No

No means no

and also the opposite of yes.

It can be pronounced like it’s spelled,

or said with a little finesse–

“nope”

“no thank you”

“hell no”

“no, never not even in a million years”

all mean the same thing,

so let me make this very clear.

No means you

do not have permission,

you are not in control–

it’s a refusal,

a flat out denial

of whatever’s being proposed.

No means you

do not have the right

to just do what you want,

and if you have a problem with that

you might have some issues you

need to confront.

Wanderlust

I spend my days

daydreaming about adventures

I’ve yet to take, and

memories I plan to make

with friends I’ve met

along the way.

I spend my nights

dreaming of arms that

will never hold me, and

the fickle heart that doesn’t

seem to care that

I’m lonely.

Secrets

Image taken at the View Point on Mana Island in the Fiji Islands

Secrets

By: Alexis Brown

“We can’t choose who we love”

She said with a smile

as a tear slowly rolled down her cheek;

and she wondered how many more

ugly secrets she would have to keep.

Untitled

Educated girl,

a student of the world.

I know there’s more to life than chasing diamonds and pearls.

True wealth is a concept that can’t be quantified,

and is a measurement of how well you’ve fulfilled the desires of the unconscious mind.​

–

I admit I’m only human,

and sometimes I still get mesmerized,

by all of the dope shit having money can buy.

It creates an internal conflict,

fueled by mounting societal pressure,

and a desire to pursue anything that they claim will make my life better.​

–

But earthly possessions are fleeting,temporary at best;

you can’t nourish your soul simply by being best dressed.

So, I direct my attention to what can’t be bought

and surround myself with people who value the exchange of original thoughts.

We lift each other up with kind words and admiration

for the passion behind our crafts and being each other’s inspiration.​

–

We may not be the “It” girls

who are ahead of every trend,

but together we’re committed

to helping the soul of the world mend.​

In My Head

Doubt keeps me warm

on my loneliest nights,

if only you were here

there’d be no tears in my eyes.

Then maybe I’d be able to fight

off the voices in my head

telling me you’re not here

because you’re sleeping in

someone else’s bed.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

I originally wrote this poem in February 2018 following the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I wrote it as social commentary on American politics in the wake of increased demand for gun reform. Unfortunately, not much has changed in America and with news of two shootings internationally– Christchurch and Utrecht– I thought it appropriate to share again.

Prayers to all of the victims of the recent tragedies in New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

By: Alexis Brown

Tragedy,

a society held hostage by hatred and violence–

bound by the revolving wheel of ‘thoughts and prayers’ while elected

officials are gagged by the perverse pomp and circumstance of corruption

and absolute power.

Complacency,

the wiley adversary of progressive thinking,

becomes the weapon of choice,

secretly lining their pockets with gold and publicly robbing us of peace;

thus repeating the cycle,

wash, rinse, and repeat.

International Women’s Day

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

SOJOURNER TRUTH 1851

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, is best known for her work as an abolitionist and woman’s rights activist. The quote above is an excerpt from her famous speech “Ain’t I A Woman” which she delivered at the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio.

The speech is considered one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s right’s speeches in American history and offered smart commentary on the treatment and dominance of women during that time period. The repetition of the phrase ‘Ain’t I a woman’ speaks volumes to the intersectionality of race and gender-

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman?

Did the fact that she was a former slave make her any less of a woman? Surely not. I can’t help but acknowledge the relevance of this speech to this day. Black women are still being held to a higher standard of “womanhood”. Think Serena Williams or Michelle Obama, both solid examples of extraordinary women that still somehow fell short of being a real woman in the eyes of America.

I bring this up because we’ve all experienced that not-so-good-feeling of someone questioning your womanhood. Maybe it was the way you were dressed, and they assumed you lacked self-respect. Maybe it was because you have career goals and dreams that are “unbecoming” of a woman. Or maybe you were a little firm in rejecting their unwanted advances, and of course if you don’t want them you must be a lesbian.

Whatever the case, it’s important to recognize that nothing can make you any less of a woman! And no matter how you dress, what you aspire to be, who you date, or why you might have a little attitude–you deserve a little a lot of R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Happy International Women’s Day!

Ain’t I A Woman

By: Alexis Brown

Ain’t I a woman?

Even if you don’t agree

with the way I express myself

or the company I keep–

Ain’t I a woman?

Even if I like to show a little skin,

as if the length of my skirt

condemns me to a life of sin–

Ain’t I a woman?

Even if I have dreams and aspirations

that go well beyond finding a husband

and planning children’s

birthday celebrations–

And

Ain’t I a woman

that still deserves respect?

Emancipation

Photo: Nam Song river in Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Laos

The season of Lent is about reflection. On this Ash Wednesday I’m reflecting on growth and how far I’ve come since this time last year. It was around this time that I started writing poems and short stories again. I even tried incorporating writing into my observation of Lent by challenging myself to write a poem per week. The poem I’m sharing today is meaningful because

1. I wrote it following Easter Sunday service after witnessing Chrystal Rucker give a goose-bump-inducing performance of “Changed”
2. It officially marks 1-year since I took up writing again!

Both of these represent things I don’t talk about often (writing, faith). However, as I have been reflecting on this past year, I am able to recognize how I’ve opened myself up to now be able to talk about these things. I’ve also learned about the healing that can come from the practice of something like Lent. Even if you aren’t of the Christian faith, there’s always something to be gained from making a conscious effort to change habits or start new ones.

And for those of you that are in need of some healing, here’s a video of Chrystal performing “Changed” in 2016.

Changed

By: Alexis Brown

A wonderful change has freed me

No longer haunted by phantom spirits,

ghosts of my former self;

He saved me with the ultimate sacrifice,

unconditional love.

Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror

By: Alexis Brown

Queen: Mirror, mirror, on the wall,

Who’s the fairest of them all?

Mirror: Each day you ask this absurd question,

while staring at your own reflection.

If I could, your majesty,

a bit of advice–

Perhaps you should start with what’s on the inside.

Ignore the impurities,

look past the imperfections…

Queen: Oh!

But what if….?

Mirror: My Queen, let me finish,

No more interjections!

Let’s not waste more time,

feeding your fear of rejection.  

You seek validation based on outward appearance,

ignoring the guidance of your divine spirit.

What you need is nourishment–mind, body, and soul.

Not a daily reminder that you don’t feel quite whole.

Start with a few kind words,

or even just a smile,

and don’t get discouraged,

these things usually take a while.

But once you get the hang of it,

it’s quite simple, believe me

self-love is the one cosmetic missing,

in the reflection that you see.