Black Author Showcase

Agents of Literary Change

Brent Mason

The Critique Castle

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The Critique Castle

A place to enter, if you dare, and leave all your writing behind. We don't want the whole book. Just a chapter, synopsis or a writing example. Let's help each other become better writers.

Members: 55
Latest Activity: Nov 9

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There are many postings from members that want their work critiqued and yet have not critiqued in return. In order for each member to be critiqued they must first critique.

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"A classic is a book that doesn't have to be written again."
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Discussion Forum

oronde ash

17 TO LIFE: ORONDE ASH WRITES AMERICA'S FIRST POST-RACIAL BLACK BOY MEMOIR 6 Replies

I welcome responses and critique after reading the opening chapter of my new book 17 to Life: A Black Boy Memoir. 17 to Life tells my life story from age 9-17, those troubling years when so much c...

Tagged: review, critique, memoir, boy, ash

Started by oronde ash. Last reply by oronde ash Nov 9.

J.R. Carter

Memoirs Of a Slave

First novel, so please be honest! I have a blog so my friends can read it, so here are the first three chapters and the synopsis. I'm having the book edited, but these chapters have a few typos. Th...

Started by J.R. Carter Oct 13.

E.A. Ismail

Nobody critiqued my last two posts...I'm hoping to get some feedback this time. 8 Replies

Mr. Marcus remembered Justin as a bright kid. A little on the mischievous side, but smart nonetheless. A bit of a dreamer, too. Always reading comics or talking about the latest video game or movie...

Started by E.A. Ismail. Last reply by oronde ash Oct 10.

E.A. Ismail

Part II of Justin's Story 1 Reply

The defense attorney wanted to shoot another question but saw that she was crying. Mr. Marcus glanced at the jury. Many of them were crying as well. He was touched also, but did not cry. This more ...

Tagged: story, justin, short, thriller, trial

Started by E.A. Ismail. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

Brent Mason

New Book that will be completed by end of year (80% hopeful) 8 Replies

Please let me know what you think of the opening passage. It is going to address many societal issues with a humorous side. Chapter 1 DuPont Street DuPont Street was lined with houses that looke...

Started by Brent Mason. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

904Diva

Critique, Please!!! Only received 1... let's try it again! 3 Replies

I included the Prologue this time... Prologue Good evening. This is DJ Smoove B on Magic96, and I’ll see you tonight at the 5th Annual Magic96 Baddest Birthday Bash! And this year it’s bigger t...

Tagged: www.marissa_wilson@live.com

Started by 904Diva. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

Triniti J.

Chasing Shadows: First Novel, Please read and provide feedback (Thanks for your time!) 2 Replies

Its my first time, but please...don't go easy on me.. regards, triniti j. The sounds of the light rain shower were evident to those who had awakened at that early hour or to those who’d never fal...

Started by Triniti J.. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

Cee Brooks

PLEASAE REVIEW *HONESTLY* Confessions Of An Extra 1 Reply

CHAPTER ONE She gently pushed open the vine redden gates marked Truth and rested in the garden of Peace. She synchronized with the winds that whispered Harmony throughout this intoxicating land....

Started by Cee Brooks. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

sharon rearden

WHEN ITS TOO LATE- Here Is a sample of myfirst chapter let me know what you think 1 Reply

WHEN IT TOO LATE: BY: SHARON REARDEN CHAPTER ONE: The Accident “Why wasn’t I paying attention?” she said to herself. Along were just some of the thoughts that ran through her mind as she stared o...

Started by sharon rearden. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

Anarda Nashai

This Writer's Life (Blog of Author Anarda Nashai 1 Reply

Queen Libertine Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 Yes, I am a poet who does not tolerate love poetry. I’ve admitted this repeatedly to those who insist that poetry couldn’t have survived this long in none...

Started by Anarda Nashai. Last reply by Kim Wilson Sep 6.

