Poem: To Be

To Be

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Blank pages that hold no black words
Wonders that have yet to be dreamed
Notes that have not been written to be sung
Hope that has yet to awake from its sleep

Things that have yet to become

Will one day come to be

As destined

As promised

As believed

Truly

Indeed

Poem: Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Early sounds of laughter filled with joy
Surprised faces of little girls and boys
Admiration of Fathers and Mothers
As they watch their young open their gifts

Waffles
Eggs
Bacon
And grits

Breakfast is served
Prayer is said
Followed by
Amen

Songs of the season in recognition of this day
Play in the background

Moments captured by photographs
To be placed later in memory's album

On this early
Christmas morning

Poem: Restless

Restless

By: Joi Maree Flowers

The screams of dreams
Forcing themselves to be set free
From a thought
Whose play has been paused
Due to the fear of failure

Has yet to rest
Peacefully

Poem: Promises

Promises

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Kept by those
Whose words are sworn by their hearts

Honorable are they

Broken by those
Whose words held no truth

Disgracing their crown

Poem: The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter

(For Mom)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

So far have you come
From the beginning of this journey
Which began with the taking of a step of uncertainty
Though unknown of its direction
And decided destination
Humbly was it accepted
And
Faithfully was it traveled

And now that the path has reached its end
And the finish line stands before your feet
You began to reflect on

Those days
That became months
Which turned into wonderful years

Of fulfilling your purpose
Filled with moments that can never be forgotten

Like the meeting of new faces
Whose names were later added to your list
Titled FRIENDS

And the knowledge obtained
Along with learned lessons
That contributed to your wealth of wisdom

And the impact of your presence
And teachings
That is appreciated by those you've taught professionally and also personally

These memories and more will forever reside
In the place from which they were created
YOUR HEART

These are moments
Which will never be forgotten
But more so reflected on in the days to come

And when your last day arrives
Yes the tears may flow
And the hugs will be embraced a little tighter
But remember
In no way
Is this a goodbye

Just an ending of one chapter
And the beginning of the next

Poem: Welcoming The Holidays

Welcoming The Holidays

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Laughter
And joy
And caroling
And family
And friends
And love
And reunion
And
New memories to be made

A feeling of good
Lingers in the air
And
Fills a space in our hearts

The holidays
Have arrived

Again

Poem: Run

Run

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Walking down the path
Admiring the seasons as they arrive
Receiving all the blessings given
Pacing each day
So that life doesn't stop living
And time isn't left behind

For

If we should run too fast
And pass those scenes meant to be seen
And pass the time meant to be used
And forgo the small things that seem less appealing
Just to reach first to the finish line

Would the purpose of given life
Had been fulfilled
The same
If had it been walked

I believe not

Poem: No Fight Tonight

No Fight Tonight

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Let us
Surrender our differences
In favor of unity
Whether our minds disagree
Or the need to challenge faults exist

For peace's sake

And
Let us
For tonight
Connect the gap between
The length of distance
And
Release the weight
Of tension

And
Sleep
Undisturbed

Peacefully

Tonight

Poem: Gratefulness

Gratefulness

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Impossibilities made possible

The mysteries of the unknown revealed

Blindness unveiled

For lost sight to become clear

Parched mouths quenched of their thirst

Hungered stomachs fed to their full

Closed doors open to present

The fruit of faithful prayers

Unclothed bodies covered

Exposed homes given sheltered

Scattered pieces put together

To complete the unfinished picture

Blessings

To be grateful for

Poem: Something Like Special

Something Like Special

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I want

Something new

Never felt

Never known

Only heard of

A love truly defined

Not a label wrapped around lust

Not a word only spoken to cure a wonder

Something exclusive

I want

Something like special

A love

Untainted by corruption

Uninterrupted by disturbances

Uncursed by jealous voices

A love

So special

Just simple and beautiful

Is my only want

Poem: The Peace After

 The Peace After

By: Joi Maree Flowers

So silent
The peace

After the roar of the thunder
Rumbled the floor below my stand
After the rain from above
Drenched my flesh

After the disturbance
Finally passed

The silhouette of peace
Draped me like an Autumn's wind

 

Cool

And 

Free

Calming my soul

  To heal me

Poem: She Said

She Said

By Joi Maree Flowers

Those words which were spoken into life
By way of a dream that once seemed unattainable

Those actions which were made through determination
Despite loud whispers of dispute that taunted progression

The voice once silenced
By fear and procrastination
By built walls
And by laughing faces

Spoke those words of revelation

I CAN
I WILL
I DID

 

Amen

Poem: Aint Ya Mama

Aint Ya Mama

By Joi Maree Flowers

I aint ya mama
But I'll act like it if ever you disrespect my authority

Usin' indecent language with grown folks as you do with your friends

I know your raisin' was better than the role you're playin' now

I know your ass got whooped and your access denied when you went against what you were told

But now you so-called
"Found yourself"

Oh yeah you're
"Smellin' yourself"

Yeah
You bold now
You hard now
You grown now

But baby you aint got no ownership over nothin'
No employer to report to
No bills to pay
Or a pot of your own to piss in

