Saturday, April 21, 2012

#NaPoWriMo Entry #20 "FreeWrite"

If these words ever reach prominence
know that I gained dominance
by being the poet that you have never wanted problems with.

Given free rides on my train of thought like scholarships.
On a enterprise, trekking through stars like a comet.
If punchlines was all u wanted.
I could hit u like being punished.
Split you like being blunted
or get you, police is coming.
But what wisdom is revealed
when the similes get to running.
When the industry isn't nothing
 but presidential incumbents.
You can catch em on BET, lying to the public.
With promises of being free, cause you dying to go out clubbing.
So they put this speech on a beat, no matter if it's rubbish.
Cause these songs are Mickey D's
and y'all just say you love it.
I could never covet this capitalistic system.
But still charge you to listen, I guess my feelings are indifferent.
If you can cash in ya silver tongue,
and make a fortune from your lungs.
I expect for you to get your paper,
like all your money's saved in bonds.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #19 "Men"

Men...
We were truly made in Gods image.
You can see the resemblance in our ability to take a fathers premiss.
You can recognize the divinity by the minutes
we spend with our children.
We can be selfish,
create life then leave it to it's own blemish
or we can raise that life with love and distribute our own wisdom.
Being black make this harder.
We constantly dodge prison,
and the stereotype of a black father, leaves an expectation of something missin.
We plant the seed and we're finished.
And the trees we've implemented into this world may grow crooked
 but through our hands they are minted.
We were meant to watch over our creations.
Some men have untended plantations.
Abandon their crop, so the field is filled with flocks wild vegetation.
Vines wrapping around poles, rain dancing is their occupation.
Counting on the daddies they never had to supply the monetary irrigation.
Grew up with piss poor demonstrations.
our presence was missed more in the last generation.
So how do we stop the dissenegration of able fathers in this nation.
(tbc)

#NaPoWriMo Entry #18 "Not African American"

Do not call me African American. This is not an accurate description of my heritage.
It is a broad fallacy I've gone into marriage with.
A political correction of my melanin complexion
that this oppressive system uses to keep from embarrassment.
Why is black the absence of light? Why can't it be the culmination of all colors?
I think  our presence in America is portrayed in the movie others.
We moved into this house with bread crumbs in the cupboard.
Now we've grown to love the fatherland, and abandon our mother.
But I am American.
Born and raised, free from persecution but still a slave.
Working for corporate masters everyday, just to receive the minimum wage.
See Respect was never demanded as blacks we were handed our credibility.
We were made to assimilate and reprimanded for our hostility.
They found a way to commit genocide, but no gas chambers for the ghetto enemy.
Instead they plan our parenthood, and control our fertility.
And I've been trying to get back to my roots but it's impossible.
Because Americas an obstacle that I find to be more course than our hair follicles.
This nation scheme is diabolical.
Cliaming us to be the bad guy.
Getting beat up from birth we came in the world with a black eye.
And I've always been the black guy with speech similar to screechs
so when I'm giving out my speeches peers thought me an Urkel sequence.
White folks said I was smart, to blacks a white people reject.
So I spent half of my life just looking for their defense.
I Found out, I didn't need it.
Seen it was the pretense to a Willie lynch strategic tactic.
Use intelligence to divide each of the black kids.
Make him seem strange, turn intelligence into an affliction,
so they're will always be confliction between the real and non fiction.
But how could you tell?
In this capitalistic system getting money makes u fake, being broke makes you listen.
And I still get the shakes when I turn on my television
and see people that look like me shucking and jiving for commission. 
Seems like theres only two ways to go... entertainment or parol,
daily containment or neo soul, go to jail or going pro.
Mormans said I belong in hell because the way my hair grow.
But they're God could never condemn me, if my God holds my soul.

Friday, April 20, 2012

#NaPoWriMo Entry #17 "Dumbed Down Freestyle"

I, dumbed it down but I kept it smart,
found the proper way to conduct
 this lost train of thought.
I wonder if compressed coal chains were bought,
would it fuel my engine.
Or would it leave me sitting here,
dead broke and glistening.
Full of smoke remembering when I was on top.
Ran away on rails like vagrants living out a box.
Got my word and my socks. It's all I'll ever need.
Roaming the country and planting trees. J
ohnny Appleseed.
If y'all could see the fruits of my labor and take a bite of this golden delicious,
 oh so nuitirious, granny smithing word spitting.
I bet ur mouth would water off of what's written.
Everybody has a gift nowadays mine is just wrapped different.
 Abusive articulation my punchlines is hitting.
I spiked the bowl at the dance now everybodies getting into the movement.
Feeling the self improvement.
I may misplace a word or two but I'd never lose it.
 They spit cold flow low and behold I'm antifreeze fluid.
So if things heat up I can keep your vehicle moving.
No chances of lance losing. advance and enhance music. If  Hiphop is translucent.
I'll put some color into it.
See the pigment that I'm living in.
Brown covered with a package. I'm delivering.
Some interesting stuff.
so if you please sign ur name we can begin to exchange and u can gimmie big ups like a UPS truck.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #16 "Interjection"

Allow me to interject
and put some intellect
into the image that reflects
off the mirror of ur blatant disrespect.

Your hating won't make me miss a check, like grading papers.
I can teach you how to pass a class, straight A maker.
If ya girls a D I'll take her,
spin her around and shape her.
 Into something other than a fragile heart. Y'all barts break her.
 Bet ur butterfingers will linger right after I maker her,
into the baddest rump shaker this side of the neighbor
-hood. It's all good. She just looking for something different.

Tryna be with a star, instead of sitting here wishing.
She's tired of being puppet, hanging out with the crickets.
Said she learn to roll loud just so these niggas would listen.

Instead baby be proud, you are now gettin pass.
Fallin over every compliment they give about ya ass.
They gon have to come with something deeper. Randy moss stats... (tbc)

#NaPoWriMo Entry #15 "Thumbs Up"

Gimmie the thumbs up like u watching a good movie.
I feel groovy like i put bell bottom pants on a dog named scooby.
I'm going over your head thinking I'm just a dog name snoopy.
On grown man taking a shit, y'all just babies making a poopy.
Sorry if the ride gets bumpy, my mind rollarcoaster is loopy.
As I inhale all these lies. I exhale what the truth be.
Find me in the sky where the chimney smoke and the roof be.
Bestfriends with a mouse and a duck.
 that last line was kinda of goofy.

