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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I was born in Jamaica, West Indies and migrated to the United States in 1986. I've lived in New York since entering the United States. I was partly educated in Jamaica, up to the 4th grade in High School. I completed High School in Brooklyn, New York. I then received a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Columbia University and an Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College. I worked in the Department of Health for seven years and have been a teacher since then (at the Board of Education and in a day care center). I have also worked at Covenant House with wayward children for about two years. Currently, I do private tutoring and am also pursuing a music career. My poetry reflects my rich education, personal and professional experience, religion, and ambition. I write about diverse topics, from love to world crises. I am a Rastafarian by choice and my poetic stance often manifests through my religious interpretation of life. My hobbies include listening to music (favorite artist is Bob Marley), playing soccer, and reading the news.
SEE
HIS POEMS BELOW
I and I
by Nigel S. Daring
Broke Folks
I knew there were ten when I started
I felt full so I gave away one
I felt awful so I gave away another
Then someone asked me for one,
he called himself a brother
When I gave him, he asked me another favor
I was spendthrift, so I wasted one more
Love almost made me lose four
But thank God it was just one
For another one, I was conned
By foolish mistake, another I lost
I was robbed another
And hard times took the last for the cost
Well here I am empty handed, left stranded
No one volunteered one
When I asked, they had none
"What happened?" I asked
They responded "Well, I knew there were ten when I started…
And hard times took the last for the cost"
A Gift
A gift is not a trivial thing
It is a symbolic reference of one's commitment to and understanding of another
Generic gifts say you don't think much of the person
You are just fulfilling some perceived obligation
Cologne for men and perfume for women fit this category
A personal gift means the world to those whose world would be better by the gift
A personal gift means you have thought about the person, share a deep bond with the person, have an understanding of the person
In short, you care about the person
If you’ve never gotten a personal gift
Question if you should fall and die, would you truly be missed?
Proverbs
You better face what you've been running away from
or it's going to face you and take you.
If not God, then who?
The complex is built from the simple
Success
Success, how can it be claimed?
By material wealth?
By good health?
By outcome?
By approval?
Success, how can it be claimed?
Everything listed before is rather vain
Wealth, health, outcome, a good name
Success is knowing your aim
And with all determination, seeking to attain
It does not matter that you might not achieve
Success is giving your best for what you believe
Success, how can it be claimed?
You must first know yourself
Find your spiritual health
And that thing that is most heart felt
Must be that which brings internal wealth
Success is really a claim of your identity
Using your natural talents to make you happy
Success, how can it be claimed?
Be true to whatever you do
Praise God for him to bless you
Nothing is worth claiming without a struggle
Life gets its meaning by winning each battle
All you need is yourself, not even a friend
He who suffers, conquers, winning the crown of victory in the end.
Thank You Dear
Thank you dear,
I know you care
Thank you dear,
You called me poet extraordinaire
You're a blessing from above
I'm truly in loved
Aint nutn' sweeter than when you love somebody
And somebody loves you back
Satisfying to the soul
Warms your heart, when you thought, it was cold
So long I've been travelling this road called loneliness
Deep within I was distressed
If I had known you were along the way,
The journey wouldn't have seemed so long
It was hope that kept me strong
And now I have a shoulder to lean on
Ears to listen the experience of years
Patient hands to wipe away pent-up tears
Love Blooms
You were in your world, I was in mine
Fulfillment of expectations was a matter of time
But our paths crossed and our worlds crashed
We wanted a world of our own, destroying what was known
The pleasure of our love would cause others pain
Many times we were hiding in shame
But we made a resolution to stick together
Our love too precious to be ruined by others
And in our hearts, we wanted it to last forever
But this does not make sense, how could we be so intense?
We both met in the innocence of circumstances
Looking back, we blame destiny for the chances
A smile here, a little touching there
A little need to be with each other everywhere
And what's disturbing to the mind,
we were thinking the same thing all the time
Then we made the move, so simple but with the weight of implication
So simple, but it ignited the fire that blazed our relations
We are consumed day by day, now we are burnt out in emotion
Tomorrow, we'll be in the same condition
And the day after, it’ll be the same situation
I love you, you love me
Forever, together we will be
Hope for Peace
Wonderful day, wonderful feeling
Days like these give life its meaning
Today is a day of healing
Cease the bloodshed and killing
Why do we fight, take each other's life?
