Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The Dayz


I'm from solitude drenched in wonder, faith
and determination; bein' man of the house
while retaining the heart of a child
long walks through lush lands
and livin' for late-night hangs
I'm from a time where 'I'
brought thoughts of self
and not losing ourselves
in the latest iphones

I'm from momma's meatloaf,
mashed potatoes and gravy
followed by banana pudding
goodnight's, I love you's,
and say ya prayers sealed
with a kiss

I'm from Hip-hop
hi-hats over hard-hitting
bass backing rhymes of bitches,
hoes and who got the fattest ass
to conscious streams of Amerikkka
and poets revealing their darkest days
with every 16 bars acting as a therapist  

*for dverse

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25 comments:

Mary said...

I really like this, Anthony! All of it. But If I had to choose a favorite stanza it would be the first one. Like 'man of the house while retaining the heart of a child' lots, and I think we all would like to keep such a heart! There is a softness in this poem, existing side by side with tough determination!

Gabriella said...

This is a great self-portrait, Anthony. I too like the first stanza but the foodie in me thinks she would like to try your moma's meatloaf and banana pudding. Smiles.

Claudia said...

that is wonderful... and oh... momma's meatloaf,
mashed potatoes and gravy ... my goodness... i'm getting hungry... so much comfort in food as well

brudberg said...

The three stanzas really merge into the complexity of growing up. Responsibility though still some mamas meatloaf and the hip-hop to round it off. Yes this works like a triptych where each is its own image but painted with the same brush.. love it.

Myrna R. said...

The poem describes a pensive life observer, a philosopher of sorts, a good man and son, a fun loving individual. You're beautiful Anthony.

Glenn Buttkus said...

Strong, tender, revealing this place, this people from whence you sprung; excellent use of the prompt; the second stanza snagged me, /followed by banana pudding/goodnights, I love you/& say ya prayers sealed/with a kiss/. damn rights, brother.

Anonymous said...

I knew I would like your poem today, Anthony. Each stanza a bit of 'self' revealed - wonderful!

Unknown said...

May we always retain the heart of the child in spite of all the hardness and I think this shows you have. Meatloaf in our house was always followed by chocolate cake. Banana pudding was for after fried chicken and potato salad :-) how this weaves a wonderful picture of you - tough, tender, intelligent, strong...

Anonymous said...

Nice. My favorite stanza was the one in the middle. It's good to have a momma making meatloaf and reminding us to say our prayers as part of our heritage. Peace, Linda

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Ah yes, every sixteen bars acting as a therapist. Wonderful! Loved reading this.

C.C. said...

Poignant, moving, soft and determined all at the same time. Beautiful, Anthony :-)

Tameka said...

I can see how you became the poet you are from reading this. You were surrounded by art. You now are art yourself. :-)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, bitches and holes and fat ass baby!.... That's what I'm talking about, he said thumping his heart with a two-fingered peace sign!

Anonymous said...

You had to grow up quick, great poem with a rhythm to it.
You are the second one to talk about banana pudding. Someone needs to give me the recipe :)

Katie Mia Frederick said...

Ah.. yes.. and the best of all places can be that loving food.. midnight kisses and soulful prayers of the unconditional love of a mamma that makes young men grow the strongest of all as loving others as same..:)

lynn__ said...

I feel like this is authentic Anthony! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into "The Dayz" (great title). I admire your momma :)

Sharp Little Pencil said...

Anthony, the best part of this, for me, was "Mama's meat loaf" and the thought of "I" being different from images of "IPhones." That second is a KEEPER!! Also, yes on "Amerikkka." Wish people would wake up to the reality of white privilege, which is funny coming from me, who wrote all about the lilywhite burbs, lol. But the soil from which you spring isn't necessary ALL of your education. Not if you really live... Amy

Sumana Roy said...

"I'm from a time where 'I'/ brought thoughts of self / and not losing ourselves / in the latest iphones" the lines superbly bring out a wonderful upbringing and as expected the next stanza is so graceful with a touch of momma...

Marina Sofia said...

It's got that rhythm and swagger of hip-hop to it, and then such depth. Memories which appeal to all of the senses (I love how you remember your mother's cooking - wonder if my kids will ever learn to appreciate mine....). I especially like the opening stanza and the final lines!

Prajakta said...

I really liked your second stanza... The way you have combined the culture and personal touches of where you come from is splendid..

vivinfrance said...

Terrific insight in this poem, courageous in its honesty.

Anonymous said...

Mom's meatloaf - always what fills our hunger - and our souls - nice

vb holmes said...

"I'm from solitude drenched in wonder, faith
and determination
bein' man of the house while retaining the heart of a child"

These lines say so much about who you are and why. Your words are a joy to read.

Anonymous said...

"solitude drenched in wonder"...love this right off the hop...like loneliness has an upside. There is warmth and comfort in your momma's meatloaf and a great rhythm to the last stanza.

Kathy Reed said...



What can add to what's already been said? I've known someone like you who would love reading this..it's great poetry, and the ending kinda got to me with the therapist thing!