Poem: The Beauty Within

She tosses her hair
flowing in the
late summer's winds
as free as she wants to be.

With eyes closed
and a tilted head,
poised -- towards the sky,

a squinting smile
glimmering
in the fainting sun,

arms dangling,
welcoming the dawn of dusk;
and glowing --
from
the beauty within.

Shabazz Wilson
9-17-08

Campfire

Campfire

Under the moon,
I sang and
roasted marshmellows
just like everybody else.

Then, with a big crackle
and a spark,
I noticed the flames
dancing in the air
and jumping,
trying to reach the sky.

When I looked up
to take my eyes off
of the intense light,
I saw many stars,
and finally realized,
that those are the sparks
of the fire.

Shabazz Malik 

New Hampshire & Independence Day

There's something about a state who's motto is "Live Free or Die." There's something about being in the woods, partying, socializing, and just being with friends. There's something about being in America on Independence Day, and proudly and boisterously saying the 'Pledge of Allegiance', and including "under God", without the fear of getting lectured or castrated. There's something about seeing the display of Old Glory, and honoring the Colors, and all that it stands for. There's something about hearing TAPS to honor our fallen heroes. There's something about clinging to our guns and religion, and respecting those who might not. There's something about proudly displaying love for America, what it stands for, and its potential, without hearing how evil America is.

And the irony is, it's not about who yells the loudest, knows the most American history, have the most guns, wears the most red, white and blue, waves the flag with the most vigour, or any of that. It's about freedom: being willing to die for that freedom; sacrificing for that freedom; taking advantage of that freedom, honoring that freedom, and being grateful for that freedom. No one politician, political party, or special interest group is the end all-be all of that freedom. It is instead, the individuals who make up the whole. So what is freedom?

Freedom is what you make of it. It comes from no human, but from the Creator. It's the ability to love, to hate, to question, to express, to worship or not to worship, to envision, to die for, to live for, to be, and is the way to be.

Shabazz Malik Wilson

Falafel

Browned golden,
balled, chick pea fava treats:
beaten, battered, rolled,
fried with pride
and perfection.

Nubian delights,
and that Middle Eastern flair,
fast food favorite
with tahini.

A touch of greenery,
coriander cumin, parsely
on the inside,
with a side of couscous
and cucumbers.

And the American kind:
A rhapsody of the
latte liberal,
veggie preachin,
thumb nosed,
eat-a-pita
mind,
still browned golden,
beaten, battered, rolled,
for the bourgeois,
and fried with pride
and perfection,
and so good,
in their buddha bellies.

Shabazz Wilson

The Calling

His voice is becoming
increasingly louder now,
not literally,
but through the words
of others.

Too many coincidences
are happening,
to ignore
and to put off
any longer,
the Calling
that's been
apparent for so long.

Too young.
Too stupid.
Too scared
to notice
and listen,
to the words
of others,
in the Calling
that's been put forth.

For years
I've rejected
how to heed
the messages,
and the Way
to answer.

But now
is the time.
And more than ever,
the path is clear
for what needs to be done.

Now is the time:
to reflect,
to fast,
to pray,
to reconcile
and to sacrifice,
to prepare,
and to act;
to heed
the Calling.

It's time
to go
to the land
of my spiritual birth,
and relearn
and remember,
what I have learned,
and hopefully
spawn and awaken,
an old stubborn spirit,
to the Calling
of His voice,
and the words
of others.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Shabazz Wilson

California Gay Marriage

For me, it's really a matter of definition. Last week, the California Supreme Court cleared the path, which allows for gay marriage.

Marriage to me, is religious. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, sanctioned by a holy and religious body. That's it. A Civil Union is a union between two people: man/woman or same sex. So with my definition, even if a man and a woman were to get 'married', or form a union in a non-religious setting (i.e. court, Justice of the Peace), it's not a marriage, but a Civil Union. So, marriage = religious ceremony sanctioned by a religious body (i.e. Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Temple, etc.). Civil Union = civic (i.e. State) ceremony that is non-religious. Even if two people call themselves 'religious', but don't get married in a religious setting, then it's still a Union.

