THE SOUND OF MY VOICE

Not many people know this, but I've wanted to do voice-overs for a long time, probably since my early 20s. I always had this fantasy of doing the voice on a cartoon or in an animated film. Later, the urge escalated to wanting to do voice-overs for all viable media elements. I never really talked about this particular dream; I just kind of said it to myself and knew I meant it, and then went on about my writing business. It wasn't until I started performing my poetry that the urge grew, and I found myself thinking about it on a fairly regular basis. I've always been adept at disguising my voice, though not a whole lot of people know that, either.

Amid my various writing, publishing, and performing activities, I've searched here and there for ways to break into the voice-over biz, and I've even applied for quite a few VO opportunities. The problem I always came across was that I didn't have a VO reel ... and I wasn't sure how to get one started with my limited resources. The other night, after I sent off another reply for a VO opportunity (this time, they actually wanted more of a poet), I realized it was time for me to make a concrete move toward accomplishing my closet dream of being a VO artist. So, with my writing, performing, and voice-disguising talents in place, I decided to make some samples that showcased my abilities. I made up faux products, wrote out the faux scripts for them, and then recorded them using my laptop's app. Hey, you do what you can with what you have. This project is a work in progress, as my plan is to build a decent sized portfolio, but here's what I have so far. I'll continue to add to the pot in this post. If anyone out there reading this knows of a way for me to use what I have to obtain agency representation, or if you know of any freelance opportunities, then please let me know. Thanks in advance. By the way, those who know me or have heard my voice know that my reading in "Mystic Chef" is 90 percent my real voice. Of course, it's got some "tweak" to it for effect.



MYSTIC CHEF SLOW COOKER VO SAMPLE

ZAPIT COLD & FLU FOR KIDS VO SAMPLE

GREATER AGE VITAMIN BOOST FOR SENIORS VO SAMPLE

SWEET TOOTH: FOR MIKE BROWN ... AND ALL THE OTHERS

This ain't no free-for-all
A candy store
You've been turned loose in
To feast on our flesh
This chocolate
Ain't for sale
Or the taking
For your
Spiritual consumption

Always been mad
Envy so green
You look at us
And see
Money
Profit
Skill
Value
You need us
You hate that
Hate us
For being
Such rich chocolate
Robust commodity
So good for you
The darker the better
Supreme
Heart-healthy
Produce free radicals

Free
Radicals
Be game-changers
More virtue
Than you want us
To have

Your game
Doused with salt
With us in the mix
Mix up your emotions
Make you feel
Unstable
Erratic
Damn
We so potent
We savory
and
Sweet

We come in variety
Make us more prized
Coveted
Enrage you further
Leave you stupefied
Like 
How they do that?
Be so
Efficacious?
Indispensable?
Milk
Dark
Semi-sweet
Bittersweet
Make you bitter
'Bout our
Sweet
Worth

That spite
In your shirt pockets
Causin' inferno
In your heart
Make you weak
Weak turns to arrogance
Turns to fury
Turns to contemplation
'Bout how to shut
Candy store
Down
And
Rebuild
Without us

Problem is

White chocolate
Ain't equipped
To heal
Restore
Revolutionize
So
Without us
Nothing's left
But a world
With a raging sweet tooth
That will
Never
Be
Appeased

©2014 Charlene E. Green

MY APOLOGIES TO THE WAR HEROINES

*Inspired by the last line of Mahogany Browne's poem "Working Title": I'm so afraid to have a son.

Dear [Black] Mothers,


I will now
refer to you as
Warrior
since you're at war
with your faith
in peaceful days
cuz you birthed black boys

I'm sorry
every time your black sons
walk out the door
you picture mine-filled streets
ensnaring them
bombs donned in blue
with loose triggers
suspect intentions
precise aim

you dread their steps
knowing it doesn't matter
how lightly they tread:
their existence
is the only weight needed
to split the thin ice
they're skating on

I'm sorry your hearts
are too fragile
for simple good-byes
see you laters
be right backs

I'm sorry they're no longer simple

they sound like lies
your sons have no clue
they're telling

fear pillages your heartbeats
dines on your breaths
siphons the hope from your soul
when you hear them

I'm sorry
that in your world
sending them to the store
is synonymous with sending them
to their grave

you weep
pray
second guess
before saddling them
with that lethal task
cuz these days
they're more likely to survive
a freeway pileup
than the trip there and back

I'm sorry you wake up every day
choking on the stench of fatality
the knowledge that your sons
no longer have to be incarcerated
to incur a death sentence
that their melanin
is the revised definition
of "dead man walking"