Listen

You're still an adolescent
You haven't reached your prime
You're still at the beginning
Far away from finishing the race

So

Splash in the puddles of your childhood
Embrace the comfort of your youth
Protect your innocence
From the pressures of this world
Honor your guardians
Love those who love you
Respect those who teach you
Listen' to those who speak to you

Enjoy today's time
But set the alarm for tomorrow

For

In comin' days
You'll wake up
And your child
Will have left you a farewell note

Poem: Say

Say

By : Joi Maree Flowers

Say you love me
Like the first time
From a sincere heart
And a confident mind

Say it
Like yesterday
When forever was a promise
And recited vows co-signed it

Say it
A thousand times
With little notes
And "just because" sentiments

Say it
Like no one knows
Loud
So everyone can hear

Say it
Like it once was said
Before today
Like that moment in the beginning

Poem: Words

Words

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Beautiful
When spoken lovingly

Artistic
When weaved together to produce a masterpiece

Painful
When thrown at a sensitive heart

Deadly
When spoken from a vengeful mouth

Poem: Here

Here

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I feel his kisses
Tickle the nap of my neck
When the wind blows

I hear his voice
Whisper in my ear
Those favorite words of Amore

I see his smile
In the brightness of the sun
As it rises above the ocean's waves

I see him
Every where I go
Even when from me he's far away

My love

Poem: Never Again

Never Again

By: Joi Maree Flowers

If ever I were to again

Do those things that I vowed never to do

Remind me as a friend

Before again I do

To not

Say yes before thinking the proposal of one's request thoroughly through

Say yes to lending a hand to those whose hands are already full

Say yes to making time for those who ask the attendance of my presence

Say yes to those who without concern of me insist on pulling me in all directions

For before when

I did all those things

And asked for the same

In return

I was left alone

How soon they forgot
My good

How now
I forget them

Poem: Love Is

Love Is

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Love

Is a surprise
Unexpected
But welcomed

Is a song
That plays
Into forever

Is a strength
Whose hold
Is gentle

Is a feeling
Of wonders
Often unexplainable

A want
Desired

A joy
For which to be grateful

By those
Whose dream of it

Has come true

And wondered
By those

Who await it

Poem: Differently

Differently

By Joi Maree Flowers

Suppose things had been done differently
Would love have stood a fighting chance
Or was it a part of destiny's plan
That its fate saw doom?

Suppose those words were said
That silence held hostage
Would it have changed the tone of our language
Or would they have fallen upon deaf ears?

Suppose the time to surrender our flags
Meant vowing to never fight in the war again
Would that second chance have been granted
Or would our footsteps have still found their way going in opposite directions

If things were done differently
And our vision seen clearly
Would the difference
Kept we
As we

Or left us as

You and I?

Poem: Soon

Soon

By : Joi Maree Flowers

When will the moment arrive
For the dream to manifest?

When will the time come
For worry to take a rest?

When will the days come
When life becomes easier to live?

How long does suffering last
Before those open wounds began to heal?

Soon

Once the storm has ended
And
Once the test has been passed

Soon

Poem: Truth

Truth
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Too soon did he leave without reason
Leaving his love alone to put together the puzzled pieces
Days pass
Months change
A letter addressed to her came
The following year
In the month of May

In it he explained
Why goodbye was said so soon
Why so much time had divided them

The reason revealed
A covered lie

She 

Who was meant to only have been a lust
Began quickly without permission turning into his love
And though he wished to have her as his
His name was already carried by another

Poem: Pass

Pass

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Because of the fear of returning to loneliness
  Once the shared closet becomes half empty

And the left side of the bed
Becomes cold

Because of the heart break that results
In days of tears being cried

Seclusion from the eyes of naysayers
And isolation from the warmth that awaits outside

Because the regret of bearing one's soul
Results from the revealing of secrets once kept sacred

By the one trusted with your life
The once known now formerly known as

Because the remembrance of one's name
Replays memories once made lovingly that can't now be erased

The name that once before brought joy
But now elevates the pressure of one's pain

Because the reason to not
Outweighs the reason to

By those hurt once or twice
Or more than a few times

Is

Why love is better left standing alone
Without grabbing a hand passing it by to hold

Reasons enough

Why to it some say

NO

Poem: Just Right

Just Right

By: Joi Maree Flowers

5 years and some months ago I met this handsome guy right?
Didn't know it then just how he would change my life

We liked
Until we loved
We learned
Until we knew
We shared
Until each turned into ours
We got over
The few bumps in the road
  And went from being two
To one

We're right

Though few may think we're wrong

We're so right

And we've proven those few wrong

We're right
I mean so right it can't be wrong

Imperfect in our beings
But perfect for each other

He's Mr. Right
And I'm his Missus

Poem: Arrived

Arrived

By: Joi Maree Flowers

The road's been a long one to travel
But the end has been reached

It took awhile
But the journey is over

Didn't allow those
Detours
Merging lanes
U-turns
Bumps
Dead end streets
Multiple lanes
End the travel

Though some set backs lasted
A day or so
The direction heading
Straight forward was found again

Though feet got tired
The body became weary
Faith was tested
And sight sometimes blurred

Those feet pushed on
And pushed on
Until God whispered
And said

"You're here"

"You're here"

"You made it"

Only thing left to do is say....

