If I Was Your Girlfriend -Prince

"Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be."

                                                                   -Prince

The song "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a provocative and introspective exploration of the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Released in 1987 on his critically acclaimed album "Sign o' the Times," the song uses a unique lyrical approach to offer a fresh perspective on the theme of love.

        The song's opening line, "If I was your girlfriend, would you remember to tell me all the things you forgot when I was your man?" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song. Prince takes on the persona of a hypothetical female partner, asking her male partner whether he would be more open and communicative with her if she were his girlfriend rather than his "man."

        Throughout the song, Prince delves deeper into this gender-bending thought experiment, exploring how the dynamics of a relationship might change if he were the female partner. He suggests that he would be more attuned to his partner's emotional needs, asking her "Would you let me dress you / I mean, help you pick out your clothes / Before we go out? / Not that you're helpless / But sometimes, sometimes / Those are the things that being in love's about."

        The song's chorus repeats the title phrase, "If I was your girlfriend," with increasing intensity and urgency, as if Prince is trying to convince his male partner that he would be a better romantic partner if he were a woman. The gender-bending of the song's lyrics is subversive and playful, but it also serves a deeper purpose.

        By taking on the persona of a hypothetical female partner, Prince is able to explore the power dynamics of a relationship from a new perspective. He challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, asking his male partner whether he would be comfortable with a female partner who is more assertive and takes charge in the relationship. This subversion of traditional gender roles is a hallmark of Prince's music, and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a particularly powerful example of his ability to challenge societal norms through his music.

        The song's production is also noteworthy, with a stripped-down, minimalistic sound that emphasizes the lyrics and Prince's vocal performance. The use of a drum machine and sparse instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is fitting for the song's introspective lyrics.

      Long story short,  "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a thought-provoking and introspective exploration of the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Through his unique approach to songwriting and production, Prince challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, creating a powerful and subversive piece of music that is as relevant today as it was when it was released over 30 years ago. My top ten favorite Prince songs always change, but this song remains #1. 

the solitude i find /in poetry

 in poetry's embrace i find,

solitude, 

serene and kind,

a refuge from the world outside,

where inner peace and stillness reside.

amongst the words that dance and play,

i lose myself in endless sway,

where lines and stanzas intertwine,

a symphony of thoughts divine.

and in this space, i am at ease,

the chaos of the world it frees,

the noise and bustle fade away,

as poetry takes me on its way.

i find myself within its grace,

in every letter and each space,

and in this place of sweet escape,

my soul and spirit do reshape.

so let the poetry wash over me,

a balm to soothe and set me free,

a place where solitude is found,

in the beauty of each word profound.

-me

From Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet

On Love

Then said Almitra, "Speak to us of Love."

And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,

So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.

He sifts you to free you from your husks.

He grinds you to whiteness.

He kneads you until you are pliant;

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,

Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."

And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.

But if you love and must need have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

        Kahlil Gibran's poem "On Love" is a lyrical and evocative expression of the complex nature of love. With its vivid imagery and poetic language, the poem explores the many dimensions of love, from the joy of falling in love to the pain of loss and the enduring power of love that transcends time and space.

        The poem begins with a description of love as a flame that burns bright in the heart of the lover. Gibran writes, "When love beckons to you, follow him, / Though his ways are hard and steep." This image of love as a beckoning force that calls to us with its irresistible allure is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

        Kahlil Gibran goes on to describe the many facets of love, from the playful and carefree love of youth to the deeper, more profound love that comes with maturity. He writes, "And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb. / And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

        The poem also explores the idea of love as a force that connects us to the divine. Gibran writes, "For love is the ultimate meaning of everything around us. / It is not a mere sentiment; it is truth; it is the joy that is at the root of all creation." This idea that love is not just a feeling, but a transcendent force that connects us to something greater, is a recurring theme in Gibran's writing.

        Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the impermanence of love. Gibran acknowledges the pain of loss that comes with loving deeply, writing, "Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; / For love is sufficient unto love." This idea that love is not about possession or control, but rather about mutual respect and a willingness to let go, is a central theme in Gibran's work.

        Finally, the poem ends with a powerful image of love that transcends time and space. Gibran writes, "But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, / Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, / Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears."

        This image of a seasonless world where love endures beyond the bounds of time and space is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, even in the face of loss and impermanence.

