JAH JAH Arms

JAH JAH Arms

My soul finds rest in JAH alone
No matter where I step
No matter where I roam
In JAH JAH arms is my eternal home
Never can forget all the things I was shown
No matter the boderation
The Most High JAH ease my frustration
Yes He gives me life
He answers every supplication
In my going out and my coming in
JAH is with me and He dwells within
He will never let the righteous fall
No, not at all
All I have to do is pray and He answers I call
So meh seh... in JAH JAH arms I-man feel the best
Only in Him do I receive my comfort and rest
No matter what happens when the devil come test
I just stand firm and JAH Will manifest
Yes, I keep His commands in my heart
Giving thanks when the day end, and when the day start
He carries me to Zion in His mighty hand
Prosperity and hope he always puts in my plan
In JAH JAH arms is where I belong
The Father sets me on the right path
Never on the wrong…
Selah

JMC
11/29/06
(c) 2006

Baby, I’m Needin’

Baby, I'm Needin'

It's amazing how the world keeps changing
And what it takes to keep a man on his feet
Cause when the ground starts rumbling
I go down tumbling, falling into holes in the street

Since you let me go, I'm spinning out of control
Can't concentrate on all the things I must do
When people ask me why, I can't even reply
Because I wasted all of my words on you

Whoah baby I'm needin' a much better reason
Why you're leaving me alone like this
I know I done wrong, but I just can't go on
Without having some of your tenderness

Now I cannot lie, it's so hard to say goodbye
Tell me how can I just keep on walking away
I gotta swallow my pride and just take it in stride
Even though I wish you'd call me today

I can accept it the same if this how it remains
But it'd be hard to never hear your voice again
I guess I gotta admit, I'm not one to really quit
Cause there's not much else I can lose in the end

Whoah baby I'm needin' a much better reason
Why you're leaving me alone like this
I know I done wrong, but I just can't go on
Without having some of your tenderness

Ooo baby I want you to know
Since you decided to go
How I'm trying to keep a smile on my face
But when I think of losing you
There's just nothing I can do
That smile of mine gets quickly replaced

Whoah baby I'm needin' a much better reason
Why you're leaving me alone like this
I know I done wrong, but I just can't go on
Without having some of your tenderness

Oh baby I'm needin', just short of pleading
To hold you, to be there with you
I just need to know baby, can't you see...
Oh lady... I'm needin'...

JMC
11/26/06
(c) 2006

@}~~}~~~

Glimpse Of My Soul

Welcome to a brief glimpse of my soul. This is the man behind the veil of all of the words, thoughts, and ideas floating around me… things read or spoken. I am a simple man of flesh and blood. No greater than the next man, or woman… for a man is just a man. Usually it is my place to promote spiritual upliftment and share some of the things I have found along my journey. It is my identity, a calling that I had chosen to follow. Yet I do make mistakes, for I am only a man. If my confidence appears to mean that I know everything and do everything right, then that is the wrong perception. I am aware of myself and of my faults and shortcomings. Yes, certain things I believe in so strongly that they resonate in the core of my being. These things I would by no means consciously waver from, because they are weaved into who I am, and what I represent. However, outside of these vital parts of my character, I am sometimes guilty of falling short of many of the ideals that I espouse. Self-control and discipline can go a very long way, but it can never reach perfection. It would be nice to avoid hurting people, but sometimes this happens, especially unintentionally. It would be nice to be patient and kind all the time, but I have my moments of being the opposite. It would be nice to never allow any profanity to pass through the gates of my mouth, but this may happen too. It would be nice if I could never be jealous, rude, insensitive, disobedient, disrespectful, negative, weak, foolish… you name it, all of the vices. Yes it would be really nice, but there is one huge problem… I am just a man. Am I better than the average? Perhaps in certain behaviors or actions that I have learned to foster or subdue, but in the end, weighed against all else, when I am judged by mankind or by the Most High… I am still just a mere man.

