This is a brave and intentional space for creative self-expression, because we all have something to communicate. I am inspired by my relationship with God and motivated to write from observing some of what I believe He created-by-design—nature, family, love, relationship. And, each piece is written by me, Dee, hence the title: “createdbyDEEsign”. A long …
I always wished upon a star A star that hangs on high so far I wished for someone who would dare To steal my heart and make me care My twinkle, twinkle little star Tonight you seem so very far Right now I wish that you’d fall Upon my lover and make him call In …
Is it the whimper in a baby’s cryOr the joy from laughter thrilling? Is it the uncertainty in a child’s first wordOr the surety of life’s final word slipping? Is it the warmth of a friend’s bare-hugOr the fragrance of spring-flower’s blooming? Is it the dew drops of morn’s early dawnOr evening’s sun crimson-like setting? Is …
Before-word: I wrote this piece in response to my friends’ varied reactions after I chopped off my dreadlocks a few years ago. Many (MANY) of my friends were aghast and sent me a range of reactions: “Why did you cut your beautiful locks?” “You hair was so beautiful !” Truth is, for the longest while …
Continue reading Ode To My Hair© (in honor of Black History Month)
LaughterShe glides Among sunflowersRicochets Across fields of emotions Pleasure-Happiness-Joy She collides, intertwinesUproariously-Unabashedly-EscapesShe collides, intertwinesPleasure-Happiness-JoyAcross fields of emotionsRicochets Among sunflowers She glides Laughter In creative solidarity, Dee 👈
Snow laden branchesWhite as far as eye can seeTill she appears, red In creative solidarity, Dee 👈
She’s the beat in my heartThe air in my breathThe spirit in my soul She’s entwined in the melanin of my skinThe rhythm of my stepsThe swing of my hips She flaunts in the kink of my hairThe roundness of my noseThe fullness of my lips She’s the lineage in my genesThe legacy in my …
Before-word: Dedicated to my brave and courageous sistah-friend. This piece was influenced by her latest episode which she bravely shared on social media and embraced what she called “spark of madness”. She’s braveThis female friend of mineWrestling with her mindRiding the emotional swings of low to highShe fightsLooking up from below sadness, fighting throughShe writes, …
Dear Self: Accept you as you areBelieve in the good, do goodCultivate an attitude of gratitudeDo what you love, do youEmbrace the flawsFind peace of mindGive with no expectationsHappiness is fleeting, create joyInvest in experiences, things are ephemeral Jump around in bed some times, find your inner child Kindness is life-changing, be a kind human …
He’s a man of emotions deep, like ocean’s untapped places and out-of-this-world spaces Intense, they flow like liquid gold from deep within a furnaced heart, words clothed in sultry endearment Each, a languag of intimate expressions of deep emotional proportions Babe Beautiful My queen My love Each call-out expressing the epitome of affections deep, attaching …
Before-word: during a recent office retreat, the facilitator used murmuration to describe the working method of our team. We’ve had to be quite resilient in delivering services and support to the beneficiaries we serve while taking care of our wellbeing. We work to address challenging areas of social development such as human rights, equity and …
Life lesson: You don’t choose what you go through in life, but you choose how you go through it and who you go through it with. When the ER doctor said what’s been ailing me was COVID-19, the first flash of recall was the number of people who died from this virus. I’d love to …
if I Took Off The Maskfully Unveiled Meopened Up My Heartrevealed The Real Methe Me No One Else Seescould You Really Love Me?love Me Just As I AmUNCONDITIONALLY? if I Let Go Of The Hurtfrailty From The Brokenness Withintrusted You With All Of Meloosened My Graspletting Go And Letting Youwould You Really Love Me?love Me …
he looked the epitome of love submit I must surrender I will transform I did evolved I am in love with love Thanks for reading. I’d like to hear from you—you can hit any of the “share this” icons or the “like” star or leave a “comment” or “follow” the blog.In creative solidarity, Dee
Before-word: long before COVID-19 many people felt socially isolated and lonely. This was exacerbated with efforts to reduce the spread of the virus such as stay-at-home orders, social distancing and quarantine. In an age where we are most socially connected (digitally), we are the most isolated (humanly). How many are slumped over (literally and figuratively) …
Before-word: Some days are hard. You don’t want to get out of bed; and when you do, you wish the day was over. Lean into the cause of dismay/hurt/pain. Honor the emotional place where you are. Validate your feelings. And know that it’s okay to not be okay. When I’ve looked retrospectively at my hardest …