With that being said, I see nothing wrong with two people who love each other forming a Civil Union. As a philosophical conservative libertarian, I believe primarily in the right of the individual. I'm as repulsed and annoyed of a heterosexual couple making out and disrobing each other in public, just as I am with a homosexual couple doing the same. It's private, and I don't want to see an X-rated display (PDA is ok, but within reason).

Yes, we hear the conservatives and traditionalists screaming to the high heavens how this is the end of America, and how God will punish, etc. They point to the same Biblical verses to support their point. Fine. But in reviewing those arguments, look at the context in which they were written. They basically refer to making idolotrous sacrifices by using sex (homo and hetero) as sacrifices. Sex without responsibility, or the non-acceptance or realization of that responsibility, is just as sinful and evil in the eyes of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Not to get into that here, but I find it hard to believe that a God who is supposed to be loving, will send someone to Hell because they happen to be attracted to the same sex, and want to form a union and/or family. And that's a main point: FAMILY. There are families lead by homosexual couples who are just as wholesome and positive, as heterosexual couples.

I challenge any 'conservative' on this. Tell me how gay 'marriage' will lead to the detriment of society? As long as an agenda is not pushed on me, just as I don't want any religious agendas pushed on me, I'm fine with it. If these gay couples pay their taxes, contribute to society, not break any laws, and live lives as productive, good American citizens, then what's the problem? Just as we need to respect those who may be different than the majority (i.e. heterosexuals), then the minority (homosexuals) need to respect the majority.

I'm not excited about the gay marriage rulings in California or Massachusetts. Nor am I actively pushing for a constitutional amendment either. No amendment should be instituted in the Constitution excluding someone's rights. People pushing for a Constitutional ammendment to me is like pushing a religious agenda. Gay 'marriage' is inevitable. And if this is somehow leading to our society's detriment, and if God damns this, then leave that up to God and the couples. And here's another point: such is between God and the individual.

Shabazz Wilson

A Calling & a Reflection

This morning I felt the Spirit,
and was overcome with emotion.

Seemingly, for no apparent reason,
then again, there's always a reason,
that I was called in quiet solitude,
to reflect and pray, and listen.

The days are longer now,
and my daily routines become everyday now,
motions that seem to have little to no meaning,
seems to have some meaning to someone somehow.

I've so often lately, actually for some years now,
taken my Self for granted.
I come alive here and there,
and reflect, and live and just be,
but always seem to take my Self,
and everyday for granted.
Of course I'm grateful, always grateful,
for having, when others do not.

But it's time now.
Sometimes when I listen,
He speaks to me,
in the most unassuming, unordinary,
and unexpecting ways.
An old colleague
saw me at the gas station,
and thanked me for helping her friend.
I'm only a therapist, and nothing more than that.
I don't expect thank yous. I don't expect much from what I do.
But today,
for some reason,
He's been calling.
He's been calling for some time,
and I've been to stubborn,
too scared,
too ornery to listen.

Years ago,
I ceremoniously knelt,
and then laid on my stomach,
arms spread,
in the accompaniment of a few,
as I was robed
and hooded,
and made an oath,
in the place
of my spiritual birth,
to Something Other:
to love,
to serve,
and to serve unconditionally,
to the Greater Glory...

But now is the time.
As I re-learn to appreciate,
the deeper meaning
of His calling,
expecting nothing,
giving of Self,
and rededicating
my oath,
of service,
in love,
to the Greater Glory...
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Shabazz Wilson

The Welfare State

It's all around me. I grew up with it, lived in it, worked in it, and now work with it -- well sort of. Social services and the Welfare State. I'm a psychotherapist, no longer a social worker.



Everybody struggles at some point. Poverty is real, and exists not only in foreign lands, but in the U.S. as well. Pure, hardcore poverty. Its causes are very pervasive and complicated. Solutions are even more extremely difficult and complicated. But I see it everyday.



They're called 'underserved', unfortunate, poor, economically disadvantaged, disadvantaged, etc. They're no lazier than the average upper middle class person, or no more dangerous than the Columbine killers. An Outsider may feel nervous in such neighborhoods, and so might others who live there. No one should have to live in such places, and experience such economic injustices, especially children. No one. But after a while, you start to think. You start to ask questions. I've been 'thinking' and asking questions for years. But it also gets to a point.



