1 pen, One pad, A minute to think...

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Arts Across America: Sacred Resonance.  Portland Ovations & Indigo Arts Alliance produce an original performance event featuring three Maine artists to be featured in this Kennedy Center national series. Part of the Washington, D.C.-based John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Social Impact Initiatives, Arts Across America is a program to uplift artists and showcase art from communities and regions across the country.  This free, online programming will be available on Facebook Live, YouTube, and the Kennedy Center website.

The Kennedy Center hosts weekly online performances curated by arts organizations in each United State presenting artists and their works, and Maine will air their contribution on November 30th, 2020 @ 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT.

RSVP NOW!

Featured Maine artists include:

• Firefly, a member of the Penobscot Nation and raised in his people’s ancient village at Indian Island, Maine in Firefly: Sacred Fire. A journey through sound, light and emotion from the ancient to the unknown. Deeply influenced by the traditions of his ancestors, Firefly performs both traditional hand drum, shaker and vocal songs as well as cutting edge musical compositions rooted in his ancestral traditions. A hyper creative, Firefly’s artistry involves powerful vocals, eye popping visuals and cutting-edge costumes created by himself and his team.
• Maya Williams (pronouns they/she), Definitions of Home, a showcase of poems touching on mental health, suicide, and racism. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Maya is a Black and Mixed Race suicide survivor residing in Portland since 2017. She has published poems with glitterMOB, The Portland Press Herald, Black Table Arts, Occulum, Littoral Books, Homology Lit, and more. Her work has garnered a Best of the Net Nominee and a PortFringe’s Audience Choice Award as well as residencies with Hewnoaks, Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA), and Voices of Our Nation Arts (VONA) Foundation. Maya hosts open mics on most Tuesday nights with Port Veritas.
• Atiim Chenzira's work titled 'Destiny Manifest' is a seamless seven part multi-media art piece. He utilizes his poetic, hip hop, story-telling and spoken-word lyricism and delivery to explore his ancestral experience. It's a multi-dimensional journey from the East Coast to the West, and back full circle. His work threads through colonialism, racism, classism, globalization, climate change, gentrification, the current pandemic, marriage, and fatherhood as facets of becoming a "new" Mainer. 
   

Sweet Dew Lovin'

Verse 1:

I’ve been thinking bout’ your troubles…

And I wanna’ lend you my hand…

But I gotta’ start with loving’ me gurl,

Cause sharing that with you is so damn grand.

Chorus:

Kisses – Hugs- with sweet dew lovin’

Mornin’ – Wake up, a brand new day.

I’ve invested part of me

So I gotta’ walk this way…

Verse 2:

Cracked glass pieces in my head

Carefully exploring shreds

I’m so glad you read my thesis

Synthesize the peace with reason

Open heart, yup it’s still beatin’

Walk away and gurl that’s treason

You are the only one my mind and heart receives

Through reception that’s been cloudy

My Heart Sings....

Yes it duh uh uhs

Chorus:

Kisses – Hugs- with sweet dew lovin’

Mornin’ – Wake up, a brand new day.

I’ve invested part of me

So I gotta’ walk this way…

Verse 3: 

You got me checkin’ my ole bags right at the door...

Open up the box with bruises and explore o ore

Come on ii iii in

Chorus:

Kisses – Hugs- with sweet dew lovin’

Mornin’ – Wake up, a brand new day.

I’ve invested part of me

So I gotta’ walk this way…

walk this way…

walk this way…

walk this way…

[Instrumental solos with congas]

Chorus:

Kisses – Hugs- with sweet dew lovin’

Mornin’ – Wake up, a brand new day.

I’ve invested part of me

So I gotta’ walk this way…

gotta’ walk this way…

gotta’ walk this way…

Race my bike

[Chorus] 

I get dressed in my gear so I can race my bike, race my bike, race my bike.

I 'm going to get faster when I race my bike.

I'm going to beat my dad this time. 

[Verse 1]

I go to the basement to get my bike

walk it out

put my helmet on

I've got my knee pads on and elbow pads

So I can beat my dad.

 

[Chorus] 

I get dressed in my gear so I can race my bike, race my bike, race my bike.

I 'm going to get faster when I race my bike.

I'm going to beat my dad this time. 

