(02/01/2021) The Place of History

Historians and poets are called to serve no less than griots, prophets, those who can reveal, the unseen levels of truth surrounding events and lives. Because the accountability, process and substance they bring to market are priceless, seeking their wares requires deep humility, respect, and wisdom provided by the universe. The following original poem is offered in exchange during Black History Month 2021 and is titled, The Place of History. It is written: Ecclesiastes 7: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Acts 17: 23-31, King James Version (KJV): 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: So Help Me GOD! (01/22/2021); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018); Bloody Sunday -- Black History (02/14/2018); Black History -- Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015)

THE PLACE OF HISTORY

A Poem for Black History Month, February 2021

Talking History can not be cheap-talk and talking smack.

There are some who say the place of History

must be the mind, and not the heart. For the

heart is turned too easily by keys of feeling,

passion, archtypal hopes, and fantasies, the wisps

of legend and dream, all ancient power

magic, death, and lies. The mind engages knowing

as a firmament and platform to continue sacred order

and imparted consciousness. What is uttered

breathed as spirit, poured forth as word

the sound of many waters finds focus firm

direction, through desire, strength by action

with presence and fulfilment, and must explain itself

when historians and poets are no longer there to defend.

America cannot be the primary place for our History

for our trek has been like that of the Hottentots

who rose from the South of Continent exploring north to

east, east to south, and sowing Amazulu seed

and returned the way they came till times of Diaspora.

Ours has been a truth declared by drum,

right-knowing, and shared by foot, by tongue

by brighter minds, by stars that lead to freedom

by sorrow songs and chants of victory.

This place where Senates dripping shame

bitch-slap the Nation day-by-day

announce the verdict of impeachment trials

two months before any evidence is heard or the

Judge has banged the gavel to begin

can be no home of righteousness, where sin

called by its proper name is “sin”.

Should Black Americans endorse as truth

I’m right when I’m wrong, because...​?

I’m Republican, I’m elected, I am wealthy, I am white.

The claim we’ve made is not to be dismissed,

ignored or perverted because some clearly have lost

their way, and more than ever stand in need of what

we have to say.

History does not dictate our purpose; we often err and may become misguided. Without our contribution there is no USA.

Our History is written into the life of every nation on the earth

speaking, yes, about our ancestors as well of

future daughters and our sons. Those claiming part

in this universe must acknowledge inseparable facts of

life. A single Creator, with no Big Bang or

expanding time and space void of genuine purpose.

We have pitied those in confusion whose maturity is not yet

come, yet we will not let their chaos reign. Black History continues

and the Chronicles of heaven must contain us until

all eternal purpose has been done.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Ecclesiastes 3: 14-17. King James Version (KJV): 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. 16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:32 PM, January 31, 2021 @ https://talkingdrumsblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/african-diaspora_slave-trade.gif

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2021. All rights reserved.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/05/2018) Black History -- Johannesburg Gold

Remembering Hugh Masekela
And the Americanization of Ooga Booga

Today, my annual poem acknowledging Black History month is shared.  A griot, musician, storyteller, and teacher, Hugh Masekela was forced to flee to the United States (USA) from his home in South Africa (USA), and he carried with him the rich culture, heart, and treasure of its people to six continents.  Masekela proclaimed a “promise of the future” and, at the same time, he projected a look to the human heritage and legacy many thought were irretrievably lost.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven:  and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.  And immediately I was in the spirit:  and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.  And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:  and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:  and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.  (Revelation 4:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Acknowledging The Precious Things (02/01/2017); Prophesying By Music Ministers (11/06/2017); Poem — What’s In A Name? (06/05/2016); Poem for Amiri Baraka (01/15/2014); Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela:  An Acknowledgment (12/12/2013); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013)

JOHANNESBURG GOLD

For Jazz Giant, Hugh Ramapolo Masekela (1939-2018)
 Black History Month 2018

What for?  A dust pouch fat after blasts to make the rock release its grip

To be never unknown in a place where slick is hip

A brief applause that pushes the cigarette salesman away

The wail of the coal train whistling through the starless day

From this side of the cavern to the next, from this side of the pain, to the other

It's what I would do were I free to love again

It's what I would do because I love my brother.


What for?  I stand, I teach, Pan African oneness, Negritude, escape from apartheid death

Or Miles Dewey Davis challenging me, calling forth my every living breath

Mbaqanga beginnings heard where the little head boys don’t graze

Six continents to span, to finally say, I’m here, Diaspora home, and praise

Our ancestors saying, I am here, and, free at last, and my own man

I am here and free, in a strange, new ingot hoarding land.


What is wrong with moving, changing, growing, never still

Loving long enough for sons to receive an overspill

Hear me under the earth, come up from down below

Never let injustice quench the light of possibility, or cage Unohilo

We are always safe in the arms of love, and the bishop’s gift was not by coincidence

Hear the trumpet calling us to heritage without mystery to “Ooga Booga” with new excellence

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2018.  All rights reserved.

