Not Privileged-ku

No Justice No Peace
The price we pay is too much
It's Just Us wake-up

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

The High-lows

What occurs when high tide
becomes still water...
tell me...maybe you don't know
maybe you don't care but
ultimately you're affected...
me too...it's like that shriek
right before the rollercoaster
goes off the deep end and then
well the drop happened and
we're all surprised we survived
breathing dry from air burn
on our collective throats
tongues too parched to speak
face stuck in somebody slapped you silly
but that thrill of fulfillment...that high
another check off the bucket list
the I dare you back atcha
finally becomes a melodic hum
motionless for a twinkling
then it's over as we rush
to do it again...tell me
what occurs when high tide
becomes still water...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Mind your business-ku

Clearly embarrassed
flushed red cheeks pushing eyes wide
words that punish you

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Southside-Light/Life-News

Home for the Holy-days
family and friends always
but no snow to brag about
we shout loud in spades
with chicken wings we played
tea and catching up on things
somebody didn't make the peach cobbler
too bad for us gobblers don't you know
but soon forgot with the crowd
stories of a city, small no more
with plenty of room around
for refugees to come and snore
rest and live easier as my old elementary
and junior high school become ground floor
of a safe place for the Syrians to be placed
odd it seems and just in case you're wondering
the Southside will never be the same
not because of new faces but of one nations shame

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Christ-Mas-ku

Mas Mais Plus More Christ
Mehr 'Akthar Zaidi Christ
Okuningi Christ

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Libation toast to Holiday Spirits

What's your story?
What's up with you...I mean
why are you always staring at me?  He asked.

My story is your story and I'm not really here
I mean...I'm a figment of your imagination
and you're looking in the mirror...you asked.

Oh

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Airport-ku

Overbooked airlines

the norm for the holidays

family waiting

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Don't Miss Your Blessing

Carter and them play too much
said they were going to put me on the squad
but when it came time for first round picks
they acted like they didn't even know me
started talking all loud about how friends
stick together and look out for each other
even went so far as to say
only their family-like friends
would make the squad this year
four more people were picked
I'm still holding up a wall
trying to be cool...but inside I was mad
only one more pick...forget it...
they called Peanut...can you believe that?
Peanut got picked over me...whatever
ok then, I'm out...picked up my bag
and headed for the door...
then Carter yelled "Slow Poke"
Hah! That's what family call me
"Get over here, he said...we voted you Captain"
Captain!  Wow...good thing I didn't leave

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Awkward-Pageant-ku

Steve made a mistake

So said he was it really

They all deserve crowns

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Motown-ku

My head is spinning
like an old school forty five
record player sounds

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Creative Interruption or His name is George?

I have 30 minutes before curtain...I mean
before survival job call-time...I mean before work,
regular people work...civilian work...I mean
I'm regular people...sort of...
there was a knock at the door
I moved as far away from it as possible
ended up in the kitchen yelling who is it
in my island nice gal accent...
I did it like I was across the dirt road somewhere
then my next door neighbor with whom I share a wall
yelled back even louder than me "it's George, your neighbor!"
his voice is like Billy Graham...anyway, George!?
Since when did we get on the first name basis?
I thought his name was the Good Reverend Doctor
that's what he told me when I moved-in 2 years ago
told me I could just call him Neighbor...uhhhh ok
so today he wants to be George...alright I'll play along
quickly I throw on my unattractive ensemble of costume hat,
sweat shirt with fake food stains, my green "The Wiz" promo shades
and furry flip flops that look like animal claws
I crack the door slightly...chain lock still in place
Yes? I ask, now in my everyday voice
"I wonder if you could do an old man a favor"
he then pulls out his flip phone and explains
to me in great detail why it wasn't working although he paid his bill,
in fact pays every bill on time
I listened, he's an elder and a real minister and seemingly kind
but after what felt like 10 minutes, I interrupt him
ask if needs to borrow my phone..."Yes if you don't mind"
I didn't mind, took the chain off the door, opened it &
joined him in the hallway, of course shutting my door behind
and gave him the phone...then I went to get my laundry
from the dryer downstairs, hoping by the time I'm finished
gathering clothes, he'd be done too, but upon my return upstairs
with my laundry basket balanced on my head,
he was still trying to figure out how to use the phone...
mind you, this phone is only one step up from a flip phone
but anyway, after a brief lesson, he was on his call
I returned to my apartment, waited for him
to knock again and return my phone...instead,
after about 10 more minutes he yelled at my door
"hey neighbor, neighbor I'm done, thank you & God bless you!"
I open the door ever so slightly  with the chain lock back in place
phone returned....I say no problem, you too George...
God bless you too...I'm thinking good deed of the day...check.
Now, out of this costume and into my corporate casual costume
I have 30 minutes before curtain...I mean...
before survival job call-time...I mean before work,
regular people work, civilian work...I mean I'm regular people...
ok confession...not regular, not common, not ordinary...
expanded view of  life-stage...everyone I encounter gets to be a player
...don't ask about the first costume...let's focus on good deeds

