Black-Love

by: Clementina Elba , June 14, 2021

Introduction

The purpose of the poem ‘Black-Love’ is to resonate with the black community at a deeper emotional level, and to enable us to connect with feelings that may be uncomfortable due to past and present injustices. It is a poem that highlights our contributions and examines an alternative approach to making change. 

I encourage an Inside-Out technique which requires delving deep into one’s emotions and thought processes to create an alignment with self. Journaling can facilitate the release of thoughts and feelings in a safe space, while positive affirmations may help to reverse limiting beliefs. The organisation I run, Black Boy Magic Ltd., combines affirmations and poetry to support positive self-talk within children. Promoting self-love while reflecting on the achievements of great historical figures facilitates a new mindset and positive sense of self for younger generations.

My poetry frequently mentions black historical figures such as Maya Angelou (who has been a major inspiration for my own writing), Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Kwame Nkrumah and Marcus Garvey. This enables me to celebrate their contributions while also introducing them to a younger audience. 

The style of poetry I write utilises different types of rhyme: not only do I prefer to write this way, but as an early year’s teacher, I am aware that poetic rhyme harbours an abundance of learning opportunities for young people including the development of memory skills, acquisition of phonics, identification of rhythm and expansion of vocabulary. These skills are fundamental to children’s holistic development.

‘Black-Love’ encapsulates the overall essence of Black Boy Magic Ltd. Unlocking one’s greatness requires unravelling the emotional layers and finding the gems that reside within. The journey of self-love is the best romance story anyone will ever experience!

 

Black-Love

 

Chapter One: Self-Discovery 

I bet you know where I am going with this title. 

On a journey from this reality

to becoming who we are meant to be is vital.

Fiction, not true, made up, imaginary – 

what I am hoping for this chapter is a sense of community 

where we write our story from a place of love 

peace, strength, happiness, no losses

kind of like the depiction made in Noughts and Crosses

without the hurt and unruly behaviour 

as we treat one another in the highest of favour. 

 

So now the tale is birthed

we move harmoniously 

while we recognise our self-worth

a story told by the strong and bold

who actively reprogrammed their minds to uphold

the nature of the black king and queen

whose true narrative is yet to be seen

while encompassing the ideas of the great Martin Luther King

who indeed had a dream.

 

Chapter Two: Emotions

In Chapter One what I said 

was just a dip in the ocean 

waiting to see if you are ready

to ride the vigorous waves of motion. 

Let me reiterate: we as a people

our contributions to society are equal

look at Gladys West

inventor of the tech for GPS                    

from our designs to our resources 

all of it shows we are following the right courses. 

 

Deflate that ball of all consuming

heightened emotions that are frequently looming –

to act in emotion relinquishes the power

that we have been entrusted with and allowed to devour

be smart, use what you are made of

to excel in all things and hold a majestic status 

teach one another, work together in unity 

respect, keep the peace, one love and form a community.

The speech that Dr. King made in 1963

remains evident you see

as we continue to face the more than unjust

then are accused of being aggressive and creating a fuss

OK, so what do you want us to do,

should we use the tactics Malcom X preferred to?

These are times where we need to connect

so we can move for change with no fear or regret.

 

Chapter Three: Abundance 

Chapter Two blew me away

but today is a new day 

and to quote another great

Maya Angelou states:

there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you

she is calling for authenticity

to shine through and through. 

 

We see abundance

the sun that gives us warmth 

the trees that provide us life

the breeze that blows away our stresses and strife

the sky that appears in the bluest of seas

with the appearance of endless possibilities

the stars and moon provide the gateway to the universe

and if we channel our energy right

we can attract like for like

what we put out is what we get

let us keep this in our hearts so we don’t forget

the need to keep our thoughts in a positive place

to manifest what we want to physically be in our space 

the tenacity of the environment around

should not remotely astound us.

At this significant time of our lives

we can pursue and unearth the ultimate paradise. 

 

Chapter Four: Paradise

What’s paradise you ask?

It’s not what you have been made to think 

that’s all a farce, a far cry from what it truly means.

Paradise is someplace that can go unseen

you must go deep within to uncover the beauty 

of the wonders placed in your heart

this is your innate duty. 

 

You know the feeling you cannot explain

like the rush of joy when you visualise socializing after lockdown again

that feeling when chilling with family and friends

from morning until the night ends

so pleasant and well-seasoned is the spice of life

is that thought creeping in really worth the sacrifice?

This time has been an opportunity to reset

just how you feel about you

to remind yourself to be content with you

and be free

to grow from a place of love and confidence 

and raise your level of self-esteem. 

Now let us refer to some of the greats 

Marcus Garvey, Maya Angelou, Malcom X, but a few to state

when they used love to make change and minimise the hate

take some of their qualities and those within you

trust in the process of action and you will see

the essence of paradise that lives within thee.