I'm sorry your love
will never be
big enough
strong enough
mother enough
to protect your sons
from blue-clad bombs
explosive-teemed clips
excuses
tales
jurors
and the rigged system

I'm sorry
there's a war on your sons
you haven't been prepped
to defeat

©2014
Charlene E. Green

Hear Mahogany's poem here: http://youtu.be/ygWnVzFbrN0?list=UU5DH3eN81b0RGJ7Xj3fsjVg

WHERE'S WESTON, PART 1

If you haven't read my first novel, One Man's Treasure, then I invite you to treat yourself to this great story today. I dislike calling it a "romance novel," because that label doesn't really fit this story. Yes, it's about a relationship and love, but it's more about what happens when you have the kind of relationship that's strong enough to withstand any storm. It's unique. It's edgy. It's filled with authentic emotion and sticky life situations. This is not a hearts-and-flowers story; it's one that probably everyone out there can relate to in some way. Most of all, it will make you question your own morals and threshold for forgiveness and understanding.

Below is the link to a sample of a pivotal scene in which Katrice is dealing with the loss of her man, Weston. It has been slightly altered to keep key info about his absence confidential. You'll have to read the book to get those juicy deets! For those of you who have already read this book and know why he's gone, please don't give that info away in your comments. This is for the people who may be ready to get into Weston and Katrice's full story. Let them take the ride without spoilers, okay? Thanks!

                                                                    
Click here:

WHERE'S WESTON, PART 1



Oh, but there's more! Click --------> WHERE'S WESTON, PART 2

Ready to order? I thought so! ONE MAN'S TREASURE
Want it on Kindle? Fine! ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE 

WHERE'S WESTON, PART 2

Well, here we are in my novel And They'll Come Home, the sequel to One Man's Treasure, and Weston's gone again. What's the deal with this dude? (wink, smile) Where is he this time? Will he return anytime soon? Get your copy of And They'll Come Home (paperback) or They'll Come Home (Kindle), and find out what all this hoopla is about! In the meantime, click the link below for a little sample of the household goings-on while he's absent.


Again, for those who have read the novel and know where Weston is, please keep that info to yourselves. Don't ruin the surprise for those who may be about to partake in the whole story! Thank you kindly!

 

                                                                     
Click here:
WHERE'S WESTON, PART 2

                                

   

Didn't read WHERE'S WESTON, PART 1? Click here!

Ready to order? I thought so! AND THEY'LL COME HOME

Want it on Kindle? Fine! THEY'LL COME HOME

DAMAGED BUT WORTH SALVAGING

Sometimes, you're too far gone emotionally to see your worth, your beauty, your value in the world, to see a way out of your suffering. Sometimes, it takes someone else to be compassionate enough to not only see past your flawed layers but also to help you see past them so you can move forward with uplifting yourself. Nobody gets through this life without others' encouragement. You're lying if you say you've made it through every tough situation all by yourself, with no mental or physical assistance. Too much standing around judging and watching people suffer and not enough helping leads to lost souls ... and lost lives.

Is this your story or the story of someone you know? Check out the video below. Join the Anti-Suffering Movement. Challenge your focal point. No judgment where suffering is concerned.

IF YOU WRITE, THEN YOU NEED THIS BOOK

My informational guide, You and Your Editor, is really important to have if you're considering publishing. It has crucial information about the editing process, formatting, what you need to know and do before submitting your project, what to look for when searching for an editor, and it even has tips on what kinds of books and items it would behoove you to have on hand as a writer. It will save you so much time and stress. It's also a short book, so you can quickly get your knowledge and carry on with your endeavors properly. 

If you write on a regular basis and have projects that you plan to present to the public, then this is the book to utilize before you get into your publishing process. Order yours today!
YOU AND YOUR EDITOR

SHIFTING GEARS

Because I work with words in different ways in my career, what I notice is that sometimes, when it's time for me to help people in a certain way, I'm led to a focus shift. Sometimes I'm in poetry-writing mode, sometimes I'm in self-help-writing mode, sometimes I'm in poetry-performance mode, sometimes I'm in novel-writing mode, and sometimes I'm in editing and consulting mode. I don't plan the shift; it just happens. When it does, it's always very comfortable. I don't feel like I should be working on a different part of my literary career or feel a longing for or separation from the other elements when I'm immersed in a shift.

Right now, I'm in editing and consulting mode. In the past few weeks, I've had several projects come to me pretty much on top of each other, and it's been really enjoyable. Clearly, right now, my services in this realm are needed, and I'm grateful that people are choosing me. That said, if you're working on a book, thinking about starting one, or if you've just finished one, or if you have another type of project, now is a great time to get with me for whatever services you need for your work: novels, short stories, resumes, letters and general documents, and more. 