[verse 2]

I practice every day because I want to win.

I want to go real fast. Fast like the wind.

I want to beat everybody, especially my dad.

I wish my bike was faster, that would make me glad.

 [Chorus] 

I get dressed in my gear so I can race my bike, race my bike, race my bike.

I 'm going to get faster when I race my bike.

I'm going to beat my dad this time. 

[bridge]

my bike is blue

my gear is on

I know I can win

so I sing this song

I practice and I practice

my balance is good

I'm going to beat my dad

[verse 3]

I feel excited to start the race

I peddle hard and fast to pick up the pace.

I really want to win, so I do my best

Every time we race it's a brand new test. 

[Chorus] 

I get dressed in my gear so I can race my bike, race my bike, race my bike.

I 'm going to get faster when I race my bike.

I'm going to beat my dad this time. 

Written: 2026 by Ishara Osprey Boykin & Atiim Boykin — originally composed 4/1/2026

Seasonz

V1 

Well, I wake up to see…a brand new day.

I’ve crawled, I’ve walked, and I’ve dance & I’ve played.

Now, I was held by human arms, and I was loved along the way…

With some kisses and hugs, and other kids around my way.

And the seasonz changed… And some people are now gone.

While a toddler grows, The man sings this song

Chorus Instrumental

V2

Well, the seasonz change, and the world revolves…

And the stories are told. And some questions are solved.

And the people, they live, just as this Earth does too…

She’s had a longer stay here than me and you.

Well, Love, it grows only by Wisdom’s hand.

And I’ve lost my father to Time’s old sand.

Chorus Instrumental

V3

Now, I’m finding my way, yup, along my path.

And Rhythm whispers, “Boy, you’d better mind your math.”

Now, I’ve made some strong mistakes, and I’ve learned a great deal too…

If I were to die right now, gurl, I would leave it all to you!

I said I’d leave it all to you. I said I’d leave it all to you!

Chorus Instrumental 

V4

Well, love too many people to do what I might do;

While I hold a healing heart, no oxygen, because it’s blue.

And Now I see, just as now I know;

That I’m just a human in Life’s new show!

And the days, they pass, as the people do too…

And I’m doing my best, gurl, to hold onto you!

To hold on to you… To hold on to you…

And I’m doing my best, gurl, to hold onto you!

Chorus Instrumental (4 measures)

V5

Well, the seasonz change, and the stories grow!

And this life, we live it, by now, you should know;

That the sacred is everywhere. And this time, too, shall pass…

While everything is everything, come on, now, smile and laugh.

Come on, now, smile and laugh.

Come on, now, smile and laugh.

Smile and laugh….

Smile and laugh….

Chorus Instrumental

END      

Music Link: 

1. https://soundcloud.com/atiimchenzira/seasonz-whomix

2. https://soundcloud.com/atiimchenzira/seasonz

CBA 123

Verse 1:
Atiim-
I like the alcohol, atmosphere, and everything with it.
Put the blue jeans on, white shirt, and get kitted.
Set it down like a plane, from high, I skidded. 
Touch down, baby girl, in your town, and I spit.
Get with it if you're ready to go.
VIP backstage with Bo. 
Girl you already know.
I know you like the CD, because you're loving the show.
After-party 1 on 1 and you're ready to flow. 
Let it go, let your hair down; we're losing control.
Pump your brakes because we're taking it slow.

Bridge 1:
Ali-
On the count of three, start to breath...
baby, don't be scared. 
I just want to pull your hair...
Chorus 1:
Atiim-
Cocaine, Cadillac's, and Cuties;
Big bread, Battle-fields, and Beauties;
Alcohol, Atmosphere, and A game.
C-B-A's the Method, 1-2-3's the name.
Caramel, Cinnamon, and Candy;
Bad boys, Bubble buts, and Brandy;
Absolute animalistic aims.
C-B-A's the Method, 1-2-3's the game.
repeat

Verse 2:
Atiim-
A lot of diamonds in the rough, in the right place, at the right time, 
but I can't get you out of my mind.
Finding myself, addicted to the time we spend.
(You're) more than a little loving, you're becoming my friend.
And I send you a letter in the midst of gems.
Cocaine, caddilacs, big booties and tens.
I mean the dimes, and the name brands, people that chatter.
Big chains, wine stains, but that don't even matter.
Because I'm thinking about the path we could walk and lead.
Big branches, little ranches, just from planting a seed. 
You see, I want a real lady, not material things.
Bow down to the truth, and let my brother just sing.

