Fire Under Ice

Below is the latest edition to my quadruple quandary series. They are based on trying to connect with a woman who is recovering from a broken heart.

For this group of poems I wrote a sonnet, a limerick, a triple rhyme, and a haiku.

Song titles are hyper-linked to their respective videos on YouTube.

Enjoy!

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“Fire Under Ice”
© 2018 Langston Shakesbro
All rights reserved.

Must have heard it all before, I suppose.
Words that tickle your ears yet crush your heart.
Once a Jersey girl, now a Texas rose.
Broken promises tore your soul apart.
Your soft brown eyes swirl with fear and with pain.
With romantic things you’ve become jaded,
All can be washed away with summer rain.
Clearing the clouds and darkness is faded.
I hope you can heal – not for me; for you.
A pretty face wearing a mask of hurt.
You got to exhale and not let things stew.
No emotions on the sleeves of your shirt.
Careful not to make the same mistake twice.
A fire rages beneath that cold, thick ice.

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Being with you would be so nice.
You looked so good I had to look you over twice.
I know what I’m looking at because I’ve been around the block.
I’ve been on both sides so I do take stock.
A fire rages beneath that cold, thick ice!

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Enjoying your soft lips and your tender embrace.
You’re a special type of lady so you are worth the chase.
I’m willing to run with you in either a slow or fast pace.

What happened before needs to stay in the past.
Not to be forgotten, but a shadow it should not cast.
Today is a new day so work on building something that can last.

Hustling in the streets doing boss-lady things.
Getting that paper and championship rings.
Enjoying the trimmings that financial success brings.

You need a man that has been there and done that.
That understands where you’ve been and won’t over-react.
Who honors your requests and can do it right and exact.

The world is a big pie and you’re gonna get your slice.
You need another clown like Uncle Ben needs more rice.
Girl, I can see the fire raging under that sheet of ice.

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Passion wrapped in cool.
Lightning behind a curtain.
Fire under the ice.

For His Purple Highness, Prince

Rest in peace, Prince. You are by far my favorite artist. I will miss your awesome live shows. I’ve never felt so sad about the loss of an artist. He was so much more than that to me. His music is the soundtrack of my life. This poem is dedicated to you. #salute #prince #whendovescry

*Song titles are capitalized.

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© 2016 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

Today, those in the spirit realm are going to PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999 and cause a HOUSEQUAKE.

Confetti is going to fall like PURPLE RAIN and people gonna do like Beyonce says and get in formation while wearing a RASPBERRY BERET and PINK CASHMERE.

Yeah he caused a lot of CONTROVERSY, but all of his fans would say that they did indeed ADORE him.

He would tell us to let others know that we love them and to give them 1,000 HUGS AND KISSES.

The best things in life are free and they don’t have to be DIAMONDS AND PEARLS.

Listen closely; WHEN DOVES CRY they are saying, “I WOULD DIE 4 U.”

Live your life and ROCK HARD IN A FUNKY PLACE and eat and drink what you like even if it is STARFISH AND COFFEE.

Avoid getting caught up in the POP LIFE, because all this craziness in the world is a SIGN O’ THE TIMES.

He made a right on ALPHABET STREET and has rode off into the horizon in a LITTLE RED CORVETTE being chauffeured DARLING NICKKI who cleaned up her act and is now a LADY CAB DRIVER.

He told us about THIEVES IN TEMPLE who try to rob us UNDER THE CHERRY MOON.

The Grim Reaper gave him a KISS that has made his body cold. He was the CREAM and he rose to the top.

He is a PARTYMAN, so I am sure his soul is doing the BATDANCE in the great beyond.

Thank you for being the prolific artist and true humanitarian you were.

NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU.

If You Don’t Know Me

This is the second piece in my Quadruple Quandaries series. I call it that because this format presents four poems with the same title and subject matter that will always be some sort of a predicament. The styles of the four poems will differ. They will be a sonnet, haiku chain, limerick chain and a triple rhyme.

As has been my custom here on my blog, song titles will be linked to their respective audio files on GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you enjoy this installment.

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If You Don’t Know Me By Now, When Will You? [Sonnet]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

Forever In My Life I do want you.

To have, to hold, to Kiss and to Cherish.

We Have Something In Common; say “I do.”

Our love is so strong it will not perish.

My Boo, are you afraid of the future?

Don’t be; we planned so we are in control.

My wounded heart you did indeed suture.

You made a diamond from a lump of coal.

Once I was a boy, but now I’m a man.

I will not change except for the better.