I invite you to let me help you in your literary endeavors. If you're interested in learning more about what I do, please click the link below.

www.cegliteraryservices.yolasite.com

YOU Again?

If entrepreneurs of any kind are not the McDonald's or Starbucks of their industry (not a household name and/or folks aren't tripping over themselves to support their biz), and they actually care about growing and exposing their brand so they can reach that status, then it's their job, literally, to promote themselves regularly, daily, if possible. Biz promotion comes with the territory, and unless their biz is more of a hobby than something they plan on making a living at, then they would be wise to promote often, regardless of what people think of their "constant posting about their stuff."
 
If you're not a biz owner, artist, etc., and you work for other people, you may not understand the importance of our mass emails, daily social-media posting, inboxing for support, crowdfunding campaigns, hourly Tweets, on and on. You may find us annoying. In your eyes, we may be seen as "always asking for something." Um, yeah, we are asking, cuz it's our job, since this is our life's work, not some silly pastime or a phase that'll soon play itself out. When you go to work for someone else, you're generally out of touch with the reality of what it takes for your boss to keep his/her biz running so you can get paid. We, on the other hand, are our own bosses, and we know all too well what goes into rounding up clientele and sales. It's not always easy or fun, but it has to be done if we wanna thrive in our careers.
 
Social media is "the way" these days to get the word out about a biz or product, so for all of you who don't have one or both of those, I invite you to remember that when you see our flurry of posts about our nine products and services, we're doing [a major part of] what we're supposed to do to succeed. It takes time, thought, and innovation to come up with fresh ways to catch the public's attention every day. Posting the same spiel can be a turnoff, so some kind of creativity with our advertising is necessary. That's a job in itself, people, a challenging one sometimes. Closed mouths don't get fed, and we gotta eat, just like you.

©2014 Charlene E. Green

READY OR NOT

Staying ready for the opportunities you desire, even when it looks like nothing is happening, sends a message of anticipation and seriousness to the universe, which is the prerequisite for the opening of doors. You don't get ready when folks come knocking; you prep daily so when they do knock, you can calmly answer with all your ducks in a row. Don't be fooled by the silence ... it's only a test. Are you  prepping among the quiet of your dreams' unfolding? If you're not, and you're sitting around whining, waiting idly, and being mad about others getting theirs, then you're not serious. Can the silence be frustrating? Sure. But will it keep you from moving forward? You decide ...

Ever since my book deal with Kensington Publishing, for my novel One Man's Treasure, snuck up on me back in 2008, and I was ready, cuz I anticipated it, I got to see first hand how fly it is to keep pushing through the silence, even when you have no clue when your dream(s) will be realized. When my agent called me in December 2007 with the news of possibly being picked up, she asked me if I could get my manuscript to her in two days. I had that mug in her inbox that same day, thankyouverymuch. I was so grateful that I had enough faith in my dream to stay ready, and it was then that I vowed to continue along that path, in whatever new endeavors I took on. 

No matter what the situation looks like or how challenging it is to muddle through the unknown, I prep every day for my dreams in some way, even if it's just making a small change to my web site or spending time thinking about what to write next. There's not a day that goes by that my brain and body aren't in mission mode. I know how this works. And I refuse to get caught with the deer-in-headlights look on my face when opportunities show up. If I've got my eye on it, I'm working on it.

And by the way, they offered me a 2-book deal, and I was ready for the second book cuz I was only 4 chapters away from finishing the sequel to One Man's Treasure, And They'll Come Home. HA!

Good day, Dreamers!

©2014 Charlene E. Green

CURFEW: FOR OUR NIGERIAN GIRLS

I wish this could be as simple

as broken rules

about

the street lights are on

and you’re late

about

git’cho butt inside

it’s dinnertime

come clean up this room

finish that homework

as easy-peasy as fed-up mamas

snatchin’ back curtains

throwin’ windows open

hands on hips

peerin’ down the block

to growl your name and shout:

“I’m not gon’ tell you again!”