        In conclusion, Kahlil Gibran's poem "On Love" is a moving and powerful expression of the many dimensions of love. Through its vivid imagery and poetic language, the poem explores the joys and pains of loving deeply, the connection between love and the divine, and the enduring power of love that transcends time and space. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that love is not just an emotion, but a force that can transform us and the world around us.

currently listening to Your love supreme, by Chante Moore

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

 Constantly Risking Absurdity

constantly risking absurdity

and death

whenever he performs

above the heads

of his audience

the poet like an acrobat

climbs on rime

to a high wire of his own making

and balancing on eyebeams

above a sea of faces

paces his way

to the other side of day

performing entrachats

and sleight-of-foot tricks

and other high theatrics

and all without mistaking

any thing

for what it may not be

For he's the super realist

who must perforce perceive

taut truth

before the taking of each stance or step

in his supposed advance

toward that still higher perch

where Beauty stands and waits

with gravity

to start her death-defying leap

And he

a little charleychaplin man

who may or may not catch

her fair eternal form

spreadeagled in the empty air

of existence

- Lawrence Ferlinghetti

       

This poem is about the poet's struggle to create art that goes beyond the ordinary and the mundane. The poem compares the poet to an acrobat, who must take risks and perform daring feats in order to achieve his goals.

        The poem suggests that the poet is constantly risking absurdity and death by performing above the heads of his audience. The poet's task is to climb on "rime" (which is a play on the word "rhyme") and balance on "eyebeams" (which suggests a kind of visionary or imaginative power) in order to reach the other side of day, or to create something new and meaningful.

        The poem also suggests that the poet must be a "super realist" who perceives "taut truth" before taking each step toward his artistic goals. The poet is not interested in mistaking anything for what it may not be, but is focused on reaching a still higher perch where beauty stands and waits with gravity.

        Ultimately, the poem suggests that the poet is a little "charleychaplin man" who may or may not catch "her fair eternal form" (referring to Beauty) spreadeagled in the empty air of existence. In other words, the poem emphasizes the difficulty and uncertainty of the poet's task, but also suggests that it is worth the risk and effort to create something new and beautiful in the world.

One thing about me

         I can shave my head and trim my beard myself, but there's something about going to the barber shop.

         Getting a haircut is a mundane task that most of us have to do from time to time. While some prefer to do it at home, others opt to visit a barber shop to get a more professional look. For me, however, it's not just about getting a haircut, but also about the experience of visiting a barber shop, being in the presence of other black people, and seeing fathers take their sons for a haircut. This site, for some reason, brings a smile to my face and fills me with joy.

        It's a beautiful thing to witness a father taking his son to get a haircut, especially in the African-American community. It's a tradition that dates back generations and is often seen as a rite of passage. It's a way for fathers to bond with their sons, pass down traditions, and teach them about the importance of grooming and self-care. It's also a way to show love and affection for their children. I don't remember my father ever having taken me to the barbershop, but I do remember being placed on the barber chair that kids sit on. I'm thinking that my mother or grandfather took me.  

        The act of getting a haircut can be seen as a form of self-expression, and visiting a barber shop can provide a sense of community and camaraderie. It's a place where men can gather, talk, and share stories while getting their hair cut. It's a space where they can feel comfortable and be themselves without fear of judgment. My barber and I talk about God, family,  The Milwaukee Bucks, his baby mama drama, and 80's R&B. And I look forward to my weekly appointments. 

        For me, the sight of black fathers taking their sons to the barber shop is more than just a haircut; it represents a bond between fathers and sons, a sense of community, and the passing down of traditions. It's a reminder of the importance of family, love, and self-care.

        While I may be able to shave my head and trim my beard at home, visiting a barber shop provides a unique experience that cannot be replicated. It's a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and bonds are strengthened.

I'm getting my beard cut in a few minutes, actually. 

         One of my favorite experiences recently, was when I was last in Toronto. My Godson wanted me to take him to the barbershop. His father takes him bi-weekly, but he wanted the barber to meet me. I can't even explain how good that felt. 

currently listening to You are my starship, by Norman Connors

The Voorman problem

        "The Voorman Problem" is a darkly comedic short film that follows a psychiatrist, played by Martin Freeman, who is called to a maximum-security prison to evaluate a prisoner named Voorman, played by Tom Hollander. Voorman claims to be a god, and his delusions have caused him to go on a hunger strike.

        As the psychiatrist interviews Voorman, he becomes increasingly drawn into the prisoner's world, which includes vivid descriptions of his godlike powers and his ability to control the minds of those around him. The psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced that Voorman is delusional, but as he tries to prove it, he begins to experience strange and unsettling events that suggest that Voorman's powers may be more real than he initially believed.

        The film raises questions about the nature of reality and the power of belief, as well as exploring themes of mental illness and the consequences of unchecked power. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the human mind and the strange and unpredictable ways in which it can work.

        It's actually based on a story-within-a-story that appears in "Number9Dream." In the novel, "Panopticon" is a film script that Eiji Miyake, the protagonist, reads and imagines while staying in a love hotel. "The Voorman Problem" is an adaptation of that script, which Mitchell wrote separately and was later published as a standalone short story. 

Chance encounter at gas station leads to an unlikely friendship

Reading: The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born

 I love books. 

