I rise

I rise because I have courage

I rise because I’m determined

I rise because I have to conquer 

I rise because I long to reach for nothing but the stars

Yes I rise because I rise

I rise because I’m motivated

I rise because I’m driven

I rise because I have goals

I rise because I know how it’s like to fall

I rise because what makes me stronger is to rise when I fall

Yes I rise… because I rise

I rise because the future promise to shine brighter than the present

I rise because I’m the light that shines brighter that the morning stars

I rise because I have faith

I rise because I have hope

I rise because I pray for better everyday

I rise because I rise…. Yes I rise

I rise because I’ve been down

I rise because I’ve been broken

I rise because I’ve been weak

I rise because I’m stronger now

I rise because I’ve feared

I rise because I've to take risks

Yes I rise because I’m worthy

I rise and I rise

I rise because He promised to be with me wherever I go

I rise because He will never forsake me

I rise because He said he loves me

I rise because He said foreknew me

I rise because He is an Awesome God

Yes I rise because I rise

Dear life

Like a seed plaughed in the valley of many

You have nartured me to be the best I can ever be

Life is succumbed with a bright future and success

You have blessed me with people I can look up to

That makes me view life in a very different angle

And I start to appreciate and value everybody in my life circle

Although there were times when hurricanes striked

When I couldn't soldier on

When I had lost hope for the best things

But you gave me one more try (a chance)

A chance to be content again

And I embraced that chance

Held firmely on it, abundantly 

At times life became more complex

That's when most of us say life is unfair

But the fact of the matter is.......

Life is an absolute gift from God

And it is our encounters in life that are unfair

That's why when things seem to be in the midst of the haze

I let posi+ivity take over

I rise above obstacles

Above hate and above fear.

Because life has been so dear to me

Everything seem possible now

Life presents unlimited opportunities

No matter what the circumstances

There is always a way out

Not because of my wisdom

But through the mercy of the Almighty Lord

Dear life.....please continue

To bless me abundantly. Elevate me

From one level to the next

Lemme cherish love with other people in my circle.

Devotion Part II

How wonderful it is to know

That you are always near,

That even when things are tough,
You’re always by my side.
Whispering …….“every little thing will be alright”

No matter what you’re doing
Nor what the time of day,
You never too busy for me

You came to my life as a blessing,
As a Queen….and I’m your King,
That’s my devotion to you.
You brought contentment

And filled my heart with love,

Tender and care….

In return, as my devotion to you

I make time for you, “for us”

For us to reminisce and cherish

The good moments

And be there for you when we hit the rough patch

But that’s hardly occurred coz God is with us

I gave you my heart and you reciprocated that

In all, I’m truly indebted

Life is Compelling

When we are but a few years old, yet, too young to ponder the imponderable, life compels. You sit down and jot your year’s resolutions. And u notice that a lot has changed….from your needs, wants and necessities, they’re different from what you had a few years back. But don’t worry, it means you are growing up.

Growing up comes with responsibilities. Responsibility is the ability to show a certain distain, for being responsible. While growing up is not all bout the SWAG and the bling-bling which has been implanted in our thinking system. Neither is about banging an enormous number of galz. Or scoring a partner who will take care of you *abo-sugar daddy*

The truth of the matter is…SWAG will not pay our bills few years down the line. But being responsible will help us invest for the future. Some things in life benefit us to a certain extent. So responsibility in this context simply means understanding repercussions of your actions. Taking charge of the matter and be in control. Coz what you put in is what you get out. Life is full wonderful things. So do not settle for a mediocre life. You have to be compelling.

Awaken

There comes a time in your life when you reminisce on daily life activities…. When you get caught between love, fear and dreams; and the haze in your eyes slowly pages up. When you're thinking how difficult can it be: to push and to shove just for a sense of belonging. Pushing and shoving to be accepted for who you really are. When you say enough fighting and crying or holding on….but through the midst you begin to look at the world from a new perspective.

……………………….this is your awakening.

You realize that is it time to stop hoping and waiting for something or someone to change, or happiness, love and dreams to come dashing straight to you. You come to the terms that nothing in life is easy. You realize that the future is not tomorrow but NOW. You begin to see that your life has been based on making other people’s lives better and ignoring your inner self needs and wants. You undertake self-introspection, rummaging for the things you like and trashing out what is no longer needed. In the midst of spring cleaning you realize that you have missed on so much in LIFE.

