Compelling Joy
A Poetic Journey Through Life
by
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THE MEASURING ROD We cannot allow anyone to define for us who we are. We must use the awesome measuring rod of God in defining ourselves. We must constantly search the depths of our souls, to affirm or reaffirm what we think we know about ourselves. It's not about titles conferred or credentials earned, it's about the deep down essence of our souls. After the speeches, parades and accolades are stilled, we will be left with--ourselves. Therefore, it's essential that we stay in an assessment mode, to arrive at a fair measure of ourselves. A honing and development process should follow that All good and perfect gifts come from the Master, and the best measuring rod is His Book of Life--the road map to peace, love and joy. SCRUMPTIOUS BLACK WOMAN Lawd ha' mercy! Did ya' see who just sashayed by? Yum, yum, yum! When I see her movin' round, makes me want to get down, like James Brown--good God! It would do me good jes' to reach out and touch her fine brown self once--just once. She's so majestic, with music in her every stride, with her so very fine brown self. What a tasty chocolate dish she must be. Jes' one nibble would satisfy me. What beautiful big brown eyes has she--Lawd if I could jes' get her to look at me. I try to be cool and stand in her way, but she won't even give me the time of day, with her so very fine brown self. Did ya' see her move cross the dance floor? The rhythm, the moves, man how she
Jes' one moment with her on the dance floor, I could go on to glory and ask St. Peter for nothing more. Ooo wee! The curvature of her beautiful brown hips, jes' make me heave and flip. Her big so very fine brown legs will take me to my grave, if I don't stop peekin' and perspiring. She makes me feel alive, and that ain't no jive, with her so very fine brown self. Now, I ain't a praying man, but when I see her sumptuously proportioned fine brown can, I want to put my hand in the Lawd's hand, and go on to the promised land. Oh, what a scrumptious black woman!
measurement, if we are found wanting.
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About the Book
Distinguished and prolific poet, William (Bill) Aiken presents us with a collection of sexy, inspiring, articulate, and nourishing food for the soul. Like a truly good meal these poems have the effect on the reader of being both filling and satisfying. More and more we need poets like Bill to convey a perspective that is fresh, diverse, and far from mainstream. The added bonus here is the soulful nature of the works. He speaks with compassion, understanding, and celebration of the human experience. His poems are candid, lyrical, and crisp with a rhythm that begs to be read aloud in a community of friends and loved ones. Then like the gourmet cook, the reader can sit back and luxuriate in the contented looks on the faces of those who have just feasted on something good and juicy. I share with you these few examples of the soul food that awaits you in this book. Bill gives us a lot to chew on when he describes his woman as a ". . . tempest of love, a compelling crescendo of joy unspeakable . . ." (from "Compelling Joy"). The poet is at his best when he tells the reader of his admiration of the fine brown hips of a woman on a dance floor and says such delight is enough to make him ". . . go on to glory and ask St. Peter for nothing more . . ." (from "Scrumptious Black Woman"). Bill dares to combine sensuality with spirituality in "The Morning After." Actually, his strong spiritual center shines more brightly in works such as "I Think You Know Him." Bill tells us that his spirit rejoices as he experiences God's grace (from "Christmas Message To My God"): Our soul exhibits contentment at these simple pleasures of faith. I have read these poems over and over and with each reading I experience a new delight, a different flavor emerges, and I enjoy them more. I give this volume of poems two thumbs up and say a resounding AMEN! Fannie Porter
August 24, 2000
New York City
About the Author
A number of William Aiken’s poems have been presented in anthologies such as the Amherst Society’s "American Poetry Annual (1993)," The National Library of Poetry’s "Wind In the Night Sky (1993)," and "Outstanding Poet’s of 1994." Mr. Aiken, a certified public accountant, has an MBA Degree from Baruch College of the City University of New York. He resides in the Riverdale section of New York City with his wife Joyce B. Aiken. He is the father of five children, Adrienne Aiken-Young, William Aiken, Jr., Candice D. Aiken Esq., Nicole O. Aiken and Sharla D. Aiken.