Janise L

First NOVEL please READ, REVIEW AND RESPOND!! WOULD YOU BUY IT? PART 1 6 Replies

Chapter One It was the first day of summer, HOT!! Was all that could come to mind. The weather man said it was going to be a scorcher. I laid my keys on the table as I came through the door. I thu...

Started by Janise L. Last reply by Janise L Dec. 9, 2008.

904Diva

1st Manuscript - Be Gentle 4 Replies

So of course the family and friends think it's wonderful, but from what I've seen, I can count on you all to be honest. CHAPTER 1 "If this fool don’t shut up! I’ve got fifty-leven things I need...

Tagged: www.marissa_wilson@live.com

Started by 904Diva. Last reply by 904Diva Jul. 18, 2008.

Cee Brooks

"Zoned" Chpt. 1 Part 3 2 Replies

Nicole snapped out of her flashback from the vibration of her cell inside her coat pocket. She stuffed the card in her bag and quickly pulled off her gloves before reaching for the phone. She looke...

Started by Cee Brooks. Last reply by Cee Brooks Jul. 17, 2008.

monique

Part of a short story I wrote.. looking for feedback 4 Replies

So the story is completed I'm just Interested in knowing what people think of the story line and characters. This my first time I've put the story out to others. Thanks in advance. Also, please be ...

Started by monique. Last reply by monique Jul. 15, 2008.

Diane

Untitled, Unfinished Speculative Fiction Piece - not sure if short story or novella - 1st look - NEED CRITIQUE! 12 Replies

The young woman shuddered as she pushed against the large, splintery door. She had mustered all the strength possible to get here and now it was quickly dissipating. The room she entered was bright...

Tagged: short, novella, story, speculative

Started by Diane. Last reply by Diane Jul. 9, 2008.

Queen NaTasha "B"

True Short Story. Let me know if this touches you? "I have a daughter?" 1 Reply

Desiree pushed the six-digit code on the keypad and entered through the heavy doors. Desiree clutched her Nordstrom bag cramped with new garments she brought for her mother, hoping it would ease th...

Started by Queen NaTasha "B". Last reply by Brent Mason Jul. 8, 2008.

Cee Brooks

"Zoned" Chpt.1 Part 2

Tamaria and Nicole had been good friends for the last ten years. They had the same Junior gym class even though Tamaria couldn't participate because she was pregnant with her first child Jeffery an...

Started by Cee Brooks Jul. 7, 2008.

Dominique

Too Much Untold Chapter Two (Would Love Your Feedback)

Chapter Two: “Can you believe it?” Ari Pulling up to my house, I noticed my mom’s car wasn’t there. Good. Now I can take a long hot bath in peace. I thought to myself. We lived in a two bedroom,...

Started by Dominique Jul. 2, 2008.

Dominique

Too Much Untold (Four Friends) Let me know what ya think! 3 Replies

Chapter One: “Meet the girls.” Ari Marie Jennings Oh my goodness, could traffic be anymore slower I thought as I drove home from work; looking in the rearview mirror at my long jet black hair th...

Started by Dominique. Last reply by Dominique Jul. 2, 2008.

Brent Mason

My Day In Heaven

This is a possible screenplay (I was playing around with an idea that popped up). Take a look if you would like. FADE IN: HOUSE - NIGHT GEORGE is a short man with a thick black mustache. His ha...

Started by Brent Mason Jul. 2, 2008.

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Hardest Working Woman in Credit Comment by Hardest Working Woman in Credit on November 4, 2009 at 11:49am

Stop by and join the fan club at www.creditadviseforyou.ning.com. Make sure you re-post the videos and forward the videos. It's time for change and millions of people do not know the truth about credit. The BLAME is on the consumer. But who forgot to TEACH THIS IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM AND COLLEGE.