Together we’re boundless like Heaven’s span.

Don’t dip your toe; jump in and get wetter.

Suns have risen and left their morning dew.

If You Don’t Know Me By Now, when will you?

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Haiku Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

Time to move forward. We’ve been stagnant way too long. What is the hold up?

Do you have questions? Is there something you must say? Come, let’s clear the air.

Ah! I think I know. Once we were Secret Lovers. Do you have concerns?

What could they be, Dear? That I’m Looking for a New Love? That The Thrill Is Gone?

Hey, Love Is a House. I am not Humpin’ Around. I am cool right here.

You’re a “gourmet girl.” I don’t want anyone else. I Want You. That’s all.

Become my wife, Love. Sharing our lives together. Half on the Baby.

Ain’t no mystery. What you see is what you get. Naked. Unashamed.

Girl, Act Like You Know. I want to take you higher. Seems Like You’re Ready. Right NOW is the time! The Night Time Is the Right Time. But daytime sheds light.

Light accents your eyes. Light highlights your lovely face. Shows your sihloutte.

What is the hold up? I Wanna Be Your Lover. Don’t you love me too? Two thing can stop us: If you did not know things; If You Don’t Know Me.

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Limerick Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

Many years have gone by since we first met. It was love at first sight so I knew I was set. You had such a beautiful smile. I asked for a number that I could dial. I gambled because I figured that you’re a good bet.

Through the Years, we’ve had ups and downs. We’ve Been Around the World to many towns. When I’m away I think of Home. Be I in Johannesburg or Rome. Your voice is the sweetest of sounds.

My Love is Solid Like a Rock. Good all day long; 24/7 on the Tick Tock. Now you seem to be confused. If you’re joking, I’m not amused. Don’t you know that you have me on lock?

What do I have to do to prove my love to you? I’ve gone to Hell and back and showed that I’m true. Through those dark, gloomy nights, I stood by you through many fights. I’m vested and don’t want nothing new.

I’ll pursue you from sea to shining sea. Because without you there is no me. Got me Wishing On a Star. Got me playing me blues guitar. You’re acting as If You Don’t Know Me.

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Triple Rhyme]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

I’ve done all that I can to make you Stay With Me.
But every time I walk towards you your turn and flee.
Perhaps with me is not where you want to be.

If that is the case, I don’t like it but worse than that, I don’t understand.
The good times that we had were memorable and grand.
I was hoping that our relationship would burn brighter and expand.

I call you on the phone, talk to you face-to-face, email and text.
You oftentimes get flustered and appear to become vexed.
I don’t seem to have any luck with you these days so I must be hexed.

Maybe you’re afraid that one day things won’t be the same?
Or is it that you won’t own up to problems for which you are the blame?
If either of those scenarios are the case, that a shame!

I know that your family isn’t that tight and you’re pretty much a loner.
Me and my family got a lot of love to give so I’ll be your donor.
You’re Making Me High like I was a stoner.

We could have something great, so Let it Be.
Or is it that you don’t believe what you see?
As If You Don’t Know Me.

Benevolence, Body, Brains and Big Bucks

It has been a while but I assure you that I have been hard at work doing meaningful, constructive things.

Okay, back to business…

This sonnet was inspired by black women who are kind, bodacious, intelligent and earn above average incomes.

They have what I call the “4 B’s”: Benevolence; body; brains; and big bucks.

Pictured below is the lovely face of a 24-year-old beauty from Zimbabwe named Lilian Ndlovu.

Movie titles and song titles are hyper-linked to their respective summary pages or audio files on IMDb.com or GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you enjoy this poem.

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“Benevolence, Body, Brains and Big Bucks”

© 2014 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

You are generous, loving and gentle.

Oftentimes putting other people first

So compassionate and sentimental.

Giving others refreshment when they thirst.

Your beautiful face and curvaceous frame;

Causing men to lust and desire a taste.

Wisdom beyond your years; worthy of fame.

Calculating; knowing that haste makes waste.

You’re a Million Dollar Baby, sweetheart.

Strong earning from your job and your assets.

You got a Serious Hold on Me that won’t depart.

Jack Nicholson style — As Good As It Gets.

You Got It. The day we met was a crux.

Benevolence, body, brains and big bucks.

I’m Still Alive and Kicking

Hey there, folks. I’ve been quiet for nearly two months now. All is well. I’ve been busy at work and tinkering with a few creative projects. One of them is a short story. It may actually evolve into a novel. It is a historical science fiction piece. The story is centered around the Bloody Kansas period of United States history (right before the U.S. Civil War). It has historical fiction with a sci-fi and twist.