Acknowledging the fullness in the body of Christ, there is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/13/2015) Slaves to Sin?

Points are shared, today, on bondage to sin and the periods of captivity and exile among the Jews.  By comparison to those from Africa who were forced to endure chattel slavery (status as another person’s belongings, goods or property) in Europe and the United States of America, the Jews have undergone discrimination, persecution, and prejudice, yet, have continued as a free and independent people.  The effects of abasement and the destruction of social institutions (e.g., customs, family, marriage, parenting, sacred practice, traditions) suffered by the sons of Africa continue among the diverse cultures of the world to this very hour.  In the holy writings, the first account of chattel slavery appears as the consolidation of Egypt.  Ownership and possession are major themes within the Scriptures.  The Jews appear to have escaped bondage, and remained the “property of GOD.”  Relief for the great famine administered by Joseph, resulted in a transformation of Egyptian government wherein the people became chattel, and the personal property of the Pharaohs.  Following their separation from the house of David under Rehoboam, son of Solomon, the Northern Kingdom (also called Israel and Samaria) condemned worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, and worship of the golden calf of Egypt was introduced.  Eventually, the North was overrun and subjugated by the Assyrians in what is called “captivity” due to the elements of forced labor, military conquest, and the people being relocated to develop weaker areas of the empire.  Hundreds of years later, the Southern Kingdom (also called, Judea) would be exploited in the same way by the Babylonians.  Where captivity is seen imposed by a foreign conqueror, exile is the lawful punishment by divinity where those in perpetual covenant for the Promised Land are banished and scattered from their homeland.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “hiniikken” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since November 22, 2007) posted the following:


John 8:33 says that the Jews told Jesus they were never slaves. But they were slaves in Egypt , and then Babylon.?

John 8:33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  (Hebrews 2:  14-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Malachi (01/02/2015); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)


“hiniikken”, the word of GOD to Abraham as prophecy described a people being set apart and taken out (we say, sanctified) for divine service from among the sons of Adam who otherwise would remain in bondage to sin.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Genesis 15:  12-16, KJV:  12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.  13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;  14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge:  and afterward shall they come out with great substance.  15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.  16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again:  for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

(2.)  Genesis 47:  17-21, KJV:  17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses:  and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.  18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:  19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh:  and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.  20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them:  so the land became Pharaoh’s.  21 And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.

(3.)  Galatians 4:  22-26, KJV:  22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.  23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.  24 Which things are an allegory:  for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.  25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.  26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

(4.)  Galatians 4:  30-31, KJV:  30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son:  for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.  31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

(5.)  Romans 6:  11-13, KJV:  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

(6.)  Romans 6:  16-17, KJV:  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  Romans 6:  21-23, KJV:  21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/12/2013) Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: An Acknowledgment

Today I present an acknowledgement of Nelson Mandela that I have been sharing with U. S. President Obama, the Ambassador of South Africa Rasool (Washington, DC), U. S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and others, a poem, ALL AFRICA REJOICING.  Just as the power of a single word, so the power of a single association or a single image.  The poem appearing upon the page is always only a fragment of the writers mind, while the other pieces are to be found within the reader.  At best, a poem is a fragment of thought, a phrase, and a small abstract of a great whole in place as the writer’s mind.  Specially for this reason, there should be some order, some direction, some integrity.  I look forward to your comments.  Be encouraged!

ALL AFRICA REJOICING
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela  (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013)

All Africa crying
Tears of joy
The cataracts of Tugela cascading
Thunders rainbow laden
Licking her chops as a lioness over prey

Surely, it is an act of GOD
When Methodist schoolboys
Escape Bantu education
To fill their hands with King Protea blooms
Broad fields of destiny and law

The sudden prison bars of island waves
Treacherous currents that torture you
To tell all your truth
Your tribal secrets
Your names, your hearts committed

There will be a future, the defense of peace
We must hide until then by silence
Stone face, arrested smiles
Or weeping gasps and snatches of
Breath in the cosmic egg, infinity

The splendid USA, a shining revolution
A heritage of reconciliation
From a common ground of shame
Nguni and the troublemaker’s rest
Amandla

The soil of the escarpment opens to embrace
Collusion, victory
The covert ancestral home
The rich earth of sky children
And the offspring of the trek, for all are welcome

From Joburg to Harlem
From Niagara to Soweto
Hands should now clap rhythms for dancing feet
Drums should now sound for freedom dreams
Made real

A hero of the Boer Wars released
Home again from Cape Town and Pretoria
The pantheon of ancestors
The power of our believing is now increased
The vision we all bled for still alive: 

Two elephant tusks and ears of wheat
A knobkierie and a spear
The secretary bird with wings expanding
Banded warriors beneath their rising sun
All Africa rejoicing

 


©Michael Andrew Williams, 2013.  All rights reserved.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC