She was singing a song

That reminded me of another

time and place.

Then I noticed an equally sweet aroma

That grew even stronger

As she blessed my personal

space.

 

She sang this melody almost

secretly

Which undoubtedly seemed

familiar to me

Opening my eyes to see

The Places in her that

I have never traveled

The Rivers that ran through her

That I have never paddled

The Secrets that spoke truths

of her

That would never be unraveled

The Wild horses roaming

through her heart

That could never be saddled

And I

Well I, intended to master them

all

 

But she

Well she, sang of love

 

Without notice, the melody

peacefully broke.

With clear focus, a new melody

laced

The tone in which she spoke to

me.

I could now clearly see

That going any further with her

Could prove to be deadly

But I

Well I, intended to cheat death.

 

But she

Well she, still sang of love.

 

My feet took the first steps to

retreat.

Yet my ego spoke to my heart.

Which began fueling the spark

That enlisted my tongue to

Flow evey poetic pun I know.

Running my game through

rhythmic refrain,

Ending with the most important

phrase of all.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't catch

your name."

 

She said they call me Love.

Do you not hear me singing my

name?

I've been singing it as long

As you stood there plotting

your game.

 

This woman,

Love

Put me back in my place.

As I proceeded to redress her

As earlier I had undressed her

With my eyes.

The same two that I now lower,

To show her

That insidee a gentleman

resides.

 

Love asked me what do I see in

her soul

That the others have not been

fit to see

And like that player with a slice

of pecan pie

In the poem I like to hear when

I'm high

I replied,

I see Champagne wishes and

caviar dreams.

Is that what you see in me?

 

Love said,

"Nigga please!"

I'd have to be intoxicated

to grant any Champagne

wishes

And let's keep it real, Caviar is

nothing more

Than the overpriced eggs of a

fish

Love said to me, Come on

brother,

If you want me, you got to do

better than this.

 

I was up for the challenge

The good name of decent black

men

Was hanging in the balance

I took a pause,

Reexamined my cause and

said,

"Love, If Love is your name

Then call me the same."
         
         
Copyright Faraji Salim 1999