Thank you Lord

Poem: Ms. Walker

Ms. Walker
By Joi Maree Flowers

You'd thought Ms Walker had kinfolk who loved her
As much as she spoke highly of her family

You'd thought she had a host of friends
With her greeting everyone one with the biggest smile who passed her way

You'd thought her life was full
Seeing she was always on the go to somewhere

But she was empty
And alone

And though the sun shined upon her
Inside her world was still stuck in the season of Winter

And when she got called home to glory

The only voice that spoke at her funeral
Was from the only person there

The Preacher

And he mourned not

As he was there

Only to eulogize her

Just as he'd done for others

He didn't know

Poem: Speak To Me

Speak To Me


By: Joi Maree Flowers

I'm tired
I can't sleep

I'm all cried out
I'm weak

My soul is screaming loud
But no where is the calm of peace

I haven't heard from you in a awhile
Don't you remember me

Then speak to me

Lord
Speak to me

Been walking around
With nowhere to go

Been thinking a lot
About things I did that I should not have done

And about things
I didn't do but should have

Been searching for answers in all the wrong places

Been driving around so long but have yet to reach a destination

My options have been used
Want to give up but I refuse

Feel like I ain't really been living
Just existing

Seems like with all I've done
I still have no results to show

Although the work was completed
The job is still left undone

In my darkest hour
With my last bit of strength

I turn to you

Knowing that I should have done so first

I apologize for putting you last

But I come to you now
As I am

Ready
And
Willing
To receive
Your Word

Those words that will bring unto me again
My peace

Poem: NO Said...

NO Said...
By: Joi Maree Flowers

2am
And sleepless

Looking at the number you gave me
But I have yet to call
Not sure as to why
Being that I was thrilled at the first sight of you

Something said NO
Even before you walked towards my direction
Yet to you I still said hello

Something said NO
Even before you took me by the hand onto the dance floor
Yet still we swayed until the last played song

Then again

Something said NO
When you asked we to continue after tonight
I said yes and took ya number

Got home and couldn't sleep
My conscious was screaming
Though my listening was weak

I wanted what I wanted
But NO
Said you weren't good for me

I wondered why
Guess I'll never know what the reason would have been

Because
To NO
I chose to listen

And said NO also

That's when the screams stopped
My eyes closed
And sleep took over

Poem: Before When

Before When

By: Joi Maree Flowers

The thoughts of before 

When

Laughter was our joy
Living for each other was our purpose
Prayer was our protection
Silent was our anger
A kiss was our apology
And
Making love was our reconciliation

The best parts were waking up to another morning

The beauty of those used to's

Before 

Our hands disengaged

Before
Light turned to night

Before
Smiles turned into cries

Before
The word following hello was goodbye

Thoughts
Of
What was
That
Is no longer

Reminded by a broken heart
That has never healed

Poem: Every Day

Every Day

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Every day is a blessing to receive

Whether it turns out great

Or everything you didn't hope it to be

Each day is still a blessing

Received

Waking up

To breathe

To see

To feel

To walk

To know

That life

In you

Still lives

Knowing that you

Are

Instead of

Were

Is in it self

A blessing

Poem: Truth Ain't

Truth Ain't
By: Joi Maree Flowers

It's hard to look in the mirror wearing shades
Vision tinted from seeing the truth of what is
The one whom you purposely choose to ignore

Denial being the crutch
Supported by lies
Co-signed by fans
Increased by pride

The you
Camouflaged by
Make-up
And
Suppose-to-be

A fantasy painted by
Society

Is the you
You prefer

Thus the truth of your revelation
Is never known

To others
Nor yourself

Until those shades away are thrown

Poem: When Or Where

When Or Where
By: Joi Maree Flowers

No one knows
When
Or where
The moment
Will happen

Today
Or
Tomorrow
Or
Days after

The moment
When
A voice whispers
Into your ear
Those words
Only fantasized to be
Heard

The moment
When
A kiss touches
Your lips the way
Seen
In a romantic
Movie

The moment
When
Your eyes
Sees the reality
Of love
After being blinded
By lust

That moment

When

Love is revealed

Poem: Be You

Be You
By: Joi Maree Flowers

To be content
To be confirmed
To be humble

Even if the world surrounding you
Doesn't agree

As long as you do

To be misunderstood
To be accused
To be shunned

Even if proven your truth
And no fault is found

As long as you stand tall and your head stays high

To love
To forgive
To move forward alone

Even if fear shows you the better
Of the comforts of used-to's

As long as you move along

To know
To be
You

Even if that means being different
And cast out by majority rule

As long as you're you

 

As long as to yourself

You are True

Poem: Lovely Day

Lovely Day
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Introduced to a new day
Welcomed by the sun's rise
Everything may not be what it was hoped

But that's ok
That's alright

Walked outside
And every face that passed by
Smiled and said hello

Looked up into the sky
And no cloud hovered over
No chance of rain in sight

Got the day off
Time needed
And well over due

Errands all ran
To-Do list completely checked off
With much time left for self

No news of one's passing
No cries heard on the other end of the phone
No worries and stress to derail today's tone

Everything was alright
Everything was ok

The perfect way to spend
A day so lovely
Today

Poem: Somewhere... Anywhere

Somewhere... Anywhere

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Breathe....

