
Flash Black
First publication: Soulhouettes
The African-American Poetry of Shenita Johnson (1970 - 2000)
LOVE
Without an awareness of Love,
Life is void, ugly and hopeless.
Only love can rescue one
From the dreary daily march and lone,
Endless nights it's absence brings.
Love has restored my life.
It has placed the world on a canvas,
Colored it with all the magnificence
Of the rainbow and framed it
In Brilliant gold.
Love is an all-pervasive life-force
That warms the dark forest
And flows like a shimmering
Brook in it's paths.
Passages of my life now seem inspired.
Love continually energizes my being.
It's joy cannot be hidden.
To live and not merely contain
The breath of life,
One must know love.
Give love and it will bring you
Only Good.
(c) 1992 by Shenita Cade
MALE MYSTIQUE
I want a sweet man,
Who'll love me dearly.
A gentle-man,
Experienced and knowledgeable
Of the Feminine Mystique.
I want a man in reality
Who has always existed
In my dreams.
A man,
Whose embracing arms
And kind words comfort me.
A ma who would make me feel
As if I've travelled afar,
Even though I may never leave
My hometown.
He'd be my world!
My sense of adventure
Would be forever satisfied,
Even though I may never-ever
Leave his side.
A special man -
Like the one God created
In his image - strong,
Loving and giving;
Innocently blind to my
Shortcomings.
A man who instead of
Going out to play,
Longs for me
When I'm away.
(c) 1983 by Shenita Cade