Another project I’m working on is a self-protection and at-home fitness book for middle-aged men.

I just wanted to let you know that I’m well and cooking up some new stuff for you.

Be well and I’ll blog something soon.

Friends, Here’s to You

I heard a Maya Angelou quote a couple of years ago that is so very true:

“People may forget what you said or did, but they never forget how you made them feel.”

As I travel through life and have been fortunate enough to achieve some success in few of my endeavors, I am surprised by how some that I thank respond.

They were just doing what they do as they are good people, but they had NO IDEA how much their kind words, actions, or just the road map that they provided me with from just observing them, had a positive effect on me.

Remember, people are watching and listening, and though they may forget details of what was said or done, they remember how you made them feel great. I remember those who have helped me – especially over the last 18 months, and I am thankful.

In the words of my friends from the legendary R&B group, Skyy, “Here’s to You,” my true friends.

Peace and good fortune to you all.

YOU Can Resurrect!

Though I am not religious, this is apropos for Easter weekend: Some may try to assassinate your reputation and burn down all that you worked for, but you are a phoenix and WILL rise from the ashes and achieve levels of success never before imagined.

Stay focused. Stay strong. Stay calm. Stay humble.

Be thankful knowing that adversity is like childbirth in that it may be painful but brings forth a new life and opportunities at creating an enviable legacy.

Peace and good fortune to all.

Wow! It Just Hit Me; I’m In Love With You!

This sonnet is about accepting the fact that you are beyond head-over-heels for someone; you’ve fallen in love with them.

The art piece below is called Close to You, by Fred Matthews. Make sure to check out his site by CLICKING HERE.

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“Wow! It Just Hit Me; I’m In Love With You!”

© 2014 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

Thoughts of you keep me awake at nighttime.
Pleasant thoughts that bring a smile to my face.
Some of the thoughts I have should be a crime;
Daydreaming of us in some far-off place.

Your voice is a sweet song; joy lost and found.
Amidst troubled waters you’re my lighthouse.
Solid ground; you lift me up when I’m down.
A fiery passion that none douse.

Why do I get so nervous and so shy?
Stumbling over my words; wanting a taste.
Soft and Wet kisses; You’re Making Me High.
I am running back to your arms with haste.

The dawn of a new day; grass moist with dew.
Wow! It just hit me; I’m In Love With You.

I Wish You the Best for 2014!

I hope that you enjoy this sonnet wishing you a happy new year!

“I Wish You the Best for 2014!”

© 2013 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

May a good reputation precede you

With success and laughter as companions.

I hope all obstacles are broken through

And that you’re named among true champions.

I pray that all you love will love you back

And that you forgive the wrong others do.

Learn life’s lessons; the light shines through the crack.

Sometimes it will be painful or brand new.

Don’t miss opportunities presented.

May newfound things bring out your inner child.

Please guard yourself against the demented.

Moderation is key; don’t go buck-wild!

Yesterday is gone; your slate is now clean.

I wish you the best for 2014!

Grits and Pasteles Go Great Together

This piece is a sonnet. According to About.com, you can identify a sonnet if the poem has the following characteristics:

• 14 lines. All sonnets have 14 lines which can be broken down into four sections called quatrains.
• A strict rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is ABAB / CDCD / EFEF / GG (note the four distinct sections in the rhyme scheme).
• Written in iambic Pentameter. Sonnets are written in iambic pentameter, a poetic meter with 10 beats per line made up of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables.

This sonnet is about a Black and Hispanic love relationships. The title for this poem was inspired by the book and play Do Platanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?

The picture used is an image of Will Smith and Evan Mendes from the movie Hitch.

Song titles are hyper-linked to their audio files on GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you enjoy this poem.

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“Grits and Pasteles Go Great Together”

© 2013 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

Feisty like Rosie, body like JLo.

Your accent is soothing to my eardrums.

Since We’ve Been Together my dreams did grow.

Some hate my happiness; their minds are slums.

Your skin remains fair in the cool climate,

But deepens to dark ecru in summer.

Nothing Compares 2 U; I can’t find it.

Those who disagree are Dumb & Dumber.

“Por favor, papi, dame un beso.” [Please, Daddy, give me a kiss.]

When you say those words, I just get goosebumps.

Pounding heart as if caused by espresso.

You’re so sexy and have all the right lumps.

See, You and I, Birds of a Feather.

Grits and pasteles go great together!