RENDEZVOUS

Let's meet
At our spot
The one with our initials
Already carved
Into the Universe's memory

It won't forget
That we belong together
No matter how long
It takes us to arrive

And we'll show up
Fueled with esteem
Complete sentences
Ready to punctuate each other
To clarify that we
Are the appropriate marks
To leave on each others' lives

Just the right emphasis
That our hearts need
To sing in eclectic keys
Notes that only we'll be able to hit
Belt the words to our song
In a language we'll create
As our journey unfolds
And we learn our respective
Lyrics
And rhythms
Learn how to hum each other gently
Through the rough days
Back to a peaceful melody
Commemorate the good days
Remix and rewrite them
Into extended versions—
The best versions
Of ourselves—
Playing in the background
Of our union
At all times
So we'll never forget
Who we really are
To remind us that we're
Always more high quality
Than unmastered

So when one of us
Skips a beat
And the other
Botches the bridge
All we'll have to do
Is pause
Tune in to each other
Return to the hook
Together
And let it guide us back
To singing in harmony

So I'll meet you there
No directions needed
The Universe is our DJ
And will lead us
To our sacred space
In the middle
Of the dance floor
Right on cue

©2017 Charlene E. Green
from my book You Betta Write!

GOT MY CD YET?

Here's how you can get my poetry CD, She Is Poetry: Use this link She Is Poetry CD to pay $10, and you'll receive the download link via email (no physical copies at this time). SO simple! Don't have Paypal? No worries! Just choose the option to pay without Paypal!

Here's some of what has been said about it:

"I am enchanted with this poetry CD! This is my first thorough introduction to Charlene Hustle Diva Green and I am in love with her narrative approach to poetry. This collection of poems is spun with intriguing everyday stories that will resonate with the listener like a family painting, familiar and warm. People with a performance poetry ear will enjoy this body of metaphors." ~Nikki Skies—Author, Poet, Actress, Playwright

"I enjoyed the full-bodied work with its melodic comfort, a swig of funk, with a small touch of futuristic aromas. 'Confidence Within' is calm and collected, which was one of my favorite tracks!" ~Shay Ensley—Author, Artist, Entrepreneur

"Hustle Diva speaks with authority. She has a special way of encouraging and nurturing through her poetry, all the while being transparent about her own life lessons." ~Audra Bryant—Actress, Comedienne, Singer/Songwriter 

"I really enjoyed it very much. Your CD reeks 'confidence' and very much a woman who knows what she wants, what she is, and who she is. Happy I purchased. From one poet to another, keep up the good work in spreading the 'word.'" ~Quanda R. Graves—Author, Poet, Entrepreneur

*Includes my signature poem, "Misinformed (If the Shoe Fits)," which you can sample here, if you haven't heard it:

https://www.reverbnation.com/hustlediva/song/2871776-misinformed-if-shoe-fits-produced

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

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

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!

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 #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 #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

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

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

Sonnet #3 for February

NO OFFENSE

You’re cool to be with but my bestie is

Someone I know I cannot live without

Whenever needed, she’s there in a whiz

My number one fan that I'm proud to tout

There was a time when I did not know her

Like I do now because I would only

Rely on others by thinking they were

The best cure for moments I was lonely

Soon our lives changed and they were not around

And I noticed she was still by my side

Solid as rock with devotion abound

I realized then she would not be denied

There’s nobody better; now I can see

The friend who has all that I need is me

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #2 for February

MAMA KNEW

The stress of her world is almost too much

Day after day she fights feelings of shame

She planned a life that she almost could touch

Now things are ruined and won’t be the same

                     

At first the pressure wasn’t very strong

Seemed as if it was all under control

He showed his true colors before too long

Suddenly he was always on patrol

She and the kids can barely make a move

Without his questions and suspicious craze

Feels like she always has something to prove

It's been a nightmare getting through the days

If she had acted on mama’s advice

Maybe she wouldn’t be paying this price

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Sonnet #1 for February

STAYING OR GOING

I know the truth you keep trying to hide

The look in your eyes tells all I should know

If just this once by your heart you’d abide

The strength of our love would most surely grow

We have been at this weak game for so long

I am not sure how much more I can take

You insist that what you’re feeling is wrong

I fear that our bond is about to break

You’ve got to stop listening to your friends

They have no knowledge of how our thing flows

If you refuse to make sure this game ends

You’ll have to live with the fate that you chose

My time is precious; please don’t be confused

I love you but won't let it be abused

Copyright 2014
Charlene E. Green

Haiku #30 for January

PLENTIFUL

Loving what you have

is the cure for being sick

about what you don’t

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Thanks for reading! Please continue to support my work by viewing my tour campaign, contributing to my cause, and sharing the campaign link with your networks! https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/ecUob/ab/0255N5 Thank you in advance!

Haiku #21 for January

IN THE FALL

They fell in love but

their minds and self-respect were

lost on the way down

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

Thanks for reading! Please continue to support my work by viewing my tour campaign, contributing to my cause, and sharing the campaign link with your networks! https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/ecUob/ab/0255N5 Thank you in advance!

MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY

My Sentiments Exactly, my most personal compilation, was written over the course of about four years, while I was deep in the throes of major life changes and spiritual transformation. It's my favorite poetic work to date, and it features poems such as "Asunder" and "Time Management." 
To order, click the "Treat Yourself" link below the book.                                                                 
                                                                               

    

$15.00

 To purchase additional products, please visit www.hustledivaspeaks.com.