Buddah Desmond’s New Poetry Collection, Coming Up From the Downside: Finding Joy in Our Song, is Out Now!

Posted on March 8, 2024 by BuddahDesmond611

The celebration continues! Happy to announce that my latest poetry collection, Coming Up From the Downside: Finding Joy in Our Song, is out now!

Coming Up From the Downside is about adversity, healing, resilience, and faith. It’s about overcoming pain, loss, depression, health issues, and heartbreak to get to real love and the joy that sustains us through it all. It’s the third and final book in what I’m calling “The Home Within” trilogy, which was preceded by 2020’s From The Inside Out: A Poetry Collection and 2023’s Everything I Miss(ed) At Home.

The vast majority of the poems in this book were written in the thick of the pandemic. One of the bleakest periods that completely changed my life, and the lives of so many others. It was a season that kept giving lesson after lesson after lesson in the midst of getting up from the downside.

Coming Up From the Downside was published by Liquid Cat Publishing. The cover was designed Black Author Brand. Extremely grateful to my publisher’s team and the Black Author Brand team for their love, support, encouragement, guidance, and great work throughout this process!

And thank you so much for all who’ve supported me along the way. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude.

Coming Up From the Downside: Finding Joy in Our Song is available for purchase at Amazon. Get into it!

Much Love + Many Blessings! ~ Buddah Desmond

Empowerment – The Fire Within (A 2013 Throwback)

Posted on May 25, 2017 by BuddahDesmond611

The following piece was written back in 2013. While 4 years have passed, the underlying message is still quite relevant today.

As members of the LGBT community, it’s sad that we still live in a world that cannot see beyond our sexuality. How appalling is it that the masses fail to realize our worth or accept us wholly and completely? When faced with hatred, discrimination, and stereotypical imagery in media and entertainment, we can’t help but feel a bit of shame, guilt, and anger. So many misconceptions and stigmas continue to cloud judgment, perception, and understanding. But for what? Our sexuality is one of so many parts of who we are. While it doesn’t define us, we can’t ignore it. And it’s obvious that public officials, conservatives, and organizations (that shall remain nameless) are obsessed with our sexuality more than we are.

Did the powers that be, holy rollers, and haters forget that we’re human too? We desire, no, we deserve the same things as our heterosexual brothers and sisters – family, friends, love, happiness, success on our own terms, good health… I could go on, as the list is endless. But you wouldn’t know this reading or viewing some of the media and entertainment created daily. How hypocritical can a society be that prides itself on freedom, but shames, victimizes, vilifies, and silences those who don’t fit the preferred, traditional archetype? We’re well past the time to lift the veil on the alienation and isolation that comes as a result of living in such a heteronormative society. But let us not be defeated.

Validation from the outside world may not come in the time, manner, or fashion we desire it to. However, we shouldn’t let it hinder us from living or having what we want in this life. No matter what the outside world says we must remain steadfast in knowing ourselves and trusting what we believe in. No matter what the world says, we are beautiful in every way. We are not less than. We are warriors.

Sometimes we have to forego or question everything we’ve been taught or led to believe as truth to find out who we really are. There’s so much that we deny ourselves when we feed into to the B.S. aimed at refuting our existence. We have to shut ourselves off from the noise and the hysteria to make way for what’s real – to make way for peace, serenity, and truth. When we’re able to free ourselves individually and collectively – the change we see within and around us will be miraculous.

As Audre Lorde said, “Life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now.” We cannot wait. While we should celebrate the recent Supreme Court rulings in the DOMA and Prop 8 cases for being a step in the right direction for gay marriage, the movement doesn’t stop there. These rulings should only intensify our fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all. And everything we need for this fight lies within.

The key to finding what’s within, the power within, is loving ourselves. We talk a good game about loving ourselves, but how many of us actually do? How many of us can say we truly love ourselves? It’s impossible for us to love ourselves if we continue to allow internalized hatred to ruin our progress. It’s impossible for us to love ourselves if we continue to tolerate the abuse, ill-treatment, and foolishness we encounter daily.

We must not let fear run our authentic selves away. We must be brazen. Stand up for those who were/are not able to stand up for themselves. Realize that in doing so, we’re empowering ourselves and challenging everyone to (always) strive to be and do better.

When we find the love within, the power is never too far behind. When we find our power… When we realize our power… When we utilize our power, its intensity will inspire action and breed the change we need in our families, communities, and the world.

