Def Poetry: "A Letter to the Law" - Common

"A Letter to the Law"

                             

This is one of my favorite's from Def Poetry Jam, it's a poem recited by Common titled, A Letter to the Law. The poem covers the topic of governmental abuse of power, which is something that we can all relate to. What are your thoughts on governmental abuse of power? Comment below!

"Tempted Relation" - a poem written by Dominique Conston

"Tempted Relation"

Unimaginably impossible it was to believe.

The person you love, and the one you desire.

The way you feel, interrupts the truth.

Truth lies, because the pain is reality.

Clouded feelings, relations in mind.

Separate thoughts, no showing of clarity. 

Years of work, wasted by a moments time.

Tempted by lust, no showing through the heart.

Lost and unaware, sexual actions denoted the start.

Secrets kept in the dark.

Days pass and conscience kicks.

Damaged internally, for which is only the truth can fix. 

Relationship conflicts.

Hiding what eventually shall prevail, set to depart and live off retail.

Instead, it meant much more.

There was love for sale in store.

Values faded, feelings effected, love degraded, reveiling neglection.

No room to renovate.

What could all this insinuate?

No longer able to retain the expression.

Overpowered by guilt, becoming an unchained confession.

Let's obtain the lesson.

In love, yet tempted by disguise.

A new pleasure, aside from being taken for granted.

Abided to set a standard.

Temporary desire, fueled the fire to cheat.

Hurt, betrayed, submissive and beat.

Just because it's different doesn't always mean it's better.

Discovered the hard way, time to face the weather.

Words and actions all on the table.

Unveiled the fable.

False perception of complacent, resulted in being a replacement.

Set in stone, engraved in the pavement.

Everything was given, but you chose to chase it. 

Poetry Contest Submission: "Soul Mate" - a poem written by Tarrance Branch

Soul Mate

Another rime?

It's about another time,

another night,

another day is gone of bright.

Another bill?

A dollar that I must reveal,

I feel a chill,

the "could" is giving me the ill's,

I have to go,

but yet I think I'm gonna stay,

she wants me now,

so yes we had to run away,

the girl was smart,

she has a decent sided heart,

a pretty smile,

can make a nigga walk a mile.

just to see her face,

I mean the girl is not a waste.

Who takes her place?

You're holding hands when at the Taste,

but she's your baby,

for ever, ever, ever? 

Maybe...

she's got me crazy,

because she's more than just a lady, 

my soul mate, 

 I tell you that she's more than great,

like five lakes,

and when I meet her I can't wait! 

But did I meet her?

Or did I let her slip away?

The girl was could,

could as my city I can say,...

this was deep, 

deep as the ocean past the creek,

I go to sleep,

wake up to sounds her rested beat!

So what's the matter?

Maybe I'm tweaking, nothing's wrong!

I ride around, 

thinking of never going home,

but it's a phase,

and maybe you then, had the blaze,

I walk away...

but tomorrow's yet to stay. 

Poetry Contest Submission : " Who Are You? " - a poem written by Dejah Mcgrew-Stephens

Who Are You?

A world of destruction behind those eyes...

Whose tongue with words cut sharper than knives. 

But you shed a past of pain, darkness, and lies,

I wonder...who are you?

Father, mother, sister, brother...

Do I want to dig any further?

Who are you?

Child reborn unto the sand,

An untold story just began,

& simply want those to understand,

who are you?

Your apart of this world that was created.

A presence so powerful it was belated.

A knowledge so unknown that it seemed outdated...

But I know who you are,

You're a sense of imagination,

That produces a tone of gratification,

That makes me say "thank God we made it!" 

Poetry Contest Submission: "Black" - a poem written by Keisha A.

Black 

We are born into a world that automatically hate us.

We are black people.

Ancestors of Africans and grandchildren of rapists.

You see... they freed us physically, 

but left our minds in cages.

Racism no longer lives under white sheets,

 but instead in the hearts of black faces.

Divisions of hue separate us.

Beauty measured not by brains, not by heart, but by tones and textures.

Dark skinned little girls praying for lighter complexions.

Didn’t know then, but now I know better.

How can I expect God to deliver to me sins of the devil?

Brainwashed into thinking that I was wasn’t good enough,

 but that was before I discovered what beauty really was.

B. Beyond because you are beautiful beyond a complexion.

E. Every. Every time you look in the mirror love your reflection.

A. Amazing in every sense of the word.

U. Unified from the most precious things on earth.

T. Trust. Always trust and know your worth.

Y. You for you are black and beau-ti-ful.

And wherever you go I want you to know……

BLACK girls who are brown and who are light are still black and equal as one, but brown girls are

special because they get more kisses from the sun ;).