Yes, you have been in pursuit of your dreams and learnt that happiness is a counterproductive of success. Slowly you begin to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you discover that you have missed out on so much, you never followed your passion, but your destination has been harnessed by your parents, forgetting that you have your own vision, goals and happiness to pursue.

You accept the fact that you are not perfect, in fact, no one is. Not everyone will appreciate or approve of who or what you are…..that is FINE, you should not be concerned about that anyway. People talk, they talked before we were born, they talking about our successes and failures now but neglecting their own businesses, and they will talk even when we leave this planet earth. So that should not bother you. You come to terms that you are unique and so is your road to your desire state (where you want to be). You stop trying to compete with anybody but gunning for what you want out of life. You take a long look to yourself in a mirror and you make a promise to give yourself the same unconditional love and support you give so freely to others.

You reminisce about what you possess and you start to give thanks for all the simple things you are blessed with in life, things that many people are dreaming to have. You begin to do things God admires; you become who you want other people to be to you and do things you want them to do. You travel the road which God will want to see us taking…the road of loving, sharing, and giving. Then you discover that it is through giving that you receive.

Then you begin to love and care for yourself. You stop engaging in self-detrimental situations, including participating in dysfunctional relationships. Relationships that are based on material things other than LOVE alone, for all other things are added on where love is shared on its full scope. You realize that you deserve the best and the best, in this context, will not only come from one person but will be tailor-made by both parties.

You are enlightened that fear has hindered you to live the life you’re ought to live. And it was not just any fear, but FEAR of the UNKNOWN. You learn to recognize your mistakes and rectify them or better yet, start on a clean slate and let go of the past. It is not your duty to save the world and sometimes you just need to LE’GO. Life is full of many opportunities, choose mazkhethele. You revivify yourself to do the things you’ve for ever wanted.

In the process of pursuit, you learn that it is wrong to demand that someone live their life or sacrifice their dreams just to serve your needs, ease your insecurities, or meet your standards and expectations. Then sense of independence is born of self-introspection. You begin to learn that greatest things in life are better achieved through your sweats. And that the most love you can ever get in this world is self love; and you begin to understand, your heart heals; and now all new things are possible.

You determine that life isn’t fair and you don’t always get what you think you deserve, and you stop personalizing every loss or disappointment. You learn to accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that these things are not an act of God……but merely a random act of fate.

Finally, you realize that with God by your side, with courage in your heart you take on the world, and your life can take a twist, so you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can…coz you’re awaken. God will never fail you!

This piece is inspired by Sonny Carroll "The Awakening"

Better Life

The beginning for me was the day I met you,

the start of life anew,
of having someone my whole life through.
Having someone to care,
at times when life is so hard to bear,
and having tales with whom to share.
Having someone to say "I LOVE YOU"
and mean it with all their heart,
that is what I have because I have you.

Now I share my breath with you,
And hold dear to the memories we've shared,
And will continue sharing in the times ahead.
I thank you now for giving me
A new beginning - a better life.

Sum1 like you

I have been pondering trying to understand the complexity of feelings I have for you,
Guess this did not help anyhow but hurt me
It has enlightened this personality in me that I did not know of
A personality which resonates regrets for no knowing I have someone like you
I can’t help but hurt bout this whole thing
The hurt I have inside is not an inflicted pain, but a touching pain
The kind of hurt that brings knowledge of the amazing things in my life
The hurt that can be healed with lots of love, care and tender only someone of your caliber can give
Someone like you is not easy to find
That is why I wish nothing but the best for you

In her eyes

Her eyes depicts enormous pain
A silent voice shouts for a friend
Deep in her eyes is a bucket of sorrows
Loneliness is tearing her apart
Though she tryna convince herself that all is alright
But you can see she needs to be loved
Her heart bruises blood of disguise
Because she has been hurt
Although her heart is not broken
Her eager to fall for someone again has been sucked out
She appears to be strong on the outerself

In her eyes, she wishes to find someone
Someone to appreciate her
Someone to love and make her happy
Someone to amend her heart and complete her
Someone to accustom to make her his priority
Someone to tell her everything will be alright when there’s no hope
Someone to confer a shoulder to lean on
Because she will cry no more
Someone to be her best friend
Someone to lend her an ear when she need to talk
Someone to reminisce with
Someone to pour waters with
Her eyes are spray-painted by these desires

