Moment In Time

For the very first time
You have made me feel
What I never had
Then I knew it was real
Without even a thought
I just always knew
From the feelings I had
My heart was with you
Different times in space
Moments frozen in time
The love that I have
Only yours intertwined
Never have a thought
Whether I'll be true
No man alive
Can take the place of you

A gifted soul

To be a young and gifted soul
Be proud of who you are
Your world starts to unfold
You walk through life
Hold your head high
For the things above
They reveal your why
Never be ashamed
Of what you've gone through
If not for those things
You would not be you

My friend

I have to thank you
For being my friend
Never giving me pain
Taking me in

He smiled down on me
My skies were grey
He held my hand
Until this day

He fed me and clothed me
Not causing me pain
A friend till the end
Not many words I can say

Met many people
They said they were true
You never forget that true friend
That was there to see you through

Sailing

Gladly sail the seas
Or drift away
Never using words
My heart cannot say

Walk on water
Or travel the earth
Searching for truth
While seeking self worth

Advocating civil rights
Mentoring our youth
Having been enlightened
In abundance speak truth

Now having found
My voice I now speak
For the energy you put out
Through the universe you shall reap

The Perfect Mother

The perfect mother
Isn't what you think it is
She sacrifices herself
Life for the kids

She'll do some things
Maybe not good to you
Being about her business
Not picture perfect its true

They say tough love
Brings out your best
Wanting them happy
Leaving the nest

Even from afar
She sacrifices for you
Pushing away what's not good for you

This woman I speak of
Although they may say
She raised a beautiful woman
It was in the DNA

True Friend

He came to me
When skies were grey
He is my friend for always

He did for me
What they did not do
Unselfish man
Tried and True

A strengthened bond
Will always remain
Few true pacts
Until this day

He helped me see
There are a few good men
When I opened my eyes
Good things begin

My promise

The provenance is where your story began
White sands and clear waters
Reality sets in

Longing for the day
I will be with you
When the oath is done
It's me and you

Having your daughter or maybe a son
Taking those vows
Cannot be undone

It's true when I say
I Belong to you
No need for shame
These words are true

The Sunrise

Be my Adam
I am your Eve
Journey's been hard
The eyes can deceive

Many miles have I travelled
While thinking of you
For what the mind believes
The heart knows is true

Each and every morning
As the sun starts to rise
It's you that I see
When I open my eyes

I have presupposed
To have you for years
Allowed myself
Overcame of my fears

Now that I know
That all my dreams have come true
I'll close my eyes & I'll pray
All of me all of you

Loving Self

One can never move backward
Happiness comes from within
While waiting for love
Loving self never ends

Rise above past mistakes
Past is gone
Nothing left to debate
Leave well enough alone

Follow your dreams
Feelings come from within
For whatever you feel
Reality sets it in

The journey has been hard
The part that you play
Be the Oscar winning performer
Nothing left for them to say...

Yes We Can

Yes we can
Has come true
Together the things we did do

We set aside
Our selfish ways
Advocating for causes
Over the World a craze

Christian, Catholic, Muslim or Jew
We each have our Religion
For each they are true

Let's put aside our prejudice
Work together for a worthy cause
The middle class had a great fall

Right and Left
Black and White
For through our hearts
Lets us now take flight

There's rich and poor
Where's the in between
Try to pay your bills
You'll see what things mean

The rich are rich
They stay that way
Let's limit poverty
That's not the American way

The Person I Admire Most

     Mary Hughes, my grandmother is a phenomenal woman. She has overcome adversities and her adversaries. Mary had given birth to nine children and was the victim of a gunshot wound near her heart. She survived and surpassed the expectations, others had set for her.  She has shown me by example; strength, intelligence and the courage to remain constant in her convictions.

     Mary was born during an era of segregation. Her grandfather was a white man and her grandmother was Cherokee Indian. Although her family was prominent in the community and had financial status, she was viewed as a person of color. She had to drop out of middle school, at the age of fourteen to raise a child. Even as a victim of rape, her mother forced her to marry her attacker. The eldest of three children, Mary had to set a good example. She was married to Dennis and started her family. Even though she dropped out of school, she went on to take the G.E.D test and scored 100%. She later said there was a dispute with a white man about whom actually scored perfect on the test. It was said a young white female scored highest, but that was found to be untrue.

