Untitled...

Back to the land of the living.
I'm back after a week off, after trying to get re-centered.

Now, *cracking my knuckles* what shall I write on today? Hmm............., Oh.

Spiritual connectivity. Let me find an inspiration piece.... Okay. I'm ready.

In my life...*scratch that* Let me see how to begin...

Backstory.

Back when I was in college I dated this female, who was physically everything a guy could ask for in a woman. We dated for 2 years and had a really good "physical" relationship, and a pretty good relationship overall. I did love her, and felt that we could have a long and happy life together.

But in the midst of those 2 years, I did have a few indescretion. Mostly because I could, or because I liked being wanted by other women aside from my girlfriend (self-esteem issues). So these indescretions were mostly chics I met somewhere, neither I nor them were interested in real relationships. I would usually meet them at a club, and just start talking to them on the dance floor. I usually didn't ask for phone numbers, but sometimes I did for the heck of it. A very small percentage of them, would I actually pursue more with, though.

Well somewhere around the beginning of year 2, my then girlfriend got an internship up in Atlanta. So I was free to roam the Tallahassee countryside looking for chics. (I admit I was a bad boyfriend at times, but trust me I'm not that bad as a husband.) One fateful day I went out, I believe by myself, since my homeboys had gone home that summer. Anyways, I go to this reggae spot, and have my eye caught by this PYT with locs doing her thing on the dancefloor. At the time I was into Locs, so most chics with them attracted me. So I drop into my "mack" mode and go and start dancing with her. We begin talking and dancin', smilin' and dancin', wipin' sweat off each other and still dancin'.

Through conversation I find out that she's from Atlanta, a law school student taking classes a FSU. It was probably the most I'd ever conversed with a female in the club at one time. We basically talk and danced together all night. I was excited. Here was the woman I had written about in my journal; here lips, her style, her energy, her mentality.

She was right there! And where was I?

In a "loving" relationship. Not a good place to be when find a soulmate.

I would find out later that night that she was only here for a one week seminar... and it was her first day in town. So, I'd have 5 days.

• Will VerseOne leave his physically strong relationship for a mental one?
• Will he take the chance of starting something that can't be finished?
• Will the fact that his girlfriend is interning in Atlanta, and the PYT is visiting from Atlanta come in to play?
• VerseOne now lives in Atlanta with his wife, who has Locs, is that a coincidence?

Tune in tomorrow....

Peace.

"Lift Every Voice And Sing..."---- James Weldon Johnson

"Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;"

The other day I was blog surfing, and I came across that of a blogger TeacherTori who had asked the question "why is there a Black National Anthem" (Lift Every Voice And Sing). So I decided to respond to her question, and I've decided to share it with ya'll. (Kinda long but definately worth the read... i think, anyways).

TeacherTori: …We have no "Korean American National Anthem", "Italian American National Anthem," or "German American National Anthem"....why a black one? We are not in segregated times anymore, and the majority of Americans alive today do not remember those horrible times so many years ago. I guess my beef is calling it the "Black National Anthem." I understand its purpose during the years when blacks were not given the same rights as other Americans, but the Civil Rights Act remedied that. I understand there will always be racists out there, but no need to add fuel to the fire. I think "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" is a beautiful name.

VerseOne: Tori, I appreciate you asking this question, as well as, those who share your idea. But the title is more to reach African Americans than to appease others.I mean, think about it alternate titles are given to events, songs and people all the time, but most people don't question them. For example... Holocaust. Now you ask any person what the word means, and I'm sure it's related to Nazi Germany. Even though there have been several holocaust in the history of the world, including the number of slaves that died as a result of the slavery related events."Peculiar Institution". The American History book for slavery.The name means nothing to those who appreciate the message of the song. Black nationalism (meaning the love for yourself as black people, and the fight for there equality) is needed in this country so why wouldn't a rallying call be necessary to help us keep our "eyes on the prize", so to speak?And finally the reason "the majority of Americans alive today do not remember those horrible times so many years ago." is because the history books omitted it.Peace.

"Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won."

TT: What do you mean by "reaching African Americans"? I am a teacher and after I read what you said I looked at textbooks and there was a lot of information on slavery and black culture period. Maybe not a few decades ago but these kids are being very educated on history.

VO: Maybe in recent textbooks. But I was in primary school 10-15 years ago and our coverage of black history was sparing.When I say to "reach african americans", I mean just that. In order to gain understanding of your culture or heritage, there is a need for methods to do so. Kwanzaa for example. It is in essence a celebration of our culture and also a ritual by which we can learn more about our origins. Same with Black History Month. They are used to bring awareness. Just like the AIDS walk, or MS Telethon. Where people affected by these illnesses campaign on their behalf. These songs or rituals bring awareness to those people might want to become more aware. Those who tend to want a greater sense of awareness happen to Black people in this case.So the song is just like any other song of affirmation, it has it's targeted audience and aims for them. Gospel songs aren't aimed at Muslims, so should the Muslim be mad for gospel music not being all encompassing, or viceversa?

I haven't heard anything back from her, but i'll let ya'll know. I'm curious to know what everyone else thinks about this. Please share your opinions.

"Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast."

Here are some people from TeacherTori's comments section opinion:

• FetchingJen---"The only thing that irritates me about labeling the song as "Black" National Anthem IS the label. Why is it njecessary if it is about and for blacks? The National Anthem is for all Americans, not just the white ones... "
• Eddie---"Hey, if someone thinks they have their own something or other, I have no problem with it. Let them play make believe, and I will join the millions of other Americans who love the star spangled banner."
• Stuffle---"It is the calling the song a "Black National Anthem", as if blacks and whites are supposed to have different national anthems, that is the problem. "

"May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land."

Peace.

Old pic of my Son, bro, and me with locs.

My Son, Nephews, and I at the Atlanta aquarium.

"Mic check...1, 2, testing..."

Mic checks. This topic came to me after reading some other blogs in recent days, and some of my own reflections of college life.

The thought of getting your mic checked initially grew out of the rumors, and tales that spread through most high schools. There is always alleged incidents of girls checkin' some dude on the bus, or in the dugouts on the baseball field, or the back of the class during a film strip. Mostly these were rumors and locker room stories, but the act intrigued me nonetheless.

I was primarily intrigued because, even though I was no longer a virgin, the thought that my enjoyment of a sexual act was dependent upon the knowledge, skills and abilities of the chic performing it, was like heaven(to a 15 year old kid). I could actually just sit/stand/lay there and just enjoy. It was like your birthday or something, getting a present without having to recipricate (well not back then anyways).

"Mig-gity microphone masters..."

So what did I do? I began actively persuing those chics who were known to dabble in the felatiotic (i'm sure i just made that word up) arts. And those chics who had "DSL's, that would make a nigga dick swell." But to no avail. Although I did smash several of them, I wasn't getting the mic check.

It wasn't until senior year high school that I got my first lick on the tip, and that was the greatest 2.5 seconds of my young adult life.

I also had a complex that I discovered shortly after those 2.5 seconds... I don't think I want to kiss a chic who gives head. Funny now. Serious then.

I left high school, got to college and eventually dated. Now my first girlfriend, who had the "DSL's" i mentioned earlier had never "gone down" on a dude before, which i believed. So I began thinking that my chances of ever getting "mine" were close to zero. I even began "taking a trip downtown" just to increase my odds. Funny now. Serious then.


But all my waiting, my 8 years of sexual activeness without orals drought, my subtle suggestions, and guilt trips ended. One early morning the weekend before Final exams my life was changed for the better. I recieved at that point my greatest gift of all. It was definately all that I had hoped. Happy Birthday to Me!

Peace.



"...Microphone checka, one two checka" --- Das EFX

(oh yeah. chic in the photo. i don't know her, and i apologize if you are offended by the use of your picture for purposes of discussion.)