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Tourists & No Sleep

All they wanted to do was talk about
what it would be like when they arrived
sunny skies warm weather ocean for miles
they kept telling each other it would be
parties and famous people everywhere
they would lunch with the best of the best
and get invited to all of the premieres
random people on the street would ask
for their autographs based on association
they had nothing else to talk about
high shallowness grew by the minute
couldn't wait to get off that express
Greyhound from Phoenix to Hollywood
didn't even get my nap in...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

For my Wolverine Homies

When they kept tearing the Shanty down in the Diag
because apartheid meant nothing to them

When maize and blue sweatshirts,
long johns with boxer shorts and
Swiss Air sneakers were the style

When No Doze and Ramen Noodles
purchased with recyclable bottles & cans
was a delicacy while pulling an all-nighter for an exam

When having a hot plate in your room was a sign of status

When the Mystic crew got together to play cards
for money we didn't have like we were old timers

When it snowed in October and we all got sick at the same time

When rushing and/or pledging a sorority or fraternity
was just as important as graduating

When Common Ground Theatre surfaced and
just about the whole dorm decided to audition
because it seemed like something fun to do

When the Original Copasetic's came to perform on campus
and we got to go backstage

When no one blinked after I dyed my hair orange

When parents, grandparents and siblings
came to visit only to find out you were now living off campus

When sleeping didn't exist because going to class,
rehearsal, practice, club meetings, community events,
sports events and studying required being up 24-7

When we did that production of "HAIR" with our clothes on

When establishing friendships and extended family, a home away from home,
if I eat you eat mentality was important

When we did that production of "Black Nativity" right before
the Christmas break

When establishing friendships and extended family, a home away from home,
if I eat you eat mentality was necessary

When we did that production of "The People Could Fly" and it made
the Sunday paper

When it's understood that if I eat you eat...no questions asked

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Coat-needed-ku

California cold
go please you are not wanted
fifty five feels like thirty

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

One can't figure out everything OR Missing foot pedal

The Storyteller weaves tales and tells those truths long forgotten by others...
One played the out-of-tune Piano morning, noon and night
Passerby heard the fragmented music and likened it
to his childhood days of attending a storefront church in the country
knocked on One's door and asked if he'd play for his family luncheon
One asked Passerby how much you paying?
Passerby said I'll give you $100 for the day
One said I'm gone need more than that
Passerby said I'll give you $200 and we'll feed you
One said I don't eat from strangers kitchens
but make it $250, a new suit and shoes,
a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a pack of Tareyton Lights
and you gotta deal...hmmm...Passerby considered One's request
ok Passerby agreed but asked how do we get this old piano across town?
Well, this old piano can't be moved or it'll fall apart said One
But you said you would play for my family luncheon said Passerby
One responds with, yes I did, but I didn't say nothing about moving my Piano
Well how was you planning to play asked Passerby
One stares at Passerby as if he has two heads connected to his neck
and then One calmly responds...with my fingers attached to my hands Sir...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