Such is the man behind the prayers to JAH, behind any words of inspiration… or behind emotional poems venting frustration, all of the pieces of me that I freely give out to anyone who cares to look. I am a teacher, but sometimes the teacher needs to be taught. I am more or less simple to read and candid with people… but sometimes the artist in me needs to illustrate feelings in a different way… for creativity's sake, for the message's sake… for goodness' sake. Should every word be examined and upset the balance? Not at all, they are only for your consideration. Sometimes I use allegories and metaphors in my poetry and prose… these are my entitled expressions, the images I choose to use for either promoting my philosophy, or for conveying my bare feelings… emotional, gritty, and often exaggerated. This is how I am inspired to write. One could argue that the ancient Scriptures, the parables, and the texts of many religions do the same thing. They give you something to reflect on, and leave the rest for you to find and make connections until you have your faith, your belief, and your own identity. I am not comparing myself to anything sacred, I am only saying take me as I am. There is much more to me than a few words, a few thoughts. I am a man of complexity, strong in some aspects, weak in others. Before anyone can cast judgment, good or bad, one should always look on the other side of the coin and see the vulnerable underside that is rarely known or understood… the soul of a man.

I am a positive man, an honest man, a reliable man, a person of integrity… but forgive me when I fail to live up to your expectations, for that is not my purpose. My purpose is to live life, and share some love and respect with those who cross my path, and to make amends when I fail. May the Most High search my heart and examine my mind. My friends, accept me or reject me for who I am… I&I will always be around.

JAHsh

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O JAH, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

Indigo Girl

Indigo Girl

This indigo girl is staining me in a hue
A shade a little bit Darker Than Blue
Like a Curtis Mayfield tune
Leaving Impressions on my mind
And so I find, myself listening
To soul music in my ears from the old-school
The ring of restless moments of introspection
In a ballad's string section
Keeps me from freezing into a Statue of a Fool
Playing my harmonica to tap the sap of pain
Running through my blood, to my brain
A melody the same as a Junior Wells refrain
Because this girl is the avatar of confusion
Having me wade through Muddy Waters
Singing the blues, the colors of a contusion
No wonder why she favors the dark shades
Of the Carolina cash crop, picked by the slaves
So that I can dye in misery and grief
Swept away like a November leaf
This indigo girl is staining me in a hue
And I am the color she chose to imbue

JMC
11/24/06
(c) 2006

Give Thanks

Give Thanks

Some celebrate thanksgiving on only one day of the year
But I&I give thanks all the time, cause I know JAH is near
So many things to be thankful for each and every day
Humble yourself my people, and hear what the Rastaman say

No matter how hard the tribulation and strife
Give thanks to the Father for each moment of life
Even those who suffocate in a gloomy atmosphere
Focus on simplicity, and give thanks for the air
If there is no feast for you, don't be screwface and rude
Give thanks for any nourishment and any scrap of food
When loneliness consumes you and you feel the need to cry
Give thanks for your eternal friend in JAH the Most High
Those who have no shelter at night, with no roof over their head
Give thanks for the earth, a stone pillow and ground as your bed
If you have become dirty and have no place to bathe and get clean
Give thanks for the pouring rain, and flowing water in every stream
Those who live in poverty, and search in vain for a blessing
Remember JAH has given you dominion over every living thing
Give thanks for the enemy so you can know what you defend
Sometimes you need a challenge in order to truly comprehend
If you have been hurt and your heart is broken in two
Give thanks for true love, because God always loves you
Even if you have been abandoned by your very own family
Give thanks for the animals and plants, and the human community
If you have regrets and feel sorry for committing many sins
Be thankful for the dawning of the sun, when a new day begins
Those who suffer disabilities, who are afflicted or are ill
Remember where there is life, there is always some hope still
All of you busy people who seem to have too much work to do
Step back and take a rest, because even JAH had done this too

Humble yourself, rich or poor, no matter where you stand
Forget about the mountains, focus on the grain of sand
Simplicity is the key to life, apprecialove each moment
Never be ungrateful, take your blessing, don't disown it
Each morning and evening make sure to take the time to pray
Quiet your mind, and be thankful for every night and day
Life has many lessons, so give thanks for your existence
Chase away all the demons and the pity-party business

This is dedicated to all the sufferers... physical, emotional, spiritual
More love and guidance to you... JAH JAH Bless

JMC
11/23/06
(c) 2006

Clear Itation

Sometimes I am amazed by the simple things that can be said to someone and awaken them, set them upon another level of awareness, of consciousness. It is even more surprising when you are the one receiving this awareness and clarity of mind. When we become troubled by something in life, our vision often narrows and the road that we travel becomes foggy. This is true even for those with a good sense of direction.

