Poetry and Sculpture by Aziza Gowon

passing

sometimes in the oddest places
a poem is born

looking out an office window
staring down at the men in black
jackets and trousers
marching home

sitting in a walled cubicle
without sun or air
florescence beaming down
daring me to write
anything that denies, shakes or breaks
this mold

beyond the men
a nimble tree shakes lime tresses
in the late April sun

pearl colored petals
fallen in the melee
dervish dance at my feet

my cubicle a walled
hothouse of ideas
waiting to be born

and gulls
harbingers of everything
soar and caw
mocking, mockingly say:

who are these creatures
and why are they in my space?

even as I write these thoughts
the wind has changed
the dragon clouds have passed
the sun is going down

yet hearkening
invisible
beauty lasts, beauty lasts.



office innuendo

“she broke up with her boyfriend
no
really
i heard he’s into hedge funds
hip hop
or ihop
who told you
the mail guy
the cleaning lady
oh yeah the shish kebab man
saw them
yelling over coffee
and croissants
or was it wi fi
he was smoking outside B&N
listening to CNN
and she hit him
they called the police
and ran into pottery barn
found a florist
and feasted on mall hot dogs
no
yes
they’re getting married
and left town
to settle down
by the marsh
off the shore
in that shack
by the bay
that girl saw them in Stop and Shop
buying diapers and chicken
at the take out
WITH CASH !
i knew that wasn’t a baby doll
ouch !
its 4:45
let’s bounce”


poetry and art by Aziza Gowon
©2010

Selections by Agnes Roberts

The Tales Of Women

Women, for centuries, have been known as house wives.
We were always told, a woman's place is in the home.
But today, we have broken down the barriers
and created a place in history for ourselves.
No more are we only tools.

Some women still choose to run the household.
While others have chosen to be in the corporate world.
Some are Carpenters, Masons, Electricians, Teachers,
Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians and Preachers.
Still, some men try to belittle us, saying
women have no place in a man's world.

Oh yes, they are afraid of a strong woman.
Given the task of a man, we do it without fear or scorn.
And that's fact, but the pay they cut back.
We'll keep fighting until we are recognized
as a great force in all societies.
And are given the wages we rightfully deserve.

Sisters, fight on, for this battle is not just for the strong.
If we remain true, focused and faithful,
then, victory will be our song.

Copyright 2002 Agnes Roberts

Our Creator

God is the being who created us all.
He is not a plaything or a toy,
Even though his name is taken in vain
He still forgives us all the same.

God is the being who created us all,
Color of skin means nothing at all,
If man continues to divide us,
There is no maybe God will chastise us.

God becomes more angry every day
As he listens to what we day and do
To each other day after day.
When they shoot us and we die,
Peace; Peace, is the constant cry.

One creator made us all: flesh,
Blood and bones we are,
A fact no one can deny.
Vast destruction will be this country's end
If man don't try to make amends.

Copyright 1996 Agnes Roberts
photography by Anita Patterson