When we could live in harmony
Jah blessing for you and me
Many have shed precious blood
We've lived through a lack of love
Seems we were caught in a rut, total lack of trust
And not enough open communication
Today we believe we can live in one communion
And to stretch the imagination, under one nation
Messenger Man
Trodding from home with a message in hand
Rest ina woodland, a mountain man
From the hills of I designation
Taking place in the cities of nations
Preaching the truth, I am a messenger man
Teaching the youth, I am a messenger man
Unto each and everyone who will overstand
I've come to go home with at least one man
So I am a messenger man
A warning, yu betta stray from sin
Bow ye unto the mighty king
The world you're living in is dying
Many to suffer, many more will be crying
Don't be deceived by those who want to please and appease
Face the harsh reality of what was, what is and what is to be
For I am a messenger man, I can see
Preaching the truth, I am a messenger man
Teaching the youth, I am a messenger man
Unto each and everyone who will overstand
I've come to go home with at least one man
So I am a messenger man
Say "Thank God"
If you have, say "Thank God"
Do you know that there are children without what to eat and place to sleep?
So many live in lands lacking peace
Still many more can't even buy what is cheap
And for lack of love many do weep
If you have, say "Thank God"
Many have been the victims of abuse
Others, through domination, have had their life come to no use
In too many parts, people know not freedom
Still brutal conditions drive many to commit the most heinous acts under the sun
If you have, say "Thank God"
Families who can't be together for this and that reason
Families who want to be apart in every season
Children who have to face life alone
On the streets, children with children roam
Many people have to struggle as a cripple
Many, the victims of disaster, can't put their life together
Yes, there are many who know no laughter
Rough Ride
Why does violence have to accompany our arguments?
Conversation could be discussion without threats
I am living in fear of death
I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow morning
And then you smile while you hit me over the head
Today, thank God it was cloth instead of lead
When I am wincing in pain, makes no sense I complain
I'm still gonna get the blame
Sometimes you want to kick my butt for no reason
Seems like with you there's no pleasn'
Then you shout commands all mixed up with demands
I've got to go now, 'cause you said I must go now
Do You Know Who You Are?
Do you know who you are?
Do you really know who you are?
Suppose you were by yourself on an island isolated in the sea?
Who would you be?
Suppose you were the king of a great country
Who would you be?
Suppose you were an athlete representing your country?
Who would you be?
Suppose you were locked in chains of poverty
Who would you be?
Suppose you were independently wealthy
Who would you be?
Suppose you had to represent the earth in an alien city
Who would you be?
Suppose you were an abused child in an abusive family
Who would you be?
Suppose you were born to a religious family
Who would you be?
Suppose you were born to the ungodly
Who would you be?
Suppose you traveled in time and got the chance to be a slaveholder in slave society
Who would you be?
Suppose you were born a slaveholder in a slave society
Who would you be?
Suppose you're loyal and your spouse commits adultery
Who would you be?
Suppose you were on trial and a simple lie could set you free
Who would you be?
Do you know who you are?
Do you really know who you are?
How Deep Is Your Love?
Suppose a villain held a gun to your head and said
"Chose, you or your most loved one must be dead"
Would you choose that someone close, the one you love the most?
Or would you rather go instead?
Suppose you were on a desert island
And there was only enough food to suffice one man until the rescue mission
But you were there with your most loved one
Would you give away the bread in your hand?
Suppose you had to choose between you and the world population for death
Which choice would you accept,
knowing that if you live you could still get all your material needs met?
Fantasy Love Affair
I have the most beautiful woman in my dream
Making intense love though our love-making is clean
I am at my best, she calls me king of the ring
She says I have the biggest thing
I have her whenever I want and she always wants
One day while walking on the street
A woman, split image of my dream lover, I did meet
She walked with her friend
But by my presence, I brought their conversation to an end
I told the woman of my fantasy
She said, "Nigga, you crazy!!!