I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast and she mentioned doing puzzles as part of her family’s pass time. Having never done a puzzle before I was inspired to start. Well... wouldn’t you know, rather than starting with a 250- or 500-piece puzzle I went for the big-dawg of puzzles—ONE THOUSAND pieces!! When the little …
Before-word: On this historical day in US political history, I’m trying my hand at the Haiku (5-7-5 syllable, 3 lines form) in tribute to Kamala Harris. Haiku are usually written about nature, the seasons, a beautiful moment in nature, an emotional experience while in nature, or change. A haiku should share a special moment of …
Before-word: And concluding the series with a Tanka. I structured this Tanka with a 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure, it has 5 lines and a pivot. The pivot is intended to apply to the first 2 lines as well as the last 2 lines. The last 2 lines use simile and complement the first 3 lines. True …
Continue reading Exploring Types of Poem Series: #4 Tanka Poetry
You chose to follow my blog — THANK YOU! I couldn’t have gotten this “badge” without each of you. I know you have thousands of writers to follow and you chose this space—to read my words, to give my voice audience. I commit to continue to being transparent and to write truthfully while I speak …
Before-word: Next up in my exploration of writing different types of poem is the Haiga, also called observational poem as they comprise three art forms: imagery (photos or original art), poetry (haiku or senryu) and calligraphy. The accompanying image cannot complete the poetry but should add to the reader's appreciation of the piece (contrasting or …
Before-word: Today I’m trying the Haiku (5-7-5 syllable, 3 lines form). Haiku are usually written about nature, the seasons, a beautiful moment in nature, an emotional experience while in nature, or change. A haiku should share a special moment of awareness with the reader. Did I accomplish that in this piece? Emotions cascadingPainting rainbow in …
Everyday you become my poem to-beMy Muse reblog from yassy66.wordpress.com
Before-word: trying my hand at a traditional Senryu sequence which means using 3 lines with 5 syllables in the 1st line, 7 in the 2nd and 5 in the last line (5/7/5); and written in the present tense without rhymes, metaphors or similes. A Senryu is written about love, a personal event, and should have …
Continue reading Exploring Types of Poem Series: #1 Traditional Senryu
Like Martin Luther King: “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear”. His words are oh so relevant in these times: “I’m concerned about a better World. I’m concerned about justice; I’m concerned about brotherhood and sisterhood; I’m concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about that, …
This piece was commissioned by a church as part of the Pastor appreciation program. When a piece is commissioned I usually consult with the client and/or friends or family to get the backstory to create a piece that is personal and reflective of the context the client wishes to convey. In this case, it was …
There are moments that some may call “happenstances” and others “coincidences”. I call them God moments - moments that mark the times when the ordinary of our lives is interrupted and interjected with the extraordinary. They are moments that cannot be explained, or are so perfectly orchestrated they are truly too good to be of …
It's in the way you know meChoose meListen to meConsole meDefend meStand by me, beside meSupport me It's in the way I know youRespect youTrust in youAdmire youDesire youConnect to you, with youSupport you Souls cleaveHearts believeDesires peakWords speakAffections growWe know Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of the …
Before-word: LOVE! “Falling” in love is euphoric. In the early stages it’s like all rational thoughts are hijacked, isn’t it?! It’s no coincidence it’s referred to as falling ... Euphoric ascension in love FALLING Eyes locked in indepth soul searching Conversations unending Hearts in unity flip-flopping Each passing moment lingering More of you and more …
Before-word: A few weeks ago I gave a talk to young women and men in Johannesburg who requested me to speak to their youth group on dating. Then a few days ago I was asked similar questions about dating by another young person. So it prompted me to share some ideas here. Remember in university …
i am POETRY Embodiment of rhythms and rhymes Metaphorical language of experiences Fluidity of motion Litany of expression Refrain Birthed in beat of heart Punctuated in emotions Evolved in essence of sensuality Transformed in clarity of thought Lyrically surrendered i am POETRY Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of …
Let’s be real—2020 was a downside-up year and just about everyone couldn’t wait to get it behind us. 2020 was going to be my best year. Whereas in past years I celebrated the whole month of my birth, this year was going to be year-long celebrations. Needless to say, none of this happened nor did …
Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. Mark Twain The longer I fight for you The longer Lies Empty promises Deceit Control me The longer I fight for you The longer my heart beats pain Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of …
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.Kahlil Gibran It isn’t about the size of the city It’s about the people you’re with The experiences Those little moments Like Cup of hot chocolate on a snowy weekend morning Music Listening to an old record Reading by the river …
I love orchids!!! It took me awhile to get the hang of growing them. In fact, I literally killed 9 ... no that doesn’t sound good at all, let me rephrase ... 9 orchids died while under my care (lol 😂). So this bloom is a HUGE deal—it’s from one of the orchids that is …
Before-word: As I’m spending more time building this blog, I’ve been thinking a lot about writing—the art of writing and the power of the written word. I love to write. And chances are if you’re on this site, you’re a blogger which means you also love to write. Or, you’re here because you love to …
Before-word: 2020! What a year it’s been?! It started out as merry and promising as any other year. Sure, there were some rumblings about a “novel virus” but nothing to disrupt partying, merrymaking, living, working, schooling. Or so we thought. As the year is about to come to an end, as is often the case, …
[Author unknown] It’s finally happened, the lockdown making people go crazy! I was just talking about this with the microwave and the toaster while drinking my coffee, and we all agreed that things are getting bad. I didn’t mention any of this to the washing machine, because she puts a different spin on EVERYTHING!! Certainly …
What’s your T-shirt saying? T-shirts are arguable the most functional piece of clothing in our closets. More recently I’ve come across Tees used as signposts for thoughts/feelings/stance on a range of issues making them artistic creative statement apparels. Statements like: Unapologetically dopeI never lose, I either win or I learnPeriodt. [oh yeah, when you hear …
The beauty in being brOKen lies in its revelation and unfolding of your authentic self.
Father of glory, give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You so that the eyes of my understanding may be enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of Your calling, what is the riches of Your inheritance and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward me. …
This morning I woke up to the most beautiful orange hue filling every corner of my room, cascading in from the window above my bed. I got super excited because I knew the sun was on full-on display, and today’s DAWNing was gonna be majestic!!! I was right! So I grabbed my trusty phone camera …
Before-word: I wrote this piece for my mom a few years ago. There isn’t a gift I could give my mom that would be adequate or commensurate to the gifts she’s given me. So I live my life in tribute to her, all I am and all I accomplish are the gifts to this amazing …
the longer I live the less I need: just words love & you
Before-word: Nature is a formidable teacher. One lesson I’ve learnt from the changing of seasons is this: we must embrace new beginnings. Like the contrasting seasons, we too are faced with periods that resemble SPRING-like rebirth, AUTUMN-like falling, SUMMER-like passion and WINTER-like coldness. We too must face the seasons of the soul and embrace the …
—what can I say ... LIFE! you're a giveryou're a taker you tear-downyou build-up you bring smiles you bring tears —what is it about you LIFE! you keep me guessing wondering what lies around your curves beyond your corners up your hills down your vales —what makes you LIFE! your mysteries your unpredictability your uncertaintiesyour …
Before-word: Many of the pieces I write are commissioned. This piece was written for a couple on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. It’s a personal piece based on conversations with their children and closest friends. I chose the title because gold is the symbol of 50th anniversaries and ancient Egyptians called gold “the …
Before-word: I wrote this piece a few years ago. I was working/living in Northern Nigeria at the time and there was immense unrest and upheaval. Amidst all of that the joys of nature were all the more appreciated. What a blessing to open your eyes from a night’s rest, to know you’re alive and be …
Love is a memoryLove is a feelingLove is a placeLove is musicLove is songLove is timeLove is youLove is meLove is us Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of the “share this” icons below or the “like” star or “leave a comment” or “follow”.In creative solidarity, Dee
Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is the final phase. Resting In Peace And now ...I am the breath held in trust by …
Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 4. Remember My Be-ing I am the memory residing in your hearts A devoted mother …
Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 3. Remember Me In The Laughter I am the laugh That laughBubbling up from the …
Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 1. Remember Me As Mother I am the geneThe heredity transferred from me to youMy …
Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 2. Remember Me In Familial Affection I am the affectionThe arms which held my mamma …
“Love and life can be the most wonderful and awful all at the same time. Make the best of both.” Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of the “share this” icons below or the no“like” star or “leave a comment” or “follow”.In creative solidarity, Dee
Before-word: Growing up without my father, the impact of paternal absence influenced very strongly my views of “father”. Even more debilitating for a child were the fears that this absence bred—the fear of being abandoned and of being rejected. This piece is written (and included in my book “Moments: A Poetic Heart Journey”) as part …
Before-word: This is more than a poem. It's an intimate and personal piece and demonstrative of the power of the written word to enable the sharing of insights from parts of life’s journey. A few weeks during Halloween I got to thinking about haunting, not in the context of a haunted house but rather a …
I write. Sometimes that’s the only thing to do.
Based on the “I survived Covid-19” article, I’ve received a lot of questions, particularly from those living alone, on preparedness. In response, I’m sharing the ICE (In Case of Emergency) plan I have in place, that’s modified for Covid19 and based on the questions received. It’s a simple plan, hope you find it helpful. Decide which hospital you’ll …
Nothing in my experiences prepared me for what the last three weeks threw at me. Prior to going to the hospital I was unwell for about 9 days. I was self-medicating for the flu because all the symptoms felt like the flu except for the constant headache. Thankfully I’m working from home. During a zoom …
Continue reading I Survived Covid-19: Gratefully Surrendered
Before-word: This is a paraphrase of a psalm penned by my best-Bible-friend, David (King of ancient Israel), as recorded in Psalms 139. Dear God, investigate my life;get all the facts firsthand.I’m an open book to you;even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.You know when I leave and when I get back;I’m never out …
Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of the “share this” icons below or the “like” star or “leave a comment” or “follow”.In creative solidarity, Dee
Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of the “share this” icons below or the “like” star or “leave a comment” or “follow”.In creative solidarity, Dee
Transformation, a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. One of the most difficult things to transform is the way we think and especially what we think of ourselves. Coming to this realization is the moment I understood self transformation to be selfish in that it’s hard work that requires you to reset your …
Continue reading The Moment I realized…Transformation is Selfish
LOVE’S BEGINNING© at love's beginning conversations unending heart-beats skipping each passing moment lingering more of you and more of me unfolding you for me and me for you exchanging soul to soul connecting without words conversing emotions revealing deeper into love falling Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of …
Before-word: This is more than a poem. It's a coming-to-terms piece about what it means to evolve into the realization and acceptance that imperfection is perfectly perfect when one operates from a place of healthy striving for excellence. I’m sure you’ve often heard people say, “I’m not perfect” (or you may have said/thought this of …
Continue reading The Moment I Realized … Perfection Is Unattainable
When life turns into eternityWill I remember your love?In that other life will your love search for me, find me, love no other but me? When life turns into eternity Will you remember my love?In that other life transitioning from mortal to immortal to forever-lifeWill anything separate me from your love? When life turns into …
Before-word: When was the last time you nestled in a bathtub, just because…? Allowing it to envelope you for no other reason than … ‘cause you wanna?! I wrote this piece at a time of uncertainty and unrest and found solace in the sturdiness of the bathtub, in the strength of its curled-down edges and …
Before-word: In honor of Canadian Thanksgiving—reflecting in gratitude to life before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Twas the day before schools closed. Before sofas replaced class benches. Before teachers taught through computer screens and school started with zoom sign-in. Before the tap-tapping of keyboard strokes replaced the pitter-pattering of feet scrambling to classes. Before actions …