That's all I need to do
But it's hard to when you're surrounded by
Corruption
And
Disturbances

And since I can choose

Whether I stay or go
I'll go

Don't know where to
But it will be somewhere nice

Poem: Searching For Desire

Searching For Desire
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Somewhere out there is desire
Walking with the crowd
Or alone
Searching just as I to find
A sight that greets the eyes

A look
That we both will recognize

And once seen
We will know

And with our first words
We will say hello

Poem: Love's Truth

Love's Truth

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I love how we love
I love how we grow
I love how we know
Each other
So well

Though we have more about each other to learn

Best friends
Lovers
A team

A dream
For us both
Come true

We are

 

Destiny

Poem: Excuse Yourself

Excuse Yourself
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Your approval
Doesn't
Woo me
Sway me
Or
Confirm me

I know I'm suppose to be here

So who are you to question otherwise

Someone with green eyes

Who has no business of their own to mind

Poem: (Peace Be) Still

(Peace Be) Still
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Like the soft breeze after the rough of the storm has passed
Like the silence in the room after the final word has been spoken
Like the relief after a deep breath held in is exhaled

Peace brings calm

The air is gentle
The silence is caring
From the mouth comes a whispered sigh

Peace is your friend
Hugging you

Poem: Love You

Love You
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Sometimes there are not enough words to say
Nor enough hours in the day
To tell you
And show you
Just how much I love you

So I'll just spend forever doing so

Until you receive
All those words
In the given time allowed

Until all my love loves you

Poem: Tick Tock

Tick Tock
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Tick tock
Tick tock

The walking man steps halt
But the clock doesn't stop

Tick tock
Tick tock

A day lost behind time
Too far ahead now to be caught

Tick tock
Tick tock

A thought runs across the mind
A wonder of where the new direction to find

Tick tock
Tick tock

Fast forward
Does the time move

Even when life stands still
Sunrise after
Sunset after
Sunrise after
After

Fast forward
Does the time move

Tick tock
Tick tock

The choice

Stand still
Or
Forward move

Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock
     Tick......

Poem: Thinkin' And Thankin'

Thinkin' And Thankin'
By: Joi Maree Flowers

I woke up thinkin'

'Bout those times that could've been my last
'Bout those things which I wanted but never became
'Bout those answers to prayers that didn't come at that very moment
But eventually came at the right time

'Bout all
The reasons
The seasons
And meanings
Of what was
Is
And will be

Poem: Not

Not

 

By: Joi Maree Flowers

What good is a dream

If only it remains a thought

The same as unspoken words

Silenced by a closed mouth

Poem: Another Day

Another Day
By: Joi Maree Flowers

This morning we rise
Another day given
Another chance to complete
The destined task assigned.

So much to be done
So little given of time
Life's mission to be fulfilled
Before daylight bids us a final good night.

Poem: You And I (To My Love)

You And I (To My Love)

By: Joi Maree Flowers


A love meant to be
This love we share

Destined like the sun
To rise upon each new day 

True like vowed words
Spoken from the mouth of a noble man 

Grown from a foundation of trust
Confirmed by God 

This love
Our love 

Questioned by non-believers
Rejoiced by believers
Answered by only our names 

Will see many more days
And have many more memories made 

Like 

Marriage
And
Children 

Priceless times reminisced later on in our
Golden years 

Yes 

Our love
This love 

With a lifetime to last
Even after heaven calls our names

Poem: His Voice I Hear

His Voice I Hear

By: Joi Maree Flowers

In those lonely hours of despair
When my soul is burning
And my mind is filled with chaos
And my heart is unsettled

I seek solace through prayer

And in silence I await to hear

His voice

That will speak to me
Before the clock strikes 12

And I will listen
And I will be comforted

Poem: Purple Roses

Purple Roses
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Red is so passe
Though most ladies expect to receive roses of that color

But not I 

I am so different

Therefore different is
What I want
What I need
What I crave 

From your hands 

That are not comfortable with the "use to" trade
But extraordinary
Where nothing that comes from it is predictable or the same 

From your lips 

That flows from them words of amore
Those things never heard spoken before
Lyrics creating verses for a new song

From your body 

That ignites passion
When joined with mine
Rhythm and harmony without words and signs 

From your heart 

Where sincerity whispers
And emotions beat
Unlocked by I who only holds the key 

I like my roses
Like my man
Like my life
Like my love
Of a different hue 

My roses are purple
And so shall they always remain 

Unlike the ordinary
Never the same

Poem: Accordingly

Accordingly

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Understanding that things happen for their specific purpose
And reason
At their assigned time
In their appointed hour