Recently I have faced an obstacle of my own along life's road. If you breathe the air and have blood running through your veins, I know that you have also felt this way. That constraining and downhearted feeling… a whole set of negative vibes. Ever since I began to sight up Rastafari some years ago, I learned how to deal with disappointments and focus on the Most High with a progressive mind and not allow troubles to linger in my soul. However, trials will occasionally come out of the blue and really test someone's conviction. As a Rastaman, one should never fail to do JAH works because JAH Rastafari provides I&I strength through guidance and wisdom, but this can be easily forgotten in the midst of human emotions and worries. We tend to become selfish and panicky. It's not easy, but one must trust God, rise up as kings and queens in this time and move forward because when one door is closed, another is open and where there is life there is hope. Even though I know these things in my heart, and make them a part of my daily livity, I had been caught in the Valley of Decision scratching my head instead of trusting JAH to get me out and set me on the right path. I felt alone, but fortunately I had some good people that gave me encouraging words and spiritual reinforcement. A simple reminder recharged my battery. Even if there was not another soul on earth to help me out, I would still have a real relationship with God and the comfort of His presence. I had been so busy lately that even during better times I have forgotten to just think about JAH in quiet reflection… which is significantly different from just believing in JAH and even following JAH.

So I followed some advice, quietly relaxed my mind and listened to some Rasta tunes. True Rasta music is sacred, it sings praises to JAH and is prayerful and contemplative. Just having this meditation can make miracles happen, bring forth the natural mystic burning out any doubt in the mind, and clearing away all of the fog of confusion. Finally I was cool and calm, leaving things to JAH. After readjusting my focus onto good and upful things, I realized how much of my prior attention had been on human desires and emotions rather than JAH instead. I had to meditate on God and remember His Spirit within I-self. The deep itation had put things in a truthful light and gave me serenity. I was awake. I remembered that JAH is my guide and protector and all of this came about with some reasoning, some words shared between bredren to uplift the soul. I am convinced that everyone needs reassurance and rejuvenation, even the most faithful servants of JAH, and those few words and messages plant seeds that can either bring someone back to awareness or for the first time ignite the spirit of Rastafari dwelling in every man and woman. Let every warrior rise up and continue on their journey to JAH! When I&I put JAH first, the blessings will come and the way will be made clear!

Relieve your frustration with some deep itation. Share your revelation with every nation!

Higher Heights,
JAHsh

Lukewarm

Lukewarm

I try to drink deeply of your love
And so you give me a tall glass
Watching...
For me to sip slowly of this lukewarm water
Neither hot or cold
While I'm standing here
Casting shadows on this crossroad
Without any sense of direction
Facing your loss of affection
Sitting in limbo without a signal or symbol
Just a guess at what comes next
Meditating miserable moments
Drinking this lukewarm water
Swallowing a heart sinking feeling
Cause deep down I already know
That's why I'm sipping it slow
As I lift my hands and hang my head low
I soon realize that my time is up
What I thought was a tall glass
Was really a Dixie Cup

