A world forgotten: Part II

I laid back on my straw mat and peered into a blue sky. Cranes glided through the sky by day and tiptoed through the tide as the red sun sank behind the horizon. The crickets began their nightly opera and the silhouette of the city stood quietly in the distance. My hands and feet became one with the sand.
I was the land; undisturbed.
I was the land; calm.
I was the land; free.
  

STARVATION

Seems like the ages have left nothing but a shadow cast among the people. A dark oversight of greed, fear, and ignorance.
Tormented membranes thrashed with negativity and doubt, lost without hope and a vision for the future.
Arguments between leadership direct the masses into confusion leaving a labyrinth of isms and tarnished values that once guided the land.
Realism is lost in fantasy. Respect is decimated by hatred. Reflection has yielded to an insensitivity of history and its purpose. Repetition of calamitous disasters are inevitable.
Vivid scenes painted by the media leaves us afraid and our souls tormented with the disturbia of death, violence, self-hatred, deceit and beyond.
Anarchy is far too prevalent across states. Protests and riots sputter. The rights to speech lose compassion and create chaos.
There is no consideration or courtesy given to people, to officers, to dignitaries, or the elders.
In this age we have abandoned wisdom and do not seek its face, but riches and fame propel us forward.
Onward towards a sky of nothing our children are doomed to gaze because the treasured teacher has disappeared. Trustworthiness, kindness, friendship, helpfulness, and other good character traits elude us.
Now is upon us and here we stand. Craving redemption and desperately needing greatness because our skin is feverish from starvation. We need to be quenched with a zeal for life.

C. Cunningham

Life

Life has often been called a race when making an analogy, or when used in metaphorical terms. Some of us are trying to beat out the competition for material things and status, and others with their personal goals at the end of the line. In any case, we are all moving somewhere. An infant is learning to walk, a toddler is learning to talk, a kindergartener is learning to count and add numbers as life continually progresses with time.

The race begins on our day of birth and from there it does not stop until we transition to death. We all leave the womb and into this world breathing with our own healthy lungs. We may not choose our own races in the beginning, but eventually success and achievement will be based on personal decisions. Some of us will walk while others will run. Then you have those who will fall down, and either get back up and continue, or leave the race altogether.

Like any challenge, life will give you what you prepare for. If you want to be the best and perform the best, then you train and work hard to accomplish just that. Being physically fit and mentally prepared are key in any event. You must be knowledgeable about your course and have a plan on how to run it. The goal is there and it is the individual or team that strategizes on how to get there most efficiently. Time and speed may be a driving force in people's actions. Quality and patience may be a factor in someone else's journey around the track. It does not matter what we decide on and how we spend our time, but it is imperative that we are cognizant in knowing that this is indeed a race and the goal is forward.

9/20/12 11:28 AM

Freedom of speech in the negative

What happens when the Freedom of Speech loses compassion?

We offend our fellow brethren and disrespect our fellow sisters.
The tongue tears down the walls of humanity with lashes of the vocabulary.

What happens when the Freedom of Speech loses compassion?

It is like an untamed fire running through the forest wild.
Destruction is the aftermath.
Hurt feelings and broken hearts ensue.

In God we trust and follow the command to love our neighbor as our self.
Shall we look in the mirror and condemn ourselves?
Shall we look in the mirror and spit?
Shall we look in the mirror and curse?
Shall we look in the mirror and not love what we see?

No matter the region or sections of the sea,
We share the common value of human decency.
But such is lost when the Freedom of Speech loses compassion.


Remembering the lives of the four Americans who died in Benghazi, Libya on September 12, 2012 after an attack on the US Embassy. This post is a reflection on the current turmoil sprouting across Northern Africa and the Middle East after this event. There is never any excuse for violence or a violation on human life. I continue to stand for peace. 