I'da never been with a guy like you,
Even if I needed money"
I was angry, how could she behave so properly in my fantasy
Yet be such a bitch in reality
I told her, to get back at her, but I meant it sincerely
Tonight I'ma have you, do to you whatever I want to do,
You goyne love it too, call me your boo
Then I'ma cheat with you friend
And you goyne beg me to come back again
She said, "Only in your dreams"
That's right, this is my dream
At least I can have you there, if not out here
Fantasy love affair
Rasta
Rasta is the spice of life
Try I and be nice
Rasta spread love in the neighborhood
Make I and I children feel good
Rasta bring righteousness with him
And the love of a mighty king
Rasta teach the truth
Uplift I and I youth
Rasta break all bonds
With a backing from the great beyond
Rasta conquers all fear
Rasta shows he care
Rasta everliving, everfaithful, eversure
With his herbs, all pain he can cure
Earth Rightful Ruler
Restore his majesty dynasty
Jah promise unbroken descendency
World leaders got the world confused
But destiny is not theirs to chose
We want the rightful ruler, earth rightful ruler
Let Mount Zion and this land be one
His Majesty gots to be on his throne,
Judging all nations in the righteousness of Jah
Let light shine into the darkness
The devil rulers got us in distress
Let true love flow amongst I and I
The children of the earth need their king
His throne was promised forIver, so let it be given
Child Be Wise
Child be wise
So many have died to see you survive
So many have died to see you stay alive
Know where you are in the struggle
Don't waste opportunity given to you
Respect yourself and your fore parents too
It is by their sacrifice that your life is not that miserable
Child be wise
Many tears wetted the land and raised the level of the ocean
Hope made many give their lives
They could only imagine a time when their children would have life this nice
Child be wise
Don't take anything for granted
The moment you relax, they will pull back
Have sense, be on the defense
Better yet, be on the offense
Develop your natural resources
And be prepared to teach your children,
So they be wise
Control Freaks
They say they control everything
In such a way they structure their system
Everything's regulated, their world an enclave in the world
The earth nothing but a supplier
But how could they account for unfair weather,
All forms of imbalances in nature
Now they see things crumbling
Even some mighty buildings
Many a looting and a shooting
A lot of panicking
Sorry for whose caught within
Then the control freaks realize,
They control nothing
The Journey
What a journey
It's been a long journey
People see you a eat a plate a food
A just true dem nuh overstand the journey
It's been a long journey
They see you
Make disparaging comments
They don't know,
They really don't understand
What we been through
The pain and suffering
Times when we could've lost everything
We believed, we had to believe in our survival
That destiny would be kind to us
That the hand of God was with us
What a journey
It's been a long journey
It's fixed in our memory
For us, it'll be a legacy
Yet as we speak, there's still more we seek
God bless us
Thy mercy upon us
Friend
When you're laughing and happy
The whole world laughs with you
But when you're down and out
Aint nobody laugh with you
But friend, good friend, they always laugh with you
So hard, it's so hard to find friend so true
'Cause when you cut through the thicket, there's only a few
One God
You say you worship the God who created all things
I say the same thing
We are worshipping the same God
I tell you, you and me
We must be branches of the same tree
Fingers of the same hand
Your God is my God and my God is your God
You no better than me
I no better than you
See, in the mystical traditions of all ages
Throughout the stages, there's the spirit of one
You and I may not worship together
But deep down, we are brothers
Don't be confused by politics, gimmicks and tricks that put us in conflict
Your God is my God and my God is your God
Some say Yahweh, some say Budha
Some say Allah, some say Jehoviah
Some say God, I man say Jah
It's the same God, same same God
You can't fight me and say brotherhood
That's ungodly in any neighborhood
Eating Bread
We eating our bread
Full time we eat we bread
Pass the dread
Delicious to the taste
Don't let a crumb waste
Spread the news
Good news
We eating our bread
We pass the dread
Do you know how it is when you don't know
The means in the to and fro'?
Lord we troubled in ourselves
God gave us a hand
A prayer a day and faith along the way
So, spread the news
Good news
We eating our bread
Unrequited Love
Aint it a shame
Aint it a pain
To love somebody and they don't love you back
Aint it a shame
Aint it a pain
To give yourself to somebody and they don't give back
Expectation based on heart passion blinds the eyes
And the flood comes pressing the guise
Reservoir gates can't stay shut
You feel it in your gut
Aint it a shame
Aint it a pain
To love somebody and they don't love you back
Aint it a shame
Aint it a pain
To give yourself to somebody and they don't give back
Some decision’s gotta be made
Now you're afraid
Weighing on your conscience
The future makes no sense
My child
It's not good for a man to standstill when life is moving
The race is getting hotter
It is not for the swift but who can endure
Take a rest but not a permanent one
Introspection and meditation can only make you strong
Fight negativity before it gets the best of you
Never underestimate yourself
Never ever let other people's attitude stray you
Do what you want to do
Your calling is for you, only you
Don't be intimidated by other failures for what you must do
Life is what you make it
Make the best of it
Don't ever make anybody else determine your happiness
Neither make anyone put you in distress
Be in control of your own soul
No one can make you do anything you don't want to do
My child this is my advice to you
Be wise, you won't make the mistakes I've made
My child, this is the advice I give you, just listen
The Wise, The Word
It is a fool that does not know the measure of his size
Behold, many are aggrieved of themselves to find the mistakes they've made
Experience teacheth knowledge but knowledge cannot teach experience
He who lives life without thought shall be lost in the sway
He who knows not love shall be a hurting all day
Only the wise can see the king
And the pure in heart bow to him
Partake of pleasure, you will surely want again
Of the spirit there is no end
Why should the world intimidate,
when we can control it with faith?
