Layered in Love

at the end of day
early morning we lay,
side by side.

huddled in a nest 
warm at rest,
covered in love.

surrender my pride 
like sand to the tide 
i am carried away,
even in slumber you slay.

blindly stalking the night,
gently moving in to bite,
nipple and nape,
sealed my fate.

the scent and swell
tender darkness
‘tis hard to tell,
am i predator
or am i prey.

i am immersed,
consumed!
raptured in bliss.
the presence of you
wanting of kiss.

scaling mountains, 
walking vales
my fingers tracking
every trail.  

alluring scent, 
of love and lust
pheromones fusing 
the two of us.

cozy and sweet
radiant heat
flowing from your soul.

supple soft resilient skin,
never knew a touch
could feel so much 
sensations yearning for no end. 

waxing gibbous moon
fades to morning all too soon.

by K. Osei

shaPe and sOund of darkness

the sound and shape of darkness
is the shape and sound of light. 
it is the color of  D sharp,
the shape of a coin,
the smell of a thought
and the taste of pumpkin pie. 

the shape and sound of darkness
is everything simultaneously 
and the touch of nothing.
it is the black in the dark
and the dark in the light.

the sound and shape of darkness
is imagination, 
that imagination can’t imagine.
an idea missing thought,
a breeze without wind, 
the absence of absence
and the presence of absence.

the shape and sound of darkness
is the stillness in movement,
the tone of silence and silence
in the tones — it is.

by K. Osei

Anansi U


i see you.

outside in,
atop, below;
beastly skin.
i explore creation
out-of within.

utter eyes of eight,
it’s all visible
past and  fate.  

i see you.

i was there 
when i was made,  
light prevailed 
in the shade.

i am the air,
the dearth of breath.
vision everywhere
inmost death.

i see you.

even the pulse,
my beating heart,
cells in circulation
from end to start

nowhere i do not see
all is bare 
to eyes of ubiquity


https://youtu.be/_yMvBhkYBw8

by K. Osei

a thOusand faces

i’ve seen ancient horizons
setting against the sun,
i’ve heard the sound of the universe,
when the universe was one.

i’ve worn a thousand faces 
they all feel the same,
distinguished only
by the tone of a name.

i echo the rhythm of nature
like leaves in the wind,
elements in motion,
since my time began.

beautiful harmony of paradox,
in the absence of time,
a wonderful wanderlust
both intimate and divine.

by K. Osei

Pitch

When blackness concedes darkness there’s sure to be light. 

How does blackness in America express itself in the context of the spiritual — beyond the church; and what does it look like in productive service to blackness? Religion/theology as practiced by African Americans, as an instrument appears to be in default. more than two hundred years of practice apart from captivity and patience remain the dominant theme. It seems blackness has yet to grasp the dark or attain mastery of their God. A belief where everything of value appears to originate from without; none of which has provided even a rudimentary path to wholeness, at least not as evidenced by the numerous hollow fractions within and without; requires at least a second look. Failing to attain basic appendages in this life, would make it highly reasonable to believe that it will at least rival this in the next, that is, if we accept balance and compensation as a ruling principle of spiritual/natural law. Nature’s compensation plan is always pursuing balance, not charity. Only that which contributes to wholeness is supported. Separation appears to be the great paradox. When has lack ever been rewarded, except when it ceases to be lacking, at which, it never was.

What are the tenets of black theology in America and do they qualify as a sustainable and beneficial resource from the perception of tranquility or subsistence as portrayed in, say, buddhism or judaism? Where is the adjustment made? Many of us who grew up under various christian denominations can attest to a deficit on both accounts. Maybe more consideration should be given to qualities beyond the pulpit – both in matter and spirit. If church is the holy matrimony black folk may be well within their religious right to seek divorce for breach of obligation. Though it has been impossible to document amongst archeologists and historians alike, theological faith continues to claim a literal presence amidst african history. This outward approach to the spiritual has failed — enriching preachers rather than people. Is there meaning beyond the literal interpretation of scripture that can provide a balm for blackness? A more reflective quest for meaning may be required if black folk are to find present usefulness in religion. Exactly where does salvation exist? In the after life? leading black sheep to an afterlife of riches may be the age old shame of shepherds. That there are no sustainable or pleasing pastures on the planet, seems to be a contradiction of birth, or perhaps, presumes reincarnation somewhere other than earth. Blackness is much darker than their current practice of religion credits them of being. A vast reinterpretation of scripture would likely bring about the most beautiful collaboration of blackness. One where black is not simply allowed in heaven or banished to hell but recognized by themselves as a viable part of humanity on earth rather than after. https://youtu.be/vKKGAo30s84?si=nDgJ5EjSy-6TC2FY


by K. Osei