JMC
11/7/06
(c) 2006

Self-Reflection

I had an interesting conversation the other day. An acquaintance of mine from some years ago happened to contact me out of the blue and we spoke for awhile and caught up. This made me realize that sometimes when you answer somebody's questions it really challenges how much you actually know about yourself... about your identity. So, I had a moment of self-reflection. Not to say that I don't self-reflect anyway, I probably do so more often than I'd like... but this occasion kind of brought me back in a time machine. Years have gone by, I am older now, in my mid-twenties. I navigated through the treacherous rapids of the late-teens and early-twenties and safely found calmer waters, albeit with a few holes in my sails. Without losing my core being, my personality and character, I went through some great changes. Some were more than awful, and thankfully short-lived, others have been magnificent but perhaps strange for people to understand or accept... a perfect example being my trod in Rastafari. Certainly I am not the same man I was 5 years ago or so. In fact, I truly believe now that although I referred to myself as a "man" then, I was most definitely a boy. I can say with confidence that in another 5 years when I look back to this time, finding a "lost boy" wouldn't be the case. Lessons of life have seasoned me: spiritual awareness and maturity, confidence and purpose, the experience of relationships lost and found, better decision making skills... and clinically speaking, a fully developed frontal lobe of the brain (I teach psychology and some clinical terminology rubbed off on me). I'll confess I am "lightly seasoned" as it were, I still have countless defining moments and experiences ahead of me, but I know who I am and who I am not. While conversing with this person from my past, I became aware of how difficult it was to admit certain things to myself. Once in my life I tasted the result of my own folly, and then like the prodigal son, I came back to my Father's house as a humble and remorseful man. Experience taught me wisdom, but it was an avoidable experience. My previous lifestyle of "living on the edge" was not born out of necessity, but from poor choices. Yet at the same time I know that without that detour, I would have never become who I am now. If I wasn't who I am now, then who would I be? Well it is impossible to answer... and rather pointless. My faith in JAH reassures me that everything happens for a reason, and even my former vagabond ways were indeed necessary for my personal growth. My acquaintance was surprised by some of the things I briefly mentioned, I had never given an impression or indication of these things during the time he knew me, and truthfully I was and still am an affable guy who tends to get along with most people. So any given person's perspective of me may not be the entire one or the correct one. I think this holds true today, even from my very own perspective. Consequently, during the conversation I zoomed out from my ordinary field of vision, just to check myself. What did I discover? Well, I saw where my journey had led me through... a winding snake of a path with barely any trace of sensible direction. But on closer examination, more and more it looked like it became a progressive route. My focus now is on the straight and narrow, yet I am open to change and growth in my character and outlook. There are many small uncharted paths along life's highway, scenic ways that are worth checking out, as long as I remember where my final destination is... and I'll know it when I get there, because I've seen it in a vision in the Valley of Decision. I&I must give thanks. I know that I am a good man, a good person, with much to share with humanity in this short lifetime of mine. Although I myself may find my former and future journeys strange and inexplicable, I know that I am a SoulJAH on a mission and I won't stop moving until my work is done.

How about you? Take time to know yourself and identify who you are!... and never ever judge your fellow man. Guidance everytime!

JAHsh

Hell Hath No Fury...

Hell Hath No Fury...

I say hell hath no fury like this stubborn woman's scorn
No matter what I do, she says I do it wrong, my apology torn
I try to give her things, she flings them back in my face
She says I do nothing for her, but JAH Know its not the case
I know I'm not a perfect man but I have done her no harm
If she refuses my affection... well, I can't twist her arm
How the hell am I supposed to know if she don't even communicate
She thinks that I should read her mind, and if I don't its an ugly fate
Like "we can't relate", so she's not even willing to compromise
I guess she say she don't fit me so she'll try the next man out for size
I'm an upful man, I don't cheat and lie, I have never been deceitful
But no matter how hard I try, she just keeps seeing me as evil
Bent on cutting me loose, she holds me in contempt for an unjust reason
And after her resentment, she'll want something from me the next season
There is no more love in her heart, no longer weak in her knees
Lord, I seen it, the way she treats me, when people greet she
My introduction is short, cause all along she planned to abort
This relationship we shared even when we worked so hard for it
Plenty men she run through and she will try and treat me the same
Spending time together, she would mention each brother by his name
But I will refrain from that shame, cause to me love is not a game
I'm a lion running wild on savanna plains, no I can't be made tame
Looks like I-man always receiving blows from every woman I chose
All I can do is stand firm, and know myself, cause that's how life goes
May my actions speak the Truth, I don't care what people say
You can cut me loose tomorrow but my memory... it will never fade away

JMC
11/4/06
(c) 2006

The Coronation

The Coronation

He was draped in a red velvet robe and wreathed in fine gold
The symbol for all of JAH children coming in from the cold
Thousands of people followed the procession in the street
And then he sat with the Empress, four lions lying near his feet
No ordinary king, this was The Lion of Judah and Elect of JAH
Earth's rightful ruler, crowned as the Emperor in Addis Ababa
The leaders of seventy-two nations attended the imperial coronation
All of mankind received the invitation written in the constellations
For this was the Faith defender, Christ in His kingly character
So many have been called to sight up Rastafari and hail the Emperor

JMC
11/2/06
(c) 2006

Haile Selassie I's Coronation Day
November 2, 1930