Bridge 2:
Ali-
1-2-3, lady come sit next to me...
I won't bight too hard, I swear.
I just want to kiss you there...
I see you take control of train...
Every n#*g* says the same.
Where have you been before this second?
I'm so wrapped up, raptured, in your presence. 

Chorus 2:
Atiim-
Cocaine, Cadillac's, and Cuties;
Big bread, Battle-fields, and Beauties;
Alcohol, Atmosphere, and A game.
C-B-A's the Method, 1-2-3's the name.
Caramel, Cinnamon, and Candy;
Bad boys, Bubble buts, and Brandy;
Absolute animalistic aims.
C-B-A's the Method, 1-2-3's the game.
repeat

Music Link: CBA on SoundCloud

Try Again

Try Again

Verse 1

I got my heart on my sleeve,

You want to walk away from me.

My bodies knumb with disbelief, 

Cause I don’t want you, girl, to leave. 

Out there’s a big ole’ world to hide.

I want you right here by my side. 

It won’t be easy all the time, 

But I can promise that I’ll try. 

I’ll do my best with every day.

Sincerity this ain’t no play.

I want to walk with you today, 

But you just want to walk away…

Chorus 1:

I said, if at first you don’t succeed, 

Just give your lovely hand to me,

And try, try, try, try again…

I said, if at first you don’t succeed,

Just give your lovely hand to me, 

And try, try, try, try again.

Verse 2

Now take your running shoes off,

And baby place them all away.

Let’s leave that past back in the past, 

And presently we’ll face this day.

There ain’t no better time than now,

These fleeting moments all escape,

And if we name it,

We can claim it.

Wash them troubles off your face. 

Let that sun shine in its’ glory, 

While attention’s being paid.

Until the moon reflects its brilliance,

In assurance we can lay.

I want to walk with you today, 

But you just want to walk away.

I want to walk with you today, 

So give me your hand baby stay…

Chorus 2:

I said, if at first you don’t succeed, 

Just give your lovely hand to me,

And try, try, try, try again…

I said, if at first you don’t succeed,

Just give your lovely hand to me, 

And try, try, try, try again.

Verse 3

Ain’t no hand cuffing…

Ain’t no stuffing bluffing

Ain’t no hand-cuffing…

Baby you can walk away…

Chorus 3:

I said, if at first you don’t succeed, 

Just give your lovely hand to me,

And try, try, try, try again…

I said, if at first you don’t succeed,

Just give your lovely hand to me, 

And try, try, try, try again.

Miss Fire

Miss Fire

V1

When we first met, you were choosing, and when we last talked, I was losing, 

But I let it go, because I knew you had to make your mind up.

I was already holding onto something; bruising. 

And I knew it was a long path. 

Four years is a lot of math. 

I laughed and then I sent you back;

Cracked doors ain’t’ closed, and that’s the fact.

I’m open; hoping that you figure it out.

Everything in its’ own time, I ain’t’ living with doubt.

I erred on the side of caution, because I’ve been there, girl, and done’ that before. 

A rebound ain’t’ a pretty thing, just a fix for the moment, and in the moment it’s a pretty thing. 

And you sure are a pretty thing, but I’d rather do what I want to do, when I want to do it.

And pursing ain’t’ an option now, but I get a call ‘every now and then’. 

You want to come over and share your feelings?

Ain’t’ nothing’ wrong with a little bit that sexual healing. 

And you still got a thing for him. 

With the ebb and flow, it’s so hard to let go. 

Ain’t’ it?

You painted me a picture of a man trying to hold on too tight; too scared to let go, 

And hear that echo of being alone in the dark night.

You’re so bright.

Maybe he’s the shadow of a fantasy that you’ve conjured up, 

But I don’t give a fuck. 

Chorus 1:

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

V2

You see I really didn’t want to talk about it, because I really had a hard time.

You had your hand out; I had mine out, reaching.

Still we couldn’t seem to find, a straight line to the same point. 

Paralleled by the same needs; same wants; same situations that we came from.