while you whiz by on your bike

plead for just five more minutes

and she smiles

chuckles

shakes her head

remembers her youth

her pleads

her eyes soften

and she lets you ride

would do anything

for it to be as “uh-oh”

as fire-breathin’ daddies

sportin’ shiny brass knuckles

waitin’ impatiently at front doors

for never-be-good-enough boys

to bring you home from first dates

that their mouths blessed

cuz you begged

but their hearts didn’t

would much rather this be about

200+ mischievous girls

quietly convergin’

and sneakin’ off

on a secret forbidden journey

fingers strung together

like paper-doll chain

squelchin’ the high-pitched giggles

ticklin’ their ribs

runnin’ free

wind coolin’ their backs

sun meltin’ the cares in their hearts

trekkin’ with no fears

gon’ be right back

gon’ be all right

cuz they got each other

but these wishes are in vain

the street lights have been on for months

and still

none of you are where you’re supposed to be

cuz you were force-fed this broken curfew

into the Sambisa

into marital slavery

and you’ve been gagging

on the bane the forest’s bowels

on coerced $12.00 vows

trying to unbind the silence in your throats

to find enough voice to scream for help

for directions to lead you home

from the detour of Haram

the government’s search has ebbed

and we will not rely on them

to continue to care enough to find you

their time may have been cut

but these clocks in our hearts

will remain ticking

  

we

are your spiritual search party

at night

in our uneasy sleep

our snores

are surveillance helicopters

fueled by the inferno in our blood

that keeps our tanks from running dry

our rapid-eye movements are searchlights

in the murk of our dreams

powered by determination

to illuminate your path

show you the way to freedom

and they will never burn out

no matter how long the nights

how hard the days

piece by piece

we will link the jigsaw of you

back together

rip you from the filthy grips

of the insurgents that body-snatched you

from your rights

from your school

from your learning

from your homes

and we will annul you from your captors

interlock your fingers

to remind you of oneness

of sisterhood

of love

of safety

of strength in cultural numbers

and lead you to your dwellings

where the street lights will beam

and mamas and daddies will be waitin’

impatiently at front doors

to envelop you

inhale your scent

stroke trust into your faces

nurse your spirits back to certainty

revel in your touch

tribal dance in your smiles

to exhale

to live again

©2014 Charlene E. Green
To listen to audio of "Curfew: For Our Nigerian Girls," click here

HERITAGE SONNETS: FOR THE LOVE OF BLACK YOUTH

Heritage Sonnets are specifically for the purpose of encouraging healthy esteem in black youth. They are cards that double as bookmarks, for boys and girls, with a short poem on the front (a sonnet) that sends a message of empowerment and lets them know they are valued in this world, and a space on the back to write a special note. What started out as one set of inspirational sonnets ("Fly" and "Pride") has turned into a growing series that I hadn't planned on, but that I'm very excited about. This is a project that I'm now totally focused on building and improving. I invite you to support this worthy cause.
 Here are 5 ways the product benefits black youth:                   

1. Encourages viewing themselves in a new light and prompts affirmative [re]examination of their worth;
2. encourages them to explore poetry, possibly be curious enough to study it;
3. gives something positive to read about themselves every day but short enough to keep their attention;
4. gently warns about “reality potholes” where they’re concerned and presents proactive, healthy solutions that prompt early self-care;
5. encourages deeper cultural awareness, interest, and discussion.

 To view product and to order, click link: http://www.hustledivaspeaks.com/Pages/HERITAGESONNETS.aspx.
Thank you in advance for your caring and support.

NAPOWRIMO 10/30 (HAIKU): MORNING

Wake me with fresh-squeezed
hope flowing from my pores to
water my faith drought

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 9/30 (HAIKU): RESTORATION

You are hurricane
powered to reset balance;
cyclone yourself new

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 8/30 (HAIKU): PLACES, EVERYONE

Fine to admire
folks, but make room for yourself
on the pedestal

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 7/30 (HAIKU): DEFLATE

They probably don't
notice you cuz your ego
is blocking their view

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 6/30: TEETH

I've been using my teeth
to do more than eat
for a long time.

Truth is
I do bite.
I've been known to
escape from behind
my gate of civility
sink my fangs
into people's feelings
and leave more
than flesh wounds.

I've hurt many
with my
Quick Draw McGraw tongue.
Used to blast folks
without thinking
caring
cuz I felt like saying
what I wanted
and if you
had a problem with it ...
So.
What.

Used to say things
to vex people on purpose.
Sometimes ...
it was an accident.
I spoke when my emotions
were raw.
Made people cry.

A family member
disowned me for four years
after I ripped out
her jugular.

Came unhinged
in my mother's peaceful home
right in front of her
when I released all
of my unfiltered Leo
on an ex-boyfriend
and let the savage lion
living in the back of my throat
mangle his face
through the phone

Scared her speechless.

She had never seen
a tornado
until that day
when it whirled
from my lips
for five minutes
and blew her roof off.

She tried to stifle my storm
but was too verklempt
to fully interrupt me.

I was sorry I scared her.
Not sorry I pummeled him.
Still not sorry.

Those are the consequences
if you trample
on my boundaries
and my wrath
isn't properly contained.

