of the bruised eye when someone gets hurt...
Black is the color of darkness;
black is the color of dirt.

Why is my bone structure so thick, my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown,
and not the color of the sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do people see my skin
and think I should be abused?
 
Lord, I just don't understand...
What is it about my skin?
Why is it some people want to hate me and not know the person within?

Black is what people are 'Labeled' when others want to keep them away...
Black is the color of shadows cast...
Black is the end of the day.

Lord you know my own people mistreat me, and you know this just ain't right...
They don't like my hair; they don't like my skin, as they say I'm too dark or too light!

Lord, don't you think
it's time to make a change?
Why don't you redo creation
and make everyone the same?

God's Reply:
Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?

I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed...
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold that keeps people warm.

Your color is the same as the rich dark soil that grows the food you need...
Your color is the same as the black stallion and panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!

All colors of the heavenly rainbow can be found throughout every nation...
When all these colors are blended, you become my greatest creation!

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool, such a beautiful creature is he...
I am the shepherd who watches them, I will ALWAYS watch over thee!

You are the color of the midnight sky; I put star glitter in your eyes...
There's a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain...
That's why your cheeks are so high!

You are the color of dark clouds from the hurricanes I create in September...
I made your lips so full and thick, so when you kiss...they will remember!

Your stature is strong, your bone structure thick to withstand the burden of time...
The reflection you see in the mirror, that image that looks back, that is MINE!
 
So get off your knees, look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness...
I made you in the image of ME!

                        -Unknown

  Black Man Returns

Traveling through darkness desperately seeking the light: Almighty

Rich in spirit – ascending above all else

Deep in thought - realize the transcendence of love everlasting

Spiritually grounded – acknowledge your eminent power sown through peace implemented with strength.

Deterred from hope – selfless acts of rage

Discouraged by humans - bound by the laws of nature

Opening doors for followers seeking strong leadership

Countless haters adore you.

Come forth, Black Man.

You have return to receive your position of grandeur

Men of high standards and elite stature bled for you to survive

Oh, Conqueror, be conscience of your softer side- Protection and self-preservation lies deep within it.

Reflect, Warrior, and remember those who died for you to reign.

Stand strong, Black Man… Your enemies are multiplying

Walk strong, Black Man… Your path is becoming narrow

Live strong, Black Man… There is a place for you on the other side

Pray strong, Black Man… God’s anointing flows through you.

By your side I stand

Preparing for the battles ahead

From the beginning of time until the end … You shall forever be my king

Welcome back, Black Man.

             - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

     Black Freedom

I am guided by spirits unknown to you.

Are you free?

I am strengthened by powers beyond your world.

Are you free?

I am adored by those who despise me yet seek me.

Are you free?

I am loved endlessly by my soul’s mate.

Are you free?

I am gifted with secrets passed to me from my predecessors.

Are you free?

I am influenced by forces accumulated through time.

Are you free?

I am energy … driving weak minds towards me.

Are you free?

I am the teacher…passing down precious gifts. No praise given.

Are you free?

I am the Earth’s gold.

I am Heavens’ greatest creation.

I am Eternity’s child.

Are you free? Are you Black? … No, you are not me.

             - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

   Black Holy Trinity

Precious lil bundle of joy, no closer to Heaven I will be on this earth.

Innocence is of great disdain and admiration I have for you.

Pure AND perfect sustained and achieved through your appearance.

Honest and true beyond Webster’s literal capacity.

Lovable with every single expression in every noisy way.

Soft and so cuddly to touch and snuggle.

Lil feet, lil hands, lil lips, lil ears, lil nose, lil smile … lil you.

You three are my lil Black Holy Trinity.

McKenzie LeighAnn … Innocent, careful, creative.

Tymira LeilaAnn … Strong, straightforward, sensitive.

Vaughn Henry … Adventurous, happy, loving.

I adore you. I love you. I protect you. To thine own self be true.

You ARE me. Through and through. The ‘before’ version of my ‘after’ self.

Once again, thrice, you are reincarnated.

I remember you, lil me. So very glad to see you once again.

Let me show you around. Better than it was shown to me.

            - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

      Black Erotica

 Good Morning, Black Man…

Umm, for whom I adore above and beyond any one else.

For you are my beloved. For what is the “beloved”?

You are that which I myself am not. In the act of love, you are pure male, and I am pure female.

You are you, and I am I. And intertwined together with you, I know how perfectly you are not me, how perfectly I am not you.

How utterly we are two, the light and the darkness.

How infinitely…eternally not-to-be-comprehended by either of us is the surpassing the One we make.

Ooh, Black Man…with every sound of you- your footsteps, your voice, your breath, your heartbeat, your thoughts … leave me speechless. Wanting to be completely consumed by you. In your atmosphere ... you are seemingly unattainable on heightened levels.

Yes, Black Man… I hear you…calling for me. Anticipating answers. I rise for you. Take control of me.

Breathless I am in your absence.

Mmm, Black Man… I sense you. Being hunted by overwhelming, insatiable sexual hunger.

How does it feel?... to you…only you. Sliding in, throbbing and softly satisfying me.

Explain how does it tastes?... to you… only you. L_cking, dr_pping wet.

Black Man… I need your strong and gentle hands.

As you, and only you do, Overpower me. I want you.

Come to me, Black Man… 

I am anticipated your touch… Waiting is not an option.

            - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward

     Black Man Rising

You must complete the journey you started. Never ending.

Soar silently above the world. Graceful. 

Regain your strength from endless battles. Renewing.

Focus your mind on your goals. Concentrate.

Black Man, I suffer with you as you struggle to define your purpose. Searching.

I, Black Woman, abide by many rules seeking our destined end. Begin again.

You, Black Man, are bound by human tests, failing. Passing spiritual obstacles.

Your disappointments are my pains. Your failures are my weaknesses. Rebuild.

I comprehend your overwhelming desire to seek out lost treasures. Dig deeper.

All is not lost, but all is not found. Reach to a higher source to satisfy your hunger.

Appearances are not us. For we are beyond the human eye. Eternity's beloved ones.

No longer chasing a shadow of hope. I know now who you really are. Aware.

I have, once again, set you free. Spread your eager wings and fly further than before.

Remember your home. I, Black Woman, await your return. Hurt but hopeful.

Say what you must, do what you will. Faithfulness and honesty follows your path.

I release you to the Heavens to begin again. Humanity is no friend of ours.

I love you, Black Man. And you only, shall always belong to my soul. Mates destine to fly beyond the forbidden truths etched in our hollowed world.

At your journey’s end, seek me out, Black Man. For I shall hear your soul call for me, again. Reminiscent of past accompaniments.

There is no end to our beginning. I await you in this life. Anticipating our passing in the life after.

Journey well, Black Man. Your success is already fulfilled.

Listen to my heart as it slowly stops … without you in my presence.

My wings are unable to soar with you at this time, Black Man.

             - Nicole 'Cotton' Ward