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Free workshops for the first 30 churches. Book for next year! This year has been booked already.. NO excuse, change is coming!!
Anarda Nashai Comment by Anarda Nashai on August 14, 2009 at 1:21pm
Check out my blog at www.anardanashai.com!
PC Marks Comment by PC Marks on July 22, 2008 at 8:01pm
Broken Family Ties
By PC Marks
www.pcpcmarks.com

Chapter 9

Grandparent’s Rules

Alicia was awakened in the wee hours of the morning to the phone ringing. Initially, she thought she had dreamed of the ringing. When she reached for the phone all she heard was a dial tone.
Unable to fall asleep, she turned on the television. Henry’s snoring agitating her, she got out of bed. Downstairs next to her daughter’s favorite chair resting on the solid oak table beside it in the living room was her salvation.
She picked up the bible, closed her eyes and opened it. The passage revealed was the 23rd Psalms. Verse four slapped her hard. Ye, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For You are with me: Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood. There were goose bumps forming down her arms. She began to scratch. Alicia closed her eyes. A startling vision dropped her to her knees. Tears rolled down her face. The phone rang. Hesitantly on the third ring she grabbed the receiver.
“I know. What happened?” Grandma Alicia listened carefully to the details being given on the other end. “What!” She interrupted. “I’m sorry, continue,” she said.
Grandma Alicia returned the phone receiver to its cradle. She went into the kitchen. Looking around, she started rearranging. Talking to herself she said, “The spices belong over the stove, not in some rotating shelf beside the sink. I think the lids should be in this area and the pots and pans over there.”
Henry was awakened by the racket. He descends the stairs taking in the view of his daughter’s beautiful home. He marvels at the plush light beige carpet his feet sink into as he winds down the stairs. The living room is elegant with its dark tan and mahogany wood Queen Anne furnishings. The formal dining room is decorated with a solid oak eight seat table. There’s a matching China cabinet and hutch. He enters the kitchen to find Alicia rearranging what used to be an immaculate kitchen.
Before speaking he takes in the sight. An island sits in the middle of the floor. The cabinets are oak with stenciled glass displaying expensive dinnerware. The design on the glass is identical to the China cabinet doors in the dining room. The breakfast nook overlooks the professionally manicured backyard.
“Ya momma didn’t teach you to say good morning?” Alicia says, interrupting Henry’s admiration of his daughter’s home.
“Good morning,” Why are you rearranging this child’s things? I think you enjoy antagonizing Ann. Alicia you can’t do this.” Henry tried reasoning with his wife.
“Put her things back where she had them,” he said.
“She won’t need them,” Alicia continued setting up her daughter’s kitchen. She offered Henry a cup of coffee, finished setting up the kitchen and began preparing a hardy breakfast.
The sun was shining brightly through the beautiful bay windows. Breakfast had the entire house smelling beautifully. A quiet peaceful day was dawning. Grandpa was determined to not let Alicia ruin his.
Carl was awakened to Charles’ screaming. He rushed to his crib. He changed his diaper, gave him his bottle and held him in his arms. He wouldn’t stop wailing.