So i switch channels. Ask the panel for they opinion.
All I see are reality shows showing my people locked in a prison.
black is not a color in their prism. Just a two day description.
Louisville's known on first 48. Starring the killer and the victim.
You can get popular off of both, the second one wouldn't recommend it.
Cause the only beef ya family got is how much it cost for your tombstone to be printed.
$50 dollars for each letter chiseled in ya memory.
 $10 dollars for the white T ya peoples wear religiously.
They holler RIP at your final assembly.
But it's priceless cause your lifeless and your mother gets paid sympathy.

I had to turn Fox41 off and get to VH1 quick.
I started watching behind the music of Louisville's greatest hits.
In my city, we getting money, but the ignorance is bliss.
And the local news plays a marathon of Louisville's greatest missed.

I've been messed about. You can say that I've been twisted.
 Yea the tornado hit, but we had double death that toll in the district.
Wheres our federal relief when it's a storm in these streets.
When the norm is to compete, while lightings striking at your feet. t
hey are out here carrying hammers. Just Vikings tryin to eat.
 But they could never see the damage or the cycle that repeats.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #14 "Charge It"

She said charge it to the game
so I swiped my card thru the xbox drive hard.
Thanked destiny for our meeting then gave all credit to God.
Cause everytime I gave her a massage, she said I was being misogynistic.
Tryna be the lancealot in her heart and show my chivalry's realistic.
Our story was unscripted
but the ending was so cryptic
that I couldn't hack her code that kept us from a friendship.
Blew up the mold that shaped our soulmate kinship.
Looked in her eyes with the truth.
She closed hers and meant it.
She said think.. what if I forgave u in a blink.
And closed my eyes to the reality that ur probably gonna cheat.
Find a way to beat the system, have all the cake u can eat.
And while ur satisfied licking teeth.
I'll be on the plate in a broken piece.
You stuck the fork in me so I'm done being your Betty bopper.
Your love for me is broken english
cause u ain't been using me properly.
I can't believe you would touch the ball this far into the soccer league.
Its a shame how we're all tied up and she got a free shot
at thee, one thing we agreed
would be my soul property.
I said stop and believe that indeed you have my seed.
If you allow me to be brief, I have a case that I can plead.
That piece of cake I didn't need. But it seems greed had me coerced.
I slipped on my diet baby but I'll never leave my maincourse.
You can still bet on the dark horse that is pulling our jointed carriage.
I need you to stop sparring for separation and try fighting for the marriage.
My embarrassment is admitted but it's not cause I got caught.
But the words I used were cheap and I'm sorry you got bought.
You deserve the finer things in life. Like the truth and loyalty.
You've got all rights to my heart and I'll start paying u royalties.
I see you rolling ur eyes,
but I hope ur ears aren't ignoring me.
Then again I can't be surprised...
You know how my stories be.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #13 "Sipped Coffee"

Speak softly she said.
like sipped coffee she didn't want this kiss to burn.
Previously lessons learned has her wondering when love would find her turn.
Reduced each relationship to ashes, she put her passion inside an urn.

To remember the beauty on the mantle despite the fire that burned below her.
Tired of finger tips that didn't know her.
Said these men touched her with latex gloves
meanwhile the dirty mattresses they had sex on,
left stains on her of making love.

So she sits down in the shower, Indian style in the tub.
Hoping the low water pressure
would wash away her transgressions.
Bowing her head in repentance cause how could she learn the same lesson again.

Her figure impresses the men.
Developed a womens body young, so she got more attention than the rest of them.
Her popularity could've been measured by what size bra she was in.
A double D at 15. By high school she could contend.

Pretending like everything was fine, but she was so ugly with in her mind.
Each brother she thought was a lover, only committed a vascular crime,
they took her heart. She gave her innocence, thinking they would take the charge.
Facing three neglectful sentences, but they just wanted her to play her part.

Lay down and take one for the team even if it didn't feel right.
So She started having sex in the morning just so they would spend the night.
Always Lived life as the side chick. Never the heroin just a sidekick.
Cause once they flipped her, they dismissed her, Played out like Jamaican psychics.

Laid down like an Easter outfit, They only loved her once a year.
And all these troubles in her bubbled until they popped at my ear

I said sweetheart wipe your tears. With no intention of game spitting.
I believe u could be a mans maincourse. If only to yourself thanks was giving.
Reframe from falling for these jive turkeys
that are only interested in wish bone splittin.
Make them remove their socks and shoes in gravel parking lots and start kicking.
Stop wishing on falling stars that only shoot past u in the night time.
Keep what's left of your heart and you will always remain in ur right mind.

Baby girl I see ya shine even when all you see are shades of gray.
Let those dogs be caught in your head lights as you begin to pave the way.
Stop waiting on captain save a girl, to fly thru and save the day
and I promise you'll find a man who has enough courage to stay.
For now you can just lay assured.
Consider your past afflictions cured.
Remember these men are only driven by thoughts of taking on your curves.
Make them see u and not the features thst make u a beautiful bird.
And if they can keep from caging you then your songs of devotion will be well deserved.
She understood, kissed my cheek and whispered thank you very ever so softly.
As we prepared to cool down, and just sip on this coffee.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #12 "Allow Me"

Allow me to reintroduce myself my name is Lance...
Now some glance at the stance
some dazed and confused
others amazed and amused
because the name may be plain
but its flyer than ur tennis shoes.

How much did u spend to look rich today?
I like to look wealthy with in my mood.
If my demeanor exudes confidence then I'm a Sultan of attitude.
A sheik of resolute. Don't peek at present boo,
cause your name might be on another package
and this wrapping is not for you.

Freaking Black and mild style, my tapping is not for two.
This tabacky kinda looks blue but I'm happy to sing for you.
Anytime you need a pick up.
Don't stick up like fingers do.
Instead lift up the tree
like when a lumberjack is threw.

At least it died for a reason I change the season with number two pencils,
and I never need instrumentals to act as my stencil
when I'm painting poetry portraits.

 Or building a word fortress.
El Boomin been a monster, y'all just ain't never lit ya touches.
Been riding in the derby city. Y'all never got on your horses,
instead you went a little more west for country grammar and air forces.

