Power of the Lost Pen

I went to a bookstore one day in search of a place within distant shores
Business, Essence and GQ Magazines welcomed me with a smile, flaunting themselves like fashionable manikins amidst the Christmas Holiday
Though bright, shiny and festive in color…could never tickle my fancy
Perhaps I had been too focused to notice their proposition
I was searching for something simple
As I continued, the fresh crisp smell of books and novels not long on the shelves fixed my eyes
My tradition?
Thumb through the cool pages, let spark an idea and if the story suits my fancy, find a quite place and let my imagination journey
Yet I was dissatisfied
Pondering why disgruntled
To my side lies a pen
Perhaps dropped by one before me
No comeliness it possessed
A simple beat up pen, white and blue in color with some company’s logo fading along its spine
Then I remembered my pad I had packed the morning of in my backpack, which lie, to the left of my ankle while I reclined
I took out my pad and began to write
Ah…then I remembered the origin of my journey
Discovered by this little pen which embraced my spiral pad as if they were lovers, Romeo and Juliet
I wrote and wrote uninhibited by imagination
Each stroke of the pen brought unto me the fresh smell of lilies
The light tap and soft salty smell of rain
Caressed my ears with the sound of children laughing
The touch of a baby’s skin
The clouds presented at my feet
And the roses against my skin
Time had stopped for a moment
People vanished into thin air around me
I had created a world of impossibilities
All made possible by this unknown pen

Written by Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

At Love’s Gate

A traveler walked alone, highway unknown
The mountains surrounded her much like a crowded stadium…there was only silence
The sound of each footstep patterned the pace of time like taps of a muffled drum
Her destination yet unfulfilled
She had come from a town full of hurt, heartache and pain
A town of unwelcoming thoughts pushing her around and aside the very autumn leaves fly in the midst of an angry wind…much torment
She ventured to escape
Love she pursued
She understood traveling this road could be one of chance
A journey that stood chance of leaving her more smitten than before
One she was willing to take
Letting rest and peace be the drive of her life if not reached
The thought alone would leave her contented feeling the journey’s worth
This young woman and people like her are searching, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses from distant places: spectators, predators, and ones whom qualify
Their hearts traveling still
In search of love
In search of peace
In search of someone to love
Be loved…
Finally welcomed at last at love’s gate…the place to finally call home

By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

The Arrow of Beauty: The Sight of Love

The Arrow of Beauty; the Sight of Love

Botanical twisters like navy crimson tides,
The moon appears sudden with a glow of light
A breeze flows tenderly like the stroke of an infant’s hand
While making sweet music; smooth jazz under the midnight moon
Out of the shadows appears what it seems
Freedom dressed as a bouquet of fresh roses
Her white linen clothes boast free flowing against the wind
Men stand enchanted as she dances and spin
Her hips are rhythmic
Her face so tender
Skin distinctive like the symmetry of pearls
Graceful, cool and polite
Her smile though thin as silk red ribbon is as bold as the waves of the Mediterranean Sea
Who can stand against her without surrendering to her beauty?
Many have succumbed
By the countenance of the brightness and warmth of Eve
It is my friend…the glowing sight of an enchanted beautiful woman

by Savaslas Lofton

Through Childlike Eyes

Through Childlike Eyes
By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Imagine your world through the eyes of a child,
Untouched, untainted, unharmed by the world’s system of thought and belief.
Imagine your world without heartache, grief, disappointment, fear of what others could ever do or say to you,
Even what they think of you.
I find as life continues, many search for the path back to normalcy when beauty and playfulness had its place,
Back to a time where the meaning of hatred, discrimination, sex, abuse had neither meaning nor definition.
It was a time of pureness of heart,
A time when the senses were, heighten by beautiful colors of nature,
Remember the place?
It appears into adulthood that someway, somehow we find ourselves on the other side of the looking glass,
Rain sliding down the window pain,
Wanting to break free to a world we’ve only experienced once.
Through childlike eyes,
Yes, I remember.
I remember when I see the child swinging or playing on the monkey bars in the park, with a face that glows like the noonday sun,
I remember when I look into the sparkling of a baby’s eyes as he smile intrinsically searching for the words to say instead of “goo-goo” or “ga-ga”,
I remember when I see my five-year-old son run free without concern; the dangers this world contains,
I only pray he remains protected.
Through childlike eyes,
We strive,
At times tired of surviving,
Trying to stay alive instead of being who we are in a world that desires for us to be otherwise.

