Love Jones

Love is my addiction
And sometimes my affliction
I love because it feels good
I love those no others would
Because I know love can change
It has the power to rearrange
My love sometimes looks like hate
Tough love can sometimes separate
Better an open rebuke than love that’s hidden
True love should never be forbidden
I have to love you, I can’t help myself
I’d rather have love than material wealth
I hope this love jones never ceases
Because love has become my life thesis
It is written on the pages of my spirit
I’ll read aloud for all to hear it
Let love be your gift to me
Love is what sets me free
Free from those who despise me
Because love is my disguise see
It covers a multitude of sins
Where there is love everyone wins
Yes, love is my crack
If you love me then I’ll love you back
Even if you don’t, I’ll love you anyway
Love is my drug of choice everyday

How Strong Does a Black Woman Have to Be?

How strong does a black woman have to be?
Strong enough to create civilization
And then educate a nation
Strong enough to carry the burdens of the world
Yet turn the lessons into pearls
Strong enough to endure heartache and pain
While not allowing her dignity to wane

How strong does a black woman have to be?
Strong enough to do hard labor with poise
And in her spare time make men out of boys
Strong enough to struggle with ease
While other women do as they please
Strong enough to face her fears
Never revealing her private tears

How strong does a black woman have to be?
Strong enough to bear solitude
While outwardly letting confidence exude
Strong enough to call on the Most High
When no one else hears her cries
Strong enough to know when to say
I don’t have enough strength today