And of course I'm pissed at not getting the recognition.
Cause if the beat not dope, how can I expect the feens to listen.
Scratching for crack records.
Itching for that introspective written wisdom.

better to be a turkey than a chicken
cause one gets devoured daily
and to the other thanks is giving....

#NaPoWriMo Entry #11 "Pisces Flow"

I'm a Pisces, so it's in my nature to go with the flow.
In a relationship, I'm a salmon, going against what I know
Creation pulls me back to the same pond where I used to grow.
So I let them skin me alive... to the bear necessities of my soul.
If I could dodge the season and create a reason for this mission.
Would it be worth dodging lines for these women going fishing.
Tryin not to be a scrub, in the sink of their dirty kitchen.
Cause that's all that's left after the amazing platter I was dishing
Simply wishing on a star
that she'd bring warmth and light into my life.
But there's so many stars in the sky how can u look at the same one twice.
My spaceship doesn't run in reverse
and face it too much space can hurt
So complacent I was never on earth
Always trying to fulfill my worth.
I've always had the courage to search for life on other planets
Granted the unknown can always hurt
Since birth
I've had dreams of monogamy
but woke up to tv screens promoting misogyny.
So dreams turned to fantasies of two bad women massaging me.
With a third one b/t my knees going over her psychology.  

Could u explain the sociology of a married homosapien
who has the strongest basic instinct to exercise his procreation.
But in societies eyes... unless morman is your religous denomination.
You bettea stick to one girl, and name your right hand patience.

I felt like the truth was shown. 
these women just think I'm shovenistic.
Like how can a king sit on a throne, if his queen isn't attending.
You can be a knight ride around courting all the bad bitches.
But in the end your just jesters juggling for royalties interest.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #10 "Dear Carpathia

(I wrote this after learning about the only black man on the titanic)

Dear Carpathia

Thank you for finding my wife and three children in the icey Atlantic.
As I go down with the titanic solace of their safety keeps me a float.
I am writing this note on the ceiling.
This unsinkable ship has left something revealing but I live on hope.
And the fact that they'll be living.
I am a haiti man.
Born in Paris France in the year 1910.
An engineer by trade.
I met my wife Juliette on a day of acceptance.
After our three daughter blessings we set out to their mothers home.
My home.
On this boat we were second class but death knows no priority.
So as this ship sinks, I thank you.
Thank you for finding my legacy in the icey Atlantic.
Forever grateful.

Joseph Larouche

#NaPoWriMo Entry #9 "Think Inside The Box"

I wanna stretch out in it.
Make my arms reach to each side of your walls.
Like a hallway I'm too big for.

I wanna lay down in it.
Make a pink pallet where I can stare at the ceiling fan.
Cool off in the perfect heat.

Sweat prints left by my cheek
are looked at with a smirk.
Cause u know even though I'm drenching you,
it's only cause I'm doing work.

Every opportunity for overtime I'm rising to the occasion.
If we run into a jam,
Im okay with sticky situations.

I wanna get stuck in it.
Get drunk in it.
I'm a vagrant and to your box,
 I wanna be a frequent tenant.

Please trust I'll pay the rent
on time with nine inches.
With ya nails all in my back,
I'm regretting getting ur ten digits.

Thats your cell number plus area code.
I know that I'm forgetting one,
but isn't it ironic that I dial u up
everytime I need to come. To a conclusion.

Yes this is all about a sexual solution,
but when your thinkin inside the box,
there's no other resolution.

If my thoughts are shallow let me push until I get deep.
Let me stay up in it, I'm used to going on little sleep.
#team3rdshift in ya sheets.
I'm a wordsmith
But talk is cheap,
so if you allow me to work it.
I might do better then the sheep.
I'm just a wolf wearing wool
Blowing you down to sleep.
And when the dust all settles
I'll pick up the fork and eat.
You are such a brick house.
 your walls are mighty mighty,
Clean cut box,
u keep ur square nice and tiddy.....(Tbc)

Monday, April 9, 2012

#NaPoWriMo Entry #8 "Cakin It"

We were sitting comfortably in a bowl.
Two eggs out of our shell waiting to mix.
A late night craving for companionship
made us think our sweet tooth could handle it.
So we opened the box and started caking. Started baking
something we've been famished with.

A connection with another person.
Didn't think this desert would leave so many damages.
We preheated the oven to 350. Poured our chemistry in a buttered pan.
I used late nite conversations to convince her I was no gingerbread man.
As our affections rised we looked deeply into each other third eye.
Saw a delicacy, we prepared delicately and the finished product was appetized.

Her personality was icing on my favorite kind of feeling.
Imagine what happened when we realized that this concoction
would cool off an leave us dreaming
 ...of better times.
We we're quick to put this extra weight on our stomach line.
Now we try to exercise to broken memories and hammer time.
She said I can't have my cake if im eating at another table.
I said I started this dish with 3 ingredients. Ready willing and able.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #7 "Cat Fight"

I've always ran into
brothers who didn't act right.
Two dudes fight over pussy,
 is the real definition of a cat fight.
I was in shining last night
Like A star covered in night lights.
A moth in the club, his girl
was attracted to my brightness.
I was spider sitting flightless
in a web of my siliva.
She got caught up in the way I spit.
Complimented me on my poetry.
I said thank u very much.
Made a joke about her reaction,
she laughed and gave my arm a touch.
Her man came out the bathroom
and flew to our position in a rush.
Gave her waist a clutch
like the car from stasky and hutch.
He ask what's going on here?
I replied, a conversation.
And u tryna block game like a wildlife reservation.
He did like that
balled his fist up from my comment.
 I said hold up... I don't fight over females,
 so save the cheap talk for vonage.
He responded by approaching me
in a manner called for bruising.
And I said you must be the wrong kind
cause your womens out here choosing.
Un clench your fist and start tutoring.
Teach loyalty and if she can't learn
keep it movin.
Plus the conversation was like
your alpha male demonstration.
Harmless.
It's more than three bad witches
in club. Not my fault that your
charmless.
The powers that I harness
notice things like a psychic.
For instance I looked at your girls hand.
Apparently u didn't like it.
I didn't see a wedding band. So theres No need
 for sweating man,
your heated up for no reason.
A oven with empty pans.
That tough stuffs not in season,
don't let summer be in your plans.
Cuzbnot only do I have silver tongue.
I also happen to have hands.
Plus a few of my mans
attend the show for insurance.
Don't mess your night up
cause of an incorrect inference.
We stopped and stared each other down.
I was waiting for him to swing,
instead he looked at his girl and said
baby get your things.
They walked away while I was thinking.
Why brother can't ever act right.
Two men fighting over felines
that's the real definition of a cat fight.