Have many of the poor been oppressed and discriminated against? Absolutely. Are there many services that they are not able to take advantage of because of their economic and environmental situations? Absolutely ... well....



Maybe it's because I've worked in social services, but there seems to be many resources available to the 'underserved.' You just have to do a lot of homework, and a lot of problem solving to identify resources. But yep, it seems that there is a resource for well, just about anything. Ok, so I'm exaggerating, but well.... maybe not so much. And that's a huge challenge. Many of the poor may not know how to access such resources, or feel comfortable enough with advocating for themselves, for whatever reasons. Very understandable. But here are some main points.



Much of the struggling middle class don't qualify for scholarships, grants, financial assistance of any kind (i.e. bills, fuel, summer camps/recreational programs, higher ed., etc.). Even good State health care is available to the poor (i.e. minors, WIC and welfare reciprients), but not middle class children, for example. Sure, much of the poor don't qualify for loans (i.e. auto, home, etc.) with good and competitive rates, but someone from the middle class with many bills and obligations might not either.

And politicians, social workers and the like wonder why so many become angry and seemingly hostile to the poor. They wonder why many are frustrated with 15 and 16 year olds having babies, and then collecting government assistance for thier bad decisions. They wonder why many complain about high taxes, especially payroll taxes that come out of their pay checks. They wonder why many in the middle class are angry, synical, and tired of being disenfranchised.

The poor and the middle class don't need another politician, or another I Have A Dream speech, or another Obama. The middle class and poor don't need another government program either. You want to help the poor? Help them to help themselves. The 'rich' needs help too.

Shabazz Wilson

City to Country Life

I am intrigued by the city.
It's lights,
it's sounds,
it's furies.
It can be unforgiving,
and delightful,
surprising
and so familiar.

I've lived
in the city
for much of my life,
and have spurned
the city,
and yurned
for a more simple life.

But I grow
more attracted
to country life,
and the simple
and not so simple
pleasure it provides.
Travel is not always
so convenient,
and life moves slowly
in the country.

But my soul is there.
I've lived a great part
of my life
in the country,
and embraced,
and embibed
in its capriciousness.
Farms and ranches,
manure
and swim holes,
bonfires and barn bashes.
A different life,
Different lives are there.
I've loved and laughed
and learned to be a man
in the country.

I've tired of the city,
its ghettos,
its pervasive visciousness.
It's time to go back,
to live,
and live,
in the country.

Poem: Natalie

Natalie

There she is:
bright golden hair
blowing in the wind
arms spread
and body turning in a circle.

Incense and lava lamps,
crystals and vivid colors
live in your world.

A touch of greenery
and some flowers,
vegetables and no
animals -- cooked.

Sometimes I think
about what it would
be like
without her,
the gypsy gir.