Wise men always say the same regardless of religion or culture
The word of God is always being uttered just listen and abide
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word, never
Broken Soul
Seems like my whole world is upside down
I can hear light, I can see sound
I am blind in the day, I see at night
When you left, I would've preferred death
Who am I? Nothing but a broken soul
I've been longing for control
Why did time leave when we first met?
When did our completeness become less?
When did you stop feeling I was the one in your life?
God curse the day you thought things weren't right
Player President
I been played
Though I was wise to the play
It was my game
The outcome mine the same
Yet I still feel a pain
It might be guilt with a shade of shame
It's about time I deal with reality
Make plans in truth and move positively
Let the game be played
And I not be swayed
Spring Love
It's Spring again, memories all over again
It was in the Spring, my heart was broken
Walking through the park, a little before dark
Ran into you, making conversation
Ended up discussing my broken relations
So caught up in the emotion
I was crying before you, only a strange woman
Since then, there was definitely a bond
Woman, you've been a lover and a friend
Ever since the first day, I've been talking my troubles to you
And you've always been there to listen and comfort me
I'll always be running to you when the water is boiling in my kettle
Yes, it's Spring again, and the flowers bring memories of fresh blooming love
I see a soft tender rose, looking beautiful in the shade
Reminds me of you on that first day
Here baby it's for you
Just remember, this pale daffodil loves you still
Why So Blue?
Why so blue tonight?
Tomorrow's another day
Brings new life
Everything's goyne be alright
There's a game for selfish ends
Lost today, make love rule my friend
Got caught in the strife
But tomorrow will bring new life
Throw No Stones
Throw no stones
For I am a man broken
Oh yea, I'm withered and beaten
Through hardship my flesh is eaten
Of a man, I am nothing but a token
Throw no stones
I am as a madman, an outcast
At my sight, a rock men would cast
Little children laugh,
Not knowing my path they could cross
And my walk they could walk
Throw no stones
I've been through the pain
I've been through the struggles
I'm down not 'cause my spirit is down
But 'cause my flesh is worn
Throw no stones
Respect me, you better respect me
I'm a man, I'm human
The Rejected
There are things of which I cannot speak
To think on them, I can get no sleep
They brought me grief
But if I should tell, many would be in disbelief
So I flee to find my peace
It's the way of the broken hearted
Placing expectation in people who did not expect
Indeed they did reject
My whole life has been shattered
For I have been battered
The strength of those who should have built me fell upon me
To my soul they had the key
The damage they did, it's hard to break free
It's the way of the broken hearted
Placing expectation in people who did not expect
Indeed they did reject
I will remember, how can I forget
It lingers in my chest
Surfacing to the brain
The rest of my life a struggle against the pain
Love's End
Great beginnings sometimes lead to disastrous ends
When you fall in love, seems you're blind to life's wayward turns
The affair seems like everything
Until everything comes crashing
It's the little things you are not aware of that seem so major
Yet they must be important for the relationship to be over
How Do You Feel?
How do you feel?
Do you feel isolated by the system?
Like they dancing to a different rhythm
Do they understand you to be making comments about you?
How do you feel?
Are they for real?
Do they know you've gotta be made of steal?
Do they know you've been given a raw deal?
Tell me, how do you feel?
When the waters of time kept running
You got caught in the stream
And somewhere you were dropped off in this man's dream
In some silly scheme to challenge your being
Does he know where you've been?
Government Rule
Blessed is the government that can say with honesty
"We are from and of the people, and our desires derive from and are theirs"
Which official can truly say my service is unselfish
Mr. politician, do you think of your brotherman when you eat?
Mr. Politician, do you remember that the hungry must be fed,
The naked clothed,
The sick nourished,
The aged protected, and
The infants cared for?
Tell I now, is your service a disservice?
Tell I truly, I want to know
'Cause if you ain’t for the people, you've gotta go
You Are Not The One
I was hoping you were right but then you're not my type
What was it that first attracted me to you?
What weakness made me desire you?