Caroline heard the noise. Upon entering her old room she said, “The walls were pink not blue, the crib white, not this ugly brown. Strawberry Shortcake decorated the wall border not the stupid baseball, basket ball, football and hockey stick border with that stupid mobile hanging from the crib to match.” She turned to leave the room.
“Help,” Carl said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. Go get Grandpa or something,” he demanded.
Caroline grinned. She leisurely strolled down steps she normally took two at a time. Casually entering the kitchen, she told the Grandparents, “That baby is acting up again, think you can do something.”
Alicia continued preparing breakfast ignoring her grandchild. Henry shakes his head side to side as he makes his way up the stairs.
“Okay, Okay. It’s alright. I’m here now.” Charles continued wailing. Grandpa Henry asked, “Has he been changed? Maybe he’s hungry?” The three, Charles being carried by Grandpa, Carl holding his free hand headed down stairs.
Carl sensed something was wrong. The gnawing feeling in his gut made him uneasy. He held on tight to his Grandpa.
Grandma Alicia stared at the howling baby. She approached Grandpa Henry. “Give him to me.” He bent over to place Charles in her arms. Grandma Alicia and her grandson’s eyes locked. He quieted.
She asked Carl to wipe down Charles’ high chair as she set the dining room table. Carl told her, “We eat breakfast in here,” he said pointing to the built in breakfast nook. She ignored him continuing to place breakfast in the center of the dining room table.
As she finished setting the table, she called for the grandchildren and Henry. Grandma Alicia explained the rules. “When you are called for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it will be in here. You are to thank God for receiving the blessing of food. You are not to eat or drink before grace is completed. You are not to leave the table without asking to be excused.”
Caroline and Carl’s eyes met. Carl couldn’t shake the eerie feeling. Caroline was unusually quiet. Her lips thinned, an evil glare watched her Grandmother.
Grandma Alicia continued on with the rules. She lowered her head, raised her joined hands inches from her face and closed her eyes. Lord we come to thank you for this nourishment. We ask that it does what you intend. That it keeps us healthy provides us with strength. Thank you for blessing us with these children. Help us guide them in the path of righteousness. As we embark on this journey of raising them, we ask for strength and courage to go forward.
She became quiet. Carl, Caroline and Grandpa Henry all opened there eyes. Grandma Alicia continued.
Help these babies deal with the loss of there parents, Jesus’ name, amen.
The days that followed seemed to take place in slow motion. Swarms of church goers were in attendance. The food seemed to never stop coming. Neighbors stopped by to pay there respect. Everyone hugged, kissed and assured the children they would be okay.
Charles wailed through the whole service. Carl was inconsolable, his wailing at times drowning the sound of his brother. Caroline stared. A far away glazed expression, she never shed a tear.
Grandpa prayed for the peaceful rest of the living children’s soul, the deliverance of the souls of Ann and Kevin, the softening of his cold heartless wife.
Kevin and Ann Grover were buried side by side in the Grover family plot next to Kevin’s parents. The going home celebration took place on the very day they were due to return home.