C. Cunningham 

Voter registration

Back to the polls in November to vote again. I have the right to show the America I believe in.
If you trust that it's a conspiracy, deception or the real thing, remember that opinions are just that, but truth is solid. Liberal, conservative, right wing, or whatever you proclaim, "Liberty and justice for all" is the foundation on which we stand. Liberty being freedom without restraints and justice is fair and impartial, dealing only with facts. So, as I take to the polls in November, I will only deal with the facts.

Our Roots Run Deep

Our roots run deep like the mighty Mississippi flowing from the Midwest

And out of the mouth of its southern delta.

Our hearts sit on grandma's porch filled with laughter on a rainy day
And lives with the smell of sweet peaches baked under fresh, hand pressed dough.

Our roots run deep like coals in the bottom of a barbeque pit

Lighting up backyard aromas on the second Saturday of the month.

Family recipes passed down from aunt to niece, from grandfather to son

And from mother to daughter in a never ending cycle of soulful meals.

Our roots run deep like great monarchies of kings and queens.

Just as the great Pharaoh built his pyramid to withstand the test of time,

We build our home to be a symbol of strength, intelligence, and love.

This family is a proud legacy of our ancestors.

Our roots run deep like the soul of a juke joint bluesman.

They groove to classic hits cruising down the boulevard.

These roots of ours connect us to a continent of hope and faith.

Aunts, uncles, cousins, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends alike.

Our roots run deep like a fresh January snow;

It runs deep like a baritone voice moaning from the Sunday choir.

Our hearts meditate between pews and old hymnals that tell us who we are.

Amen, amen, amen.

All hail sleep! (The continuation)

I slept well today. A burden was lifted from my shoulders and I laid in a comfort that had been lost. My body was snuggled under a green throw with my head nestled between the large brown pillow and mattress for hours. I turned several times, but knew it was not time to get up just yet. After I surpassed the normal siesta schedule, I emerged delighted at my day. What a perfect slumber. A refreshing and rejuvenating, deep sleep.

Brown skin

Where does my brown skin begin?
Does it start with the natives of this sacred land,
Or perhaps on the distant shores across the Atlantic.
Does my sun-kissed skin originate from the land of Pharaohs?
Did it drift from down the River Nile?
Maybe it arose from further north in Jordan's stream.
My cocoa shade could have been a blessing from the Orient
Seasoned with the finest curries and spice blends.
This skin has been touched by the four corners of the earth.
It connects me to something intangible;
Something far greater than just me.

My heart is where my home is

I left my heart in deep cobalt lakes and cool summer winds
It grooves to classic hits while cruising down the boulevard
My heart sits between pews and hymnals on early Sunday mornings

I left my heart on grandma's porch filled with laughter on a rainy day
It lives with the smell of sweet peaches baked under fresh, hand pressed dough
My heart belongs in the negative temperatures of the purest winter snow

I left my heart down on the river banks with catfish and blue gills
It burns with coals lighting up the smells of the best back yard barbecue
My heart is at home in Michigan the finest place I know

I march for Trayvon

I march for Trayvon because I live in a land of freedom and decency.
I march for Trayvon because life is to be cherished and honored.

I march for Trayvon because my nation is united in brotherly love.
I march for Trayvon because indignity has no dwelling in my country.  

I march for Trayvon to let peace reign from my footsteps,
Justice roll through my body and then out as I inhale and exhale.

I AM TRAYVON MARTIN! 

What do you do?

What do you do when you don't want to do what you need to in order to sustain;
You don't feel like doing what relinquishes the pain.
What happens when you know your day has been spent in vain?
All the illogical thinking has fried your brain.
Snap, crackly, pop, fizzle, emotions unrestrained.
What do you do when you just can't refrain?
When you, now the lonely island has disconnected from the main.
Peace just can't be obtained,
Life projects its wrath with disdain.
What do you do when you don't want to do what you need to do to keep from going insane?