Deep in her eyes she envy a best husband ever
But her envy fades away coz she smells no love
All she ever acquaints with is lust
She’s unfortunate to be used rather than loved
Every man coming in her life exasperates hope
Hope for “Mr. Right” but it all vanishes
For there is no love anymore
Yet she doesn’t give up, coz her heart is made of love
She gives her very best to each of her acquaintances
This is depicted through her eyes

In her eyes you can see she’s been thru it all
Yet she do not wanna relinquish
As each day passby, her age adds up too
Time is running out for her dreams
Dreams to have an ideal family
To be married and have kids
This is what her heart and eyes desires

Through her eyes she needs security
She needs someone to talk softly with her when she shouts
She needs someone to be her light when her days are dark
Someone who is gonna see her inner beauty
Because the beauty on the outside is for everyone
She needs someone to cherish every momento with
Because beyond the pain depicted in her eyes
There is hope for a better life
Deep in her eyes she is all a man can dream of

In this land

I’m caught up in a land
A land full of promises
Yet succumbed by so much hatred
A land painted with fear of unknown
Yet blessed with so many ambitious people
A land of liberation and choices
But we’re afraid to liberate ourselves
We’re scared to display our capabilities
For we’re portrayed by our own mistakes
Mistakes which got us where we are today
Mistakes which will get us to our destiny
A destiny to be travelled
For life is a journey
But we have turned it to a race
A race full of curves and laps
Interesting and challenging laps
Where we set our own speed limit
Coz we are liberated in this land

I’m caught up in a land
A land where only the fittest survive
Only the wisest make it
Not only because of the wisdom
But coupled with determination
The orchestration is strategic
Coz only strategists go up the ladder
A ladder full of challenges
Yet worthwhile to climb
It’s not going to be easy
But what have I got to lose?
This is a land of choices
You choose to wake up
And make things happen
Or to sleep, hope for some miracles happen
For this land is full of opportunities
Opportunities are seen by those who look for them
Not by those whom wait for them
But by those who creates them

I’m caught up in a land
A land with so much temptation
Deceitful acts to hinder one from succeeding
Yet the land presents rich soils for us all
Everybody can plough enough for themselves
I’m caught up in a land
Where one’s success brings pain to others
A land full of backstabbers
But I don’t waste ma time on such negatives
For God is my Sheppard
He leads me besides still waters of this land

Fear = Courage

Every minor thing I do
They make me wonder, am I doing enough?
I fear to sit around
Coz that will not bring anything to the table
I fear being wrong
That makes me give my best in life
I fear to make the same mistakes again
My fear is my courage

I have immense fear to fail
That keeps me on my toes
I fear not to do anything to change my life
That makes me hustle everyday
I fear to speak flabbergastedly
That makes me to be sentimental

I fear not to take risks
Risks are a bridge to success
I fear to love you
What if you don’t love me back?
I fear the Almighty Lord
Coz He deserves to be Praised!

My fear is my courage
That makes wake up everyday to do what’s right
I may not be perfect
But my courage is genuine
The fear I have exasperates the courage in me.

optimism

2010 has reached its expiry date
some had an amazing year
some spent most of it rummaging new ventures
some missed out on a train of hope

when u feel like you’ve gave it your best
yet all you get is a pending fate
when every effort seem like a waste of time
keep going, though you need hope
for around the corner is your destiny

2011 prompts to be the best for everyone
it is full of hope, for we cannot do anything without it
the black cloud will disappear
the sun will shine and light your future
though the road be steep and hard to climb
never give up

build your hope, one day at a time
that’s the only way to make it in this planet
hope keep us alive
it exasperate the desire to live
to love and be loved back

each sacred hope is a blessingful gift
the fear of the future are all in your head
just live the present
refuse to resurrect the past
hope for the best….