These days
I'm wiser
more tactful
compassionate.
I reassess
the toxins
I wanna release
before they abscond from me
and ruminate on
the potential outcome
of my onslaught.

Then
I call on my teeth.

Thank goodness for my teeth.

They're my
referees
padlocks
prison bars.

When my tongue
goes all slip 'n' slide
and mean-girl words
pull out their shanks
climb aboard
and begin their descent
my teeth
are my saving grace.

I grind them
clench them
fake-smile
through them

anything

to trap the assailment
in my mouth
keep the words from
falling to my regret

and the death
of people's esteem.

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 5/30: 411

some of them
won't like you
will think you're less than
will never be interested
in who you are

they'll sneer at you
your efforts
nickname you Road Kill
whenever it seems like life
is mowing you down

they'll cackle
like bourgie hyenas
at your misfortune
behind your back
sometimes right in your face
with their volatile breath
close enough for you to spit in theirs
and you will
but only in your mind

won't offer assistance
cuz they want you to fail
wanna watch you tussle
for your life
like the freshly pummeled road kill
they see you as
from the front row
shoveling popcorn and Bon Bons
into their scummy mouths
during the show
pointing out all your faults
yelling at you from their seats
about your screw-ups
how incompetent you are
how they would handle things better
if they were in your shoes

and you'll wonder
why these hooligans exist
why they chose you
as their daily entertainment
why with them around
your life feels like
a horror movie

BUT ...

if viewed properly
they can be the key
to unlocking your beast mode
unleashing your unlimited potential
all the confidence you think you don't have
the strength you've been challenged to muster
they can help you reach a level of badass
you didn't know existed

so use them
they're your reflection
sending you a message
one that wouldn't show up
unless it applied to you

you're not road kill
inadequate
a failure
but if we're honest
sometimes you feel like it
and you attract what you feel
even when you don't realize you feel it

people show up
to show you
you
to teach you
things you didn't know
about your state of mind

pay attention

cuz none of what they say
would affect you
if you didn't think it were true
on some level

people don't "make" you feel insecure
you wake up like that

you're a trove
of unfinished business
that needs to be tackled
in order for you to shine

your whole game will change
when you finally realize
hooligans
are nothing but you
pushing you
to be brave enough
to dig into your darkness
find your light

and blind them


Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green
From the upcoming poetry book You Betta WRITE!

NAPOWRIMO 4/30: SHERO

She says "up there"
is the only place her heart
is safe

says
when she looks above
and confides in the heavens
the clouds don't judge
they're superheroes
that rush to her rescue
absorb her anguish
like cotton
imprison it
in their puffy padded rooms
to keep her out of
the one she's on her way to
and keep her in her right mind

about

everything gone wrong
dreams that slipped through the cracks
cuz she hadn't found ways
or enough faith
to seal their fate

about

everyone who wants for her
things she doesn't
and wants from her
what she's never bothered
to give herself

about

having little to show for her life
cuz she's too busy
living for others
feeding their souls a sumptuous buffet
while she
pecks at their crumbs
after they've scarfed and run
without so much as a thank you
leaving her malnourished
they
fat and full off her care
she
emaciated
starved for her own attention
no energy left to even honor
her basic requirements

"no" is the only song
her esteem plays
cuz "yes" is the tune
she shimmies to
when they sing the blues
and she
is the only one
attending their concerts

but today is different

there are no clouds
to shelter her woes
nowhere to suspend her pain
nothing
but a vast expanse
of sapphire
a slate cleaner
than her own conscience

and the message is clear:
it's time to embrace this life
her decisions
her living in lack
for lack of courage
to be stronger
live better

and

superheroes only exist
within
when we become them
when we sew on a weather-proof cape
and fly to our own rescue
wielding inexhaustible superpowers

that the stratosphere
can no longer be
her enabler
will no longer play host
to her misery

it has done all it can
to trump the deceivers
lasso the villains
and slay the monsters

the rest
she'll have to handle alone 

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 3/30: SCHOLASTICS

I’m not here to play

you

are not a childhood schoolyard game

a recess pastime

for kicks

and

this is not 5^th grade

I’m grown-woman status

I

graduated from puppy love

my pursuit is

doctorate

in your program

amass all facts

produce flawless dissertation

stay fully apprised

of your prerequisites

say nothing

I’ll know you

like my undisclosed next move

test me, love

I will ace you

closed-book

my hand

blanketing your heart

every night

while you sleep

thumping your history

your destiny 

into my grasp

where I’ll palm-read you
daily

across the grooves

of my lifelines

will be all the answers

I’ll need

to slide summa cum laude

effortlessly

into your soul

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green
From my upcoming book You Betta WRITE!