Part II Severed Family Ties soon to be released
Jill Comment by Jill on June 14, 2008 at 4:34pm

Viola P. Blue Comment by Viola P. Blue on June 2, 2008 at 4:38pm
The beginning of my inner book.
I am still fleshing out the characters and deciding how to end it.

Sent: Sat, 15 Sep 2007 7:49 pm
Subject: Just one last story...
I am lying in bed, about to drift off to sleep, when I feel you snuggle up behind me. You engulf me in your arms. I love the feel of you. Your kisses on the back of my neck drive me to distraction. You soon discover, yet another of my "spots", and I melt into you. Your continued licking and nibbling of my "spot", causes my breath to come in quick shallow bursts. I open my mouth and only a gasp escapes. I try to free myself from you, but you hold me tighter. You capture my breast with one hand and my belly with the other. I feel the hardness of you against my bottom. As you press tighter to me I sink deeper into you. Reaching behind me I firmly grasp your warrior pole. With long firm strokes, my hand rubs the length of it. Each pass growing firmer and firmer. A gentle cupping of the "boys" brings forth a pleasurable moan from you. Your hand moves from my bell and finds my naked hairless flower. A steady pressure on my "button" coupled with your expert skills on my neck and my "spot", causes my honey juices to flow freely from me, and whetting my flower for your veracious appetite for more....of me.
You slide your fingers down the folds of my slippery flower and with one finger; begin to make a stirring motion just inside my flowers lips. The sensation is phenomenal. I press my pelvis hard against your hand and you follow me with yours. I roll forward onto my belly and offer you my last virginal orifice. "Are you sure, Vi?" you ask into my ear. "It's the last gift that I have, and I want it to be yours", I whisper. I feel your heart beating faster as you reach between my legs and spread my honey juices to my glory hole. This gift, from me is the ultimate. I feel you lovingly kissing and biting the firm mounds of my bottom. As your tongue flicks around the eye of your gift, I feel myself turning to mush. My moans are low and long as you compare my body to all things beautiful and sensual in this world. I feel the cool, cool, gliding ooze of liquid lube as it runs down the valley of my bottom. You grasp my hips and raise me onto my knees. With one steady, purposeful thrust, you are penetrating me. I try not to let fear take over, but I let out a scream. At first it is a high pitched, wounded type of sound, that soon turns to a throaty guttural grunt.
You are in me and the fullness of you crosses my eyes and I go limp.
I come around to the sensation of you tweaking of my nipples and your tiny bites along my spine. You begin ever so slowly to make love to my glory hole. Your thrusts are slow and shallow at first. Each thrust probing just a tad deeper than the one before it. I am sore and a little numb, but I feel so alive!! Knowing that I have given you my last virginal gift causes a rush of more honey juice to flow from me. My inner thighs are drenched with my rush of juice. My breathing is coming in short shallow pants. I want to faint but, I don’t want to miss a minute of you. The slow rocking of our bodies, and the overwhelming sensation of you, causes both of us to explode, again and again. As we lay there with you still throbbing in me, I grit my teeth and begin to squeeze my muscle. I am “Milking” you of every drop. I want all of it, no matter how much it stings to move my muscles. You are once more aroused and you lift me onto my knees again. I pull a pillow under me. You are not as slow to start this time. "No mercy" I say through gritted teeth. "No mercy?" you counter. "NO MERCY", we chant in unison. I have given you full freedom to enjoy your gift however you so wish. As you pound into me, I meet you in mid-stroke, time after time, after time. Screaming, yelling, and hollering with wild abandon. We climax with bucking and full body spasms that nearly knock us off the bed. You pull out of me and apply more lube. I offer your gift to you once again. You bite my ear and tell me to rest. As we lay in each others arms I stroke your face; wondering how a man like you ever came into my life. My heart is full. As I drift off to sleep, I hear birds chirping at the window.
I am awakened by a sliver of sunshine across my face, as it peeps between the curtains. I don't feel you near me, nor do I hear the shower. I do a lazy satiated stretch and climb out of bed. The house is quite. I move to the doorway of the bedroom. There is a note taped to the door jam.
With a heavy heart I read;
"Good-Bye"
“B”
==============================================
Viola P. Blue © 2007
Viola P. Blue Comment by Viola P. Blue on June 2, 2008 at 4:35pm
Tell me if it flows. I wrote this after a friends breakup with her "friend" and she was feeling very down about it.



The Yo-Yo Effect
A Poem by Viola P. Blue
What happens when one lover is ready and the other is afraid...and can't make up his mind

We must be discreet
but, when can we meet

We must keep this quite
so, meet me at the Hyatt

Telling you how to behave
while I act like a knave

Drawing you near
but pushing you
there

Loving the feel of your skin
condemning the passion we're in

Looking into your eyes
while feeling your
thighs
hearing your whispery sighs

Loving your grip on my cock
making it hard
like rock

Loving your noises on my cell
when you
cum
and you yell

Call me every day
just to say "Hey"

These things that we do
but don't tell my Boo
don't know what
to do...
turn it around
on you

I must save my butt
but, yours is
not important enough
like mine
in this affair
so clandestine

Don't call my cell
I'll catch hell
from the house where
I dwell

Won't answer your ring
say
"I'm doing my thing"
for two hours then
shower
it off.

Spewing this nut
that grew in my gut
the first time you sighed
"Dear"
moaned right
in my ear
stays in my head
following me into bed
where
I dread
exclaiming your name
as she came
in my arms
and quivered so gently
but eyed me
intently

We can chat on-line
it is there that I shine
late evenings
just when I've got time
is quite
fine for
me

The words I can say
so eloquent my play

I can't let you get away
playing with you
makes my day

The things I can do
I elaborate to you

After all you have given
including your heart
now
in ribbons.

© 2007 Viola P. Blue
Viola P. Blue Comment by Viola P. Blue on June 2, 2008 at 4:31pm
How Long
A poem by Viola P. Blue

How long will I nurse this heartache
How long will I suffer this pain
When will this hurt end
So that I can smile again?