I love her, like he loved you; you did him, like she did me.

Well, hey, let’s face it; I wouldn’t turn around, turn the clock back, or change the situation.

“Naw’ brother, you don’ lost that.”

I understand, because I’ve lost before.

If you let it go, and it don’t return, it ain’t’ a boomerang; meant to be; destiny is through the pain. 

Breathe just a little bit; get it off your brain.

Live wire, Miss Fire, You can’t ignite the flame.

Lost in a shuffled deck, win or lose pain.

Lost in a shuffled deck, win or lose pain.

You let the clubs beat you down for the diamonds, hearts bleed, and the spades trump it all in the end; plain. 

All seems plain, but it ain’t’ plain, when you ain’t’ playing; misfiring with your A game.

Throw your hands up; you’ve got to let it be.

Set it free, and if it comes back, then it’s meant to be through the destiny.

Misfire, maybe you and me. 

Miss Fire, maybe you and me. 

Chorus 1:

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, you'd better, you'd better shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, you'd better, you'd better shoot for my heart.

If you could aim, shoot for my heart.

US

Song: US

Written by Atiim Chenzira (2010)

Verse 1:

I’ve been waiting for this moment, to tell you what’s on my mind.

It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve seen you when you’ve loved me,

And you know I want to press rewind.

Fast forward to the present, and I still have love, in my heart, bursting from the seams.

I’ve seen you stumble, even fall,  pick you up, dust you off, stick together just to touch our dreams.

I’ve got your back, you’ve got mine; now that’s the way that it’s supposed to be.

Through hell or high water, even rain or drought; working hard just to set us free.

Nothing, Nothing, Nothing, Nothing should be up in our way. Nothing should get up in our way.

Chorus A:

Did you imagine, did you imagine you and me, me and you, you and I, just the two of us?

Can you imagine, can you imagine you and me, me and you, you and I, just the two of us?

Bridge:

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Verse 2:

If you go your way, I guess I have to go mine.

I’d rather talk about it. Maybe we can sift through this ash to find;

the essence of the beauty.

That’s the square of the root and seed.

Maybe we can stay together, friends we’ll have to try and be.

One foot in front of the other, each day at a time;

You’re etched inside my soul, and a beautiful fixture in my mind.

My heart beats for the magic; we’ve shared before this path.

One plus one it equals two, but three came and messed the math.

Chorus A:

Did you imagine, did you imagine you and I, me and you, just the two of us?

Can you imagine, can you imagine you and me, me and you, you and I, just the two of us?

Rap:

I like the Santa Cruz weather, with the ‘Well Within’;

Sipping drinks at our favorite bar, feeling the wind.

Let the Sun go down on our way back home.

Let the stars come out.

No we’re never alone.

Two pieces of the puzzle, and the pictures grand, if you hold my hand, 

well gurl, I’ll be your man.

Let the Ocean crash waves as we coast along.

Filled up with love that we both belong.

Time after time in this pattern of stress, we do our best, and give to God, the rest.

Take risks in our routine that drain us both.

Set goals to achieve as it all unfolds.

Chorus B:

Just me and you, gurl, you and I.

We touch the sky, and we fly so high.

Just me and you, gurl, you and I.

We touch the sky, and we fly so high.

Just me and you, gurl, you and I.

We touch the sky, and we fly so high.

Just me and you, gurl, you and I.

We touch the sky, and we fly so high.

{Guitar Solo}

Bridge:

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

{Music breaking down}

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

{No Music}

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.

Ooh oooh gurl, ooh ooh gurl, I don’t want to wait in vain!

END

My Own Groove

 [Verse 1]

Invest in society—

or slide the slippery slope to dope with no hope,

puff‑puff, just to cope.

A toke on a tightrope,

the drop so close—

buildings burned and trashed,

aftermath of the Watts smoke.

Oh—

and did I mention? Conventional ways don’t work.

Roll your sleeves up, buddy; it’s muddy in my work.

Fu*k twerkin’ and drinkin’ ya’ blues—

black‑eye bruise,

Black‑guy news,

dead on arrival in new shoes.

[Chorus]

Busy, busy—rat‑wheel race.

No legacy to take your place.

Though actions are inactions too...

so what is it you want to do?