     Although she never went to a university, Mary went to culinary school.  Having a love and passion for cooking; she worked for over thirty years at Vanderbilt University’s cafeteria. She said “They absolutely loved my pies”. She had a way with people and knew how to use her southern charm to put a smile on anyone’s face. It was hard to work full-time and care for eight children, one died. Somehow it was a challenge she surpassed. She even found the time to assist her eldest child with her studies, working towards becoming a paralegal. The trials Mary had faced in her early life, gave her insight to share with her daughter in her legal studies. She watched her daughter graduate and assisted her in finding employment; with civil rights attorney Avon Williams.

     My grandfather was a very jealous man. He would regularly check with the children to see if Mary came home on time. She said “living life with him, was as if living as a prisoner in her own home”. There was never any time for her to just relax, without providing for her husband or family. One day she decided to get away after work. Hanging out with some female friends and going to the salon; was not something she did on a regular basis. The time away, was like a breath of fresh air. When she was on her way home from the salon, walking less than a block from her house; her life flashed before her very eyes. She was shot at point blank range, in the chest. To her surprise when she opened her eyes after falling to the ground; it was her husband Dennis that shot her. She said she remembered him saying in a gruesome voice, “I guess you just leaving your boyfriend’s house”, then she lost consciousness.

     Several days later, she has awakened in the hospital surrounded by her husband and children. She said “it was an overwhelming feeling, to awake from what I thought was the end of my life, to realize my husband had once again hurt me.” The doctor said the bullet was less than an inch from her heart, and she was lucky to be alive. A few more days had passed, and she was greeted by the police. There was a frightening appearance, on the face of the officer. Having a deep baritone voice, he asked “Did you see who shot you?” Without any hesitation and her heart beating as fast as a locomotive, she responded, “My Husband.” At that moment she knew her life was about to change, yet again. A week later she was released to home, her husband in jail and Marys’ mother had to help provide for her grandchildren. It was three years before my grandfather was released from prison.

     My grandfather came home after his release. Mary welcomed him with open arms. Even though he was abusive and had mistreated her for many years; her convictions remained constant. The family was back together, nevertheless it was still not perfect. Daily there were arguments and fighting. She had to find solace in prayer, to escape his abuse. Bessie (Marys’ mom) developed a hatred for my grandfather over the years. She told her daughter, “I wish I had never made you marry that devilishly evil man.” Mary said “it was the hand I was dealt.” She refused to give up on her family.

     Mary remained married to Dennis for 43 years, before he died. She has always said “I am at peace now.” There have been many nights she had nightmares, about the things her husband subjected her to. Yet she still has shown resilience and never regretful of her choice to keep her family together. To this very day, she remains a woman of faith and has always inspired many people. In her younger years she had suffered numerous nervous breakdowns, but has always been faithful. Every time I see her she smiles. I ask her, “Do you smile because you are happy?” She always replies, “From where I was to where I am, there is no greater joy than the afflictions that I have overcome. It is joy that makes me smile and my faith is always in my father, Amen.” I admire my grandmother not only for her strength’s; but all the things she has overcome. I will gladly tell the world, I am her biggest admirer. 

              The resilience she has always shown me, makes me desire to be a better woman.

Communicating Effectively In All Relationships

Many people define communication differently, so here is what it is. The act or process of communicating; fact of being communicated the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted a document or message imparting news, views, information, passage, or an opportunity or means of passage, between places.
Communications are means of sending messages, orders, etc., including telephone,telegraph, radio, and television. routes and transportation for moving troops and supplies from abase to an area of operations.
The biology in communication can change the behavior of others, unless one is in touch with themselves. The activity by one organism that changes or has the potential to change the behavior of other organisms.
The transfer of information from one cell or molecule to another, as by chemical or electrical signals.
Everything is energy. Be sure to give off Positive vibrations. Effective communication is a mutual exchange of listening and sharing of information to reach an understanding. Hearing what is said and processing the information in a positive manner.
Life presents many situations, that cause us to carefully evaluate the way we respond to things. We each have the ability to decide how we react or respond. History has taught me that one must carefully evaluate themselves. Be mindful to scope all the variables and not respond in a manner that will cause you to do anything that will jeopardize your future.
There are many instances of abuse and domestic violence; on a continual basis. You must learn to control your emotions, which contributes to your reaction or response to various situations. When you feel yourself becoming excited, immediately remove yourself from the situation.
I have observed abuse in many forms, from a young girl. There were situations in which women and men were both the abusers. The basis from either side, is control. It is lunacy to think you can control another human being. Although, I do understand how we come to have a desire to control others.
Many people choose to avoid seeking therapy for anger management issues; out of fear of shame, judgment or breach of confidence. It is the responsibility of the provider to maintain your confidence, as well as assist in correcting the issues of abuse.
Conventional therapy strategies can be somewhat outdated. In order for therapy to be effective, it can be useful to place the aggressor in a simulated situation of stimulus, to find effective techniques to put a stop to recurring abuse.
When under direct pressure to respond or react; do you ever take the time to Think? I realize when adrenaline is flowing and your buttons are being pushed; it is hard to control your emotions. However, rather than ruin the life you have worked hard for, you must learn to control your emotions.
Each day keep a journal. Focus your thoughts on positive things and be aware of how you feel. The things that bring pleasant emotions; are what you should focus on under pressure. If you practice daily on the happiest moment you can remember, you become more in control of your emotional well-being.
It takes mastery to be in a natural euphoric state, at all times. Remember, you control your emotions and not those around you. Optimism has a contagious effect on your environment; even if it doesn't, ignore what is not beneficial to your mind, body and spirit. Positive energy is good for you; practice makes perfect.
When you are surrounded by pessimistic individuals, that continually promote failure and negative talk; you learn to develop techniques that fight negative thought patterns. Having grown up in an abusive environment, I have seen and heard many things. The main thing I know is; you are in control of the way you feel, despite those around you.

