The Presence of the Black Man

Created in the image of the Divine
A noble creation by heavenly design
Broad shoulders handsome and proud
Walking beneath destiny's cloud
 

Fashioned from a rib by God's own hand
A newborn prince upon earthly land
From cradle songs and infant dreams
To sunlight dancing in youthful streams

Playdough kingdoms marbles bright
Toy soldiers marching into the night
Wooden bows aimed toward the sky
Building adventures where eagles fly

First day of school a nervous stare
Parents whispering hopeful prayers
Dreams of tomorrow placed in your care
A future waiting somewhere out there

The first shy crush a schoolyard glance
Love notes folded in sweet romance
A blushing smile a racing heart
Young emotions learning their part

High school days and growing pride
A youthful swagger impossible to hide
A hint of whiskers upon my face
Running life's first competitive race

College halls and fraternity nights
Chasing ambitions and higher heights
Diplomas framed upon the wall
Proof that persistence conquers all

Brotherhood forged like tempered steel
Bound by memories forever real
Where my brothers once laughed and stood
We carved our names through manhood

A college sweetheart precious and rare
Golden compassion beyond compare
A dream every parent longs to behold
A faithful heart more precious than gold

Graduation bells fade into the past
The working world arrives at last
Towering offices touch the clouds
Success applauded by cheering crowds

Designer suits and luxury cars
Engines roaring beneath the stars
Portfolios rising fortunes bloom
Numbers dancing across the room

Standing at the altar hands trembling still
Heart overtaken by love's sweet thrill
Praying her promise remains sincere
As wedding bells ring crystal clear

Man and wife side by side
Sailing together on life's great tide
Then comes the blessing heaven bestowed
A child arriving along the road

Midnight feedings and lullabies
Tiny fingers and sleepy eyes
Bedtime stories softly read
Watching a family bloom and spread

Yet temptation waits in shadows deep
Testing promises vowed to keep
A flattering smile a lingering stare
A dangerous longing floating there

"Baby I'm working late tonight"
Leave my dinner beneath the light
Don't wait awake just go to bed"
While deception occupied my head

A stolen moment becomes regret
A wound the heart cannot forget
Pain reflected in tear-filled eyes
Months of silence and unveiled lies

The house grows still the rooms grow cold
Success feels empty hollow old
Money cannot replace what's gone
When love has packed its bags and moved on

One more chance one day at a time
Climbing redemption's difficult climb
Years pass gently soft and slow
Teaching wisdom we rarely know

Children grown with dreams to chase
Leaving laughter in their place
While like Astaire and Rogers we sway
Rocking chairs carry us away

I hold your hand and softly smile
Grateful we traveled every mile
That second chance we chose to take
Helped heal the hearts we once did break

Private nurses nearby remain
Easing age and soothing pain
Gray hair glistens like silver snow
While oxygen whispers gently below

I hold your hand as memories stream
Life unfolding like a cherished dream
My final breath begins to rise
Lost within your loving eyes

Roses fall as mourners grieve
While earthly footsteps slowly leave
I stood as a man beside my creed
Living according to what I believed
 

Without God's breath within my soul
A man remains an empty role
True greatness is not wealth displayed
But how one's character is made

From the womb to life's last door
Each chapter teaching something more
From scraped-up knees to wedding rings
Life is measured by sacred things

What legacy shall remain of me
What testimony will others see
When dust returns and days are through
Did I live faithful honest and true

Ashes to ashes earth once more
Yet love and virtue endure beyond the shore

Kemymalia (K.)™
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