Friday, December 26, 2014

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

Monday, December 1, 2014

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

Friday, November 28, 2014

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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

Sunday, August 24, 2014

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.



Sunday, August 10, 2014

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

Friday, August 8, 2014

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

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

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

Saturday, July 12, 2014

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

Sunday, July 6, 2014

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


Friday, June 27, 2014

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.

Friday, April 18, 2014

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

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Saturday, April 12, 2014

NAPOWRIMO 7/30 (HAIKU): DEFLATE

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

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

Friday, April 11, 2014

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

Thursday, April 10, 2014

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!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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 5th 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!









Saturday, April 5, 2014

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




Tuesday, April 1, 2014

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

Monday, February 24, 2014

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

Sunday, February 23, 2014

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


Saturday, February 22, 2014

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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

Friday, February 14, 2014

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

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

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   

Sunday, February 9, 2014

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

Saturday, February 8, 2014

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

Friday, February 7, 2014

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

Thursday, February 6, 2014

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

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

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