Ours is a power that not only changes lives, but also saves lives. As James Baldwin said, “The world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” So let’s find our power and wield it lovingly, strongly, boldly, and unapologetically. It’s our world. Now let the power within—that internal fire—lead the way!

The Ironic State of Black Men in Society (from ‘Prevail’)

Posted on July 16, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

During the Spoken Word Hour at the Baltimore Urban Book Festival this past Sunday, 7/14/13, I recited “The Ironic State of Black Men in Society” from the “Life” section of Prevail. I thought it quite fitting considering recent events. Video of the performance is forthcoming.

The Ironic State of Black Men in Society

Such complex, beautiful creatures:
Envied,
Despised,
Copied,
Immortalized,
Celebrated,
Yet condemned to damnation.

Often seen as failures, hoodlums, and vagabonds.
Rarely honored or acknowledged for the greater good they’re doing for their
families, their communities, and themselves.
With that depiction in the media how could their outlook not be gloomy?
But that’s only if you aren’t hip to the real T of their plight.

For some strange reason, in the larger society, it is hard for them to be accepted
as intelligent, honorable, responsible beings in areas outside of entertainment.
And when this perspective of them is challenged, it’s met with all kinds of
resentment, distrust, doubt, and downright hatred
Anytime reality trumps perception the masses can’t seem to handle it.

And when they happen to be seen in a positive light, and something happens to
     them, or they are accused of an action that casts a negative light on the initial
     impression,
They are immediately baited for the wolves.
Regardless of proven guilt or innocence, they’ve already been placed into the
     proverbial jail,
Never to be redeemed or forgiven.
They are made to pay for their misgivings and backfires—whether intended
     or not, whether guilty or not—for several lifetimes over.
Even after death, vindication is not promised, if ever granted,
’Cause the fickleness of society will not enable a shift in feeling, right, judgment,
     or frame of mind.

The road to justice and finding a relevant, truthful place for black men in this
world does not seem possible in any of our lifetimes.
While the imagery and experiences are not, and will not, always be positive,
The belief that black men are no good is ever prevalent.
What has happened, unfortunately, to their plight has many causes and fingers
that can be pointed at many places.
But the realness, the truth, and the change begin within.
Just because you’ve been denigrated to a certain caste in the world
Does not mean that you have to accept it or embrace it as your own.
Defy what stood before you;
Challenge what you’ve walked into.
Create something better to live on, and impact those coming after you.
That’s where your power lies.
There’s no guarantee that it’ll change minds,
But people will take note.

As long as you define who you are,
and continue to build yourself and your people up,
redemption is guaranteed.
There’s no need to seek the approval or consent of the outsiders.

“The Ironic State of Black Men in Society” is featured in the “Life” section of Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. Prevail is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Power of Love: A Contemporary Aside (from ‘Prevail’)

Posted on October 17, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Nothing’s worse than men obsessed with power,

Having the all-consuming ability to exercise control and influence

over others,

Like beasts foaming at the mouth with the high of going in for the

kill.

Maybe it’s the elevated nature of the position,

This putting-on-a-pedestal type treatment.

Or it’s simply a common case of ego,

When all of the attention has blown one’s head up to the size of a

Goodyear blimp,

When arrogance and ignorance have taken the place of humanity,

decency, and common sense.

There’s this godlike attitude,

This I-can-do-no-wrong mentality,

This holier-than-thou, my-way-is-the-only-way-because-there-is-no-other-way frame of mind.

But let me put it to you quite simply—your shit stinks too.

You may make decisions about the economy, education,

healthcare, defense, and other facets of our government and

society.

But you will never have the power to control the heart,

For the heart cannot be contained.

You will never be able to control anyone’s ability to love,

For love is divine.

You will never be able to tell anyone who they can or cannot love,

For love is essential to living.

Like breathing,

It’s a natural thing

That cannot be controlled by man—

Love is too powerful.

It’s stronger than man.

Continuing to push the issue

Will not make it any better.

Continuing to push the issue

Will make things worse,

Causing us to divide even further.

Love is not a choice.

And who you happen to love

and who happens to love you is not an alternative lifestyle.

There is nothing alternative about love.

Love is an essential part of life.

Essential to feeling complete.

There is no substitute;

There is no alternative to something we all have an innate need

for and right to experience and share.

Love will forever reign supreme.