Accordingly
 
Whether agreed
Whether accepted
Or none of the above
 
Those things that occur
Not by man's controlling hand
 
But by one
Powerful
And Almighty
 
God
 
Who before time
Made those plans
 
That were written in
The book of Destiny
 
So for ourselves
 
We could
 
Remove self
Banish plans
And
Practice patience
And
Embrace faith
 
As our way
Was never
Meant to be

But His
Was

Is
And will always be
 
Accordingly
 
Therefore we must surrender
 
We

Poem: Staying Easy

Staying Easy
By: Joi Maree Flowers

I won't cuss
I refuse to fuss
I'm saving my energy for my move

While he bathes
Last night's
Shame off of
His skin

The things he's done
He thinks I don't know about
But I do

I gather my things
As for a long trip
But this time
There's no returning

Here

To him

As there is no reason to

I won't shout
I won't make a scene
That'll just prolong my stay

I won't let him know
That I'm leaving

I'm keeping my cool

Staying easy

While out the door I make my way to leave

Poem: Better Love

Better Love

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Better than before
Sweeter than the last taste
Stronger than the grip once held

Purer than the clear blue sea

Is love now

It has come

And is ours
The best of love

Poem: Longer Days

Longer Days
By: Joi Maree Flowers

If days could last longer

I'd love more
Enjoy more
Dream more
Pursue more
Achieve more
Thank more
Help more
Give more
And receive less

I'd live longer
Like tomorrow is forever away
Like all the seasons came on the same day
Like the morning's sunrise lasted more than a few minutes moment time
And the afternoon's intermission extended beyond the break leading to the next Act
And the night's cue was more than a few hours away from saying goodnight to the day

I'd keep
Living
Loving

Laughing
And enjoying
My days

And I'd smile
Even if I knew if it was my last

Because I lived

My Life

To its fulfill

Poem: Her Response

Her Response
By: Joi Maree Flowers

You wouldn't ask her to lie
Would you?

About loving you
Would you?

When you asked
If she did

She told you the truth
Yes she did

But it seems you didn't believe her

When she said that she didn't

'Cuse you asked her again
As if her response wasn't to your liking

Maybe hoping to hear that she does

But her answer was the same
As before

She Doesn't

Poem: 15 Minutes

15 Minutes

By: Joi Maree Flowers

When the lights are cut on
There they are
Faces of those known and unknown
Smiling with every word that ejects from your mouth
Applauding you for every recognition received

Then around you
Heard not a sound
Felt not a presence
When those 15 minutes of fame expire
And those once bright lights dim to black

And nothing
Not even a whisper
Is heard in the darkness

And again you're alone
And again unknown

Poem: Those Who Forget You

Those Who Forget You

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Remember those who forget your name
For they will need you to remind them of who they are
When their memory
By others
Fade away

Poem: Untold

Untold

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Dare he look upon her face
With guilt's touch felt upon him

Into those eyes that are innocent
At that smile that holds joy

And ever again say the name
That once belonged only on his lips

Her name

That a time ago
Against love
He betrayed

When another's name
Spoke from his lips
On a cold Winter's night
In lust's room #309

Of which she does not know of

And he dares not tell

Poem: Getaway

Getaway

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Somewhere far away

Sitting on the sand

Wearing a white bikini

Looking at the big blue sea before me

With a drink in my right hand

Something tropical

While the breeze tickles my feet

Is where I want to be

Where there is no service for others to reach me

Only faces that I've never seen before to greet me

A new kind of freedom

Somewhere far away

From home

A getaway

Don't know when I'll go

But until then

I'll just daydream about it

Poem: Missed

Missed
By: Joi Maree Flowers


I should've answered when you called

I should've arrived when invited
I should've stayed when asked to

But on all your advances
I passed

Because at the time
You were not a need nor want

But then when I decided to accept you
It was too late

The number I called had changed
The place you stayed was vacant
The invitation sent had since expired

The name I once ran from
I no longer can call on

Poem: No New Day

No New Day

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Today seems so much like every yesterday
Waking up at 6am to get ready to go to a job
That isn't fulfilling
Clocking out at 5pm
Then heading home to
Cook
Clean
Iron
Bathe
Watch TV
Talk shit with the person on the phone line for an hour or two
Then get ready for the next day
You know
The usual

Poem: Just Leave

Just Leave

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I am not moved by your call to war
Nor by your threat to close the door behind you

If I don't change

As it would be easier to throw stones at me
Just to save your own pride

And deny that the change really happened in you

Say love
If you no longer desire me

And your love for me has gone

Then you too should follow it

Poem: A Prayer (of faith)

A Prayer
(of faith)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Thank you Lord

For the hurt that will ease
For the tears that will dry
For the hope that stays held on to
Even when before me there is no clear sight
For the new days given where I will arise
From a bed where at any given time death's hand can strike
For the comfort felt after grief's leave
Over a loved one gone too soon for whom I weep
For the strength gained from my body that is weak
Lifted from my knees to stand on the ground which my feet will meet
For the Husband for whom I have prayed
And for the children born from my womb that some day I will meet

 

I claim it all in Your name

For tomorrow
And days after

Without knowing the day
Or hour
For when all this will come to be

But just having the faith in knowing
In it's chosen season
Your Will will be

As long as I continue to trust in You Father

Amen

Poem: Remembered

Remembered
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Their names
Not all individually known
But their sacrifice to protect and to serve our country is
Praised

Their hands
Not often shook
By we who sought to thank them
For their dedication to us whom they all knew not

Those Soldiers
Brave
Courageous
And selfless

Who everyday faced
Death
Eye to eye
On battlefields

Who for extended lengths of time been
Away from home
Where safety
Once tightly held them

They who through acts of courage
Unselfishly gave of themselves
To execute a mission
Most of us would not have done

They who hoped
To return home
But never got the chance to see
The sun rise again

We remember you
We honor you
We praise you

On this day
And those after
And before

 

Photo courtesy of regentsbankblog.com

 

Poem: A Thought of Hers

A Thought of Hers

By: Joi Maree Flowers

She wonders if
He too wonders
About a moment

Missed a time ago
Between hello and goodbye

One

Lost in translation
But saw through infatuated eyes

And wonders
If then that middle was filled
Would they be love

Today

Poem: New Two

New Two

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Twinkling stars
There up in the mass of black called night

Shine upon two souls below
Welcoming the wind of new love

As they dance to a jazzed tune
Under the accompanied eye of the moon

Before a kiss
To new romance bids them goodnight

 

Photo courtesy of www.jammadesigns.com

 

Poem: Life Choice

Life Choice

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Life was given to be lived

To embrace the joy that hugs you
And forgive the past that harmed you

To regret not those things which already have been done
But to learn the lessons for which they taught

To walk away from those doors that have shut
That are to never again re-open

To walk not backwards to before
But forward on the path that leads you towards your destiny

Life was given to live
So live it as it should be

Stop at those bloomed flowers
And for a moment smell them

Make today the day you take your first step
Towards fulfilling that aged old dream

Life is to be lived
Fully

So live

Poem: Somethin' 'Bout Mama

Somethin' 'Bout Mama

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Mama

There's somethin' 'bout her
That when you take a moment to think about all she's done
Not just for you
But others too
It makes you wonder how she was able to do all those things
And still do for herself

How unselfish she is
And was
To give so freely of herself
Without wanting anything more in return
Than just a simple thank you

How gifted she is
And was
At playing her leading role
In addition to the roles of others
When lines were forgotten
And presences were a no show

How special she is
And was
To love a child
Hers born from her own womb
And those who were not
With such an unrestricted love
And such a open heart

There's somethin' 'bout Mama's love
That eases the pain
Casts out fear
Assures the doubts
And turns anger into joy

Somethin' 'bout her touch
That heals the deepest hurts and wounds
Relieves tension
And
Works miracles

There's just somethin' 'bout Mama
That is
Was
And will always be
Worthy of everyday praise
And not just one time out of the year

Poem: If Ever I Remember

If Ever I Remember

By: Joi Maree Flowers

If ever I remember
Those things
Before
That left my heart feeling sore
That formed that river out of cried tears
That made me of love to fear

Then I shall
Turn off the light in my room
And fall back
Into the darkness it sent me to before
For there will be no change of mind
To ever love again
If ever that opportunity knocks at my door a second time

Poem: They

They

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Some find it hard to understand your words
But I know exactly what you say

Some find it difficult to see past your exterior
But I see clearly what lies within

What they say
Doesn't matter

What they think
Doesn't change my mind

About you
About us

A love you and I chose to love
 A love forever ours

Poem: Say Brother, Say Sister

Say Brother, Say Sister

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Say there
My Brother
My Sister
Walking down the street with your face looking to the ground

What aint right now?

Got laid off
Got past due bills
Got a baby on the way

Same problems as a lot of folk

Yeah I know
Been there myself a time or more
So I understand

But it will get better
Trust me
I know

My head rose again
And
So will yours

Poem: All Over Me

All Over Me

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I feel him all over me
Like a sensual kiss on the lips
That sends shivers through my body

Like strong arms wrapped around my waist
With a grip
That's just the right kind of tight

Like the breeze of a cool wind
That blows my way
And leaves me feeling refreshed

Though he may not be here at this moment
His love is
And it's all over me

Poem: Riding Into Town

Riding Into Town
By: Joi Maree Flowers

I was hoping to see yesterday
When I rode back
Into the town
Where my youthful days were spent
Back to a time
Where life was lived happily
Or to my child's mind it seemed

I couldn't wait to see
Ms Betty
And give her a dollar
For one of her big famous red velvet cupcakes
And another 50 cents
For a red frozen cup

And then there are
My old friends
Whom I left behind
Just so I could get to know some of the world for awhile
How I'd missed them so
How I couldn't wait to exchange some tales with them

Poem: Release

Release
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Cool breezed Summer night by the shore
Accompanied by a full moon
And God

Eyes closed
Soul relaxed
Inhale
Then
Exhale

Release

Poem: That Old Thang

That Old Thang

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Got a call today
From that old thang

