No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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(FROM THE HURT FOLKS TO THE CHURCH FOLKS) COPYRIGHT 2016 BY: "THE PO' FOLK'S POET", MR. MARION OBAFEMI Where is the relief I thought I would receive ? Where is the brighter day I thought I would see ? How did I end up in this misery ? Am I making payments on somebody else's bad deeds ? I am dying inside, but nobody grieves I know I must accept my own responsibilities But, this world is choking me and " I CAN'T BREATHE"... How did I get here ? I thought this would be my year But, all my hope has disappeared And, I am stuck in the same gear I...
My mammy, is never happy, until the first of the month My pappy’s, head is nappy, and he always gets drunk My brother, stays in trouble, with the local P.D. My sister, how I miss her, because she lives in the street My doctor, couldn’t stop her, when she cried from the pain My preacher, couldn’t reach her, with his clout down the drain. I had a dream, I grew some wings, and like a bird I could fly I think I need, a trampoline, so I can touch the sky My veins, are full of cocaine, and I still ain’t high Ain’t no wonder, I need an onion, so...
Depression is a state of mind that can be caused by the realization that our lives are not unfolding as we envisioned it would. Our moods can be influenced by the interaction with others and what they say to us which may alter normal behaviors such as the desire to eat. We must guard our minds and spirits against those negative energies that can rob us of the positive vibrations needed to fulfill our destinies. I "rolled" (wrote) this "joint" (poem) so we can "smoke" (read) it to gain the...
' (VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYS THE LORD) Romans 12:17-19 As we enter into the last weeks of this year, it is important that we do not bring any baggage with us from the previous months and years that will hinder us from accomplishing our goals and receiving the blessings that we are expecting in the years to come. Unforgiveness is a burden that is carried by those of us who refuse to release the deeply seated anger, bitterness and even hatred toward someone that has done us wrong. These strong emotions are usually valid and appear to be justified...
This "joint" (poem) was “rolled” (written) to express the pain and frustration of our brothers and sisters that have been endowed (inspired) with the gifts of God, but they (their gifts) are trapped inside of them. We were made in God's image and should exhibit (show) a certain likeness to Him because He breathed (put) into us His own breath (inspiration, spirit and abilities). If we see someone using their gifts and abilities in a way that does not bring glory to their creator, then there is...
Copyright 2018 Written by: Mr. Marion Obafemi and inspired by God Lord, I thank you for my joy and peace of mind I thank you for deliverance time after time Lord, I thank you for drying my tears the nights I cried I'm thankful that you spared me when I should have died. Lord, I thank you for your mercy when my faith is gone I thank you for your grace that keeps me strong Lord, I thank you for forgiveness when I do wrong I'm thankful that you hear me when I weep and moan. Lord, I thank you for your word that guides my feet I thank you for my...
(Applying a SPIRITUAL solution to a SOCIAL problem) Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi and inspired by God I have been inspired with a collaborative plan of action that every citizen, elected or appointed official, clergyman, and organization can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk males to take more responsibility for their actions and respect the lives and property of others. While good law enforcement will always be a vital element and key factor to help lower our violent crime and murder rate statistics, t...
(The Confession Poem) As we embrace the hope that a new day brings and anticipate the blessings that we have prayed and prepared for, we must be mindful of those things that may hinder us from receiving what we are expecting to happen in our lives. I call these things "The Blessing Blockers". One of the biggest and most common "Blessing Blocker" is our unwillingness to acknowledge those areas where we fall short of God's glory and walk contrary to His word. Whenever we petition or approach the throne of Grace, in addition to first thanking The...
Copyright 2008 Written by: Mr. Marion Obafemi and inspired by God This journey we are on, may be narrow and long, but at the end of it is peace This path may get dark, and the road may seem hard, but there is a light to guide our feet... This trail may seem cold, as we carry this heavy load, but we’ll find comfort and ease I can declare these things, because my faith in the King, is rooted deeper than a tree There is no need for despair, your burdens I can share, because I’m holding on to Him...
Copyright August 12, 2023 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi Inspired By: God They said that this ole hammer killed John Henry, but it damn show ain’t gonna kill me I heard that this been going on for centuries, but I’m cutting the root of this tree My ancestors done sent for me, and it’s my destiny, to set the family free. All these broken homes, leaving children alone, and beating the hell out of the women All these mothers being the head of the house, while the men quiet as a mouse, ain’t nothing...
