TIME CHANGE—HAIKU

Spring forward from their
dark views, spite. Slay, prolong your
light. Make them fall back.

©2018 Charlene E. Green
from my upcoming book
You Betta WRITE!

INAUDIBLE

Love self out loud like
parade: joy and high volume
drown out disruptors

©2017 Charlene E. Green
from my upcoming poetry 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

SHED

shed

like excess mental weight

the pounds

of their cruelty

the way they glare

and you silently agree

criticism

from people

not wearin' your skin

but callin' foul

for the way you

look in it

carry it

behave in it

shed

  

like dank clothes

the rubble

from your storms of persecution

sidestep
the ominous pond

of disapproval

puddled at your feet

like burdensome debt

shed

your subscriptions

to fear

loathing

discontent

of your life

your body

perceived

lack-ofs

shoulda-alreadies

shouldn'ta-dones

wanna-but-can'ts

shed 

the you

you adopted

and grew

fed lies to

based on their view

their spew

the you 

you scorn

cuz you think
what they shout

is gospel

and now what you are

is pawn
lurching to their slanderous cadence

not champion

of your magnitude

peep
how your arms
flit erratically
legs jerk
how you
beat and kick yourself to shame
with their commentary
parrot the script they write for you
to their delight

this isn't really  the role
you intend to keep playing
in your movie
is it?
you're the star
so get busy
rewriting

 

start a health-phrase diet

double portions 

daily

for your emaciated

self-reverence

gorge on them

get fat

on a superior assessment

of yourself

feast unapologetically

on mouthfuls
of your own delicious story
of a you
you look at proudly
smile at
celebrate and respect
can't get enough of
flaws and all
and say
"Damn, it's great to be me!"

then toss up
the middle-finger deuces
and shed
all the whole and partial
fucks you give
about the people
whose only desire
was to make sure
you never
gave a single fuck
about yourself

©2015 Charlene E. Green

 

JUST FOR YOU: MY WISH FOR WOMANKIND

HAIKU: "COMPETITION"

Woman, love self like
none can match yours, and watch as
folks try to rival

How often do you really "do you"? When's the last time you said no when that's what you meant; put make-up on—or not—because you wanted to, not to please someone else; dressed or wore your hair the way you prefer, not how your spouse or lover prefers; gave your body the rest it needs; took yourself on your ideal date; did nothing but what you wanted all day, for one day? When's the last time you asked yourself what you need or want, and thought about providing it for yourself? Have you ever asked?

As queens of sacrifice, particularly mothers, you're wired to nurture others first; but it's healthy to seek ways to provide for others in conjunction with nurturing yourself.  Some may take issue with this, possibly people you know and love. When you've evolved, only those who are a match to your level of evolution can function properly in your space. The rest will tend to keep their distance because they don't know how. You'll receive what you know you're worth. If people can't meet the terms of your upgraded mindset, then they'll either drop completely off, or they'll only interact with you in ways they feel comfortable. It may hurt, but let it be okay. Maybe they'll catch up one day, maybe not. In the meantime, you've made room for the kinds of visitors that'll go out of their way to match your requirements. You deserve that.

I lovingly challenge you to make it your daily goal to give yourself as much of what you need for your peace of mind as possible; all things such as children, family, and jobs considered, where some level of compromise may be necessary. The mere commitment to consider your needs daily is the shift of energy needed to make way for your fulfillment. Every effort to "get yours" counts. If you're never or hardly ever attempting to live your ideal life, then you'll always be waiting for others to provide love, attentiveness, and approval for you.

Life isn't meant to be a waiting game. Wait for no one to love you properly. Figure out how to love yourself the way you want, on your time, your terms. You'll be amazed at how people will be willing to match the respect you have for yourself. You'll be so content with what you give yourself that you won't have time for or interest in worrying about who else is or isn't on board with loving you right.

Ladies, I challenge you to find the courage to live just for you, whenever possible. I encourage you to start a competition with yourself—to experiment with how much you can increase your own self-love and self-esteem each day. Have fun with your self-care; plan it; commit to it; deepen it. Be excited every day to wake up to the privilege of being in your own company. Be so adamant about your well-being that you absolutely refuse to allow into your life those who aren't bringing your caliber of love to the table. Set the standard. Raise the bar high. Be choosy. Choose you. I dare you to make these bold moves. Then, I dare you to feel great about yourselves and love the subsequent results.

http://www.honorthespirit.com

THE LIFE-CHALLENGE SERIES: TRUTHFULLY SPEAKING ...