The moonlight shines—

a light reflect.

The Son of Man—

recollect.

So I pray—

let God...

and STILL, I move.

The drum I beat—

my own groove.

[Verse 2]

Last Poets said “Niggas are scared of Revolution.”

But my Pops said,

a dog in a corner has two solutions:

jump and bite back,

Or continue to cry and cower.

Afros down to conks—

or locked up to Black Power.

That rope from “Strange Fruit” decayed decades later…

From bayous and waded waters

full of crocs and gators,

to corporate overseers and laws meant to make “just.”

But the just is just us—

and ICE for browns… what?

I’m a slave to the loans I took to level fields.

Ain’t no playin’ for me—if I do, then I spill.

The higher my opportunity, the education is nil.

Like crabs in a bucket, my legs held still,

my head pushed down, my hands trampled on—

so I write, and recite,

prayers shaped like rap songs.

[Chorus]

Busy, busy—rat‑wheel race.

No legacy to take your place.

Though actions are inactions too...

so what is it you want to do?

The moonlight shines—

a light reflect.

The Son of Man—

recollect.

So I pray—

let God...

and STILL, I move.

The drum I beat—

my own groove.

[Bridge]

In the name of one Being,

and being one in frustration—

Me, Buddha, Muhammad, Jesus,

to ascend this creation.

This physical world is hell,

to a cell their paths lead.

If I protest and scream,

or sell cream so I can buy some things—

[Verse 3]

different names in a game still the same.

Rules may shift, but the gist remains;

‘cause they still work—

and reign supreme.

Chains on breath… can’t say their names.

So glitz, glam, bling—

the pacifiers.

At day’s end,

Judas— you’ll deny us.

Unless the infinite sky is blocked,

that voice within won’t ever stop.

Stay conscious—woke—or wake up now!

The end is near the thrown‑in‑towel.

Still, the dawn will rise, and dusk will set.

The toiling keeps a knee on necks.

[Chorus]

Busy, busy—rat‑wheel race.

No legacy to take your place.

Though actions are inactions too...

so what is it you want to do?

The moonlight shines—

a light reflect.

The Son of Man—

recollect.

So I pray—

let God...

and STILL, I move.

The drum I beat—

my own groove.

Dictation

Lick on my dictation, swallow my comfort zone. A paragraph of seeds - spilling out in the unknown.
You're pulling my chain gurl, don't lie unless you're next to me. You tickled my tongue with pearls of wisdom  -  now you sing Glee.
Lick on my dictation, swallow my pride for me. A thesis of long thoughts. A burst of this ener-chi.
Hold part of my manhood with gentleness -Now look at me. I'll dig for the truth, gurl. Objective I will set you free.

Realize

Realize
with real eyes
that the real lies
are in disguise
The guise is a lie
that play tricks on your eyes
So feel with your heart
Third eye gaze to part
the fake from the realness
The REAL eye can feel this. 
~Atiimacleez 02:08:2012:11:59

Rehab: Amy Winehouse cover with lyrical edits by Atiim Chenzira.

Atiim Chenzira (Amy Winehouse): Rehab

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'

Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know

I ain't got the time and if my momma thinks I'm fine

She’s tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go go go

I'd rather be at home with Sam

seventeen days, no I just can’t sta a and

Cuz' there's nothing! 

There's nothing ya'll can teach me

That I can't learn from Mr Wonderland

I didn't get nothin' at all in class

And I know it don't come in a shot glass

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'

Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know

I ain't got the time and if my momma thinks I'm fine

She’s tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go go go

The man asked me, "why do you think you're here?"

I said 'Man, I ain't got a clear idea

But I'm gonna, I'm gonna lose my baby

so I have to keep my bottle near'

She said "Atiim, I think your just depressed",

kiss me gurl and baby let's go to rest -

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'

Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know

I don't ever wanna drink again

Oooh, I just, I just need a friend!

Cuz I'm not gonna spend no' ten weeks

and have everyone thinkin' that I'm on the mend

And It's not, it's not just my pride

It's just til these tears have dried

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'

Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know

I ain't got the time and if my momma thinks I'm fine

She’s tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go go go

I can only hold her: Amy Winehouse cover with lyrical edits by Atiim Chenzira.