"BUT GOD" COPYRIGHT 2016 INSPIRED BY: GOD I would have been forsaken without a father or mother, BUT GOD took me in My winters would have been cold when I had no cover, BUT GOD protected me from the winds. I would have stumbled and fell to the ground, BUT GOD ordered my steps in His word I would have been lost thinking love was a noun, BUT GOD proved that it is a verb. I would have died when the doctor threw in the towel BUT GOD stepped in and turned it all around. I would have drowned, in a...
Copyright 2023 For my daughter “Coffee” I know that you’re tired on so many levels And, know this is an attack from the devil. That uses people and his tools to do his work Trying to make you quit and cause you hurt. But, be damned if you gone let him win After all you been through to get your second wind. So, shed a few tears and take a break if you must But, never give in to his tricks and NEVER GIVE UP...
Copyright July 6, 2023 4:00AM Written by: Marion Obafemi and inspired by God in honor of my Mother, Mrs. Earnestine Carraway Jackson MY MOTHER'S HANDS were the first feeling that I felt, never let me down when I needed her help, she was my example of God’s affection MY MOTHER'S HANDS held on tight to the belt, could strike a fire that made my hard head melt, she was a rod for my correction. MY MOTHER'S HANDS could stir a pot and a skillet, if you had a hunger pain, she could kill it, with a m...
(A Thug's Prayer) Copyright 2004 By: "THE PO' FOLK'S POET" And inspired by God As I stumble through the darkness in the valley of death Please shine your guiding light upon my crooked steps And lead me to the path where your grace and mercy is felt My soul hungers for what’s right, but I’m fed by what’s left. The stress on my chest is heavy like a necklace made of stone So, I humble myself to you as I bow before your throne Begging you to spare my life today, because hell would be my home If I...
Please be careful while reading the poem that will follow this brief introduction because it is laced with some powerful truths that might cause some to become alarmed. In light of all the protests that we have witnessed over the past years expressing our frustration with the senseless murders of unarmed black men by the police, I wrote this poem to encourage us to take some responsibility for how we treat each other which negatively influences the way others view and treat us. While we should c...
They say that my species is endangered because where I live is like a jungle My sister is having another baby, well I'll be a monkey's uncle. My teenage years, have barely appeared, but I feel like I am a hundred Our population is falling and my blood pressure is rising because we are dying younger. My eyes, are always opened wide, because killers and cut-throats live among us The things I've seen, and the screams I've screamed, are terrifying enough to numb ya. No one will give me the answers to my questions, so I am left to wonder When will...
(The Boomerang Poem For My Mother, Mrs. Earnestine Carraway Jackson) Copyright 2008 By: “THE PO’ FOLK’S POET, Mr. Marion Obafemi And Inspired by God While flipping through the pages in the memory book of my mind I discovered something strange about this thing called time. I saw where you nursed me, burped me and watched me as I grew When I pressed rewind, on this thing called time, I noticed a change in you. With every passing day, as the sun shinned in my face, I began to bud and grow tall...
Don't be FOOLISH and wait until Mother's Day to express your love and appreciation for the woman that gave you LIFE. This is one of the most important writings I have ever been inspired with. It is dedicated to my mother as an expression of my love and dedication to her when she was showing the beginning signs of dementia which transitioned into Alzheimer's. I am sharing it in its entirety in hopes of touching the heart of those who still have their mother to inspire you to love her while you can because when she is gone it will be too late....
Copyright 2008 No problem too big, no river too wide No mountain too tall that can’t be climbed. No ocean too deep, no heat too hot No disease too deadly, no issue of blood that can’t be stopped. You have raised the dead, and given sight to the blind You have healed the sick, and restored my mind. You fed me when I was hungry, when I was thirsty you were water to drink You were my friend when I was lonely, when I’m troubled you are the thought I think. You’re my shelter in the time of a storm,...
The father of Black History, Mr. Carter G. Woodson, said, " When you control a man's thinking you don't have to worry about his actions". Colors have been used to manipulate our thoughts and behaviors since we were first introduced to them. In this poem, I am attempting to shed some light on this plot and hopefully dispel some of the myths associated with colors thereby freeing our minds for more constructive thoughts about ourselves. As Dr. king once said, "Somebody told a lie one day about...
Depression is a state of mind that can be caused by the realization that our lives are not unfolding as we envisioned it would. Our moods can be influenced by the interaction with others and what they say to us which may alter normal behaviors such as the desire to eat. We must guard our minds and spirits against those negative energies that can rob us of the positive vibrations needed to fulfill our destinies. I "rolled" (wrote) this "joint" (poem) so we can "smoke" (read) it to gain the strength and courage to resist and fight back against...
(VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYS THE LORD) Romans 12:17-19 As we enter into the New Year, it is important that we do not bring any bagage with us from 2022 and previous years that will hinder us from accomplishing our goals and receiving the blessings that we are expecting in 2023. Unforgiveness is a burden that is carried by those of us who refuse to release the deeply seated anger, bitterness and even hatred toward someone that has done us wrong. These strong emotions are usually valid and appear to be justified due to what has been done to us, but...
Copyright 2008 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi and inspired By: God When I am in pain, all strength is drained, and I have no relief in sight I look to you, to see me through, and make everything all right. When the Dr. has done his best, used all the medicine in his chest, there is a pill that I can take That is prescribed for all believers, that will cool the hottest fever, and take the pain away. I swallow your word like it is a pill, because I know that it will, bring calm to this raging sea When the storms of life are raging, and this...
Job 38:22-23 Copyright 2012 Since our tears have been revealed, as the water that is spilled, from raining and leaking eyes When our soul has been broken, and no words can be spoken, that will give peace to a soul that’s tired. I wonder how God would express, the pain that’s in His chest, when He looks down on this earth That He loved to the extent, that His only son was sent, to pay a price that no man is worth. Whenever the Lord cries, the clouds become His eyes, and the rain is the tears He sheds Trying to cleanse this world of filth, tha...
Like many of you, when I am in trouble, I call upon the Lord. And, it was during a time of crisis in my life that He inspired me with this "joint" that I wanted to "pass" on to y'all. It is my prayer that we are reminded that God should not be used as an ATM machine that we run to ONLY when we are in a crisis or in need of a blessing. When we reflect upon what He has already done and continues to do in our lives, we will usually find the answers we are seeking to solve our present situation. Mos...
Copyright 2012 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi, "THE PO' FOLK'S POET" and inspired By:God "A BRIGHTER DAY " (Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 6:9) We wouldn’t know there was an up if there was no down Wouldn’t appreciate a smile if there was no frown. We wouldn’t recognize joy if there was no pain Wouldn’t have no flowers without the rain. We wouldn’t know the warmth of love without the cold of hate Wouldn’t be fulfilled, when we give, without the emptiness of take. We wouldn’t know how to win if we didn’t lose Wouldn’t appreciate the wi...
Copyright 2016 By: Mr. Marion Obafemi He' s a momma, he's a daddy He'll come get you, in the alley He's a doctor, when in need Don't need dope, don't need weed He's a comfort, he's a friend He'll be with you, thick and thin. He'll be your everything "GOD WILL BE YOUR EVERYTHING" In the middle, of the night Call His name, He'll make it right Got a load, on your back He'll help you carry it, and cut you some slack When your enemies, treat you cruel He'll make them, your footstool. He'll be your everything "GOD WILL BE YOUR EVERYTHING" He'll give...
” Copyright 2014 MR. MARION OBAFEMI and inspired By: God My mammy, is never happy, until the first of the month My pappy’s, head is nappy, and he always gets drunk My brother, stays in trouble, with the local P.D. My sister, how I miss her, because she lives in the street My doctor, couldn’t to stop her, when she cried from the pain My preacher, couldn’t reach her, with his clout down the drain. I had a dream, I grew some wings, and like a bird I could fly I think I need, a trampoline, so I can touch the sky My veins, are full of cocaine...
"MY RAINING EYES" Copyright 1995 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi and Inspired By: God Water falls from my eyes just like the rain No need to be ashamed, its how I show my pain Because politics is played like a dirty game I want to help is what they all claim But, until its time to vote, they don't even know your name But, the fact remains: What goes up is going to come down again Nothing stays the same Its time to make a change. A closer look in the mirror, now the picture's clearer There's no rain in my eyes, just so many tears That my eyes spi...
Copyright 2012 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi, "THE PO' FOLK'S POET" and inspired By: God "A BRIGHTER DAY " (Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 6:9) We wouldn’t know there was an up if there was no down Wouldn’t appreciate a smile if there was no frown. We wouldn’t recognize joy if there was no pain Wouldn’t have no flowers without the rain. We wouldn’t know the warmth of love without the cold of hate Wouldn’t be fulfilled, when we give, without the emptiness of take. We wouldn’t know how to win if we didn’t lose Wouldn’t appreciate the wi...