NAPOWRIMO 2/30: DESIGNATED DRIVER

It’s not that I'm short on daily narration

I got plenty of stories I wanna tell

thing is

these sagas

are sometimes like

an unruly gaggle

of drunken teens

stampeding out of

the party in my head

at the same time

stumbling over each other

my brain an unattended parking lot

that they trash

with incohesive dialect

that I scramble to gather

and turn into stimulating accounts

to no avail

and in this precarious state

I’m no longer their monarch

they have no respect for me

don’t follow my directions

don’t give a damn

what I want from them

that I expect them

to display decorum

show up for me

rep my position properly

instead

they’re my bastard children

on a rampage

refusing to be tamed

during their circus act

leaving me unable

to regain dominion

and drive them to my page

without incident

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

NAPOWRIMO 1/30: SORRY

I will not apologize
for doin' me
tendin' to my business
havin' my own back
at a moment's notice
no regard for whether you
like
understand
approve
or not

won't feel "some kinda way"
cuz you're uncomfortable
with the pace of my life
the depth and length
of my challenges
my perceptions
how I embrace
what's on my plate

this
is my meal
and I'll season it
how I damn well please
it's supposed to be
to my liking
not
yours

if I feel I can benefit
from some of your flavoring
then I'll ask
for two shakes
but rest assured
I'll be monitoring them
to make sure
you only throw in two
cuz
I know how you can be
give you the chance
to spice things up
and start "accidentally"
tossin' in extra dashes
of all the substances
that upset my stomach
you know
the usual suspects:
judgment
sarcasm
ridicule
and dismissal
when what I invited
you to add
were
wisdom
and encouragement

two
shakes

but since you sometimes
don't know how to act
and forget who's head chef
in my world
then please believe
I won't be sorry
when I shut you down
mid-sprinkle
and tell you
the kitchen
is closed


Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #21 for February

DREAM WIZARD

I love the way you take over my dreams

In them you say all things I want to hear

My sleep goes to ’nother level, it seems

When you step on scene, nightmares disappear

We are a fairytale inside my head

All laughter, love and hugs, words candy sweet

No toss ’n’ turning, contentment instead

Cold nights don’t matter cuz you bring the heat

This kind of head trip I want on replay

Let’s get syndication crackin’ post haste

Energized when I rise to start my day

Time away from you while ’wake hate to waste

Countdown to bedtime, I anticipate

Affair in Dreamland sure to titillate

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #20 for February

STRIVE

Great way to love self is stay true to word

Always attempt to see commitments kept

Self-esteem lowers when tasks are deferred

Don’t conjure up excuses to accept

Empowerment ensues when you exert

Effort to tackle all matters at hand

Never let ego cause you to divert

Push past its mind games; show you’re in command

Life can be challenging, sometimes you’ll find

May not be able to get it all done

No need to feel defeat, kindly remind

You did the best you could do, so you won

Solid impression of self is top goal

Build it through taking good care of your soul

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #19 for February

POTENTIAL

You have a bad habit of coming in

And ripping apart lives of those in sight

Dealing with you it seems no one can win

They run opposite direction in fright

Maybe it’s due to your abusive past

Traits picked up from those in charge of rearing

Foster system where so many amassed

Lack of care left you in state of fearing

Now only side you can show is the worst

Cuz no one capitalized on your best

Undivided attention is main thirst

Hoping it will cure your soul’s deep unrest

Somewhere within lies a trapped heart of gold

To invite love into life you must mold

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #18 for February

MISSION

She sings like butterfly, solely self-taught

Bring you to tears, captivate with rare voice

Since baby, belting out tunes she was caught

All who listen overcome with rejoice

Even with all due praise she did receive

Parents failed to encourage singing dream

Industry will corrupt her, they believe

Pushed hard to come up with new career scheme

Aiming to please those who gave her this life

She strayed from chosen route burning in heart

Only to find spirit teeming with strife

Since forcing self to divorce from her art

Unable to keep up painful charade

Remarried true path for which she was made

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #17 for February

GRATITUDE WALK

Feeling so fortunate that I’m bestowed

With the senses I sometimes fail to praise

Race through life, time for gratefulness reload

Focus on wonderment, wipe out malaise

Strolling down street get whiff of rosemary

Jasmine creeps in and my nose is enthralled

Poppies in bloom such glamor they carry

My eyes so bedazzled, journey is stalled

Hear birds tweeting such a passionate song

Dogs bark in yards protecting owners’ wealth

Feel comfy shoes support feet through walk long

Sense perception great boost for mental health

So many simple pleasures we ignore

Keep faculties primed for gifts to adore

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #16 for February

CLUELESS

Young teenage couple, what’chu gonna do

With that baby you both swore not to make?