Shabazz Wilson

40 Years Later

It's been 40 years. Dr. King's Dream is still being remembered, and has yet to be fully fulfilled. Though much progress has been made, racism of all kinds (blatant and institutionalized) exists. But what often goes unnoticed, or at least there is a fear of mentioning, is racism that exists from minorities with non-minorities.
Today, the news is filled with those remembering Dr. King, and all that he symbolized and stood for. As a black person, it has been engraved in me the history, culture, and injustices of racism and Jim Crow laws, from their first hand experiences. I had always been in awe and respect of their experiences and accomplishments. But as I got older, sometimes hearing those same stories becomes 'old.'
The stories should never grow tired and old. That's how societies forget. But along with those stories, and many from that generation getting involved in government, politics, social activism, and social justice issues, comes infested anger and cynicism.
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the pastor and mentor to Barak Obama is an example of that generation. For much of that generation, boisterous protesting, demonstrations, and vociferous displays of civil disobediance, was their way. And it worked for the most part, to help create movement and positive results. It is unfortunately for much of that generation, still their way. It is not however, really the way of more current generations.
As a Generation X person, one who has been characterized as being loud, callous, and individualistic, our way has not been boisterous protesting. The Jessie Jacksons and Al Sharptons are seen more now as dividers instead of uniters, as Dr. King often reiterated. Just listen to the rhetoric of the leaders of that generation: loud, angry, bitter, complaining, complaining, complaining. It's very sad that much of that generation seems to have become that: bitter, complaining people, who seem to blame everyone else for the ills of black society, and don't look at themselves. They seem to fail to recognize the advances in race relations. I often wonder, what is the purpose these days, of organizations like the NAACP? Of course racism still exists, but is constantly yelling, blaming, and spewing near messages of hate a way to unite people, as the leaders of the Civil Rights generation claim that they are trying to do?
As a Generation X person, I think we prefer instead of loud yelling and protesting, how about doing. Instead of complaining about the inequalities of education, employment opportunities, etc., encourage and give more scholarships, low interest loans, community and economic redevelopment programs. Encourage more personal responsibility for actions. Don't just keep criticizing people like Dr. Bill Cosby, who challenges the black community, and actually uses millions of his own money, to help the cause of blacks and minorities.
While I will never forget the struggles and work that my elders have done, in order for me to benefit from the fruits of their labor, I must confess that I cringe when I hear them bitterly complain and yell to the high heavens. Their yelling like Rev. Wright does not inspire me to them, or their message, but inspires me to continue to turn them off, and away from them, and inspires me to continue believing in individual responsibility. After all, my way of dealing with racism is not by screaming or blaming, but by engaging and in discussion. You can't have a discussion if someone is yelling all the time, that's because then no one is listening.

Global Warming

All I wanted to get was the basic news, and what did I get? People yelling about global warming, completely politicizing the issue.

Whether global warming is caused by human activity, natural earth cycles, or the combination of both, everyone seems to agree that the earth's climate is warming, and that the earth is going through changes. If eveyone agrees on this, and the earth's climate is changing because of human activity, shouldn't we be doing something about this? Even if it is not being caused by human activity, what's wrong with trying to clean air, pollution, and maintain a healthy ecological system?

One side says that big government programs will lead to bleeding the U.S. economy and higher taxes. Another side says that if something is not done yesterday, the earth won't be here tomorrow, so drastic government and personal actions are needed. Ok. How about this:?

Encourage personal responsibility: educate about littering, pollution, recycling, unnecessary waste. The government should encourage and create incentives for Eco-Friendly companies, and encourage green technologies to flourish and compete in the market economy. The U.S. should be taking the lead on developing and encouraging new and inovative technologies, not arguing with how global warming is caused, or waiting for 'developing nations' like China and India (they're not developing by the way, they're established competing economies) to adapt the Kioto Agreement, so we can then tag along with the agreement. While the U.S. is so invested in fosil fuels, and fighting against encouraging new and inovative technologies (i.e. cleaner coal which is readily abundant in the U.S.), we're still dealing with an American culture of waste, apathy and pollution.

I'm a capitalist, so I think that the free market system can compete for cleaner, environmental, and 'Green'products and technologies with the American (and global) consumer. Just imagine the new jobs that would be created from the free market, and not just the government directly. Imagine how much energy prices would decrease, because of competition (economics 101: competition leads to lower prices for the consumer)? So instead of arguing what's causing global warming, how about acting?

I like the old cliche of "Think globally, act locally." It works.
Shazz

Patriotism

Here we go again.
Just because someone does not support the war, does not mean that they are not patriotic. And just because someone does not support the war does not mean that they can't support the troops.
I say thank you when I see a Marine, or anyone in the armed services.
I've sent thank you notes, and donated to care packages, and have put up support the troops websites on my Myspace page.

Who is the arbitrator of who's more patritic than somebody else?
It's not a pissing contest.
It's sort of like rabid, Red Sox fans screaming at concerts or wherever, how the "Yankees suck!" Ok, so you're a Red Sox fan. Go Sox. Fine. Now shut the fuck up!

I'm Roman Catholic. VERY Roman Catholic actually.
But I am extremely critical of the Catholic Church, the Pope, etc. But I absolutely love the faith and the Church. Why? Because I know it's potential, and the good it has, and continuously does. I actually know the meaning of the rituals, and how they came about. I know why the laws are the way they are. Do I agree with all of them? No. I'm not a mindless robot. Just like being a registered Republican, doesn't mean I have to agree with 100% of what the platform is, or follow Rush Limbaugh like a psychotic idiot.