Poetry Contest Submission: "Rape Culture" - a poem written by Kween K

Rape Culture 

We live in a world where rape culture is idolized...

But tell that to the broad who got her innocence taken from her...

First, when she was 14 by a boy who was 4 years older than her,

and then two more times by a men who attacked her while she was in a drunken state...

Rape culture is idolized...

But tell that to the little boy who's mother's boyfriend came to his room in the still of the night,

ravaging in his body everyday for 12 years, since he was 5 years old....

Rape culture is idolized...

But y'all blame it on the victims...

saying "Her skirt was too short"

"She drank too much vodka "

"She danced too nasty"

"He smoked too much weed"

"He should've fought back"

"She was too innocent"

"B*tches know what they be doing"

"She's a hoe for getting drunk like that "

"It's YOUR fault"

Rape culture is idolized...

Until it happens to Your girlfriend. 

Your sister. Your cousin. 

Your mother. Your daughter. 

Rape culture is idolized...

But when will enough be enough?

When will we stop idolizing it and  realize it's NOT okay?

Poetry Contest Submission: The Past of Pain - a poem written by Dominque Conston

The Past of Pain

It's all said but not done.

Helpless and lost as one. 

Searching for the light that shines in the dark.

Clueless, in a world of so many.

Praying and hoping that it all gets washed away.

The life of becoming a stray.

Trying to communicate but nothing answers.

Pleading the case but nothing matters.

Yeah, the mind knows.

Simplifying the process, slowing down the progress.

Maybe you'll guess...

Unidentified lonely steps, becoming one who regrets.

What's worse? He who forgets.

Forgotten in a place that consists of hypocrites.

Idiots, who put lives in danger of the innocence.

But in a sense, it makes sense...

The people, the population, specified by location, struggling, praying it doesn't get taken.

Oriented by culture, the few, the tortured, homeless and less fortunate.

Defiance in a whole.

The abundance in a soul, which seeks drugs and abuses, becoming cold and useless.

Lets optimize that...

Imagine life on a mountain,

Where alcohol becomes a fountain of inspiration,

And drugs become useful medication instead of someone's sweet temptation.

Call it an odd examination, but it's no test, when it's written and laminated. 

Falsified information is what you see.

Description for the blind.

So what's the key?

Faith, in most cases.

No matter your religion or belief.

No more stressing, you determine what you're destined.

Life's written, just read your lesson.

Oldie But Goodie: "Runaway Love" - Ludacris ft. Mary J Blige

"Runaway Love"

Produced by: Polow da Don

"Runaway Love" is the third single off Ludacris' fifth album entitled, Release Therapy. This is a very powerful track as Luda and Mary J. Blige team up to tell the stories of three pre-teen girls (Lisa, Nicole, & Erika) that face different demons and struggles that affect their childhoods in such a way that would make them want to "run away" to escape their problems. Each of the verses tells a different story for each one of the girls. This track goes to show to never judge a person, because you never know their story or what day to day struggles they have. Take a listen as Luda and Mary encourages the adolescent females to stay strong in the midst of their most difficult lessons. 

"Crunch Time" - J. Cole

"Crunch Time"

This is one of many of my favorite songs from J.Cole's latest EP entitled, "Yours Truly". In this track, Crunch Time, Cole tells the story of a young dude striving to overcome his struggles and make a living to be able to provide for himself and his family. Personally, I can relate to this song because there's those that say they will and then there's those who do as they say....to me this track is about locking down and taking care of business, doing whatever it takes to succeed and not just talking about it. "Looking for strength in this crunch time", raps Cole. Take a listen if you haven't already! If it ain't ANTI then it's WEAK! #BeInspired! 

Poetry Contest Submission: RnR Mixed with RnB - a poem by Kimberly Gail

"RnR Mixed with RnB"

Check out this poem titled "RnR Mixed with RnB" and decide if you'd like to vote for Kimberly in the AntiWeak poetry contest!

Relations- a poem written by Dominique Conston

"Relations"

Mistakes are lessons.

Men and women have a hard time connecting.

Depending upon the situation,

it could cause confusion ...

A woman wanting love, 

while a man is willing to take all of the above.

Wise men are rare.

You know, the ones that actually care?

Sometimes women are unappreciative.

Why?

Because they want the "perfect" relationship.

Negative, it doesn't exist.

Some are aware, yet others are in denial. 

Scared of the past, hiding secrets, 

just so it'll last.

Insecurities of a female.

A man is no different,

 and can be far more worse.

He'll be deeply hurting, but pride won't let it show.

That special woman will know.