This post is now available at http://honorthespirit.blogspot.com/2015/02/truthfully-speaking.html

THE LIFE-CHALLENGE SERIES: FEAR IS YOUR PRISON

This post is now available at http://honorthespirit.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-life-challenge-series-fear-is-your.html

THE LIFE-CHALLENGE SERIES: PRACTICE MAKES YOU A WINNER

This post is now available at http://honorthespirit.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-life-challenge-series-practice.html

THIS WAY TO TRANSFORMATION

This post is now available at http://honorthespirit.blogspot.com/2015/01/this-way-to-transformation.html

NAPOWRIMO 8/30 (HAIKU): PLACES, EVERYONE

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

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 #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 #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 #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 #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

Haiku #25 for January

DELUSION

All that nip/tuck did
was trick you into thinking
you like yourself now

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

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TIME MANAGEMENT

Over time

the heavy of you

has gotten so much lighter

the weight of my affection

has decreased

to something manageable

pocket sized

only visible when I decide

to take it out and look at it

and even then

it’s just a glance

sometimes a lingering gaze

but nothing I can’t handle

cuz I’m in control now

I learned how to buck the system

the one where

my anxieties had me

strung up

doing a painful puppet dance

slave to their uncomfortable beat

but those days are over

cuz I finally accepted that

I would never be able to outrun

my heart

couldn’t even escape it

by hiding in the darkness

of my own shadow

it’s etched there too

so I stopped running

resisting

got proactive

realized I couldn’t just

hang around and wait for time

to make things better

in its own time

I had to get aggressive

and push the clock forward

when the sun shines so brightly

in your path that you can’t see clearly

beats down on you with so much vigor

that you feel assaulted

you don’t stay there

exposed to its harshness

you find ways to diffuse it

protect yourself

so you don’t get burned

now

when I window-shop you

it’s from a healthy distance

without the compulsion to

rearrange your exhibited position

reaccessorize you to fit my preferences

I accept that I may only be able

to admire you from afar

where I fantasize briefly about
what it would be like

to take you off display

out of the view and reach

of the others who’ve been

coveting you

and then I keep walking

can’t loiter too long

cuz time has a tendency

to get away from you

if you don’t monitor it closely

it’ll run amok and then have you

scrambling to backtrack on

important things you didn’t tend to

while you were distracted

like keeping the pieces of yourself

in proper order

from coming unassembled

and amid the chaos of your undoing

you’ll realize you were so busy

standing unprotected in the unbearable sun

getting scorched

that now there’s not enough time

to put yourself back together

before the parts get lost

Copyright 2014

Charlene E. Green

RE-RELEASE

Release yourself
give me so much that
you borrow snippets
from my storeroom
to revisit your memories

let me be your bookcase
assemble your biography
among my shelves
in no particular page order
I will arrange them
to suit the way
I wanna read you each day

favorite chapters first
details embedded within me
so well that on your worst days
I can be the mirror
of your experiences
reflect back to you
the best parts of your happy
take your focus off
the trauma on page 32
devastation, 76
betrayal, 210

no worries
as specialist
of your words
I know which to extract
and with them
I will feed you back
to mental nourishment
scatter the healthiest
phrases across your tongue
tell you
let them marinate
inject your buds
with the savory taste
of every smile
laugh
and felicitous moment
that has ever been yours

now swallow
let their
medicinal properties
flush out the virus
that contains your skeleton truths
allow me to wipe up the remnants
you are not contagious
I’m not afraid of the hideous
that may seep from your soul
the parts you
try to edit out
fearing my rejection

I will always offer
the best critique of you

insert my rave review at the end
addendum to everything you deem
unworthy of public knowledge

I’ll revise your chronicle
capitalize on all of its splendor
publish a second edition
then release you back to yourself
so you can relive your saga
thru my narrative
seize its merit
give it five stars
and claim yourself bestseller
like I do

Copyright 2012 Charlene E. Green