#NaPoWriMo Entry #6 "7Days (from Zoetry)"

It's 7 days until your arrival.
But some how I don't feel complete.
Sitting here wondering what ur expectations
of a good father will be and if i'll compete.

When u sleep and I watch you. Will you feel the admiration?
It only took God a week to create the perfect imperfection.
Probably took me 7 second to see that u would be a girl.
So I know what the Lord felt like after making this blessing.
And his reasons why he decided to make you my world.

I needed something to watch over. Something to live for,
like loss prevention, I plan to protect you from whatevers in store.
I am sure that you are more than a road to redemption.
You are the only period in my life's run on sentence. 

As your stories being written. I realize I hold the pen.
 In forming you description, when thinking of the perfect man.
So I will never lie to you, And try my best not to sin.
Be the rock to hold you down as you are ruffled by the wind.

Zoë you will be the trophy for the best man to win.

As u grow in your mothers stomach i often wonder what makes u kick.
I think about what makes u switch positions
everytime I place my hand on your prison.
I've made it my mission to help u find peace
 in this world of indecision.
But your light will be determined by ur position
in society's prism.
I want to listen to your rendition of love.
Knowing that I will be the muse.
And I'll be happy when u say daddy no matter what the news.

(To Be Completed)










#NaPoWriMo Entry #5 "Real Man"

Men...
We were truly made in Gods image.
You can see the resemblance in our ability to take a fathers premiss.
You can recognize the divinity by the minutes
we spend with our children.
We can be selfish, create life then leave it to it's own blemish
or we can raise that life with love
and distribute our own wisdom.
Being black make this harder. We constantly dodge prison,
and the stereotype of a black father, leaves an expectation of something missin.
We plant the seed and we're finished. And the trees we've implemented
 into this world may grow crooked
but through our hands they are minted.
We were meant to watch over our creations.
 Some men have untended plantations.
Abandon their crop, so the field
is filled with flocks of wild vegetation.
Vines wrapping around poles, rain dancing is their occupation.
 Counting on the daddies they never had
to supply the monetary irrigation.
Grew up with piss poor demonstrations. our presence
was missed more in the last generation.
So how do we stop the dissenegration of able fathers in this nation.














Wednesday, April 4, 2012

#NaPoWriMo Entry #4 "The Apology Letter"

Ok so, I had to have a disclaimer to this... One because the story is hilarious and two because I feel like I'm a beast at writing in general (not just poems). Hahaha, Check me out tho... This piece is a REAL LETTER... delievered to a REAL PERSON... expressing a REAL APOLOGY, from Me. And after you're done reading it... Would you forgive me? (details have been changed to protect the victim and MY JOB) lol
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Ms. CleveVan,

                If you would… allow me to start by saying… it is completely unacceptable; uncompromisingly rude to engage in an argument in the middle of the night while people are trying to sleep. Second, please accept my deepest apologies. And I say those words with the utmost sincerity Ms. CleveVan.  Your experiences with hotels have been a reoccurring nightmare that you can’t ever have because some loud, obnoxious, young idiot is outside carrying on a conversation about how he can’t sleep!!!
My name is Lance “The Idiot” Newman and last night I disturbed your rest. I see you come in month after month, always carrying late hours and long shifts on your shoulders. Always worn down and upset because not only are you dealing with personal, social, and work place issues, but you have to get the same (if not worse) crap from the ONE place that’s supposed to be a home away from home.
I’m writing this letter, because I’m embarrassed. And my shame beckons me to act upon my stupidity. Somehow soften the blow that my absentmindedness struck. This is in no way an attempt to keep from reprimanding. I’ve informed my superiors about the situation and I will be dealing with the consequence most defiantly.
I’ve been at the receiving end of your complaints with travel lodging. And I hate the fact that I’ve become the very thing you escaped from with the other hotel. This is on behalf on me, Ms. CleveVan. I speak for myself and take total responsibility for my actions. I am simply trying to say sorry in the most formal way I know how.
Even so, I know my words fall on tired eyes and my actions fall on last nerves. Please accept my apology Ms. CleveVan … I have heard of your constant torment when it comes to these types of things and the last thing I wanted to be was the tormentor. Forgive me.

Deepest regret and apologies


Lance G. Newman

[Again I’d like to state that this letter is on behalf of myself(Lance G. Newman), Ms. Van Cleve and in no way reflects the actions, beliefs, or practices of the Hbrand or Hotels.]
Thank You for your time.



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

#NaPoWriMo Entry #3 "Big (Brother) Top"

I am I the only one watching the GOP circus candidacy.
 Or are y'all completely oblivious to this congressional calamity.
Theres a great show going on for you under the Big Wigs canope.
Where Newt and Mitt are counting on your ignorance to elect their insanity.

Candidly they spit rhetoric of what this land should be
 while standing on two white elephant. Slinging mud randomly.
So far all the clowns have dropped out.
They never had a chance in my mind.
Cain whistled at too many white women
and Perry couldn't remember his lines.

Paul was high as hell
if he thought they were gonna let him touch the hill.
And Santorum blew his wheel,
with the whole 'blahck' people deal.
So while they juggle and give kids nightmares.
I'm looking at Rich Romeny and Gingrich white hair
 plus all the republicans in the room.
Like y'all gon stand behind that wing right there?

I mean just because it's right there, doesn't mean it's all quite fair.
 Two guys paying less taxes then the average American is quite rare.
Newt keeps sayin classical America, back when the blacks stayed out there.
And  since Romeny has all the money his one percent will persevere.

The economic storm that has us lost and searching for a career.
will soon pass as long as we let Obama stay and commendeer.
And i don't even care that he's black.
I'm sittin here backing up his missions.
Like the push for a flat tax, so the rich dont become the richest.
And since im a student i like the fact,
that hes lowering interest rates on tuition.
Because it's cost me $20,000 in debt
to be taught how to go fishin.
Did u know 35% of ur income goes to taxes?
while a millionaire pays 15... No wonder they're so laxed....







#NaWriPoMo Entry #2 "Hiakus"

[]
Watching a love comedy,
with my future,
Lust continues to call.