Atiim Chenzira (Amy Winehouse): I Can Only Hold Her Lyrics (edits)

Wha Oooo ooo ooo Oooo

Oh Ooooh Ohhhh

I can only hold her for so long

The lights are on but no one's home

She's so vacant.
Her soul is shaken.
I ask myself, "what have I done?"

Now how can I have her heart?

When her heart, her heart I bro o oke?

So I try to pacify her,
But what's inside her never dies...

(Horns)

Even if I'm content in her warmth

I've been plagued, plauged by my deceit

Searching kisses, from my misses

I wasn't always the man I've I longed to be

Now how can I ever have her heart?

When her heart, her heart I bro o oke?

And I've tried to pacify her,

But what's inside her never dies

And I've tried and tried to pacify her,

But what's inside her, it never dies

Yes I've tried to pacify her

But what's inside her never dies

Ghostwriter Verse w/ Con Brio

Gurl I've been waiting for this ti ii ime
To open this door to my mi ii iind
I had to clear these baaags be for oo ore
They tumbled out and hurt some mooooe
From tropical to feeling snow
I had to leave and that you knoooooow oh oh uh ooo oo

But you don't know the reason why iii ii
This treason killed me slow insiiii iiii iiide
So now I'm sifting through my mess
Dealing with my stress....
I was blinded by my haa annds.
Wasn't worthy as your friend...
I have to get his off my cheeeeest,
I wasn't doing my be eee est.

Now I was married once be fooo oooo oh
Then Fear and Doubt came through my Do ooooo oow ooow oo oo oooo o
So then I ran, I ran away, I ran away aaa aaa aaa
But now I'm back right here TODAY!
Without you gurl, I'm not okay....
Please take me back and let me stayyyyyyy ay aye ayyy aye a.

(Xandra)

Baby when you walked awayyyy

Baby when you turned your back on me.......
(Atiim)
Baby don't you walk away aye ayyy
Baby don't you turn your back on mee...
(Xandra)
Baby when you walked awayyyy
Baby when you turned your back on me......
(Xandra & Atiim)
You set me freeeeeeeeee,
(Atiim)
but I loooo ooove YOUUUUuuuu!
(Xandra)
I looo uh ve you....

I'm King Kong

The song goes, the song goes, the song go oes
King Kong the dong
swipe master the flows
muffled sounds out the pipe
skid marks on the mic
rah
phone
Home like ET
the glammer and glitz
putting on, putting on, putting on the
fritz...
the shits hot and smoking like it just came out.
You can have it all for free, but not when when you come out
to see me.
Yup at the door you'll find a box to contribute too
build up the value and you value the show dude
or dudet space cadet
I'm flying high like a Hawk
feathers in my hat
bats
on my porch and I broom
pat
em on their head and they get flying the night skies
Owl in a towel
drying out from a dead flight
I write and spit it get it, get it
it's got now.
Download whatever
if you want it you can have it
I smile.
It's yours now.
I'm King Kong
The Dong
Swipe master the faster you move...
Bruce Lee
Whaaaaaaa!

Oh Lord: where are you?

Oh Lord:


Now people gave away their freedoms for a night of no sweat.

Betting their fams (families) one government would do it the best. 

No faith in what's up high it's all in man, till the masses started waking to the lies of Sam. 

One fingers pointed at us, and three's back at that dude. 

Now the giant starts yawning with some attitude. 

WAKE UP!!!!

Listen to the breeze in the Wind.

Quiet crackles...

Bad apples...

The Tree filled with sin bares fruit

Looking for the seeds to spread.

One bullet for a prophet's aiming straight for my head.

"Oh Lord, can you tell me... what is goin' ah ah ah on."

Many more will die. 

Many have since past, and it makes me wanna' hollah' when I look at the past. 

I hope You! got this all worked out, and I hope You! know what we're talking about.

I hope You! You! You! You!

I hope You! You! You! You!

Right Now!

Enslaving humans...

The family tree...

Disrupt the system,

Ripples time and space to me...

Guns and violence!

Macro Micro y'all!

Rage N' Anger,

Ignorance effects us all...

I see your beauty.

Let's flip the page.

Bureaucratic static 

Magic leads the way...

World wide madness.

Pandemic life...

Choose your ending...