The Civilian Job-ku

Holiday party
Lawyers dancing like crazy
Support Staff awe struck

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

On your behalf

On the panel was Virginia Hamilton, Barbara Ann Teer, Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee
Virginia Hamilton talked of African slaves in America who took flight
Barbara Ann Teer spoke about God-conscious Art stemming from the soul
Maya Angelou told us exactly why the Caged-bird sings
Ruby Dee narrated what dignity personified would sound & look like
leading the discussion was Sojourner Truth who reminded the listening audience
that she also was there to sell some of her books
they would be readily available afterwards...
these women set standards...not just as Artist or Activists
but as Human Beings aware of what real freedom requires
no matter what circumstances you encounter...
be bold, be brave, be honest
they graciously served those "be's" as our supper
strong gusts of wind-blowing our minds
because reconditioning a brainwashed people
takes a little mind-altering conversation
seats on the panel are plentiful they reiterated
but before you take a seat, please take a stand
use your voice and feed the hungry

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Cheap & Trendy-ku

Got blue nail polish
two for one at Dollar Tree
chipped before it dried

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Mighty Leaders Stand

Positioned in the center
a little rough around the edges
from being a target, by choice, in the battle
unmoved by random confusion...disorder
there's a tribe that must be protected
established head of  house-hold-safe-place
when words are spoken, all attend
the Staff is now given to generation next
space has cleared for the new Chiefs

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Chapter 1: I just came to read

When did the public library turn into a social hang-out
what happened to that quiet place to read, study and think
I might as well be at the Mall...this is unreal
children's section is right in the middle of everything
and I get it we're all in charge of watching the children...I guess
but this is like playtime central...no rules whatsoever
free time for the parents strolling around elsewhere
eating sandwiches and drinking soda in the corner
big bright orange sign on each wall "no food or drink allowed"
yelling across the room for their child not to climb on the tables
teenagers laughing and throwing books...what the...
homeless men sleeping where the computers exist
alright I'm done...note to self...find another place to read books

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Faith walk

Sometimes we have to just go with it
because if we stop and think about it too long
that thing that we're here to do won't get done
left to our own vices we'd do the other thing
and be all off course and losing time gained
from the first thing which we've decided
is the thing we have to just go with
otherwise lightening will strike...I'm sure

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Minnie's Stove-ku

Hot water Cornbread
Black eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Sweet Potato Pie

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

She don't even see the challenge OR Focus Gold

There's this tightrope I walk
not cautiously but boldly
feet clashing quickly with the
surface woven ridges
balance is strictly spirit-intent
motion is not bothered
never-mind opposing elements
falling never a thought...
see that something sparkling?
I'm headed right over there
there's this tightrope
if you wanna come...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Today-ku

San Bernardino
unexpected bullets there
more ancestors now

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Tracking My Every Move Alert!

Remember back in the day
or back before social media
when being followed by someone
was usually when you were out walking
or shopping or by yourself off the beaten path

Remember how blowing a whistle
or talking really loud to yourself
or dramatic limping or arm flailing
was enough to make the follower leave you alone

Lets go back even further, High School
when you wanted to be followed
by the popular one or super smart one
who could get you in free to all the home games
or help you get A's on all your homework

What about to follow or not to follow
today, on the social platforms that reflect...
well, they reflect whatever you want it to reflect
real or unreal, sincere or insincere,
truth or dare we glare into a flat-screen crystal ball
see a mass of stalkers present and future
waiting for you to turn on, tune in or turn up

Remember, while you unfriend or stop following
or block the one who liked your messages one too many times
or sent too many private inquiries and your spouse got involved
or said the right thing at the wrong time and your feathers got ruffled
just try to remember...please remember...
the important thing to remember is that no one forced you
to sign-up for that account and jump on the bandwagon

Remember back in the day
when chatting meant actually talking on the phone

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

On your Mark-ku

Vroom, vroom vroom vroom
gearing up to get moving
screech around corner

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman