Kwanzaa - 7 Days or For a Lifetime

I sit and wonder sometimes why,
I sit and wonder about my people
When they dont sit and wonder about themselves...
Today marks yet another 7 days of
Reflection, introspection, and ideological rejection
Of the premise that we as a race cannot sustain ourselves
Know our wealth, praise our heritage and love who we are
Umoja is not needed just on December 26th
but each day we live to make us a force to be reckoned with
Kujichagulia is me, vocal, focused, determined, strong
24/7/365, you will hear my voice and see my progress
In these desperate times of black on black violence and crime
Where is Ujima? Why do some turn a blind eye to the plight?
Am I the only one checking www.eefortomorrow.com to do my part
Or is Ujamaa just a concept and not something many are willing to try?
Without Nia, we are lost, wandering in the wilderness, never finding our place
Like traveling to a new place with no map nor tour guide.
Within our foundation is a culture so rich in Kuumba, 
Ideas flowing sweetly like the rivers of the Nile and twice as powerful as its currents
Whats sometimes lost is Imani,
When we allow fear of our potential to make us retreat into ourselves
Kwanzaa? Not a week, a lifestyle.


MsChiGyrl

Wild Ride

Nervous but so ready to go

Buckle my seatbelt and push it into gear

Waited so long for this

The sun shining down makes me smile.

Riding along faster, throwing caution to the wind

Suddenly feeling the need to hit the brakes

But they dont slow us down

Joy turns to panic

Fear that its too late to slow down

Knowing a crash is now inevitable

Angry with self for not making sure the ride was safe

Unsure if jumping out will cost my life

So I remain along for the ride

Rationalizing foolish decisions to go so fast

Telling myself this end could not have been predicted

Merely seconds away from impact

Bracing myself as the only remaining option

Countdown in my head, 5...4...3...2...done

Indescribable pain, crashing cuts deep
We're both thrown from the ride
Tossed in two different directions

But I survive, able to nurse my wounds

Scars fade but always leave a trace

To remind me to slow down next time.

Ms ChiGyrl