Now that I'm strong I know I was wrong
You are not the one
I was so weak I could hardly speak
I did creep 'till I was on my feet
And you knew I was blue
That's why you're love wasn't true
You are not the one
I was weak, you took advantage
For your privilege, you took advantage
And claimed you love me
When I showed you reality, you left me
You are not the one
Psalm 1
In Jah am I hopeful
His peace be upon I
Lucifer will not move I
For I know his ways
My guide is the Lord
The one of whom it is spoken
Once I saw not and heard not
And in my heart I wept
Deep within my soul, I felt agony
His majesty manifest and I believe
I am in my master's kingdom
Upon earth I am but a slave,
A wanderer without home all my days
Men would see me and cast a stone
Laughter in their mouth
Despising words by their lips
Oh cursed am I amongst the creatures of the earth
But in the kingdom of God, I shine in Glory
By my master's side, reward to compensate
Lord knows I tried and I'm tired
Lord you are truly great
Let all mankind find
What I have found in you
I tried
Somebody told me that if I touch fire I would be burned
He showed me his hand for proof
He said he didn't want me to make the same mistake in my youth
But he said what he said with such pride
Good Lord, I wanted that pride, so I tried
I got to admit I was curious
I was brave, I was adventurous
I thought I might not get burned
I thought I could stand the heat
Or like my friend, rise from defeat
So I tried
Man in the Moon
There's a man in the moon
Aint no joke aint no cartoon
Yea he on the moon
It aint in my head I said
I've been keeping it to myself
Well I've declared it now
I declared it somehow
It was on my mind
And all this time
I had it pent up
For the sake of embarrassment,
I kept my mouth shut
There's a man in the moon
I'm proud to say
I see him by night
He disappears by day
There's a man in the moon
I don't believe them scientists
And I don't want their diagnosis
This is my thought and I cherish it
I even relish it
Forget who wanna declare my madness
No Love Man
I knew a man who had no love, gave no love
He said certain things, he was above
He did what he had to do
Just 'cause it was what had to be done
For his pleasure, that's all that mattered
I said man, let's talk a little, mix and mingle
But he had a purpose
Not in God could he put his trust
Today is not today, it is tomorrow
It must receive a plan
For he could only trust work of his hand
Man, where have you been hurt?
Who disappointed you?
What happened my friend?
You better forgive
Live and let live
Accept and go on
Open you're heart to God
For God is love and love is God
In truth become I brother
And let's pleasure together
Trod on Baby
Woman, you live your life in vanity
You want to be part of high society
I don't want their identity
So you don't see you and me
Now you're lost in a world of pretension
Caught by talk of men with philosophy of confusion
Your whole life is one big illusion
Trod on baby, let I be in I religion
Trod on baby, one day you will sing my song
And you'll come running again
With your heart broken and a life full of pain
I see you want to be
All you can be is a wannabe
Who you think love you is a pretender too
Soon, it'll dawn on you what I say is true
Trod on baby, let I be in I religion
Trod on baby, one day you will sing my song
And you'll come running again
With your heart broken and a life full of pain
Trod on little darling, you gonna keep running
Trod on little darling, you gonna keep hiding
Trod on little darling, you'll always be seeking
Watch Yourself
Aggression anywhere is aggression everywhere
Hate anywhere is hate everywhere
Go ahead support ivil works
Today for me, tomorrow for you
Their power knows no limitation
Learn from history
Know your destiny
A stitch in time saves nine
Just when you think all is fine
A jus' war and crime await you down the line
Learn from history, know your destiny
All those experiments they been testing on us
They been hurting us and still they expect our trust
Turn a blind eye, away stay shy
Then you die, it failed, they lied
Seeking Peace
So you've been seeking peace
Said you've been haunted by beasts
And you just want some relief
Well when it comes to people, you've got to
Expect nothing
Accept things
Forgive everything
Live and let live
Start over, don't store anger
It'll harm you more than the offender
Find peace within and you'll find peace without
Of the beauty of your being, never doubt
Love conquers hate
Even when its not apparent,
just wait and have faith
Life is a cycle
Always do good so good can be returned to you
Never ever sacrifice your principle
The moment you do, you're life will be miserable
Dear Master
Dear master, I will love you all the days of my life
No one, no force on earth can get me to stop loving you
I drifted dear God
And I was shamefully used and abused
I strayed my Lord,
And I am sorry for what I did
Now I am happy because you forgive
I was lost because I was a fool
I was ignorant, allowed myself to be led
Now I know, yes I know
It does not matter if the world is not for I
For if God is for I,
Who can be against I?