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Day 98: I’m Voting for Progress – Obama Biden 2012

Posted on September 7, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of San Antonio Express site.

If you reject the notion that this nation’s promise is reserved for the few, your voice must be heard in this election. ~ President Barack Obama, DNC 2012 Speech

I want to live an America where we all have the same opportunities. An America where we all have the chance to live up to our fullest potential and achieve our dreams. An America where we all have access to the resources, services, and programs to maintain acceptable well-being, welfare, and livelihood. Because it’s about access, equality, and leveling the playing field, and not about entitlements or what we “deserve.”

I want to live an America where the wealthy are not rewarded for being wealthy and held accountable to the same standards and expectations of the working class and the poor. I want to live an America where I don’t have to make a case or fight for rights that are inalienable, because they are human rights granted for all. I want to live an America where the rights of corporations do not trump the rights of the people. Because after all, there wouldn’t be any corporations if it weren’t for the hard work and service of the people.

I want to live in an America where those that fight for the civil rights and freedoms of Americans and our brothers and sisters from nations abroad are not left to falter when they return home. An America that will look to its people to help maintain its competitive edge instead of looking abroad just save a few bucks. An America that will treat all of its people equally regardless of whether we were born here or are immigrants. Because we’re all here for the same things…we’re all dreamers.

For those of us that believe and share in the dream and this country we call home, we’re more than willing to be diligent and work collectively to move this nation forward. We must not succumb to the propaganda, lies, and false promises of those who hold their personal interests above the interests of the people they represent. We must stand for up what we believe and support the officials who share in these beliefs, and will honor them while holding office. That’s why I’m voting for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. They have and will continue to fight for America, its people, and the promise of its future.

I’m voting for progress, not regression. I hope we all will do the same.

Day 96: Michelle Obama at the DNC 2012

Posted on September 5, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of The Washington Times Communities site.

Michelle Obama is the epitome of what a First Lady should be. She exudes class, grace, eloquence, and wisdom. She hasn’t forgotten where she came from and she will not allow us to forget where we’ve come from either. We cannot sit back and allow ourselves to falter. We have to bring each other up. It’s about OPPORTUNITY. When you have it, make sure you’re leaving the door open for others to follow. Set the example. Lead with character, honesty, and integrity.

Day 86: Gone Too Soon (from Prevail)

Posted on August 22, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

In a society that claims to value individual freedoms—it’s a shame that people are (still) ridiculed for simply being themselves. There’s no reason that anyone should have to hide or live a lie because they fear being ostracized, hurt, or even killed. It’s unacceptable. We’ve lost too many due to the hateful, intolerant ways of others in this world. It must end. In tribute to those we’ve lost, here’s “Gone Too Soon,” a poem from the “Life” section of my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.

Gone Too Soon

Battling,
Fighting with the world everyday,
Trying to stand firm on ground that changes like DC metro area weather,
Not knowing when it’s safe to be you, or when it’s best to retreat:
It’s safer on the inside—sometimes.

The golden era ended quicker than you could comprehend.
And you were thrust upon the audacity of disgust and hatred
From people you thought were your friends,
People you thought were your family,
People who said they loved you but you just can’t seem to trust.
You’ve walked a line that many people claim they can handle but couldn’t, even if humanity depended on it.
It’s a line that you don’t want to walk.
It’s a line that often runs faster than the speed of sound and light, with a soundtrack that repeats daily.
And you’re tired of hearing it.

Living in a world where people get high off of ridicule and bullying,
One is left numb,
Not wanting to deal.
The help you need never arrives when you need it.
It always comes too late.
You push and push,
And push and push.
And you keep pushing,
But the force always seems to kill your spirit.
It was at first a temporary thing,
But the period of death began to outlast the periods of rebirth.

There’s a lot that you can and have dealt with,
But it’s the pain and its lasting effects
That cut you down to nubs,
The hurt practically defying man’s comprehension of depth.
If you could only find relief,
A sweet release from it all…
If only…
If…

The inner light quickly fades.
Time halts,
And you succumb to a place
Where your spirit will forever reign.
You’ll be safe from harm and healed
From a lifetime of pain.
If only it didn’t have to come to this.
If only…
If…
You’d still be here.

If only…
If…

You could’ve been saved.

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politicsis available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Day 80: Gabby Douglas Is Not Her Hair

Posted on August 10, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of OK! Magazine site.

