Poetic Inspirations
One of Many Thoughts
by
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BUTTERFLY
From relief of the struggle to exiting of the cocoon
From sunrise to sunset and the rising of the moon
A colorful butterfly waits patiently to take its flight
In the search of joy, which brings freedom to life.
From the valleys of down low to the snow-capped mountains of up high
From the calmness of the earth into strong winds it will fly
Zig-zag; zig-zag with extreme difficulty staying on course
In order to fly right, one must free his mind by listening to GOD'S voice.
From the constant battle of ups and downs to trials and tribulations
From the depths of hell to heaven on high is the proper emancipation
With eyes set upon the prize from receiving the purpose of the mission
Motivated by the fear of GOD and not fearing any kind of competition.
From the long day of dealing with stress to showing appreciation for being blessed
From the thoughts of being triumphant to establishing the soul at rest
Finally, I will be captured into eternal peace, but first, I must die
From beginning to end, bottom to top, and lost to found; I am just another BUTTERFLY.
FRUITS OF MY LABOUR
Sweet, not bitter because I used my time wisely
Ripe, not green because I followed the instructions precisely
Plentiful, not scarce because I examined more than one seed
Prosperous, not poor because I nurtured with God's creed
Fascinating, not dull because I breed with sunlight
Happy, not sad because I wanted to live right
Organized, not sloppy because I prepared for the worst
Prayerful, not rebellious because I know the importance of keeping God first.
Daring, but cautious because I should take a chance
Anxious, but tranquil because I must carry myself as a man
Insane, but rational because I conduct everyday engagements
Modest, but royal because I plan everyday arrangements
Delicate, but powerful because I stand upon a firm foundation
Slothful, but ambitious because I have the determination
Careless, but disciplined because I live in an imperfect universe
Worldly, but spiritual because I know the importance of keeping God first.
Commander and chief because I control my fate
Flamboyant and flashy because I love to feel great
Keen and clever because I have gifted wisdom
Inventor and creator because I developed my system
Victorious and triumphant because I kept my faith
Rested and relaxed because I continue to pray
Independent and free because I no longer slave for a purse
Blessed and assured because I know the importance of keeping God first.
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About the Book
The first book of poetry written by an African American man from Wilson, Arkansas, Poetic Inspirations traces author Jerel Yankaway's thoughtsand ideas from his mid-collegiate career through his coping with day to daystress as a young black male.
This powerful collection of poems record Jerel's reconciliations made with himself and God as a result from learning the lessons that life has to teach. This book is a great pick-me-up for the younger generation that struggles through the transformation from adolescence to adulthood, which discuss issues such as love relationships, reformation, economic depression, and spiritual rebirth.
About the Author
Jerel Jerome Yankaway, Sr. was born August 20, 1976 to his wonderful parents J.T. and Nancy Yankaway. He spent his entire childhood in Wilson, Arkansas, where he later graduated from Rivercrest High School in 1994. He immediately went to college to study Computer Information Systems, and on May 15, 1999 he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Central Arkansas. In March of 1997, he wrote his very first poem "Slave Scars and Stars" as a scheme to get rich quick. As time went by he began to write more poems with the idea to publish a collection of poems. Presently, he lives in Memphis, Tennessee where he is still pursuing his career as a writer.