So I serve you my master
For all eternity's sake
You are my rock, my fortress
My stronghold in times of trouble
Forsake me not when I call upon thee
For I will call upon thee for all eternity
Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord
Unnecessary Pain
People make their lives sore distressed
Lack of faith
And they make wrong moves
They hurt those who love them
Weakness
Ca'a di haarse ga'a wata
Yu ca'ayn force him fi drink
In the abundance of wata
Di fool tirsty
Willful waste woeful want
Sometimes I cry to see what they give up
Once a connection broken
It cannot be replaced
Nuh curse whe yu coming from
Curse whe yu going
Job Stress
Another day, another pay
Then a brethren pass by
With the stress in his eye
And he almost asked I why
When a sister came by
I friend said bye
And after a sigh,
She asked "Why"?
By the sweat of yu brow
Yu must eat bread
But I tell you, this is dread
To the higher ups, you try to explain
But then you're given an explanation
With undertones of accusation
What a frustration
Then you trod on home
With a pressure on your brain
To yuself yu saying, not again
This is a strain
And tomorrow comes just the same
And you gots to do it over again
Face the pain
I 'n I Youth
What must become of I 'n I youth
Since dem nuh wa'ayn learn
Nuh wa'ayn work
A muzic and drugs
Group and 'treet
And dem jus'a loaf offa I 'n I
Dem want but dem want easy
Dem live suh fas',
By a tender age,
dem know mo' dan yu and mi
And en’ up live life empty
Better must come
It hard but ya'afi look fi betta
Yu ca'ayna sid dun frustrated
Sitn' must deh roun'a corna
A plate a food is a mus'
Suh I nah mek no one disrespect I
And I nuh wan' move up
Unu caan control I ‘n I
Whistle blow, up and go
At dem beck and call
Den dem si dread
Who a di lion now?
I 'n I nah bow
Morning Light
Morning light
What will the day bring?
Good tidings I hope
Another day, another strength
Strive, we've got to strive
Just to stay alive
Morning light
I don't wanna see night
Come day, let I live to the fullest
Take each day as a dream come true
See each day as new
Savor every moment and say "Soul, be content"
Morning light
You just do what is right
Make the best of life
Give Jah ises for the gift
Wisdom
In a restful vibes, some good meditation
Focus energy towards a positive direction
Feel the control in I and I soul
Inspiration from the deep beyond
In a moment of peace comes the bond
With the spiritual, conquer things physical
A greatness known by the fulfillment of a great being
Well here comes the trickster
In a guise so rational
Move I and I from the natural
Explain reality, the need to abide by fantasy
Where the goal is vanity and the game is hypocrisy
Fools are deceived to play evil
But we know, good over evil
Let I lose the battle
The war is mine
Children of the light shine
Make You Happy
I try to make you happy
But you are unhappy
Even my very best
Still you're blue
What darkness lingers in your soul
That my love could not make you whole
Where does your mind stray when I make hay?
All I've got is for you
Still, it's not enough, you're blue
I try to make you happy
But you my darling are so unhappy
What could make you happy?
Another guy? Could any guy?
Is it even worth a try?
Why are you so blue?
Little darling, don't you know I love you?
Didn't I show you?
I just try to make you happy
But you my baby are so unhappy
You Left Me
You left me and took me
You came back and it was never the same
Even when I tried
All I was left with was a game
You left me and the devil fell upon me
I believed the speech
And it made me weak
I saw you broken and I could not help
For I was broken too
Still I know I loved you
I love you though you took me
And never brought me back
I saw you on your back
And all I got was what I lacked
Chains
Around my ankle
Around my head
Surround my soul
I can't break free
But who put these chains on me
It was me pressured by society
Causa these chains, I cannot be
Society threatened I would be dead
If I wasn’t bound by it to gain my bread
Faithlessness took hold
So I gave up my soul
I can't break free
These chains won't let me be
Society's got a hold on me
Suppressing my pride and dignity
Its chains won't let me be
Can Be Cured
When your world is sin
Truth is nothing but an abstract concept
For fleshly gains you strain, bear the pain
Never relaxed, tomorrow must be planned
For God is at a distance
A reality for a time of day of the week without substance
And the pain is yours
Can you be cured?