[]
I'ma piece of ship
Claimed I had too many holes,
as we sink in Love

[]
More and Morman try
to wipe the mark of Cain of them.
Don't Vote Romney

[]
It's, it's a baby.
It's a girl, she's a blessing,
She's, she's my baby

[]
said she couldn't see me
loving her in that way.
A dog led.... a stray

#NaPoWriMo Entry #1 "Numbers Game"

Her: I'm looking for the right 1...

Me: We all need to find that 1 and become 2
        until 1 gets bored and gets a 3rd party.

Her: If 1 gets bored it should let 2 know,
        before it starts adding with 3.

Me: Yea, but 2's been there since 0,
        2 has his heart and the 3 can't even begin
        to divide into either of them.

Her: So why is 3 there?

Me: Because a man has 1 thing,
        and that 1 thing has a mind of it's own.
       Plus 1 divides into any number.

Her: A man needs 2 things
        respect and self control.

Me: Easy to say coming from a 2,
       A number that can only be divided evenly.

Her: 1 needs to realize
        when it has a good 2.

Me: And 2 needs to realize the math doesn't always workout,
       But if you already got the answer
      You can always erase and start over

Her: ok, ur right....

Thursday, March 15, 2012

April 4th

This poem will be shorter
than a midget reporter
Or a fast food order
when all u got is a quarter.

This poem will be whack
like the sound of a bat
or a soulja boi rap
on a scratched Cd track.

This poem didn't come from
any deep place inside me
just love sent from above
and I speak what he provides me.

This poem is off the dome
like loose hair in a comb.
Wit more hard shit than a stone
talkin shit on the phone.

This poem is so lazy
it doesn't go to rehearsal,
oh well...
cause it's packed wit more bars
than a AT&T commercial...
in jail.

And like I said
this poem will be short
like what keeps
you from seeing up skorts.
Like ESPN without sports...
I ain't got nothing to report...

Jog Your Memory

I remember we was on a run.
Feet
pitter patting against the concrete.
Calf muscles responding
to the ground and
weight of ur body.

Full leg extension.
and did I mentioned
its not a race when ur jogging.

So there was no expectation
 from the conversation.
Just running off at the mouth
while we're talking.

Then u began to pick up pace.
We made love
with no hamstrings attached.
So I had to tighten my shoelace
to get over the hill
that came next.

You wore the sole
out of my mate
after sweatin and breathing heavy.
 Then said,
 This marathon is a commitment.
Pointed the gun
and asked if I'm ready.

Asked if we could go steady like
your morning jog playlist.
 Love Songs on repeat,
each reminding u of ur favorite
route to run.

When did we stop having fun?
Our relationship was in good shape.
but U switched playlist,
now I'm just running in place.

Regergetating your name
like a bad taste.
Or the Gatorade that I faced.

Seems like we lost sight of the finishline
your whip appeal is on a treadmill.
And my legs  get weak for you.
Even though your jogging in the park still
feeding pigeons when u walk to chill

Meanwhile...

I'm resting on will
Like writing letters on my death bed.
Taking each breath in
like I've been blessed to get fresh wind.

I hope you win the race your running.
I'm going to replenish my energy,
My only hopes is that U'll remember me
any time I jog ur memory

1-11-11 (From Book 10)

I was created by manipulation
I was raise by denial.
I was taught to never frown cause people
gather around smiles.
I woke up to drive and ambition
and was put to sleep by arguments.
Trying to stay in a childs place eventhough
the conversation filled the apartment.
I was parted
between homes before I ever broke out in poems.
I was so used to kicking rocks
that I became a rolling stone.
Looking for flat surfaces
to plant me feet in like urchens.
Soul searching for a pupose
that my mother doesn't consider worthless.
How can they expect me to remain stable
with all this turbulance in my worriment.
In the sky I look fine
but my cabins filled with nervousness.
Coincence coming over the intercom
to provide passengers with encouragement
becasuse my tonuge can be used as a floatation device
if we ever meet a watery surface.
It is pertaint that you remain in your seats
on this train of thought.
The only admission is your attention.
tickets that your brain bought.
If I was to get caught is this particular situation
I would ask that u have patience
while we reach the next station

Just Writing

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard face
One rooted in the ground over years of stagnations.
the other painted with a frown from my unmoveable demonstration
of caring less.
This attitude has kept me from the greatest treasures,
protected me during the worst weather
and I wonder if this storm will ever clean up it's own mess.
I have yet to learn how to change course.
Have yet to harbor thoughts of divorce because this relationship
is at sea.
Water rocks our boat like catapults from the shore,
We were quick to get in the ship
even when are leg weren't sure.
And this vessel is battered and bruised.
We wrestle betweeen pirate ships or cruise.
In one I'm just looking for booty,
in the other kicking off my shoes.
And in the end we both lose.
But our bouncing benefatcor,
will add up the math
after,
 we have parted, but our hearts will still be
lit up by the same laughter.
It's a long voyage ahead of us,
I can never look at where we've been.
Just trying to get to a destination,
where we can see each other as friends.
Just tryin to unbreak the heart that i once
used to mend.
And trying to shatter all the rules
 that u insist I bend.
I don't want to say goodbye because we'll
just be saying hello.
You can't stand to see me fly,
and I can't stand to let you go.
I'm lost with out a compass of compassion.
No compromise, we're crashing into jagged rocks
formed by my mis-interupted actions.
Why are endings always the attraction...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

My Art

I'm really big on different types of artistic expression. One ofcourse being poetry, but (little to everyone elses knowledge) I also love photography. I made it a point to get a new camera this year. Especially with Zoë gracing the world with her presence, I had to make sure I had a device to caputre her every move.

I ended up getting a Kodak EasyShare z299. Not really sure what all the z299 stuff is, but this camera is the beeknees. Great on clarity and focus. It doesn't take mulitple fast action pics very quickly tho. It sucks because you want to take more than one shot but the camera loads like a computer. But other than that. I think the pictures came very good!

But yea. poetry and photography... I'm all about it.

