I may be permanently converting this section of the magazine to an open forum for writers of all kinds...  aspiring authors, poets, spoken word artists, etc.  I've had a hard time getting commitments from Black authors on a consistent basis.  Not sure if my standards are too high (as far as having to chase down people and hold them to their own commitments) or if PBI is percieved as small time.  From my perspective it feels important to lend visibility and a voice to Black writers and to empower aspiring writers with role models. 

 

That said, this month PBI is presenting a poem submitted anonymously that, hopefully opens the door to our expanded platform.  Looking for next month's contributor right now.

 

"I Knew I Loved Her"

 

I knew I loved her when I saw her mocha skin

A natural wonder, God’s work

I loved her without makeup

My heart leapt toward her, such a pretty, brown-eyed thang...

Don’t need makeup to walk like that

 

I knew I loved her when I saw her bookcase

She is cerebral, a thinker…

Psychology, cultural ideologies, spirituality, sexuality

I knew I loved her when she shared her history

Because she knew it

 

I knew I loved her when I asked her opinion and she had one

I knew I loved her when I heard her playlist and she liked REAL music

Real lyrics, life subjects, soulful singing... you know the drill

No triple beam dreams, my neo-soul queen

 

I knew I loved her when she danced with me, never like a stripper

Tipsy Chardonnay kisses from the finest one in the place

I loved her for loving herself, rocking her self-worth

I loved how she guarded her vulnerabilities with Rottweiler-like efficacy

But saw fit to let me in

 

I knew I loved her when we chilled at home and talked for three hours straight

I knew I loved her when making love to her changed me

Made me want to upgrade myself

Be a better man than the one she’d already chosen to love

 

I knew I loved her when she opted to love me despite my flaws

I knew I loved her when I realized she’d be totally fine without me

But she chose to love me anyway..

 

 

-Anonymous

 

 

#positiveblack