My Evolution:
I’ve been called a “Nigger”, ”Boy”, ”Coon”, ”Goon”:
Stereotyped, mystified, demonized in the eyes of society.
Labeled “Savage” & “Criminal”, unworthy of cultivation.
The hood & penal-system have become my only homes, no residential variety.
I’ve become an endangered species, all across this nation I face extermination.
I’ve been called a “Nigger”, ”Boy”, ”Coon”, ”Goon”:
“Nigger” was my first name, as I came off of congested boats to a land I’ve never seen.
Forced to be another man’s property, abducted from my motherland, never would I return.
Forced to worship a blonde, blue-eyed man, instead of Allah who created both of us.
Not allowed to question Christianity, no opinion or opportunity to think or even learn.
I’ve been called a “Nigger”, ”Boy”, ”Coon”, ”Goon”:
For me, learning to read & write was a crime; literacy will always mean liberation.
They never intended for me to rise & become free in this White man’s free nation.
I’ve been called a “Nigger”, ”Boy”, ”Coon”, ”Goon”:
I’m finally freed from my physical shackles, yet still mentally sedated until the 1950’s.
Sick & tired of settling for low-wage jobs in the South, I make way to northern cities.
I’ve been called a “Nigger”, ”Boy”, ”Coon”, ”Goon”:
After Slavery, all throughout Jim-Crow, I was given two other names: “Boy” & “Coon”.
Tired of being treated like a boy, I joined the Civil-Rights Movement for simple liberties.
The liberties enjoyed by any White man, just to chase the American-Dream.
Fighting for the right to be a man; I joined protests & marches in the 1960’s.
From the 1970’s to the 1980’s I’ve been a “Goon”, a victim of Heroin, Crack-Cocaine & Reagan:
Selling-out my people, I’m selling them poison.
Hustlin’ in the street, constantly in out of prison.
But, I’m no longer a “Nigger”, “Boy” “Coon” or “Goon”:
Now, I’m a Muslim, given honor by his Lord.
Never must this history be repeated ever again.
I have evolved, how about you?
Gareth Bryant/2009
The King-Cobra:
All men are snakes, but I am the King-Cobra.
I’m as stealthy as a Mamba, and as vicious as a Viper.
I’m avoided, like a Python, and as feared as a Cantor.
My victims have absolutely no match against me.
Once in my grasp, there’s no chance to get free.
When my sights are on my prey, it is all over.
There’s no way to hide or even run for cover.
I have the body of a Boa Constrictor.
I can’t be defeated; I’m a true victor.
My victims are women, who think that they can handle me.
Once I wrap myself around them, they’re trapped.
They are in awe as I puncture them with my eight-inch fang.
They love the way that I move, with my slithery rhythm.
They beg for the release of my addictive sensual venom.
I leave them paralyzed, utterly mesmerized.
They remain tantalized, yet always satisfied.
Once they’re mine, there’s no turning back, it’s all over.
They will always forget the memories of any past lover.
I hail me…..The King-Cobra!!!
Gareth Bryant/2009
My Poetic Anatomy:
I inhale concepts, thoughts & world views, then begin to exhale Haikus.
My long hair keeps growing, just like a never-ending line from a rhyme.
I hydrate my body with emotionally infused water, then sweat Sonnets.
The ink from the pen flows through me instead of blood all of the time.
Everything about me is poetic, from the tips of my toes, to the base of my neck.
I constantly ingest tragedy; but, then I always manage to regurgitate joy.
My body is a literary masterpiece, literary prowess is all that I yield.
As I salivate integrity & confidence, I always spit truth & swagger.
My weapons in life are my pen & paper, they’re my sword & shield.
Everything about me is poetic, from the tips of my toes, to the base of my neck.
And, everything about me is poetic, for all people to enjoy, reflect upon, read and see.
So, whenever I look in the mirror, I see the awesome me: my awesome poetic anatomy.
Gareth Bryant/2011
This is who I am:
I am…..
the white flame of a fire burning brightly, it’s never diminished.
My light will always shine for all to see, until my life is finished.
I am…..
the cream of the crop, I go hard, I never stop.
Nothing will prevent me from reaching the top.
I am…..
every woman’s fantasy, while every man’s envy.
I’m the total package, the haters can’t stand me.
I am…..
a breeze, flowing through the valleys and meadows, giving coolness to the eyes.
Always victorious, never a lame or a looser; that’s what all my enemies despise.
I am…..
like the flash of Lightning and the roar of Thunder.
Try going toe-to-toe with me, I’ll tear you asunder.
I am…..
the courage of a Lion & the strength of a Bear.
Once I am on the scene, you’d better beware.
Since this is who I am…..
then, who are you?!!!
Gareth Bryant/2011
This is what you don’t call me:
Don’t call me an Islamist, that’s just a code-word for terrorist.
Don’t call me Fundamentalist, this just means I’m not tolerant.
Don’t call me a Sufi, this means I have my head in the clouds.
Don’t label me Salafi, this just means I treat people like dogs.
I don’t wanna be red-flagged as being anti-modernity and referred to as Conservative.
I don’t wanna be highlighted as a Liberal, just comfortable following their prerogative.
I despise being thought of as Jihadi, this means I wanna blow myself up.
I keep wondering to myself when all of this lame name-calling will stop?
You don’t know me; you don’t own me; so, who gave you the right to name me?!!!
This name calling is just a void, used by the enemies of Islam, because they’re guilty.
They’re resentful, because every system that they’ve invented has done nothing but fail.
And, they know that the Way of Allah, which is Islam, is the only thing that will prevail.
They are willing to use & do anything to encourage division among us.
When we indulge in sectarianism, for them this is just a strategic plus.
They only call us what we’re willing to call ourselves, we must not give them ammunition.
Let them call us the most honored name Allah calls us in the Qur’an….just call us Muslim.
Gareth Bryant/2011