What's feeling right?

Reachin'

Verse 1:
I keep reachin' for the top.
I can't stop until I find a key, but maybe that implies there's a door.
I can't take it no more.
I'm a carpenter, creative, so I build from the floor.
Babel in the Babylon.
One tree and another till the whole World's bare.
Like Cybertron, transforming from my old fears.
I hear something in the distance, and sounds like it's me, and I think that it is.
No shit...
I reflect the protection, the imperfection.
I'm living in a section that really needs help, but I can't help you until I help myself.
Can't sit like a book collecting dust on a shelf.
Oh well, blow it off, and I keep on pushing.
Sew up the bleeding heart syndrome that keeps on mushing.
Squishing in a little bit of me time too.
Eyes shining red, and a heart that's blue.
Brrrreeeeeaaaaath.....
I can't just leave it alone, until a king on a throne is crowned me.
Glory to the C - O - M - M - (U - N - I - T - Y!),
Cause that's what I aspire to be, aspire to lead, aspire to seed, aspire to grow.
"Come on in y'all. The doors are open folks. Now have a seat."

Chorus 1:
I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)
I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.
I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)
I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top) 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

Verse 2:

One yellow brick after one yellow brick I hear a voice inside say, "I hear you!"

Looking in the mirror, mirror, on my wall I took a journey through the Universe the darkness and all. 

I made a deal with the Devil and God, the great Di-Chotomous, Omnibus, while bowing my head. 

And it's clear that I'm heaven sent. 

Walking through these valley's of tears, gnawing and gnashing, burning and slashing.
Echo's of the silence...

Back! to living routines, scheming through dreams, street crimes and violence.

I put my green thumb in it. 

My name ain't Bennett, and I was raised a defendant, so now I'm going to work. 

We ain't got' nothing to waste...
Taste the after-math, blood bath, and hate.
Take your time if you want to, but it takes you.
It almost took me, but I'm back on the crew.

Chorus 2:

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top) 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

Verse 3:
Ask for wisdom at its simplest don't ask for the rest, cause' everyday single day you breath you'll be put to the  test.
So I invest all my energy, the best of my time.
Like the Wile E. Coyote, but I'm out of my mind.
And the sign said stop, but I went right through.
What the hell is going on?
Yeah, I'm talking to you.
It's a profession of oppression, suppressing the truth.
Got to be about it, keep it moving, and do what you do.
Even if they tell you that you can't, you show and you prove.
Sharing their fear with their love.
Hear it but don't give up.
Ambitious, wishes, dreams, plotted goals...
When it rains let it pour, rainbow, pot of gold.
Hold On!
Ancestors...
If they gave up too quick/sand...
Flip the script man...
Stroke the paint brush with your plan.
Stand on your own two.
Entrepreneu' to do what you wanna' do.

Chorus 3:

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top)

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

I keep reachin' for the top. (For the top) 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

I keep reachin' for the top. 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped.

I keep reachin' for the top. 

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

I keep reachin' for the top.

I can't stop. Cain't find it round' here in the bottom where I dropped. 

End. 

No Re-hearse

Chorus: 

Now get up,

stand up, 

and do your best....

You best invest into your own life test...

And...

if it's too easy and your studying pays... off.

Then tutor me because I might get laid off. 

You're not too heavy, not a burden at all.

I'm not your keeper, but I'll help you stand tall.

The only way is being true to me first.

Let's take a chance and do it live, no re-hearse.

Verse: 
I...
shoot from the hip, and I stand real tall...
If I...
jump off the cliff I take the risk to fall.
If I...
flap my wings you say I really don't have...
and fly away, you'll be so damn mad.
Or,
maybe congratulating my new flight,
might even jump and take that chance tonight.
Now...
the days are limited with flesh and blood,
but...
the spirit soars no matter who can judge.
IF...
you don't shine that lil' light inside,
then...
You're JUST a slave to the path of the blind.

Chorus: 
Now get up,
stand up,
and do your best....
You best invest into your own life test...
And...
if it's too easy and your studying pays... off.
Then tutor me because I might get laid off.
You're not too heavy, not a burden at all.
I'm not your keeper, but I'll help you stand tall.
The only way is being true to me first.
Let's take a chance and do it live, no re-hearse.