My Life



 

 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

12 Days

It's 12 days until my birthday. I'll be turn 24 and I can't help but thank God for his blessings. There's so many places I could be right now. So many things i could be doing (not all positive.) but I'm here. I gotta job, (my own) apartment, people that love me, peers that respect me, a car, food on my table, money in my pocket and the most beautiful baby girl. Every birthday I look back at the past year and reflect. There's always a revelation on my bday. I sometimes feel like I've grown 3 yrs older while most age year by year. I know my responsibilities. I know what needs to be done to be successful in this life and I'm working on it. Everyday we strive to do better in some way. Even when I'm we're laying on our back, there'
s a point where we start to lean up a little bit, and that Finally Doing Better.

Hear, See, and Speak

When it comes to me....
Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see,

So many think they got the skinny, on this guy that used to be skinny,
Transparent to his parents, but partly cloudy to many,
All the stroms in my life have amounted to a somewhat sore mass,
But only meterological friends could predict this forecast,
A war path I was on,
YES!!!!
Born to be a spartan,
Made to kidnap minds, and have brains on milk cartons,
The game was played at a young age, So I started out startin,
A magician with words, some say my last name should be Barton,
And even though I was a New Man, my Arm was always Strong,
But just like an armstrong that was just where Lance belonged,
So when you see me...See no evil, for none shall be on my face,
It's a disgrace to have people look at me with such distaste,
Cause even though they can't savor my flavor,
I've been saved by the Savior,
So despite their childish behavior,
God is still in my favor,
So I don't ask for favors from, those who see evil,
And if you speak words that grow hate...Allow me to leave you,
See the hurtful ways of people , no longer have me hurt,
And if filth is what they blurt, then they can continue to eat dirt,
They eat fertilizers as appetizers, and composte as their toast,
Dumbed myself down and gave less, while others begged for the most,
So if you get close, don't forget you're still far,
Cause in my car things may appear to be closer than they are,
I speak no evil, such words are banned,
My mouth is washed out, so sweet speech is the only thing fanned,
Happiness that's complete is the only thing I've ever planned,
Sitting down when wrong, cause for right, is the only time I stand,
Sometimes I claim to be the man, but that's not set in cement,
There's evidence of my confidence, I am confident to admit,
Rumors come out the mouths of other people, but if it ever comes to me,
Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see......

-2007

She Can't Leave

I'm almost done walking this road paved by heartache,
But now she walks down the same path,
Feeling the same anger and wrath,
That she hide with a laugh,

And all I can do is make her laugh and make her forget about the pain,
Take her mind off those same thoughts that are brought back by a name,
Try and make her forget about the happiness,
And overlook the joy,
Disreguarding the fact that she spent two years trying to please a boy,

Try to get her to ignore that he left her for a whore, And try to tell her that only heart ache is in store,
Her friends say forget about him, and find a new start,
But they don't understand it's not the man, there's a huge void in her heart,

And with nothing to replace it, she is now incomplete,
Filling that spot with pot, and black and milds that are freaked,
And for me to tell her shes unique would be like preaching to def ears,
Cause sounds of her being profound are easily drowned out by tears,

Tears that could fill an ocean and they surround her like a moat,
And I try to tell her that under our feet floats the same boat,
We took down the same notes and swallowed the same pride,
We had the same throat that they spit down inside,

Love isn't always random, but there's always a random risk,
A broken heart is like have a gash the size of an arm on a muscle the size of a fist,
And with every pump of blood, pain is felt throughout her body,
Her well working machine is now run down and shoody,
Smoke fills her lungs and try to suffocate his memory,
A spell to overcome and break through his heirecy,

And as I look down the road, that my feet once walked,
All I can do is call her and hopefully she'll talk,
Cause even though she walks down this road, she turns around and hangs up the phone,
Cause no matter how much she wants to be happy, she just can't leave him alone

-2007

Monkey Junkies

Her monkey... turned niggas into flunkies,
No more like junkies, they kept coming back for hits,
Taking trips among trips just to get a taste of her lips,

Or even place on her hips, hands shook by bad nerves,
She was the ASSignment in a class full of nerds,
Words, were worth nothing, That form of currency was too small,
Now her feens, can only dream about the drug from which they withdrawl,

They began to beg for it, some even seemed to crawl,
Getting high off of dropped panties or an unhooked bra,
But despite the mass confusion, I see through the illusion,
Her head and body are right, she just needs a conclusion,

But see I've got the solution, don't let the mind get snapped,
Keep your eyes to the ground and simply avoid the trap,
See her rap was so nice, I mean, her flow was so mean,
That she had niggas soundin sad on the damn answering machine,

He's hollerin, "Baby is that us?" and "Man yous a liar..."
He simply got burnt cause that pussy was so fire,
But before the ashes drop, I'll make the burning stop,
Harvest some knowledge while in college, Then grow a new crop,

See I saw the drug she offered and man...Did I wanna hit it,
I saw those two scoops of ice cream and I wanted my banana to split it,
The caramel cover had me reaching for a rubber,
The caveman in me went crazy, I was just tryin to club her,

But I'm telling you right now...You don't even have to ask me,
I wanna do something nasty, well maybe just trashy,
Cause you don't put shit pass me, I don't need to ask for the sack,
If the pussy's like that, I'll have you giving me the crack,

But I refuse to be misused, I see the clues in your shoes,
You can choose to run the whole track, but cat, you just might lose,
Yeah I know, I want you, but I ain't about to be no flunky,
I might just have YOU itchin for my banana, like a real monkey junky.....

-2007

Bubble Gum Girls

Some girls is like bubble gum, damn near worthless,
And once they lose they flavor, then they lose they purpose,
See I wrote this on purpose, just to watch the jaws drop,
Dudes blowing bubbles with bimbos, until they nice bubble pops,

The happiness seems to stop, cause the boat seems to rock,
And that safe bubble, got you in trouble, back in that cage, then it's locked,
These lil Bazooka Joe's think these girls are Bubblicious and fun,
But these Chiclets, are just thick, and got some Bubble Yum,

The girls are too Carefree, everything is a maybe,
They turn Dentyne dudes into striaght Cry Babies,
These girls Extra Stride makes guys, go into Orbit,
They Fruit Stripes make men bite and turn their jaws into norbit,

The Dubble Bubble gets men in trouble, and turns some violent,
Stabing them with a Trident is the only way to keep them silent,
But despite that Juicy Fruit, I won't give into the Big Red,
Females that stay WinterFresh seem to get the big head,

I can't mess wit bubble gum, see I'm a bubble popper,
I need me a girl like a, everlasting Gobstopper,
But even that candy can easily be passed,
So the goal for my soul is to find a flavor that last.....