Aint heard from that runaway voice
Nor felt that swift wind grace my path
In a long while

I wonder what he wants

He said to me that he been thinkin' 'bout me
And been missin' him some good ol' me
And need to be seein' me real soon
Cuse he wants to start a new thang with us again
And wonders if that could be possible

Poem: And Your Friends

And Your Friends
By: Joi Maree Flowers

You

He

Just

You
Two
What it should be
How it should be

But then
There they come
Your friends
Now apart of you

Adding more to two
No more
You and he

Poem: Again I Fall (in love)

Again I Fall
(in love)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Enough had some spare space
So I filled it with more of you
Again I fell in love

With no more uncovered holes to fall into
Until after awhile you do that thang you so often do
Give me more of you just when I thought I had your 100

And again I fall
And again I become amazed
To find that in me can be created more space

To feel
To hold
More love for you

Just when I thought of you I was filled
Just when I thought I could stand straight to walk
I over and over can still fall in love with you

Poem: Penny Wrapper

Penny Wrapper

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Mama always knew how to make a way
Even when a way couldn't be seen to make
Wrapped them pennies up she did
In those little brown penny wrappers

Paid that light bill she did
Paid for them groceries she did
Sometimes paid for them clothes and shoes
You think she didn't
She sure did

Poem: Mask

Mask

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I am not happy because I smile
Nor in good spirits because I laugh

I'm merely hiding my battle face
So no war begins

Poem: Untitled

Untitled

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I was raised to respect
All
People
Both young and old

It didn't matter if they were
The President
The Pope
The Garbage man
Or even
The less fortunate

Poem: Lady In Waiting

Lady In Waiting

By Joi Maree Flowers

She waits
She wonders
She cries

Again
She repeats this
Over and over with every new night

Over her lover
Who made a promise a time ago
To return back to her soon
Who as of today is still a no-show

Poem: Let The Singer Sang

Let The Singer Sang

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Let this child sing her song
We didn't come all this way to not hear her story be told
Put down that purse
Sit back in your chair
Give that girl some respect
And show her that you care

She may not blow like Aretha
She may not feel like Mary
She probably can't scat like Sarah
But at least there's a tune she can carry

She aint got the blues like Billie
And not close as pretty as Lena
But that girl got a song to sang
So let her sang it ok

Poem: Love You I Do

Love You I Do

(For Felton)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

He
Who was given the key
To unlock the door to my heart
To enter for a permanent stay

He
Whose kisses touches my lips
A warmth felt like
A Summer's day in June

He
Whose smile brings peace
To a rather rough day
That assures me, "Baby it's ok"

Poem: Fish n Grits

Fish n Grits

By: Joi Maree Flowers

I must be home
I smell Mama's famous biscuits cooking in the stove
Can't nobody tell me
Aint no better place to be than home

I dare you to show
Where else can you get
The best food for the soul

Restaurants
And Diners try
But it doesn't compare to home

Poem: Dancing In The Rain

Dancing In The Rain

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Twirling around to the beat of my mind's music
Swaying side to side to its sensual rhythm
This joy I feel can not be held in

 

So I just dance
Dance
And dance some more

Not even worried about the water drops from above
That fall upon me heavy

I just keep dancing
Dancing
And dancing some more

Until the song ends

And inside where it's warm I return

Poem: Maybe

Maybe

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Now
Is not the right time
Neither
Was the day before
Maybe
Tomorrow
Will be
Different

But with this pattern
Who knows

Poem: Flowers For The Lady

Flowers For The Lady
(For Mama)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

She's strong
She's wise
She's fights the Wars
And sees victory on her side

Her miracle child
She comforts
And heals with the touch of her hand
Such the way of a Mother

Her life
She's lives
Given the position
Bestowed upon her

Poem: Go

Go

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Why
For me do you
Only stay

 

My heart is already broken
There's no more damage
To
Be done

Go forth as your thoughts
Persuade you
Close the door
As your heart tells you

I'll cry
And stop
Then cry again
Until

Yesterday is a lost memory
And healing
Becomes my friend

Poem: Shining Star

Shining Star

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Looking up at the night's sky
I search for a star that reminds me of you
There it is
There you are
As far as it seems
You're much closer than I dreamed you'd be
Yes, There you are
Shining as bright as your smile
Oh and what an unforgettable smile yours was
That made you an unforgettable you

Poem: January Bloom Surprise

January Bloom Surprise
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Weather temperature below bearable degrees
Chill of that a freezer burned ice cream
In the midst of a garden
Covered in snow
Outside
Where the wind blows cold
There beyond the bare limbs of once stilled strong trees
Petals unfold
Of a flower
All alone
Who has before its season found its new home

The Azalea
In January
Meant for a
Spring bloom

 

 

Poem: Forward On

Forward On

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Reflect
Scream
Cry
Laugh
Sigh
But tell the past goodbye

Start anew
Today
For the path of tomorrow
Awaits your footsteps to grace

Poem: Barren Womb

Barren Womb

By: Joi Maree Flowers

A room inside
Dark
As the peak of night
Never to have
A guest
To ever fill its vacant space

Cold
And hollow
Without ever
Having a son
Or daughter
From it

Be born

Poem: Becoming We

Becoming We

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Tell me you love me
Without words
Introduce me to your world
Without shame.