I love you eternally

He said, "I love you eternally."
No, he is not God,
But definitely heaven sent.
My perfect seven on the creation scale.
I am complete.
Resting like God did on day seven.
Looking at he that is mine.
Mine in a shared love.
Mine with an open hug.
Mine under a bright sky.
Mine forever
Because he said, "I love you eternally."

A world forgotten

I sat at the beach and gazed out at the turquoise waters and then asked how a world that holds such beauty could be overrun with dismay. The silent whisper of the wind gently telling me the earth's secrets comforted my slouched body. I lay in my lounger with sand granules coating my toes after I had dipped my lower region in the cool sea water. Seashells pricked the bottom of my soles as I strode across the shoreline. It was a rejuvenating experience. The sky was the most amazing color blue, and I looked into the clear skies and wondered how a world so beautiful could contain such hurt.

Ready, Set, Go!

I woke this morning and I was ready. God spoke so clear to me and I knew exactly what to do. It is time for a 'right here, right now' lifestyle. Use what you have until you get what you want.
My aim is so high that I had my head too far in the clouds. The air is gorgeous up there, but a quick trip back to solid ground makes me well aware. At the end of a day, it is me and only me. I have to do it. My destiny, my goals, my livelihood, this is all up to me. I would never discredit my higher power, but we all understand what faith without work is.
So, today I woke up with clear vision of what I need to do right here, right now. For this I am thankful, and I am in the ready position all set to go.

Just Before Noon: A tribute to the inauguration of President Barack Obama

It was just before noon when a new day began.
As the sun sat at its highest point in the sky,
The earth stopped revolving for just a moment
To stand still in awe of the day.
The brisk air did not feel so cold
While hearts warmed in admiration.
It was just before noon when doubt forever faded
Into the shadows of promise and a new hope
Was officially laid upon the people.
Millions were hushed
While ancient words were spoken
And brought new meaning to life.
A dream deferred was propelled into full motion
With the will to attain the highest.
It was just before noon that I stood
Among the masses.
My spirits leaped in this new day
As it never had.
A feeling came over me.

Words cannot explain the contentment
That filled my soul in that hour just before noon.
Aspiration for a bright future
Stepped to the mighty platform
In that monumental place, on a historic day,
He wore a new face.
It was the face of the mistreated
And underprivileged,
The malnourished and over worked
The forsaken and forgotten.
To the left of him stood a reflection of me,
An uncompromised figure of distinction
Positioned in a humble stance.
A strong figure stationed beside him
To help him stay poised
On such a mighty platform.
And just before noon I took a revered stand.
I watched the dawn of a new era appear
When the sun shifted to its highest point
Of the day.

From that mighty platform he spoke life.
He declared redemption for the people.
For all the mistreated and underprivileged,
The malnourished and over worked,
The forsaken and forgotten.
At that peak I was lifted to a higher place.
Noon struck and history
Was confirmed for the people.
The dream was now in full stride.
My desires for a bright future were illuminated.
It became official that our nation
Gained Barack Obama as President.

Copyright 2012 by C. Cunningham

Inner Conversations By C. Cunningham

Inner Conversations By C. Cunningham

Our finest moments are spent in deep thought alone. In the loneliest of hours we conjure up the strength, pain, and emotions of our soul. Through this process I was able to create the works inside this book. In it, you will find many of the thoughts I never shared aloud and elements in the world that surround all of us. The writings reflect on education, relationships, politics and numerous other topics. Enjoy the colorful imagery within the words and be enlightened. I invite you to come on a journey with me as you browse through my innermost thoughts.

Happy Reading!

Charlie

The Best

I have to be the best;
Of course I do.
There is an assurance
Set in my mind.
There is an egging
Deep in my soul
That beckons me.
I rise to my calling.
I strive for only the best.
To settle is uncivil.

Happy New Year

The clocks and days have turned and so have I. Now I embark on a new journey in 2012; a conquest to claim the victories set before me. God has promised me a specific life and given me an even more specific charge. I will carry my duties out with honor. It is a great blessing to be chosen.