She'll talk and confide until everything is on the table.

Her word is a promise for life,

 true definition of a wife.

Words are more than statements, 

they become actions.

Every woman has that power...

just not the mindset.

Men and women want the same thing,

just in different ways.

What is trust?

Cliche to say a must, 

but without it... a relationship is no such.

Number one issue is trust.

A woman will know within seconds whether or not you have her trust,

whereas, a man could be a bit more rational.

A wise man will view every aspect.

One who isn't, will make a decision 

and not know what to expect.

That is the true determining factor.

Men and women, against boys and girls.

Wisdom is in the spirit, generating from the heart.

A man with a soul, and a woman with knowledge,

shall never be apart. 

National Poetry Month Contest!!!

National Poetry Month!

For those interested in submitting a poem for the AntiWeak contest, the rules go as follows:

• Each person is allowed to submit more than one poem to the blog
• ONLY ONE POEM CAN BE SUBMITTED INTO THE ACTUAL CONTEST
• The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 22nd. 
• The official contest winner will be announced at the end of April 

Inspire. Mentor. Move forward together. 

"Gridiron" - a poem written by Louis Curry

"Gridiron"

I grind to stay on top,

cause if I don't grind then all else stops.

See, Football is a tool to my success,

it keeps me in line and relieves my stress.

Some people say it's a hard game,

but I believe I'm truly blessed.

Everyone cannot live out this dream,

so cherish the moment

 because in the end,

we all get seen.

Either as the man that embraced this wonderful game,

or one that quit on his team.

In the end, 

we all leave the game with different stories to tell,

and one thing's for certain...

I'ma keep grinding until y'all know mines real well!

"Chi City Youth" a poem by Jazmine Mckinney

"Chi City Youth"

A very powerful poem, to say the least. Jazmine Mckinney speaks on the children on Chicago and the everyday obstacles and battles that our youth fight to survive daily. At some point, we have to stand up and acknowledge the root of the problem when it comes to violence and Chicago murder rates. Is there any hope for our youth? Or will we continue to sit back and witness them kill one another off? Take the time to listen, be educated, and be inspired! If you don't do anything else, please share this video to help bring awareness to the everyday struggle of our youth today. #BeInspired!!

"Something Spiritual" -Supah ft. King Popo

"Something Spiritual"

 

Upcoming Windy City artist Supah starts the year off right with "Something Spiritual". The song depicts the true meaning of a woman and man finding a spiritual connect with intense lyrics. On the chorus is featured BandKamp's (Paris Bueller, Young Chop, etc..) King Popo who adds his own unique style to the song. Take a listen, this is just a preview of what's to come from Supah's mix tape "No Hype", which is scheduled to drop soon! Hope you enjoy!

"Dreams" - a poem written by Chanel Johnson

"Dreams"

Believing that I can do the impossible, 

even when there are obstacles...

I believe in me. 

Never doubting, even when my vision gets cloudy,

when my opponents start shouting,

waiting on my defeat, 

I will be the dream of my mother, grandmother, and my father.

The influential daughter,

who was fortunate enough to dream,

 in a time when success only seems to be measured by who you impress, 

how you dress, how big is your breast?

The flat out bullshit we accept. 

No more aiming for an A+ , 

only plan B pills and how fast did you buss,

hopeless children with no one to trust,

looking for love but only finding lust.

Is this what we have become?

The lost generation,

but just be patient....

I have the courage of Angela Davis,

The intellect of Toni Morrison,

even the bluest eyes won't intimidate me 

because like Maya Angelou "Still I Rise"!

I will rise for the people that sat,

the single mother who didn't get her chance,

for the boy without a plan,

for those men who are being tossed in prison cells,

 faster than I can flip my penny into a wishing well,

cause they were only taught to give and sale.

So now this prison cell is what he will call home,

so the girl who sits alone will pick her head up,

and see her strength,

 her power...

her wit...

it still exists,

even when you can't see it yourself,

have no doubts,

you can achieve it,

whatever you desire to be...

you can become!

NO!

We are not dumb!!!

This is my declaration to become,

 everything they said we couldn't,

everything they said we shouldn't...

I will be!

I will never be to afraid to dream of better tomorrows,

or believe those who say I'm aiming too high,

What makes Oprah Winfrey any different from me?

Why can't I live out my dreams?

They say those things don't happen to people like us...

but who told you that you weren't good enough?

Because I mustered up enough courage,

to not give a fuck!

It won't be luck,

I will conquer my dreams!!

I'M ANTIWEAK! 

"The Pain I Once Felt" - a poem written by Caronti "Che'" Johnson

"The Pain I Once Felt"

The pain I once felt

 was so unpredictable, yet obvious.