Make me apart
Of you
So all who see me
Will already know my name.

Poem: Unseen, Unknown

Unseen, Unknown

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Some footsteps imprinted in those coasts sands
Vanished away
By waved waters and strong winds
Forgotten
Nor
Known
Of whom to
They ever

Did belong
By those who came after before

Thus the story of those
Never known
Are never to be told

Poem: Different

Different

(Date Night)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Closet aint got no dress
Pockets aint got no cash
I aint going out nowhere
With this man to dance

He said
Baby I'll buy you a dress
And the heels to match
'Cuse on this night with you I don't want to pass

Excuse me sir
I aint no charity case
I don't need nothing from your hands
Where in the end you want some form of sexual repay

Say lady
I just want to spoil and adore you
I aint looking for an easy lay
I'm just a gentleman who likes to treat a woman the right way

Well Sir
Since you put it that way
Pick me up around 8
And please don't be late

Poem: Reminisce

Reminisce

By: Joi Maree Flowers

That voice that whispered my name softly into my ear
That arm that wrapped tightly around my waist
That kiss that gently graced my shoulder
That love of him I felt all over

A use to
But no more

That morning smile that I'd awakened to
That second breath inhaled of his scent
That goodbye that felt different than before
  A hello again to never be heard

Poem: Before I Go

Before I Go

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Life has often been unkind to me
Giving me the best of its worst
Choosing me last to receive its peace
But picking me first to fight its wars

Forgetting to shield me when the rain fell its hardest
And leaving me outside when the nights felt their coldest
The little hope of joy it gave me
Was overshadowed by grief’s repeated pain

Poem: Should've, Would've, Could've

Should've, Would've, Could've
By: Joi Maree Flowers

I didn't say "I love you" enough
So you found someone who did
I didn't need you enough
So you found someone who would
I wasn't the woman you'd hope I be
A wish thought to be true of your dream
So to me you said goodbye
And over you I did not cry

I went on with my life
And met a new guy
I tried to compare him to you
I do not know why
He was what I wanted
Though not what I needed
The grass on the other side wasn't as green
As I'd hoped it would be

Poem: Walking By His Side

Walking By His Side
(Comfort words from those souls who have gone home)

By: Joi Maree Flowers

You may knock on my door
But open it I will not
You may call my phone to hear my voice
But answer it I won't
You may search for me
In those places I was known to be
And call out my name a hundred times
But there I won't be

Because I've gone

Gone
Somewhere
Where no pain can be felt

Gone
Somewhere
Where no worries will cross my thoughts

Gone
Somewhere
Where my tears will no longer fall from a cry

Poem: 21 Days

21 Days

By: Joi Maree Flowers

With no bread to eat
Only water to quench my thirst
His Word was what fed me to full
And kept me strong throughout the course

A cleansing of the mind
Soul
And
Body

To detoxify
That old
And
Poisoned me

Who was before
Only
Hindering
Me

Poem: Over Moon And Stars

Over Moon And Stars
By: Joi Maree Flowers

Take me away dear dream
Beyond the moon and stars
Take me to places I’ve never seen
Before I awake from this sleep

I’ve been to Venus
I’ve been to Mars
Take me dear dream beyond the planets
Over moon and stars

Poem: Open Hands Of A Beggar

Open Hands Of A Beggar

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Can you spare me a meal
Can you spare me some change
Can you spare me a blanket
To cover me as I lay

Though I am guilty and ashamed
Of this life for myself I have made
I aint too proud to ask
For the assistance of your helping hands

So please ma'am
And please sir
Do not just look at me and frown
Then pass me by

Poem: Just Wondering

Just Wondering

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Would the direction of the journey have changed
If had I stayed a few minutes later
Or left a few minutes earlier?

Would I have met him
If I had decided not to go out that night
But instead came the night before or after?

Would I have come to be
If my mother had not been able to conceive
Or decided that her life plans did not include me?

Would I have been better off
If Daddy had stayed
Or was it for the best that he closed the door behind him and left me?

Am I better
Being me
Or would I have been better off becoming what others wanted me to be?

Poem: Tomorrow

Tomorrow

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Yesterday
The path was unknown
Today
The vision is shown
Tomorrow
The journey will begin
A new Chapter
To pen

Walk not that same road
Previously traveled
Write not those same words
Previously written

Make not the same mistakes
In the coming days as did yesterday
For what good is change
If life is to only be replayed

Free yourself
Of those rusted chains that bind
Time is passing at swift speeds
Don't get left behind

Poem: Without

Without

By: Joi Maree Flowers

Without space to move

Without ears to hear

Without words to speak

Without an audience to cheer

Without lyrics to write

Without a drum to beat

Without a band to play

Without a singer to sing

Without sleep to dream

Without a reason to mean

Without a hope to have

Without a legacy to pass