Copyright 2012 It's the job of the devil, to make life unleveled, to destroy and rob and kill The winner in you, and he won't be through, unless he breaks your will. Satan ain't under the ground, with horns on his crown, or a fork inside his hand He is loose on this earth, sagging pants and short skirts, dressed like a woman or man. He's trying to rob your cradle, so you won't be able, to birth what's in your belly Using people as thieves, to steal your hopes and dreams, and make your roses smelly. When I was young in the word, you could throw...
Copyright 2016 inspired by God Dear Heavenly Father, dont mean to bother, you but we need to talk Go wake up Jesus and Job, because I was told, they had a simular walk The Lord will understand me, because I've been nailed to a tree, blood dripping from my feet and hands Like Job was tried and tested, my development has been arrested, and much more I can not stand. Are the clouds so dark and deep, that your eyes are unable to see, that your child is on this cross? It's impossible to move my legs, going around in circles with dizzy head, what was...
Copyright© 2022 By: Min. Marion Obafemi and Inspired By: God (Modeled after King Jehoshaphat’s prayer asking God to intervene in a time of trouble, II Chronicles 20:6-9) Dear Lord, the God of our ancestors, the God of heaven. All power and might is in your hand, and no one can withstand you. Your word declares that if calamity comes upon us, whether by the sword with death, punishment because of judgement, plague through sickness and disease, or the lack of food due to famine, we could stand in your presence and cry out to you in our di...
(A SPIRITUAL solution to a SOCIAL problem) A B.A.L.M. in Monroe is a collaborative plan that every citizen, elected and appointed official, clergyman, and organization can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk males to take more responsibility for their actions and respect the lives and property of others. This is a Balanced Approach to Lower the violent crime and Murder rate in Monroe. A balm is a creamy salve made from selected plants that are used as a medicine to treat or heal wounds. The maker of the...
Since this is the last week in the only month of the year that we set aside to acknowledge and celebrate our many accomplishments, I thought it would be fitting that I shared a poem that reaches back to a time before we were reduced to what we have become. It should be pointed out that OUR HISTORY did not begin when we were brought to these shores in chains to be made slaves. That is HIS STORY which only depicts what we have achieved in HIS world despite the discrimination, oppression and brutality we were and continue to be subjected to. So,...
Please be careful while "smoking" (reading) this "joint" (poem) because it is laced with some powerful truths that might cause some to become "paranoid". In light of all the protests that we have witnessed over the past years expressing our frustration with the senseless murders of unarmed black men by the police, I "rolled" (wrote) this "joint" (poem) to encourage us to take some responsibility for how we treat each other which negatively influences the way others view and treat us. While we should continue to voice our dissatisfaction with...
Copyright 2016 Written By: Mr Marion Obafemi and inspired by God "He anointed my head with oil", is used as a metaphor, for God's word being poured into my mind Its like oil getting between my thoughts, to smooth out my crooked walk, so my steps do not cross the line. My head holds this oil like a cup, that's so full that I have just enough, to give to somebody else This load is heavy upon my shoulders, my full cup is running over, so I must go out and share the wealth. With the people who live...
IF WE HAD KNOWN that the favor you did for us would be the last good deed of your hands We would have asked you to do something that was impossible for any woman, girl, boy or man Like walking the shores of the seven seas and count each grain of sand Then turn every one of them into a year that you would dwell upon the land. IF WE HAD KNOWN that when we saw you it would be the last time we would see your face We would have made the camera in our eyes, take a picture of your smile, and stored it in a safe place Then, we could open the album in...
When we were pushed out the womb, the angels sang a tune, that reached the ears of God Proclaiming that this would be the day, that we begin our race, and the journey called life would start. As we inhaled our first breath of life, we made a down payment on the price, that is charged for becoming a living soul That can only be paid by death, an appointment that is kept, by all whether young or old. The days of our lives that we will dwell upon the land, have a number like the grains of sand, in...
Copyright 2008 By: "THE PO' FOLK'S POET", Mr.Marion Obafemi No problem too big, no river too wide No mountain too tall that can’t be climbed. No ocean too deep, no heat too hot No manner of disease , no issue of blood that can’t be stopped. You raised the dead, you gave sight to the blind You healed the sick, you restored my mind. You fed me when I was hungry, when I was thirsty you were water to drink You were my friend when I was lonely, when I’m troubled you are the thought I think. You’r...