Faith in truth the solution
Leaving the realm of abstraction
Inner peace begins with self-acceptance
And the respect for things unseen by the naked eye
Yet so vibrant in you and I
For the love of God is all we need
Fleshly love is vain indeed
Fleshly love is pain indeed
God did say, who is not willing to abandon the world for me is not worthy of me
Your pain can be cured
Your story is old
It's been told
It's been lived by many souls
I know
I know what I know and am confident of what I know
And what I know has been known
For what I know no wind could ever blow
Floodwaters could never overflow
In the depths of my soul rests what I know
Across hills and valleys, in countries and cities
Inciting rallies, moving from back alleys to front street entities
Preaching, ever resting in a backyard
Teaching, never accepting award
Reaching, never seeking reward
So I go on weathering the storm
So I go on, even without flesh I am
To some people, I am everything
To a few people, I am something
To most people, I am nothing
Yet I go on, bringing the light in my hand
Wisdom for the few who will understand
While facing a world of rejection
I know I can be something to some people
I can even be many things to many people
But I cannot be all things to all people
Yet I go on, bringing the light in my hand
Wisdom for the few who will understand
While facing a world of rejection
Righteousness for Righteousness Sake
The wages of sin is death
But the gift of Jah is eternal life
Who think they can get away with what they do
Live in ignorant bliss of the cycle
So righteousness for righteousness sake
The light of justice must shine
I and I children must awaken
Behold, fools seek wisdom while living foolishly
And the food they need,
they cast away claiming bitter to the mouth
How long my children shall you crave vanity?
The more you gain, the more you must maintain
Free yourself from pain
Ultimate Commitment
For the rest of my days
I want to serve God
With all my heart and soul
I want to serve God
My God I make a commitment
My only desire burns like fire
Make me true to my passion
Jah, let my will be thine own
To Find Rest
Trodding through desolate places seeking rest
Searched East, searched West
Search North, searched South
Still I have doubts
Why can't I put my soul to rest?
Mount Zion, I'll be there
Friend, if you've found the way
Tell me, I must be there some day
Across the expanse of the desert
If that's what it takes
With my final reserve of energy
And the remnant of my body
Will I succeed in my journey
I've got to put I soul to rest
For time, I'll stand the test
Where there's a will there's a way
Mount Zion, I'll be there someday
Gone were the days when I sought peace in the world
I sought love in all the wrong places
To gain it, I ended up broke and broken
Disgraced by I antics
New attitude by introspection
On the road of life, I've changed my direction
Man I Am
What you owe you cannot repay
For what I've lost can never be regained
For the savor of my soul
I have lifelong pain
I don't ask for what is thine
I take what is rightfully mine
I don't want to partake of this rat race
Just in iration, I want my rightful place
Man I am and Man I will be
Equality is a must, God made I equal
So in God I put my trust
To fight this righteous battle
And overcome the powers of evil
Prophecy done reveal
Who ca'ayn hear, must feel
I don't want to partake of this rat race
Just in iration, I want my rightful place
Man I am and Man I will be
The Struggle
Out of the muddle comes clarity
Purpose and direction have formed a union
Comfort in self-identification
No wall can contain ambition
The world makes sense now
The stars shine with a new glow
The sun beams with a new radiance
Tomorrow brings a new hope
Pray for death to stay away
Maybe it will never be achieved
But the fight gives life its meaning
And something will be achieved
For that the struggle would be worth it
Someone else will see
And carry on the baton
The Pain of Love
I love you but you don't love yourself
I want to help you but you need self-help
You've blocked me out with your doubts
I've become your enemy
You've directed your blame towards me
You've accepted insecurity
You think that's the way you were made to be
To show you another reality is a thing beyond me
And though it's silly, I've become your enemy
I want you to see what I see
But I realize you cannot be you through me
And so I've got to let go
For my own peace of mind is not in changing you
But in changing me
Power of the Earth
See them running, chasing the power of the earth
The need for economic security feeds the greed
They subvert good values
Even their best friend they screw
What would they do to me and you?
They running, they coming
There'll be nothing standing
Oh brother, times are hard
Just cause they make it so hard
With their lust, in them you cannot trust
For their own selves, they could not trust
And if light should shine in night
A lot of people would be caught in plight
They running, they coming
There'll be nothing standing
Oh brother, you can't trust your own brother
He sold himself and he was bought
You can't look up to such and such
Saying you want to be like them
Else you will have to sell yourself
For what, for that which passeth
And live your life in regret
In This World
In this world,
Some will make it because of their roots
Some won't make it despite their roots
Some will make it in spite of their roots
Most won't make it in light of their roots
Society makes hope beyond reality
Everyday, there's less and less opportunity
And you've got to work harder and harder
To get the same pittance of a dollar
We See
We see and observe even though we may not speak
What we know never came from institutions of knowledge
What we seek is a privilege only the mighty take for granted
Eyes for the brain and wisdom for the spirit
We see your pain, the one you call pleasure
And when we told you of the treasure
You brought us to shame for a measure
Why so angry dear child? Tell me
Why cry my child? Tell me
Lose faith, then you must've faithless
So why cry my child?
