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