So full of lust, careless, now you two rue

Bun in oven with eight months left to bake

Foolhardy ones, thinking you’d be exempt

From “oops” moment just because of first time

No prophylactic in use to preempt

Sperm and egg, mom and dad fate before prime

This is what happens when guidance is nil

Kids running wild and loose, unschooled, naïve

Urgent facts no one around to instill

Too late now, blemished future left to grieve

Hope that one time was worth all that’s ahead

Good luck with ease keeping child clothed and fed

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #15 for February

PRIDE

Precious black girls, let’s talk about your hair

How society’s got you steeped in shame

About its texture, length, coil, please beware

Your lack of self-love’s the name of their game

Let’s discuss color of your superb skin

Personalized hue, no clone, it’s unique

Never look upon your shade with chagrin

Pigment you're blessed with is full of mystique

Almost no way to embrace history

With so many countering its allure

Drowned out by schools that keep truth mystery

Beauty's always been your name; this is sure

Seek those who'll help you affirm culture's gift

Walk with head high, rocking perception shift

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green 

Sonnet #14 for February

FLY

Precious black boys, teach yourselves how to sew

Learn how to tailor your minds at young age

More crucial for the world's needs than you know

Life without your talents would cause outrage

Though your divine wings are by birthright strong

Rivals' hatred cuts deep; damage is sure

If clipped by their wrath, it won’t be too long

Before your ease of soar is made obscure

Prioritize mission to guard your flight

Master mending skills, keep spirit well placed

Longer you stay wounded makes their days bright

Stitch up quick, hit sky, show splendor with haste

Best recipe for revenge is surprise

On faces when no matter what you rise

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #13 for February

SINGLE SERVING

There’s not enough of me to go around

I was not created to spread self thin

When you get hold of me you’ll see you found

All-in-one package, true treasure within

I’m the missing piece of puzzle you need

To close gap in the space where your heart broke

Nutrient-filled caring is what I’ll feed

Spiritual high it’s sure to evoke

My type of loving is not to be shared

You’ll want to hoard these rare morsels of me

Your needs and my contents perfectly paired

Make you feel so fancy, act bourgeoisie

No need to rush, savor flavor at will

Hunger pangs of soul I completely kill

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #12 for February

LEMON LAW

I love the lemonade you make of life’s

Lemons, turning bitter-tasting trials sweet

You acknowledge that you’ll encounter strife

Mentally prepared to endure the heat

Honest with self when frustrations are high

But refuse to drown in pity and woes

Instead push shoulders back, lift head to sky

Pray for some sugar to balance tart blows

Firm faith always on hand to pull you through

Blocking out haters’ negativity

Anticipating peace, victories new

Keep eyes on prize is your proclivity

You’re expert on laws of how to create

Perfect drink to ensure praiseworthy fate

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #11 for February

WALK ON BY

You think you know how to walk in my shoes

Better than I do; your judgment is large

Let me crack your face; hear this shocking news

With your weak foundation you can’t take charge

Barely striding smoothly on your own path

But got the nerve to be directing me

I’m attempting not to serve you my wrath

Got me about to shriek like a banshee

I did not ask for your wack conclusions

Approaching like psychic with crystal ball

You need to clear up those grand delusions

Tend to your own unlaced shoes ’fore you fall

Quit making my life your freaking campaign

Or my foot in your ass you will obtain

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #10 for February

JEKYLL AND HYDE

Social media’s the mask of your choice

Thankful you found the perfect hiding place

For brandishing of your inflated voice

Posting pics of fake cheesy grin on face

Non-supportive household shunned you in youth

Treated you like your existence was trite

No surprise you began to act uncouth

Lack of decorum worsening sad plight

Thought you could fool all those who knew you well

Game of Charades an embarrassing joke

You should have known it would be hell to sell

Such a farce of self to discerning folk

Nobody’s buying; deactivate spiel

Take hiatus till you learn to be real 

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green   

Sonnet #9 for February

POWER COUPLE

They formed alliance when they converged hearts

Life’s pokes and jabs would never damage them

Both born into dysfunction off the charts

A pathway these two determined to stem

Odd couple, no doubt; some thought they would fail

Confidence always reigned in their merging

Strong friendship between them, neither would bail

Regardless of people’s frequent urging

Anytime outsiders tried to encroach

And wreck their concrete foundation of love

They had the chutzpah to quickly reproach

Firmly united just like hand in glove

Guarding a relationship takes teamwork

Stay ready for the bond breakers that lurk

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Butterfly Free

Sonnet #8 for February

DO YOU

Sometimes all that’s needed is sunny day

To let soothing rays burn clouds from cold heart

Life’s filled with so much confusion and gray

Steal away moments to garner fresh start

Have you ever dared play hooky on life

Packed mental bags and checked out for a while

Purposely left behind all of your strife

So that fresh perspective you can compile?