Jah said only for a little while
Now I see a studied man of great intelligence
Yet without wisdom he has no sense
Followers shall stumble in his confusion
Getting lost in an illusion
We see, so follow me
Great master, I try don't I?
See, I tried, didn't I?
Lost Community
Homes abandoned, yet there are homes
Zones cordoned, yet there are phones
Beg your pardon, to where you roam?
"Nine to five to stay alive"
And where are the children?
"They’re occupied"
With what? May I ask
"All the things modern society contrive"
Things fall apart and it's ripping the heart
Signs of a failing community
Children are the first you see
Our future in jeopardy
We got not time for family
Things fall apart and it's ripping the heart
Without watching eyes, the children will stray
Their paths will come to haunt us someday
Things fall apart and it's ripping the heart
Children have no respect, no developed intellect
No good interest, It's all about sex
Who can be the best at nothingness
Remember Job
God is perfect
Show due respect
Why is life so imperfect?
In imperfection there's perfection
Through hardship self realization
Now Job was a good man
Lived in righteousness
So what was his wrong,
to face such tribulation?
This world nothing but an illusion
A testing ground for I and I constitution
Remember Job, cause only the fool said in his heart
There is no God, there is no God
Remember Job
Jah Blessing
I am blessed of God
For I know I am of God
Within me there is God
And the words of my mouth are of God
And my actions glorify God
I am honored to have lived my life
For my life was the handiwork of God
I truly love God
That's why he truly loves me
Determination
I am tired
Wired by determination
Physical weakness my condition
Still I must strive
'Till my flesh cease
I've got to stay alive
My name is stress
And I'm battling the loneliness
Still I need some peace and rest
Seems it will only come in my death
Betrayal
Behold, who we are for is not for us
They deride us, chide us
They respect their downpressor
And treat I as the lessor
They sell Rasta children everyday
They sell themselves in the same way
And they wonder why?
Why are their lives so miserable?
We left the shores of our land as one
Here we are in many strange denominations
And the one that proclaims our name
You bring to shame
You hate us for we claim what you do not have
You are jealous
Deep down, you are sad
Slow Down
You're moving too fast
The kids got to pay the cost
You're moving too fast
At this rate, we cannot last
To where are we headed?
And why are we headed there?
Why couldn't we slow the pace?
Oh this rat race
Slow down, slow down
What about people in this place?
Who cares for technology and outer space?
What about the children?
Is anyone concerned?
You leaders, are you concerned?
Oh this rat race
Slow down, slow down
Lion Rules
You think you are strong
But in the jungle
Who is stronger than the lion?
Who was made king?
Every creature has a destiny
The lion was born to rule
Stronger than the negative
The lion is positive
Good over evil
The lion defends righteousness
Don't try to make him less
He will show he's the best
The lion leads for he is a leader
And when you see him with the weed
Don't mistake his stupor
Lion eat the meat of life
Take only a lioness for a wife
Only foolish beasts never fear or hear him
After he conquers, none will dare him
Protected
We trod by faith not by sight
We abhor wrong and do the right
We cast away weakness for might
In darkness, we are guided by the great light
So it happen, we can only eat of our master's garden
We never hunger
Though the vain claim we suffer
There's a road looking splendid
But the end thereof is destruction
Wisdom prevents our travelling along
Where we must go is shown by an angel
Thus we avoid the death of hell
And what we eat is according to our worth
We need nothing of the earth
Going Home
Going home
This insecure sphere
The place of permanency
I would trod there
Leaving fear to Mount Zion
Cast away evil
The leadership of the devil
Oh Mount Zion my home
Each day away I cry I pray
To live in truth
Of the vine, the fruit
If Jah is not with I
Who can be for I?
Mount Zion within I
To be one with thee
In the fullness of I identity
Conspiracy
Your morality is immoral
Your façade of universality
Mask brutal intentions
Your lust for increased power uncontrollable
With modern inventions you seep through
Hardly noticeable
And we feel the effects
To the incomprehensible
We blame natural defects
The finger we aim
The brothers we blame
Our community, our country in pain
While you take what you gain
Coming back again and again
Pretending you care
You wanna share
When we wouldn't have been here
Had it not been for your snare
Man Know Your Limit
The modern world has become a victim of its own advances
To every discovery that can benefit mankind
The same has a counterpart of treachery
To the deficit of his kind
Now let man understand reality
Since he believes there's no limit to his mind
Man can destroy life; he can't create it
At best, he can sustain it
But even so, to a limit.
CONTINUED...PART
2
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