I criticize the Church because I love the Church. I criticize the war and my country because I love my country. I would die for my country, given the right reason and cause. To criticize does not mean to hate. To be liberal does not mean to hate country. To be Republican or conservative does not mean that you shit diamonds, and that you are so righteous that God needs permission from you to make a fucking decision.

Patriotism? I don't have to have the biggest flag, or the most Red White and Blue, or the most and biggest "Support the Troops" signs and stickers. Screaming and preaching about being the most Christian, or being a "true conservative" doesn't make anyone better than the next person. I like the person who just does and lives, and gives of Self for their country, and does service for others, and are thankful for living in this country, and not screaming about it, and have the courage to disagree and criticize. To me, those are the true 'patriots.'

Meaning of Lent

It's Lent,

My favorite time of the year. Holy Week then Easter. This is the time of year that beckons the coming of Spring: nature is coming alive again, the sun is stronger, brighter, and more certain, and people's spirits begin to lift. For some reason, there just seems to be more hope.



But Lent is more than just not eating meat on Fridays, and giving up something, and then begrudging and complaining. Lent is a time to reflect upon your life: how you treat others, and your relationships with others and God. It's time to think about your actions, be sorry for those you have hurt in any way, and to make ammends for those you may have hurt, and then to ask those hurt, and God for forgiveness. In doing this, pennance, or offering something up to God in return for forgiveness, and as a way of 'self cleansing', is the point of Lent. Personal sacrifice, as Jesus supposedly sacrificed himself by fasting and going on a spiritual journey in the desert for 40 days, and being tempted by Satan. Whether the journey was 40 days or not is not important. But what is important is making sacrifices, doing pennance, and being thankful for what you have, especially during Lent -- Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday (40 days).

Lent is spiritual renewal of Self. It is rebirth (e.g. Easter bunny, eggs, Spring). It is the death of the old self, and rebirth of the new. That is what 'giving up' something for Lent means. I prefer working on personal qualities to add more meaning. This is just another, but ultimate way, of bringing one's Self closer to God and to others, without complaining.

Just Be Quiet

Shut up
you talk too much
shut up
you yell too much
shut up
you preach too much
shut up
and just be quiet
for once
Just sit down
or lay down
and just be quiet
for once
and just listen
to nothing
and calm down for once
breathe for once
Just be
for once
or just think
on your own
for once
Just be quiet,
please,
just be quiet,
just be quiet,
Just sit,
and just be,
for once

Obamunism

If I had a dollar for every random person that said something like "Isn't it great that Obama is...?" or Obama this or Obama that...I'd retire.

Of course these people assume that because I'm black, that 1) I'm automatically a Democrat and 2) that I would support Obama, and 3) that he's like the Second coming of Christ. He's not.

Great orator, very telegenic, very intelligent, very intuitive, and a master at speaking vaguely, saying a lot, but saying very little to nothing with policies and issues. "Change", "Hope"...these are the magic words that politicians use in every election.

Put aside the emotional attraction to him, and look cognitively and rationally at his record and policies. Very very liberal...socialist...Obamunism = socialism to be honest. If that's your political ideology? Fine. If not, take a look at the issues, not just going by media hype. I still dare anyone 25 or younger to name 3 specific policies that they support Obama for.

Baglady

My first published poem at John Carroll University

Baglady

Everyday I see her hunched in the corner,
legs crossed and arms holding her life's possessions.
Everyday people pass, not saying a word.
Eyes glancing and not acknowledging,
bodies marching all accordingly,
like robots to wherever they have to go.
There she sits motionless without a stir.
Yesterday I did not see her, nor today.
That lady with her stained white cotton hat,
brown skirt, black holey stockings, tan down coat,
grimy crinkly brown skin and bitten nails
with her head down, and her arms tightly around
a life that once was; where had she gone?
I stopped, and thought that for a second. Then I
rushed to wherever I had to go, just like everybody else.

by Shabazz Malik

So This Is It

I've been told by too many people for years to get a blog goin. Well, here it is. Politics, religion, music, the arts, random thoughts. Stay tuned...