Dnt luk bck

Life is a journey
As you travel thru life
There r times where tough choices and decisions have to be made
Not all of them will work out, trust me
But don’t despair
Pack up your troubles and take a step forward
Probably that step might lead to your comfort-zone, ecstatic world
Where you will find warmth, love, caring, life and elevate
So don’t look back

I mean no day is the same as the other,
Although we have one of those days
But everyday is an absolute day
All you have to do is rise and grind
That’s why you should put one foot in front of the other always

Only if time was anti-clock we’d go backward
Though some have had greatest moments in the past
We all reminisce on those moments “or memories”
But the past will never be future
Just let go
And don’t look back

There might be a bright future ahead of u
Maybe just around the corner lies your ‘real life’
Giving up is no option but a temptation
Don’t be tempted to go back coz those are all memories now
Past efforts have made you who you are today………but a better self lies in front of you

In life we have to learn to let go…..so many people hold grudges
Exasperate evil thoughts coz of the wrong deeds
Think things will be better if certain things didn’t happen
I mean everything happen for a reason
All you have now is make the best outta you
You gotta move forward, even if it means leaving what seem comfortable
Keep focus on what is in front of you instead of what is behind you
Don’t look back

Danger of wealth

I remember when we were all growing up
We used to share almost everything
Even in plights we would share
We’d do things in unity as a community

As I grow older I experience the difference
The differences we once shared as kidz
We had dreams, we all wanted to be rich one day
And God has blessed us with our wishes
Some of us are living their dreamz

The danger of wealth prevails though
Wealth has made us self-reliant
Self sufficient
Self-contained
It has made us isolated

We once shared public transport
We were the community
Together life was good
But when we are wealth we become separated from others

Wealth evokes pride
It closes gates to the poor
In a way that we worry about luxury
And not about helping others to realize their potential too
The gap between the two (rich and poor) accumulates

The danger of wealth is evil
Its makes us selfish
We become addicted to a number of things
We find it hard to live with less
We long for more and more
We neglect the sufferings in the street

True wealth lies in your soul
It’s not in monitory value
But the love and respect we share with others
Not only with ourselves but others
It’s about making a difference in ones life too
God be with you!!!!!!

is it real?

Over-longing for a special one
Dwelling on unique & special qualities
Mixed emotions and feeling about love
Doubt of its existence
Here I sit, contemplating……..

Courtesy of love
I understand its meaning
But will I ever practice it?
I pondered……

Amid the dreams of love
She came into my life
My heart aches for her
Her uniqueness & values she possesses
It amazes me

Her ability to cheer me up
When I’m down
Her voice and its beautiful sound
Her silence while listening to me
The love she anchors for me
My feelings for her are beyond words

She taught me sense of loving
To be honest and patient
The power of love overwhelms me
Each day my love for you grows
Let it be our courtesy…….

Now that you Gone

Your presence in my life was helpful. I learnt a lot and got to find what I have been rummaging for……my entire life. You gave me the meaning of life. Now I know that not everyone you bring close to you and share your sentiments with is cool. Some are but most aren’t.

Having you in my life brought some discomfort. I’ve always lived in fear. Fear of the unknown. It was always difficult to see the sunshine through the rain. I mean, what we had was “good”, so we both thought. Even though we would take shots from the dark, we never had a succinct direction for our ventures. There was never a shed light over us. We had our ups and downs like any other relationship. Waking up next to each other everyday got us thinking we had it going…we thought life was going on….but trust me we were wrong. Things were revolving around the circle.

Everyday was the same, it seemed so routine. We would do same things all over again, even when we changed, it would not make any difference because it would be one of the same thing over and over again.

I thought what we were doing was right. But how can a “right thing” be so wrong. It was such a waste of time. A game I reckoned. Now that you gone I’m starting to see and experience a different part of life. I am living without fear because what I have is a blessing from God. I live a complete life I would say, a life with no fears, lies nor secrets. Now that you are gone I know what is what. I know a full spectrum of life, that is.

Now I smile because you never gave me a reason to. Since you gone there is progress in my life. But after all I thank you for making me such a strong and a better person. Everything is going swimmingly now that you are gone and it is all because of You.

in honour

Today m able to simulate
and endure life.
To manipulate
and exalt through tough storms.
Despite all the plights, i still have strength
hope and faith in God.
I honour you

Today I reminisce
and share life with people I love.
You honoured me a chance to live,
to see, to talk and smile everyday.
Not everyone is so privileged.

Today I hold nothing back
I explore my endeavors
I adventure in full-force

You wanted the best for me
You been there for me in spirit
I appreciate you a lot.
Thank you mom for everything
I honour You.