Black Hands and Wine

Black Hands and Wine

The potency of your soft, tender lips overcomes me like the sweet sensation of aged red wine,
Leaving me enchanted,
Floating like cradled autumn leaves--graced by the lullaby of a light and gentle breeze.
The moment we kissed,
My mind reminisced,
Resurfaced were the thoughts of cool waterfalls,
The taste of honey and deep rubies of passion and fire.
The smell of your perfume penetrated my senses like smooth flowing rivers.
Your hips boast the deep curves of a bouquet of roses,
Your cheekbones are like the curvaceous slopes of Roanoke,
None to compare to thee my love,
For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Here’s a toast to the memories we’ve shared with each other,
Playful thoughts of whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ear.
Our hands and our hearts intertwined like healthy grape vines,
As we made a toast to love,
A toast to us,
You for me and me for you…forever we will always be.
by Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Pay Attention and Listen

He didn’t know she was fading before his very eyes,
He should have seen the sparkle in her eyes dim like the midnight clouds caressing the left cheek of the moon.
Her lips once smooth with the oil of affirmation and love had dried up, leaving her disappointed wondering if love's flame would ever dance again.
He should have noticed the youthful glow of her face fade as she struggled to stay in the chalk boundaries of her life’s lane.
He was losing her each day,
She uttered not a word hoping he would notice the clues,
She suffered in silence, tormented by discouragement and thoughts of how long rest would come,
Nonetheless, the world spun steady still.
Perhaps she would be just fine if he would just call and say, “I love you” or “I am here for you.”
Perhaps things wouldn’t be as bad, if he had made her feel…well…noticed and appreciated once again.
She wasn’t the kind of woman who was selfish, controlling, manipulative or driven by greed.
She was simple, loving, kind, encouraging,
One easy of conversation, selfless in her giving,
She desired the love she gave in return.
She wasn’t a weak woman,
No, not at all,
Not withstanding, even the strong get weary,
The hopeful most often spar against the feeling of hopelessness.
She was crying out in silence for help,
A hug,
An embrace,
A smile,
A kiss,
Compassion without feeling the obligation of sex,
Needing to be held until rest abode,
Till virtue returned as a dove searching for peace and tranquility.

Written by Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Your Season Has Come

You have no idea,
The great things that are about to happen to you,
The great endeavors you will do,
How you will inspire others to succeed.
You have only caught a glimpse of all of the wonderful things that shall come to pass,
Sure you’ve cried,
But your seed of success needed water—a small sacrifice for such great success,
Sure you've waited,
But the harvest was not yet ripe.
The dew of the morning signifies a new day,
A fresh start,
Thus, your time is now to arise and shine.
Be strong and courageous,
Fight to win,
Soar above the clouds like eagles.
It’s your time to spring forth and blossom like Cymbidium Orchids,
Bring summer to those yet in their winter season.

By Savaslas Lofton, c.2008
c.2008

Love: My Definition Is...

I can go on and about how you make me feel,
Realizing I would do anything for you,
You’re the sparkle that glistens in my eyes each time I hear your name,
To see your smile means all my pain erased—my hope for another day.
You’re the only one that has stuck with me through all of life’s changes,
Through the many years we have lived--you never left me,
You’ve always been right by my side.
Sunset has come and lo’ I long to turn to see you once again,
The last picture in my mind,
To know that I have known you as a special part of me.
I couldn’t have made it without you,
What could I have done without you?
I would have been better off in a room vacant and cold with much space.
Oh love,
My love,
My life, my all to you I give,
Till my very last breath.
This is true of my love,
This is true of my love…for you.

By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Intimate Moments: A Mother's Heart Poem

The first time I sensed your arrival from the heart of God
I knew you were a special gift
You came in my dreams
I knew your name
My patience had often urged me to wait
I daydreamed and daydreamed
Pondering on the day I would hold you close to me
You caused the light in my eyes to sparkle
My emotions wasn’t the only thing you altered
I smile
My hips grew to cradle your tiny frame
My breast engorged them selves with milk
I waited for you
Oh how I waited
My face glowing like the noon day sun
My hair growing thicker by the day
I eagerly waited your arrival
Remembering how we had shared the same breath
You couldn’t say a word
So you shifted in your little world that had been created with love instead
Till all of your fears had subsided
These are the moments I’ve shared with you and will always remember
Now that you’re here
Here is a kiss upon your soft tender cheek
To let you know I will be here for you always

by Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

With Eagle's Wings

For the last five months, life became very problematic for Lamar and his family. Despite recouping from a painful miscarriage of eight months, Lamar was notified a week later that he had been laid off from work, due to the construction company’s downsizing. Feeling trapped by the economic spiral, Lamar and his wife Jackie, sold practically everything they owned to keep from losing their home. Jehari, their seven year old son, volunteered to sell all of his favorite toys, if they would promise to replace them. Lamar and Jackie thanked and kissed Jehari on his chubby brown cheek, gracefully declining the offer. While Lamar worked at night working odd jobs, Jackie, still desperately subduing the emotions from the miscarriage, vigorously worked during the day. They were not able to afford a baby sitter and their recent job relocation had made it very difficult to connect with family and old friends.
Discouragement set in deeper as Lamar sat at the kitchen table one sunny afternoon, thumbing through a stack of over due bills. He felt helpless, fighting the feeling that losing the baby and his job was all his fault. Reaching into his right front pocket with desperation, he pulled out seven dollars and some change. Placing the money on the kitchen table besides the over due bills, he began to separate the change from excess lint. His eyes swiveled back and forth from the bills strewn on the table to the money he had under his right hand wondering if it would be enough for gas and dinner. Feeling overwhelmed, Lamar lightly pulled back from the table, placed his hands over his face and began to cry as quietly as he could so that Jehari, watching Spy Kids in the next room, would not hear him make a sound. All of a sudden, Lamar heard feet scurrying toward the kitchen. Quickly massaging his eyes with his pointing finger and thumb, Lamar wiped away his tears.

“Dad, the movie's over.”
“Oh, okay little guy.” Lamar’s said concealing his face with the rim of his t-shirt.
“Dad, what’s wrong? And why are you covering your face like that?” Jehari looked curious.
“Nothing son. Can I get you some orange juice or something?”
“No, I’m okay. Dad, why are your eyes red? Are you bleeding?”
“No, I’m not bleeding son.” Lamar giggled. “My eyes are just a little irritated that’s all. Hey, why don’t we go outside and play some catch huh? What do you say tiger?”
“Yayee! I’m going to beat you this time dad.”
“I’m sure you will Jehari.”

Jehari immediately grabbed his dad around his wrist, pushing open the glass front door with excitment and anticipation. Before their foot could hit the next brick step, Jehari paused and turned toward his father. With a gaze and a heart warming smile said, “You are the best dad in the whole wide world! I’m proud of you dad. I love you.” Jehari gave his father a great big hug, using all the strength he could muster.

“I love you too son!” Lamar said with pride. A tear from Lamar's cheek softly rolled down to the top of Jehari's head.

Those words, coming from his only son, had injected him with so much life. He had discovered that although what they were going through seemed great, that true love was greater. He found it possible to soar another day with “Eagle’s Wings.”

By Savaslas Lofton
2008

Nubian Pearl

Look at You,
I smile with admiration,
Dark skinned, light skinned, caramel, chocolate,
Sister locks, perm, an afro, weave or twist,
You make me proud,
Proud to be black,
Proud to be a brother.
My wife, my daughter, my mother, my sister, my friend, my grandmother,
Whomever you are whether near or far,
Each time I see you,
You make me so proud,
Proud to be black,
Proud to be a brother.
I know you have struggles; you were designed to triumph,
I know you’ve experienced pain; you were made to love,
Your teeth as white as a flock of sheep,
Your hair flows like liquorish wool,
Your neck is graceful, yet powerful so strong,
Your fragrance is like myrrh, cinnamon and lavender.
No matter where or who you are,
You make me so proud,
Proud to be black,
Proud to be a brother.
So this day I stop to say thank you,
I know that life isn’t always easy being you,
But always know,
You’ve made me proud,
Proud to be black,
Proud to be your brother!

By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

A Dance With My Lover: My Wife, My Friend

I journeyed with her to a place
A location I have yet to name
Skies of blue
Clouds of white
The sand and sea sky lined my brown eyes before kissing the mountain’s green
I journeyed with her to a place
I still can feel the soft cold sand embrace my feet
The incoming sea enthralling my ankles
We were in a location I have yet to name
But I do remember with precision watching her dance
This was the first time I had ever seen her waltz with the wind
Dressed in garments of white as she twirled with her arms out stretched
I could but help see the little girl I had grown to love and embrace as my own
She danced and danced
I wish you could have seen her
Tilting her head back, her hair hovering in the wind,
She was so care free
In the evening tide it was
The location I have yet to name
I reached for her hand and as I allowed her to twirl toward my bosom
Embracing her between my biceps I felt her body snuggle against mine
We danced and danced until we had an audience with the stars
We danced and danced until the moon bowed before us in its place
We danced…
Danced until we were both moved with sensation, tears filling our eyes with joy
This was the first time we had both known love in its pureness
No one wanted to hurt the other
We just wanted to dance
Dance in a place unknown
A place where two hearts will rendezvous forever

By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Grace of the Butterfly: Encouraging Word to the Survivor's of Sexual/Physical Abuse

What would make them do such a thing?
Not letting your innocence remain,
Now you struggle to maintain your sanity.
Pureness of love manipulated by one with such violent act of unfairness,
Unwelcomed memories playing in your head,
Though you’ve grown up,
Yet your body remains sensitive in places people often ignore.
Let not the stars in your eyes eclipse,
Let not your bright, warm smile turn in to a frown,
Find the strength within yourself to win,
Discover the strength in God to not just be the survivor of another day,
But make each day better.
Still young at heart,
Stuck at the age of innocence,
Patty-caking with the memories of old.
A struggle to transition,
A little girl in a woman’s body,
Not even a great career can hide these wounds.
But even in the midst of it all,
You were still preserved by God.
A fire can be rekindled with the spark of a flame can it not?
And can not the sun still shine after the piercing rain?
Doeth the rose cease to grow forever after being burned by the scorching heat?
Then like the rose,
You too will grow to become more beautiful than you have ever been.
In the center of your eyes I see a victor,
What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
So lift your head up high and know,
In you, yet remain endless possibilities to be all things.

By Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Romance Redefined

Holding hands walking on the beach in the evening of a summer day, a date in the park, while the sun beams on the two crystal glasses set out on a picnic blanket filled with delights; dinner for two at an exquisite restaurant while being serenaded by a classical piano player, or a wife coming home to discover rose pedals leading to a warm Jacuzzi filled with leaves of lavender and romantic candles. What does all of these things have in common? Well, in today's vernacular; romance and love.

From steamy novels, to romantic movies and plays, to the hottest new couples in Hollywood that grace the red carpet; our society has defined for us what romance should always be. The danger in this, the events that I have described in the first paragraph can also be used in a "player's" game to lure women looking for love in all of the "wrong" places.

But is this the epitome of "romance"? Don't get me wrong, I believe that you should spread the red carpet out for your queen as a husband or significant other, however, what we failed to realize is that in all of the Valentine Day type fan fare--a couple of things are left out of the romantic equation. These key elements are things like: commitment, honesty, integrity, character and straight forwardness.

I don't mean to jump from subject to subject, but I must address a couple of things dealing with "romance".

1) Men and women come in all different personalities and taste.
- In other words; romance to one woman may be defined as sending a bouquet of roses with a teddy bear to her job, while to another woman, romance may be bicycle riding or playing a game of monopoly or Scrabble.

2) To one man, romance may be having a candle light dinner while to another, may be watching a comedy or action movie alone with his wife (without the kids), or listening to his heart concerning his ideas and aspirations.

The problem lies in the lack of communication between the two to openly define what may or may not be considered romantic to both of them. What is the result? Society's definition of romance comes into play and becomes the standard of that relationship, whether it fits them or not. When this occurs, the relationship may be more frustrated than helped because of the lack of simply asking one another what the desire of their mate is.

Romance is not an event, it's a lifestyle.
A candle light dinner, running a bubble bath or even taking a jog should only be bi-products of a relationship whose primary focus is learn consistantly what it takes to please one another. Not just in the bed room, but in communication, effective listening and in support. Again, I am not saying that all of the events that I aforementioned in the first paragraph aren't important because they are. My desire is to help many realize that there is life behind the veil of romance, just as the apex of a relationship isn't the wedding day, but everything afterwards. Couples aren't having trouble finding their way to the alter, but they are finding it hard to have a successful marriage.
Longevity and commitment is the key. Any one can tickle your fancy for a season with roses and sweets. It should not be about the thrill of the catch, but sacrifice and consistent investment in the relationship that should matter.

Chocolate candy, diamonds and pearls are good, but to honestly love and cherish in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer till death do you part is far better!

Written by: Savaslas Lofton
c.2008

Wisdom Nugget

"The gift you have in you, keep giving, and God will keep pouring more into you.You will never tire when your life’s passion is to be a blessing to someone else.It’s in seeing others uplifted and encouraged that gives true meaning to why we are here on earth. It's a joy in knowing that you are touching lives, and lives are touching yours."

- Savaslas Lofton
c. 2008

Lover's Quarrel

I reached for her,In the midst of a dense, dry atmosphere,I could hardly breathe,Could she hear the panting of my heart?In hurt, she turned away,I whispered “I love you”I wanted to scream it louder,But my pride got in the way,I settled for a whisper…I settled for a whisper.As she walked away, I felt her pain hard-pressed against my face like a mask.We wanted to come back together to reconcile, we both knew it,Yet we settled for a subliminal whisper.She whispered “I don’t want to go”I whispered “I just want you to stay”No one had the guts to expose their position.True of life,True of love,Yes, the lover’s quarrel,Pride in its best performance,Hurt tap dancing like Gregory Hines,But love…Love sits with concern in the theater seat of patience,Till we had resolved to talk and reason together.Love spoke to let go,To let it do what it does best...heal.It has no fellowship with pride, bitterness, disrespect or resentment,It does simply that…it loves,That’s all it knows to do.“I just called to say I love you, I just called to say how much I care...”Stevie Wonder…you knew just what to say,May I use these lines as my token of peace?I'm missing her like crazy,I don’t ever again want to see her go,My heart can no longer survive without her,She has become the very breath I breathe.

By Savaslas Loftonc.2008