All I did was love you
But you picked my actions apart
You even made up things
Just to tear us apart
Accusations implied
that I wasn’t telling you the truth
Maybe you confused me with that other “one”
so uncouth

Your raised voice was booming
When you last talked to me
And although I forgave you
You still kept hurting me

I guess I will pick up the pieces
of my shattered bleeding heart
‘cause I was meant for better things
Then to die of
Broken Heart.

Viola P. Blue
1/24/08
###
I am comprisiing several poems and I also have a book in the making.
Tell me what it needs or doesn't need.
I can take it...
William A. Hobbs,III Comment by William A. Hobbs,III on June 2, 2008 at 6:57am
A Third-Grade Insomniac Seeks Solution

This is the beginning of a short story I'm doing. I'm looking for critiques and will post its stages in installments:


The Goodest Mood of all


I hate naptime. I wish I could beat the sleep out everybody in here who done talked about my momma. I wanna beat ‘em ‘til they bleed and put they sleep in my body. You ain’t s’posed to talk about people momma, s’pecially when the momma had to go away. So what if I say mines in Iraq. How they know I’m lyin’? People who look a lil’ different go to Iraq, too! I can’t even sing quietly; I just gotta keep layin’ here quiet like this, next to dumb Jimmy Swan and hear all this happy snoring. Least I can think about the playground. That’s where I swing at. People really gonna be laughin’ and ready to fight me even more today when I get out there. I don’t care ‘cause today I’ma swing and bring momma back from where she really at.
I close my eyes and see my momma still takin’ me to the playground at this school ‘cause our ‘partment up the street. She pushed me in the swing when I was a baby, in that baby swing out there with the seat belt and junk. Then when I got bigger she started swingin’ next to me. It was funny. She sit in it under her legs ‘cause she got a big booty. We would just swing and sing stuff. When the needles started bein’ everywhere, she started just sittin’ in the swing and leanin’ asleep on the chain.
The big boys at the basketball court ‘cross the street stopped tryin’ to get her to come talk to them. They used to speak to me at the corner store and everything so she would like them better. But she started movin’ like her arms and legs weigh too much and wearing Grandaddy Redskins hat, the one she wear when she don’t do her hair. She started wearing it all the time. I just told everybody tha’s her team. The boys started laughin’ at her. They don’t even say much when I gotta fight niggas like Jimmy Swan after school for callin’ me gay ‘cause all I do now at recess is swing. Some of the boys say I should fight some so niggas like Jimmy learn not to bother me. But Jimmy always win. I hear that bell that school out and just get mad all over again. Maybe today I might get a ride home.