I was a bit appalled when I began to see an abundance of chatter online about Gabby Douglas’ hair, especially in lieu of the history she’d just made at the London Olympics. For crying out loud, Gabby Douglas is an Olympic gold medalist. She became the first Black woman to win a gold medal in the All-Around Women’s Gymnastics Final at the 2012 London Olympics, and all people can focus on is her hair? I thought to myself—how small and superficial for people to focus on something so miniscule.

Do people realize the amount of skill, talent, agility, diligence, and excellence that it took for Douglas to achieve this feat? (Mind you, hair was not in the aforementioned list.) I’m sure it was by no means an easy feat, but when you see Douglas on the floor—she makes it seem as if it’s effortless. She glides through the air like it’s a natural thing—like it’s her second home. You cannot help but to root for her. You cannot help but to get emotional, as she’s beaten the odds. Douglas is out on the floor giving her all and the only thing people can utter are comments about her hair… I’m overcome!

Where is the pride? Where is the feeling of faith and encouragement? At only the age of 16, Douglas has many accomplishments to be proud of. Her story is one that many can relate to. By watching what she’s done in London, there should be a sense of hope, inspiration, and motivation. Douglas, like many, is an example of what happens when you are steadfast and relentless in working to achieve your dreams. And in a field where so few who look like us achieve accomplishments such as these—this is a poignant, touching, remarkable moment. A moment that we should all cherish dearly.

Even Douglas can’t fathom the focus on her hair and feels it should matter. In a recent AP article featured on the Huffington Post site, Douglas said,

‘”I don’t think people should be worried about that…We’re all champions and we’re all winners. I just say that it’s kind of, a stupid and crazy thought to think about my hair.”‘

I agree. As India.Arie sang so insightfully,

I am not my hair/I am not my skin/I am not your expectations (no)/I am not my hair/I am not my skin/I am the soul that lives within ~ “I Am Not My Hair,” from Testimony, Vol. 1: Life & Relationship (2006).

Gabby Douglas is more than her hair. She is a beautiful, intelligent, talented, and gifted young black woman who’s made history. But this is just the beginning of her story. She’s represented our race and our country so well at the Olympics. And if that isn’t enough—I guess nothing ever will be.

Day 39: OUT (Written in Honor of National Coming Out Day)

Posted on October 12, 2011 by BuddahDesmond611

In honor of National Coming Out Day, here’s a piece that I wrote entitled “OUT.”

Nothing worse than being silenced, especially in an environment where your voice has a rightful place to be loud and heard.
Nothing worse than living in fear because you don’t know how family, friends, community or the larger society will deal with the “real” you.
Nothing worse than living a lie because you succumbed to complacency and conformity of cultural or societal norms.
Nothing is worse than hiding from everything and everyone (including yourself) because you’ve been led to believe that you are less than or simply not worthy.
It’s bullshit.

Nothing should come before you, your authenticity, or your well-being.
You were made divinely and with a purpose regardless of what mortal beings may tell you.
So honor yourself.
Not just today but everyday.
Because nothing is better than being free.
Nothing is better than being your whole, true self.
Nothing is better than loving yourself.
Nothing is better than love.

Past, Present, and Future

Posted on January 28, 2008 by BuddahDesmond611

I often wonder if our ancestors are pleased with our progress.
Looking down on us, would they hold their heads high in praise or bow them
down in shame?
Would they feel that everything they fought for was in vain?
Would they feel we are living up to the legacy they’ve left behind?
It’s a valid question, considering the disparities within our community.
There are disconnects between generations and classes,
Between faith and moral values,
Between the revolutionary and the righteous,
Between traditional and unconventional,
Between family and community.
Sometimes it seems like we are ghosts of what we were before.
The shades of greatness remain,
But the people have yet to figure out how to channel its power.
All is not lost, yet not all is fully realized.

I hope that our ancestors have not given up on us, the way we have given up on
each other.
I hope they feel that we all can come together to believe and dream and fight to
win again,
Because it’s there—
It never left.
We were born to survive in even the bleakest situations.
There’s still time to mobilize.
There’s still hope and faith that we can get it together,
and bring everyone to the same place again.

We just can’t forget about what was.
We can’t forget about who fought the many battles and won.
We can’t forget about our ancestors.
We must think of them
Because they are why we are here,
And why we must go on.

—————-

Now playing: Kenna – Daylight via FoxyTunes

Buddah Desmond

Author of Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics

Category Archives: Society