Can’t wait for your boss, lover, fam, or friends

To give permission to tend to your needs

Have your back first or control of life ends

Pencil-in putting self first with good deeds

You are in charge of loving yourself best

When you do, for peace you’ll no longer quest

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #7 for February

CARDIOLOGY

Normally I’d say don’t play with my heart

But I’m convinced that you deserve a pass

You came with special tactics from the start

Your type of game is amusement in mass

When you gaze at me in that sexy way

My heart dances to a jovial beat

Comedy you bring tickles it all day

Making my cares finally take back seat

Your hands envelop me and my heart skips

Like a buoyant child on schoolyard playground

Each time you smile it does cartwheels and flips

This frolicsome love is mighty profound

You in my life is like lifelong recess

My ticker’s free of drama and distress

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #6 for February

NEARSIGHTED

Come utilize my eyes as telescope

Revel in this grandiose close-up view

Spectacular scene, my mission’s to rope

You into perceiving yourself anew

Insight informs me that you’ve been misled

By the direction of their detoured thought  

Making you question your breathtaking stead

Time to excavate the folly they taught

Modify lens, aggrandize your luster

Here comes the climactic part of the show

My vantage point be that belief buster

Force you to see what you should long ago

Transform the strength of your vista from here

Delusions about your worth disappear

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #5 for February

SAFETY NET

Hand me your stress at the end of the night

Turn to me in place of others around

Let me be haven to your covert plight

Show you just how much you’re truly renowned

Don’t you ever tire of putting on airs?

Faking the funk so you won’t lose your cool?

They couldn’t care less about your affairs

Talk behind your back and call you a fool

What I deliver is true peace of mind

Safe place to examine your heart's decay

Enclosed in my arms where you can unwind

No filter needed for what you display

I’m the vessel for your overflowed cup

Always on post when you need lifting up

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Next month will mark 11 years since I moved to L.A. from the Bay Area. When I arrived, I had a movie script, a half-written novel (One Man's Treasure), and the dream to be a successful writer. Yesterday, I published for the 13th time (books). When I look back at this journey, I'm amazed at all I've done and been through to get to this point. I didn't even start publishing until 2007 because I spent the first 4 years here stuck at my 9-5, dying a horrifically slow, painful spiritual death. I chose to resign at the end of 2006 to save my mental and physical health (NO joke), and so I could properly nurture my life's mission as a writer. But between the day I set foot here, and now, I've encountered more challenges than in my entire life. I had two major surgeries 3 years apart, one of them saving me from paralysis; I've lost all my major possessions; been homeless; endured the Universal System of Income (which means getting up every day not knowing when or from where income will appear); and stood up confidently in the face of being ignored and rejected in my career, and people's "encouragement" to get off my path and do something else because [clearly, to them] it wasn't working out. But through all of that, I have always done what I came to L.A. (and into this world) to do: write, create, and make a difference in people's lives while doing so. I can honestly, and proudly, say I've accomplished that feat, with much more to come.

A lot of what I've written over the years has derived from the lessons I've learned in the past decade. My sincere intention is for my words to teach and inspire (even my fictional novels are set up to do that). I invite you all to view and partake in what I've created. Yes, I write because I love it, but I publish for the public. My standards are very high for myself, so when I do, I take great pains to ensure that it's always my best at the time. Not all of my content makes it into the books. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me along the way. You've confirmed that I'm doing my job properly, and well. My appreciation for you runs deep.

What I've learned the most is how serious I am about my craft. Nothing has kept me from it. Nothing. This is what doing a life mission is about. You find ways to keep it pushing, no matter what. I'm thankful for everything I've gone through and learned, because it's only solidified me in my work, not deterred me from it. I couldn't be prouder of myself.

You'll find the links to my work below.

Poetry/Motivational Speaking

Editing/Consulting

Novels

Sonnet #4 for February

WAR-TORN

The only thing that gets him through the day

Is pondering being with them again

The void in his soul tends to always stay

Attached to questions that begin with ‘when’?

Like when will he be able to call home

To hear the details of wife and kids' lives

He makes sure to pack them into his dome

To ward off crazy thoughts till he arrives

And when will wife’s letters finally come

The wait has been so long he wants to scream

As months fly by his heart begins to numb

Her silence is crushing his self-esteem

Trying to stay strong is killing the fight

He’d planned to use to serve his country right

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green