If you have a few minutes, let me borrow your mind When I give it back to you, the veil will be off eyes We will be taking a little trip and I hope you enjoy the ride There is no need to be afraid, because I will be your guide Let's travel to a place where the light of the sun barely shines Today, we will see how it feels and how life is lived ON THE OTHER SIDE. Before we go any further on our little cruise Let me give you some advise that you can surely use Since your opinions and your point...
“I AM SURE TO RISE” (Since He Arose, we too shall Rise) Romans 6:5 Copyright 2012 and inspired By :God Hung out to dry, been crucified, been nailed to the cross Gave me a crown of thorns, clothes ripped and torn, said my life was lost. Buried in a tomb, my open wounds, were seasoned with salty words My other cheek was turned, so that you could learn, how love becomes a verb. All I gave was love, treated like a thug, or a beggar on the streets Little did they know, I could save their souls, and...
inspired By God Like Bob Marley smoking a spliff, I needed a lift, so I inhaled what I saw Inside my hood, so I thought I would, exhale through this poem and draw. A picture for you, to give you a view, of a twisted way of life That is lived every day, while on my knees I pray, we try to make it right. Now, over there on that block, you will see dudes who are not, hanging out with Mr. Coopa They find shade under trees, and shoot more than the breeze, they're figuring out ways to do ya. Some...
It’s 5:00 in the morning, breath stinking and I’m yawning, but something is on my mind My eyes are all puffy, my nose is all stuffy, proving that even thugs cry. As much as I try to deny it, and my heart refuses to buy it, the numbers ain’t telling no lies I have to face the facts, that when I trace my tracks, it’s impossible for Jr. to be mine. Now, I ain’t gone act a fool, gone still take him to school, and give him money for his lunch Ain’t gone walk out that door, treat you bad no more, or...
The father of Black History, Mr. Carter G. Woodson, said, " When you control a man's thinking you don't have to worry about his actions". Colors have been used to manipulate our thoughts and behaviors since we were first introduced to them. In this poem, I am attempting to shed some light on this issue and hopefully dispel some of the myths associated with colors thereby freeing our minds for more constructive thoughts about ourselves. As Dr. king once said, "Somebody told a lie one day about black being ugly, sinister and bad.. But, I want to...
Copyright 2012 inspired By: God "A BRIGHTER DAY " (Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 6:9) We wouldn’t know there was an up if there was no down Wouldn’t appreciate a smile if there was no frown. We wouldn’t recognize joy if there was no pain Wouldn’t have no flowers without the rain. We wouldn’t know the warmth of love without the cold of hate Wouldn’t be fulfilled, when we give, without the emptiness of take. We wouldn’t know how to win if we didn’t lose Wouldn’t appreciate the wisdom of a w...
Copyright 2001 No height of mountain No lowness of valley No dryness of fountain No darkness of alley. No depth of sea No width of river No tallness of tree No fading of silver. No temperature of fever No strength of wind No change of season No damnation of sin. No pain of hurt No betrayal of friend No tire of work No lack of ends. No spell of witch No freeze of cold No lash of stick No graying of old. No heat of fire No mistake of hand No lie of liar No judgement of man. No pot of gold No bitter of honey No suit of clothes No amount of money....
Copyright 2016 On the 3rd day of the month after June Our lips were singing a famliiar tune Salt was poured into an open wound Two lives were taken from us much too soon Before we could see how their flower would bloom. On the 3rd day of the 7th round Our ears heard a familiar sound Another tragedy struck this town Two mothers will wear black gowns Two brothers will be planted into the ground And, our hearts will gain a thousand pounds. On the 3rd day of July There was nothing good about good-bye As tears fell from raining eyes And, our heads...
Copyright 2017 Today when we jump that broom, the angels will sing a tune, that will reach the ears of God Proclaiming that this will be the day, that we stand before Him to say, that we are joined as one in our hearts When we march down the aisle to the alter of God We will be entering into a covenant, till death do us part We are making a promise to love each other in sickness and in health For richer or poorer, thru poverty or wealth With this band of gold, to have and to hold Is our word before God, when we are feeble and old If we stumble...
Copyright 2012 Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi, "THE PO' FOLK'S POET" and inspired By:God "A BRIGHTER DAY " (Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 6:9) We wouldn’t know there was an up if there was no down Wouldn’t appreciate a smile if there was no frown. We wouldn’t recognize joy if there was no pain Wouldn’t have no flowers without the rain. We wouldn’t know the warmth of love without the cold of hate Wouldn’t be fulfilled, when we give, without the emptiness of take. We wouldn’t know how to win if we didn’t lose Wouldn’t appreciate the wi...