I stay with Grandma and Grandaddy. They stay two mo’ blocks away from our ol’ ‘partment.
I like they house. It’s bigger. I like the kitchen, but I still keep ‘memberin’ momma kitchen. When I cain’t sleep good at Grandma and Grandaddy house and get up to pee, I look over at the kitchen and I start seein’ momma and our ol’ kitchen. I see that night I got up out of bed one time to pee and she was leanin ‘gainst the ‘frigerator, rockin’ side to side and hummin’. I thought she was finna th’ow up. I ask her what’s wrong. She stopped hummin’. I walked up to her and she put something in her housecoat pocket, cut the stove off and massaged her arm.
I asked if her arm hurt. I touched it where she was touchin’ it. She smiled and told me all slow to go to bed. I did, she got in the bed with me for a while and slept hard I stayed up to listen. I ain’t never seen her sleep like that! The bed never felt right again. I wanted to call my daddy but I don’t know his number. She don’t neither.
I started seein’ the sun come up sometimes when the needles was around the house. Needles and dirty lil’cotton balls. And spoons black on the bottom side. She stopped complainin’ ‘bout not finding a job. We went swingin’ less. I asked her what the needles fo’. Momma said she had high sugar like grandma. I knew it wasn’t. Grandma stuff don’t make her forget to close the front door at night or make her nose run all day. My head started hurtin’. I knew momma needles wasn’t nothin’ good, plus needles hurt. I wanted her to stop and go back to swingin’ with me. I don’t do school work none either. I just be tired.
One day I told momma I was tired as her. She ain’t say nothin’. I told her the boys at school say it’s heron. I asked momma why she so tired a lot, why she keep hurtin’ herself with them needles. She just say she lookin’ for a good mood. I say “ain’t I a good mood for you?” A tear came out her eye. She closed her eyes and smiled. She say I’m the goodest mood of all, sometimes.
I wanted to punch her, but I don’t want to hurt her like I do Jimmy Swan. I asked how that needle and heron better than me. She wiped her face and hugged me like she used to when she stood behind me when we took pictures at Sears in the mall. She said heron ain’t better, just different. She said it’s not for kids and it’s like a dream for grown ups, like when you sleep, a dream where you can do anything. I asked if other people in her dream. She said anybody she want there. I asked if it’s so good, why she cryin’. She just shook her head and patted me on the back. Then I didn’t know if I wanted to punch her at all. I wanted to ask if she ever put daddy in her dream, but that would hurt more than a punch.
So I don’t try to bug her so she don’t need the heron. I stay outside by the stairs when the men started coming by to be in the room with her. I go pee in the bushes and don’t even knock. When she leave me peanut butter and jelly for dinner and go places at night, I don’t say ‘nothin’ – even when it’s on that skinny last piece of bread and she don’t put it on a plate. I stop askin’ when she gone be back. By then, I could hear everything when I was sleeping, every door closin’. When the TV next door cut off. Plus my stomach be hurtin’ too. Then my eyes start not to close ‘less I think about how bad she’ll hurt when I ask ’bout daddy.
She came back in the mornin’ one time and I told her she my goodest mood only sometimes, too. She said she wish I went to school and never come back. I went to school with my head hurtin’ all day. I had to start goin’ to school wit’ no cereal or money for lunch ‘cause she couldn’t find my lunch money and didn’t get no groceries. The Indian woman with the red dot at the sto’ gave me some beef jerky and a apple juice in the morning sometimes. Her husband mean. He stopped her when I started waiting for them in the morning. I just started goin’ in and stealin’ it when momma left. She just left. She left a note in grandma mailbox to come get me and my stuff. I heard grandma tell her friends over the phone momma in the streets downtown. I say take me to go see her, grandma. She say daddy left and probably ain’t comin’ back ‘cause he funny. She say but momma gonna come back when she better. She say I can’t help her feel better. She gotta feel better by herself. See there, I can’t do anything, plus I’m tired of doin’ everything, too.
Sometimes I just stay at the playground after school and sit in the swing. One time I did and saw a kindergartener fall from the monkey bars. She hit her head and just laid there. People was rushin’ to her, all nice to her. She woke up later. But that’s still sleep though. She was ’sleep – for real. They where tappin’ her on the face and the girl didn’t even feel it. She just laid there. Sleep and breathin’.
The boys say if you hit your head on the ground good, you just be out. That’s when you just sleep for a long time and don’t wake up ‘til you feel like it. The girl still go here, but everybody nice to her ‘cause they think she might fall out or somethin’. I watch her all the time. I asked if she had dreams, but I don’t think she like me. I went to grandma’s and laid on my back on the kitchen flo’. I kept tappin’ my head on the flo’ ‘memberin’ how hard that girl went to sleep, how hard momma sleep after heron. I was wonderin’ how hard I gotta hit my head. Just like I’m doin’ now on this dumb mat next to Jimmy Swan. My eyes jiggle when the back of my head hit the mat. It feel like they do.
Stafford Battle Comment by Stafford Battle on May 28, 2008 at 8:24pm
Submitted to
Capital Bookfest '08—Letters to the Children Book


_______________


Letter to Grandchildren:

Dear Kids:

I suspect that more than likely in your world, letter writing and reading flimsy paper documents may be considered old fashioned and painfully slow (I'm guessing that you are using digital thought transference or some other exotic interplanetary techno-magic to communicate with one another) but I hope you'll take a moment to put away your quantum nano-computers to cherish the feel of real parchment paper this letter was written on. Please allow the typed words to pass leisurely before your eyes at a mere mortal's pace.