-2007

Plea of the Baby Bird

Written to my mother...


You call me baby when you love me,
But you say I'm a grown man when you're mad,
You see me as your little boy when you hug me,
And a disappointment when you're sad,

And I'm stuck....
Stuck between my own place and my old crib,

When the baby bird is pushed from the nest,
How do you think the baby bird feels,
Falling helpless and unaware of what is going on,
I panic,

Shocked, because the place I called home is no longer that,
The place that was my own, has become an apartment for rent,
My dreams put on hold because real life demands attention,
So every fictional preminition, has become it's own religion,
I've gotta have faith to get it,

I've made the mistakes and mishaps so my brothers and sisters don't,
And they're given recognition for steppin over the pot holes that flattened my tires,

This IS my sacrafice,
Slipping on all of lifes wet spots, then putting up,
Slippery when wet signs.

Mama Bird....
You push me out of the nest, and when I'm at the edge,
You tell me I can stay,

But if I stay, all your food will be given to my younger siblings,
And I will be left starving and expected to fend for myself,

I don't have the branches to make my own nest, but I'm getting them,
So while I get ready to leave the nest,
Please....Give me shelter,
Cause if I get pushed out the nest too early,
I will surely be eatin......

Movies

I wrote this poem by lookin at my DVD collection.

This [Poetic Justice] gives me a [License to Kill],
These bitches want a [Candyman] and I'm a [Sugar Hill],
I'm a [Major Payne] in these [Gladiators] side,
And I can make the [Blood Rayne], it'll look like a [Crimson Tide],

My nigga, I'm [Paid in Full], my money causes [Traffic],
Ya'll on ya'll [Last Shot] I got a [Full Metal Jacket],
See ya'll are [Out of Time], but me and time are [Side by Side],
I'm gonna be [The Man Who Laughed], you gonna be [The Man Who Cried],

Now it feels like I'm [Trading Places] I'm in a [Planet of the Apes],
With these [Mean Girls] [It's a Thin Line Between Love and Hate],
I'm on a [Glory Road] ya'll hatas is [White Nosie],
I'm a [Big] on this shit and I play wit words like [Toys],

-2007

Supplies Lies

This poem is probably my most popular piece.


A sheet of loose leaf paper met a handsome pen in the park,
Now despite her flammibility, she still felt a spark,
And the paper clips played tag with the eraser and the scissors,
And the pencil beat up the pencil sharpener for sharpening up his sister,

The pen was very bold, but he was thinner than a twig,
So he said to Ms. Loose Leaf, "I like my women big."
Her girls were all hating, yelling, "HE'LL WRITE ON YOU THEN LEAVE"
But she replied with, "Get your ass back insde the sleeve."

Their love it soon blossomed, their was never a question why,
Together they wrote things that made grown men start to cry,
But one day Ms. Loose Leaf came in with BLUE ink on her dress,
So the BLACK pen went to grab a drink at the desk,

"How could she do this to me? This must be a crime..."
"All those things that we've written now someone else write on her lines."
So now he's drunk off of ink, and he thinks of a way to get with her,
So he paper naps her and throws her body inside a shredder,

All of those things that they created, were shredded regretably,
All becasue Ms. Loose Leaf engaged in a writting infedelity,
So the lesson has been learned and now written in rhyme,
You can't have two pens and write with them at the same time.


A sheet of loose leaf paper met a handsome pen in the park,
Now despite her flammibility, she still felt a spark,
And the paper clips played tag with the eraser and the scissors,
And the pencil beat up the pencil sharpener for sharpening up his sister,

The pen was very bold, but he was thinner than a twig,
So he said to Ms. Loose Leaf, "I like my women big."
Her girls were all hating, yelling, "HE'LL WRITE ON YOU THEN LEAVE"
But she replied with, "Get your ass back insde the sleeve."

Their love it soon blossomed, their was never a question why,
Together they wrote things that made grown men start to cry,
But one day Ms. Loose Leaf came in with BLUE ink on her dress,
So the BLACK pen went to grab a drink at the desk,

"How could she do this to me? This must be a crime..."
"All those things that we've written now someone else write on her lines."
So now he's drunk off of ink, and he thinks of a way to get with her,
So he paper naps her and throws her body inside a shredder,

All of those things that they created, were shredded regretably,
All becasue Ms. Loose Leaf engaged in a writting infedelity,
So the lesson has been learned and now written in rhyme,
You can't have two pens and write with them at the same time.

-2006

Mind Of The K-9

Men never start out as dogs, but some how we turn into them,
Making the damned transformation from cute puppy,
To beast looking for a beauty with a booty,

My K-9 senses didn't mean to jump the fences,
But I got tired of being chained up...
And even though you thought I was out sniffing a bitches butt,
I wasn't...I was playing poker wit my dogs,

So no... I wasn't trying to poke her with my dogs,
I was out and about reciting poetry to get applause,
And you were appalled to find that this was my cause,
Your mind thought that I was out, just barking to get draws,

And I let you run free, never told you to stop,
Never rolled up a newspaper and gave your nose a pop,
Because I'm the dog right??????

I've been dogged out so bad that, I should be a cat,
Very secretive, elusive, always covering up my scat,

I've played the good dog role, sitting down when I'm told,
But there's always a better dog and because of that I was sold,
No better yet I was froze, left alone in the cold,
And with my tail between my legs, I had to carry my own load,

Now there's good dogs and bad dogs, And it's easy for them to switch,
Like a female can be a dog, But a female dog can be a bitch,
So I came up wit this philosophy, My simple rule of thumb,
All men don't start out as dogs, bitches turn us into them,

And this is why your heart is broken...
Cause I was bitten by a she-werewolf,
And every time I find something that reminds me of that bite...
I turn...

I turn into this women hating creature, that sees you as a toy,
That takes over my manhood and feeds off my desires as a boy,
A primitive mind takes over and I become a slobbering, mangy, mutt,
That only wants to eat, sleep, shit, and fuck....

A beast that roams the city simply looking for thrills,
With a pack of dogs behind him, all with gold grills,
Creeping through the forest on 20 inch wheels,
Looking for that pray, propped up in 6 inch heels

And every take down is rewarding, the break down was just that,
Cause every take down that I break down makes my leader of the pack,

So I'm sorry for being me and having K-9 ways,
But I refuse to be that K-9 that just sits back and lays,
And I'm sorry that I was that dog in the bush,
And even though I've bitten you, I hope you don't turn into a wolf.