The pain I once felt,

 was nothing a mother or father would ever imagine their child experiencing.

The pain I once felt,

 had suddenly gone from curiosity to a bad habit.

The pain I once felt,

was a disease that I had allowed myself to take grasp of.

The pain I once felt,

caused me to continuously find numbness through putting a razor to my arm.

The pain I once felt, 

caused me to feel that cutting myself was no harm.

Repeatedly....

Cutting here and there,

Just to get minor issues out of my hair.

So many people attempt to feel the pain I once felt,

my advice to them is to have faith and believe in yourself.

The pain I once felt, 

I no longer feel anymore.

Through Christ who strengthens, 

I can overcome anything I undergo.

Love the skin you're in,

you're not defeated until you allow your weaknesses to win. 

The pain I'd once felt, 

I'd never again want to feel.

I thank God daily for giving me the ability to heal.

Because the pain I once felt,

is no longer real.
I'm writing to tell you that if I can, you can too...
it's all about self-love,
and that starts within you.

The Fix (Addicted) - a poem written by Dominique Conston

"The Fix (Addicted)"

A baby is born, new life is created.

Created accidentally, yet for a purpose.

Usually a learning experience for the young ages.

Unprotected sex, leading to this new life.

How will this baby survive?

Too late to kill it, it's well alive.

The mother herself is barely holding on.

Minimum wage job, addicted to drugs.

Past due bills, almost out of a home.

The father was a dealer, basically a stranger.

He wanted his money, but she didn't have it.

So she undressed and said, "Here you can have it."

So he took it, grabbed it, jabbed it...

All while she was full of her habit.

A year later, that baby is still fatherless.

The mother wants better.

But the drugs say otherwise...

The baby is hungry, she's high, as the baby cries.

No diapers, few clothes.

A few hits, and she's off into the skies.

Hidden in darkness, she remains disguised.

But inside there's a great woman.

Years ago, she was beyond stunning,

Beautiful she was, had every guy wanting.

Until that day...

She went broke and needed a fix.

So she went and got it, it helped her temporary pain.

Five minute fix, now a frequent addict.

She never thought this would happen.

The baby is barely making it,

Any handouts, she's taking it.

Until those people came, and said they're taking it.

So they took the poor baby.

One look at her and all they could say was "poor lady".

A week passed, she hasn't come out of the house.

Notes of eviction, she floats in her addiction.

Yet, it's more than addiction.

She's not herself, she needs help.

Missing her baby, the inner her is coming out.

A wise man showed up.

Nurtured her, fed her,

Sent her to rehab, for a real fix.

It only took six.

Six months, no longer an addict.

Working on a recovery, realizing a new discovery.

A year passed, she's still clean.

Working hard everyday, but she's missing one thing

She wanted her son back.

Without him, the sun's black.

She went to visit him, he is two now.

One look and all she could do was cry.

Tears of joy, as he plays with the toy.

Was she worthy of him?

She never got him back....

"Humane" - a poem written by Dominique Conston

"Humane" 

Humane.

We are all human right?

Ironic question some would say. 

But that's not my moral this time. 

We have to clearly understand the meaning of life. 

God knows our next step. 

Which put us on the edge.

Always wondering when & why?

Although, living in doubt puts us in a tough situation,

We tend to over think most of the time, but the goal is far over head.

When you think, you drift off.

Drifting into vague thoughts of what ifs.

What if what?

Listen to your thoughts.

Don't get lost in thinking about the negativity.

Doubting belief leaves grief.

It's obvious it's on your mind.

Faith guides you in so many ways,

It's the ability to believe no matter what,

No matter how one day or month will go.

A little faith will go far and beyond.

True belief that the past shall be gone.

Human mind functions in varieties.

We're all different,

Some more strong minded than others.

But created equal under similar circumstances.

Typical in some chances,

We all have the power just not the will.

Take control of the wheel,

You're the driver, in most cases you don't even have to steer.

You control the cruise.

Losing is all in the mind.

Blessings come daily to all. 

God works, giving everyone the test.

Disbelief comes in some,

Wicked minds.

The human mind is extraordinary.

Pain shall be numb.

Pick your kind.

Smart lost or dumbfounded?

"Dying To Live" - Skitso Rico

"Dying To Live" 

 Antiweak's own Skitso Rico is definitely a force to be reckoned with! In his new track, "Dying To Live" Rico tells the story of three teens struggling to make it out of a neighborhood filled with crime, drugs and poverty. as times get tough. This is very touching and heartfelt. Take a listen as he spits real shit to you! If it ain't ANTI then it's WEAK!!