Learning to speak clearly and ask leading questions to get the answers you seek.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/LaTrice_M_Hughes/2035552

Fixation

I've contemplated taking my life
While going through the trials
Enduring hurt and being deceived
In the past have been beguiled

I wonder why each and everyday
They became fixated on me
Many women in this world
With equal opportunity

To love and be to be loved
Is everyone's dream come true
Be sure if you love someone
That they love you too

Love is a tricky one
It's different for me and you
I realized this one day
I may not love you
Cause you love me

A Gentle Touch

With the mere touch of your hand
You had awakened my soul
Parts of my heart once broken
You mended the fold
Unsure of the wish
Although known to be true
Unconscious and aware
He said his name was Drew
Never touching my body
While wanting his kiss
Tediously awaiting
Wanting the bliss
Many miles have I travelled
Searching for you
Until that moment
My heart lives with you too.

40 days and 40 nights

He was in the wilderness
40 days and 40 nights
I walked through 40 years in a constant fight
I fought for my innocence
It came to pass
My virtue is mine
Ascend at last
He gave me directions
My purpose so clear
I thank God for Jesus
He is always near
My flesh is deadened
From a tainted past
I live my life for God
The old me past
Never regretting the fire & trials
He cleansed my soul
He's purified me
I am his child....

Christmas

For every bad thing I've done or received
Forgiveness I give
It's retained freely
To love one another
Creation knows this is true
Love thy brother if he doesn't love you
This thing we call love
Can also turn to hate
Contribution to humanity
Freedom in debates
If you confront one another
Let words spoken be true
LaTrice so loved the world
With my words
Let them now love me too

Happy Holidays to all!

Grandmother

She made me smile
She made me laugh
She's now with God
She's home at last
She gave me direction
She taught me not to hate
She taught me virtue
She taught me faith
She gave me the word
She made me promise to outlast
She made me promise to never give up
She taught me not to hate
She taught me always be you
She taught me talent to not waste
She taught me to believe in myself
She taught me to love God
She taught me to walk in faith

Passed you by

No Woman's a peace of meat
To be passed around
Seeking a husband
Is somewhat profound
If you think your doing
Some type of good deed
Your breaking the heart
Not sewing good seeds
The thing you must do
Is lay things at rest
The test and a token
Let's the past be put to rest

With You

You overtook my heart
You live inside my mind
Every place I turn
I feel you deep inside
Time passes yet nothing seems to change
Overtaken by obstacles
Yet with you I still remain
Diligently I work
Each day to prove to you
The moment I looked into your eyes
All my dreams came true......

Happiness

Happiness is being loyal and free
Happiness is being happy with me
Happiness is being entitled to choose
Happiness is happiness your choice to lose
Happiness is happiness to me
Happiness is being liberated and free
Happiness is your choice to lose
Happiness is that which you choose
Happiness is being single or attached
Happiness is happiness there is no match
Happiness is happiness and your free will
Happiness is happiness let peace be still
Happiness is happiness it is my right
Happiness is happiness no need to fight
Happiness is happiness Life, Liberty and the Pursuit
Happiness is happiness if only they knew
Happiness is happiness be happy with you!