I have about 700 books ( about 250 of which are cookbooks), alot of which I have not read. So many books that I had to get 2 large shelving units, and I still have about 20 books stacked by my nightstand. Because my fulltime job allows for alot of free time to do nothing (while getting paid), I decided to do some reading. So I closed my eyes, and chose this book:

The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is a novel by Ghanaian author Ayi Kwei Armah, published in 1968. The book is set in post-independence Ghana and follows the story of an unnamed railway clerk who resists the rampant corruption and moral decay of his society.

The novel explores the conflict between the protagonist's personal integrity and the societal pressure to conform to corrupt practices in order to achieve material success. The title of the book comes from a line in a poem by Nigerian poet Christopher Okigbo, which reads "The beautiful ones are not yet born". This phrase is used to describe the idea that a better society is possible, but it has not yet been realized.

Through the protagonist's struggles, Armah provides a powerful critique of postcolonial African society, its failures and the way in which individuals can strive to uphold their values and integrity despite the challenges they face. Overall, The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is a powerful and poignant work that explores the human cost of corruption and the importance of personal integrity in a society grappling with the legacy of colonialism.     

I recommend it. I rank this book up there with Things Fall Apart as one of postcolonial African literature’s high points. I was a bit naive; this book changed my perception of Africa as much as Things Fall Apart. I was startled to realize, through these books, that I had never imagined everyday life for people in Ghana, had only thought of Africa through adverse news reports and famine relief appeals, and had never considered the possibility that Africans might live in cities, go to work in intelligent clothes and drive really nice cars. 

currently listening to Move on, by George Michael

PRINCE: JUSTIFY MY LOVE TRIANGLE

A Wrong Phone Call Leads to an Unlikely Friendship

Ready 4 Battle

 

   

    u

occur but once

and having occurred

fall into dust

and occur not again

we

exist in soul

but speak only

of time and space

and the words fly off

to nowhere

look

at us now

the clock races on

time prepares itself for battle

pages turn

heads are bowed.

-me

listening to Love's in need of love today, by Stevie Wonder

What's a bucket list? Do you have one?

         A bucket list is a collection of dreams, goals, and aspirations that a person wants to accomplish before they "kick the bucket" or die. It can be a list of things to do, places to visit, or experiences to have, and it is usually compiled by individuals who want to live life to the fullest. Bucket lists can be simple or grand, but they are always personal, reflecting the unique desires of the person who created it.

        Bucket lists have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to create meaningful and memorable experiences in their lives. They are a way of focusing on what truly matters and prioritizing those things that are important to us. A bucket list can be an inspiration to keep moving forward, to push past our comfort zones, and to live life with intention and purpose.

        One of the benefits of having a bucket list is that it gives us a sense of direction and motivation. When we have a clear idea of what we want to accomplish, we are more likely to take the necessary steps to achieve those goals. A bucket list can help us stay focused and motivated, even when life gets challenging or difficult.

        Another advantage of a bucket list is that it allows us to create memories that we can cherish for a lifetime. By setting and achieving meaningful goals, we can look back on our lives with a sense of pride and accomplishment. We can share our experiences with others and inspire them to pursue their own dreams.

        Bucket lists can also help us grow as individuals. By stepping outside our comfort zones and trying new things, we can learn more about ourselves and our capabilities. We can challenge ourselves to be more adventurous, to be more open-minded, and to be more resilient in the face of adversity.

        Of course, bucket lists aren't just about big dreams and grand adventures. They can be simple and meaningful, such as spending more time with loved ones, learning a new skill, or volunteering for a cause we believe in. The important thing is that the goals we set for ourselves are aligned with our values and bring us closer to the life we want to lead.

        In conclusion, a bucket list is a powerful tool for personal growth and fulfillment. It can help us focus on what truly matters, motivate us to achieve our goals, create lasting memories, and push us to become better versions of ourselves. By creating and pursuing a bucket list, we can live life to the fullest and make every moment count.

Do you have a bucket list?  

Here's mine:

Go to Paris -  done

Go to Nigeria

Go to the Dominican Republic

Find love

Have a child (or children)

Find love

Get to about 180-185 lbs

Find love

Meet my biological sisters and other family members

Find love

Get something from the Alexander Mc Queen collection -done

Find love

Buy a house with pantry-space large enough for my huge bakeware collection

Find love

Get a book of poetry published

Find love

Get a collection of short stories published

Find love

Get a dog

Find love

Have friends and family over for dinner (this may be the most difficult goal to attain; I am VERY introverted; part of me prefers the company of 2 people at the most and that is a struggle)

Where my love of poetry came from

As a kid, I had a really bad stuttering problem. In her trying to help me relax and find something in which I can escape, she introduced me to the writings of Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. I'm glad she did.

 Both Hughes and Baldwin were influential African American writers who addressed issues of race, identity, and social justice in their works. It's amazing how literature and reading can have such a profound impact on our lives. Reading can help us expand our perspectives, learn new things, and even provide a sense of comfort and solace during difficult times.

listening to Goat, by Ari Lennox