Words are not enough

Sometimes words are not enough. You can utter eloquent words to entice somebody for your own good. But still don’t get it right, over and over again. Action speaks louder than words, so they say. Inevitably, that’s so true. Words are not enough but when coupled with action they are.

Words are transformation of our thoughts. With these words we are able to intertwine these thoughts with feelings and convey them. That’s how we express love, hate, and peace and praise our cognates. Words are aptly powerful to touch or stab one’s heart, or deceive someone.

Say you have wronged someone, for instance. What does it take to get forgiven for what you did? Words, only?…..of course not. You can not say you are ‘sorry’ than that’s that. You gotta demonstrate your contrition. Show some actions that you are really sorry.

Same goes with “relationships”. Your words wont be taken serious when you approach someone. But your demonstration or actions showing your love for that special person will do a trick. Late night phone call means a lot than just promulgated words but that you thought of her/him, is it not so?

Words and action are ‘sometimes’ a perfect match. But words alone are sometimes not enough.

A sense of Urgency

As we approach the end of the year 2009, most people had year resolutions which some did not accomplish them due to some restrictions or circumstances, and for whatsoever reason it may be. We make year resolutions because we know that we are capable for more than what we possess. We want to bring change to ourselves, our families and to others too. We want to tread into our horizons. As people we fall short, we fall short in life, in reaching our desired goals. We fall short because we sometimes lack the sense of urgency.

We speak of new beginnings, of new things and all things that will bring change in our lives. Change is good. New beginnings are best, too. But if u lack a sense of urgency there is less u can achieve. Think of a person who starts a race without a vision of how he will finish it, with no knowledge of where the finish line is. The beginning without the finish in mind is meaningless. The end is always important for any beginning if u have a sense of urgency in mind.

Though this sense need to be created in your program, and it should not just end there, it needs to be recreated again and again to keep you alert of your ends. If u maintains the sense of urgency in u, u will prosper and u will be compliant. You will be compliant in your dealings. You will do things right from the word go and with the ends in your mind and heart nothing can stand your way. With the sense of urgency you realize that life is too short, therefore it is important to prioritize your goals right at the beginning. This will help you to focus on the important things and eliminate things that aren’t.

So 2010 is full of promises, lets begin this year with the ends in mind, with the sense of urgency and with the vision of what we gonna get out of our actions throughout the year. On flip side of things, you can have the ends in mind but if your means aren’t compliant then you will have a problem. So have this sense in mind and be compliant. Make that list for the year 2010 and work on it right now with end results in mind and heart.

Life is extensible

Life is a journey
That needs to be travelled
I got to give it all, wherever I go
Now I gotta spread my wings and fly
Coz sky is the limit.

As I travel I know I’d fall and cry
Good and bad will happen to me
I will meet people I love
And hate others.
I will make friends, true friends
People who will always be there for me

People I wish to be with together, forever
But that’s not how life works
Life is extensible
So I have to be flexible

In life someone has to leave,
To start new adventures,
Where a new life awaits
Then they will have to say goodbye.

Though it might be sad and difficult
It seems unfair when someone leaves.
I personally hate goodbyes.
But sometimes goodbyes are the only way.
Coz everyone has to expand their horizons
And so I have.

New beginnings are great
I have to leave
I got to start something new
I’m not leaving because of you,
Or anyone
But it’s my destiny
Because life is extensible

I have to go,
I must go for I can no longer stay here,
I must expand my horizons.
It’s hard to say goodbye
Coz I have made friends, true friends
I wouldn’t want to leave
But ya!!! This is it.
Good moments do not seem to last.
I feel the pain inside,
But tomorrow I’ll forget about my grief today.

Devotion

she came to my life unexpectedly,
stood by my side assuredly,
no matter what!!!

she’s been there for me,
she has listened to me,
and comforted me.

she showed me a path to righteousness,
she gave me love and tenderness.

never thought I’d meet someone of her character,
with so much courage,
and passion about life.

she’s been like a mother.
she’s done things not even my girlfriend could have done.
she means a lot to me.

never thought we’d relate,
but now we simulate.

i used to walk past her,
without greeting her.
she would walk arrogantly.
but not, she’s part of my life, eventually.
Who is this woman, though?????