-2007

Poetic Homicide

It was I who Killed the poem, yes I admit it,
I pleed guilty to all the charges and I hope I don't get aquitted,
I shanked the poem with my pen, disregaurding all the rules,
So that the poem would bleed out thousands of untold truths,

He was hiding in my mind, so I knew where to find him,
I wanted him to see me coming, so I decided not to blind him,
He saw me and tried to run and escape out my lips,
But I had this planned out and set up a wire, so he'd trip,

As he fell out the lips, he stumbled into my trap,
It was a snare of white sheets that laid in my lap,
Then I began to slice his body, with my weapon of choice,
I cut open his lips and I gave him a voice,

As he yelled, I kept cutting, his blood ran black,
He tried to call for help, but he was already under attack,
His body stopped moving and his ARTeries went dry,
But I'm proud of my work so there's no need to lie,

That poem died by my hands and of this I am proud,
I will tell the whole world, I will confess my crime loud,
And when you see the corpse of this poem, just know that I built it,
And when someone ask, "What happen to that poem?" Just say "Lance Killed it"

-2006

Bitter Dreams

Dear God if you allow me to dream tonight, I pray those dreams aren't about her,
If I dream I pray it'll bring some type of stability to my heart,
She's out of my life, but I find myself going back to a time where she was,
And I can see why...Two years of my life had her in it.

If you allow me to dream tonight let those dreams replace her face,
Let my heart forget her name, let my body find her touch disgusting,
Let my skin forget her touch and soul forget her bliss,
Let my nose forget her smell and my lips forget her kiss,

Let my ears forget her sound, let my body forget hers,
Because she's forgotten mine, this is my "She Hurt Me" story,
My heart's contractions pump slow, and why, I don't know,
Love pretended to be my hearts friend, but it just lefted a hole,

So my soul is now low, in pain, and still stiched,
She's a female who dogged me out, the living form of a bitch,
And this I deserve to say, YES this I deserve to say,
Because while some wouldn't give her the time,
I gave her 730 days of mine,

Fingers message the brains cage, hoping that it'll some how subdue the rage,
That only can be released on a page, and recited on a stage,
Vocal Cords want to scream constant cursing's of her name,
But the brain keeps them quite, "Don't let them see your pain."

So I won't let them see my pain and of this I am sure,
And if you allow me to dream tonight Lord...I pray that they're not about her.

-2006

Sweet Dreams

Dear God, If you allow me to dream tonight, let my dreams be about her,
Let my mind wander through the ideas that prepare my heart for love,
Let my skin feel her touch and my lips feel her kiss,
Let my mind know no doubt and my heart feel sure bliss.

To where the only stimulation is occurring in my brain,
Let my eyes see her face and my ears hear her name,
Let my fingers feel her skin and my neck feel her lips,
Let my hands stay steady as they travel along her hips.

Let my brain feel pleasure and my body find peace,
Let all the troubled waters in my life, slowly begin to cease,
I can’t be with her now, but she is still on my mind,
So please help me find her, for my eyes are closed, and I am blind.

When I am with her, I can climb any fence,
She makes my heart quicken and my body becomes tense,
With others my guard is up and my defenses are dense,
But with her I feel no fear and my life makes sense.

She is the enzyme that turns my pain to joy,
She may see me as a man, when I feel the courage of a boy,
So if I dream tonight Lord, let my dreams be about she,
And if she’s dreaming tonight, let her dreams be about me.

-2006

I'm Loving It

I dream of you and me looking into each others eyes deeply,
You open you mouth to receive a tasty, treat,
I reach into that red box decorated by Golden Arches and pull a tanned, crispy, entree just for you,

You suck the remaining backwash from your cup,
And when you're done...I refill it for you,
You offer to feed me one of your chicken nuggets and I accept,
Because you are my little love nugget,

At times you can be sweet and sour, but you taste good either way,
As we finish our meals I reach into that white and red bag,
And pull out two apple pies and I hope,
That the warmth of those apple pies...warms your heart.

And hopefully you'll let me to shoot warm filing into your mouth,
But I'm taking about pies of course,
All of this is yours, all that I buy is for you,
A feast for a beast and all from the dollar menu,

The Hamburgalar has stolen all of my cheese so I can't afford expensive places,
But what's more exotic then you feeling my tube in the tunnels of play places,
I know you've got a "thing" for Ronald...He makes you laugh,
But if he smiles at you again I'll shove those shoes right up his ass,

And Grimace keeps grinning at you... And this I won't let give,
So I'll beat his purple ass like the rip off Barney he really is,
And I was thinking since you love me and you don't want to hurt me,
I was wondering would you mine if we had a threesome with birdie,

But don't worry, I'm not in a hurry, take time to let those thoughts scurry,
And while you're thinking of that, I get us two Oreo Mcflurries,
You are my Golden Arches love and with you, I have the most fun,
So let's go back to the crib and let me put some meat between your buns.

-2006

Hearts Banquet

My heart craves for the meal that love serves,
Famished and left hungry by the last Banquet,
Teased by the ever passing entrees that make their way to other hearts tables,
My heart has had it's share of before dinner rolls,
but with those fullness cannot be reached.

My heart dines with my mind and my mind shares the hearts will,
But while the heart maybe ready, the mind is still paying the last meals bill,
The mind Knows it's just like the other, just another repeat,
The mind knows the meal doesn't last forever, but the heart thinks it's All-you-can-eat

But why can't the heart think like that and have aspirations of good relations,
Because the brain knows the truth and realizing reality is his occupation,
The heart thinks of only fairy tale meals, those meals that last forever,
The mind used to think that way until the last meal supply was severed,

So the heart sits and waits for his order to be filled,
And the mind will eat with the heart until the next "all-you-can-eat" is proved unreal.


-2006

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Ello Ello Ello WEBAmerica.
This'll show my character.
Bloggin that balogna
Fuck wit me and I'm darin ya... lol

I'm silly arent I? Anyway welcome to My blog. I'll be posting poetry, rants, speeches, and anything else I feel like lettin the world see. I'm new to the whole process so bare with me. But in the meantime inbetween time... Stay safe, spread love, and FinallyDoBetter...