Sometimes, the young accept lightly when forced to listen to elders who mentally drift on the outgoing tide of what you may consider to be ancient history; but the waves flow in both directions. In order to have a more perfect future and a tolerable present, you need to understand the wisdom and eccentricities of parents and grandparents.


Thus, these are some of my observations.


The ongoing confrontation between men and women may expand to include newly recognized genders; but regardless of the battle lines, the human species will never stop procreation. All women and men are equally equipped combatants who can oppose each other, yet become fiercely loyal once committed to the cause of marriage and family. It is mostly a matter of trust which has to be earned.


How we worship and pray has seen many transformations. If you still believe in God, then you know there is only one God who chooses to appear in different forms to different people but always offers the same message: it is not the text of the holy book that matters but the actions of the believers that is most significant. The antiquated notion that only one special geographic segment or political party or race of people has the singular connection to the Almighty is most assuredly false.

The whole notion of human "races" should be rendered totally obsolete and frowned upon as a completely useless definition of the human condition. You cannot define a person by their skin, hair, eyes, or speech. There are NO human races; there is no African, no Oriental, no Caucasian; there is ONLY humanity. Yet, even though we must never define ourselves using out-of-date racial terminology, "racism" does exist. Racism is the outcome whenever one group seeks to exploit or overpower another group.


It makes no sense to hurt each other. We are all one kind. We must coexist intimately or die out completely as a biological species. We also must coexist with the earth and nature. The air we breath, water we drink, and food we consume are all part of a sacred chain of survival. People, as well as other animals and plants all belong to each other and to the planet and to the universe that spawned us. Yes, we are children of the universe. The atoms of your body were created in a supernova explosion that occurred billions of years ago in a distant part of our galaxy. These atoms and molecules and biological manifestations of everything we call life are constantly in motion and change.


Change is what makes us great.


In your history books, you may come across an historical reference to something called the Internet or World Wide Web. This electronic network was the first tool of its kind to provide humans the crucial impetus to break through social and geographic barriers that have caused human strife for centuries. Digital communications -- especially through what we called "virtual worlds" and "social networks" -- helped coalesce the various factions of humanity into a unified global village. There was once a real threat of a digital divide to isolate affluent populations from poor ones, educated individuals from the intellectually naive, old and young. But as crass and profit-driven commercialism diminished, more socially conscious internet innovators emerged offering the open transfer of knowledge and critical resources. The World Wide Web became an essential key to greater prosperity for larger segments of the human society.


One of the most important benefits was the beginning of the end of global warfare. Thanks to your parents (my generation's offspring), large scale weapons manufacturing and sales were banned totally. Even the so-called secret factories were exposed and dismantled by people who believed that no human being should ever kill another man, woman or child for purely monetary gains or petty cultural intolerance.


There has been tremendous technological, social, and political advances during the period between my generation to yours. I know there will still be a lot to do to help all of humanity and earth kind to survive. I firmly believe that you will continue to build on the successes of your forebears.


Good luck and remember to occasionally revisit the history chronicles and family genealogy databases to reaffirm your total commitment to the evolution of our society. Also, be sure to occasionally celebrate the foresight of your elders and smile tolerantly at their follies.


Best Wishes,
Your Grand Dad
Stafford Levon Battle
Juanita Betts Comment by Juanita Betts on April 6, 2008 at 1:41pm
Hello to all, I have not been so active in this group, which is about to change. I have been so busy getting things into perspective and still doing the same, but felt the need to share and leave you with blessings and success.

-Juanita Betts
 

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