Words + Passion

28 Jan 2015 6 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Creative Writing Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“My Beautiful Butterfly”

I found a caterpillar one day
It didn’t know its worth…
For it was meant to fly
But it only knew of being on the ground, of pain & of hurt

So I picked up that caterpillar
and I told it to be strong
I said “circumstances are only temporary but your victories will last long”

The caterpillar didn’t care
The condition it was in was all it knew

I begged the caterpillar, “just trust me”
A change will come, very soon

And the day the caterpillar trusted me

It turned into a butterfly

Before flying away, it looked at me & simply asked, “why?”
“Why did you waste your time on me?”

I quickly replied…
“I saw beauty and potential, whenever I looked into your eyes
and that’s all that mattered; at least to me.

You turning into what you were always supposed to become,
now that was all you.

All you needed was time.…

My beautiful butterfly.”

                                                       ~By: Queen S. Ofori©

“Questions”

Sporadically I wonder…

What does a blind man dream?

His eyes have never encountered anything vividly,

So when he sleeps, what does he see?

Given the circumstances

It could be rude to ask.

But asking questions are healthy

So I might just take that chance.

In the night-time I ponder…

On the homeless and what they really fear.

Everything has been taken away from them

Except their knowledge and their tears.

When they sleep in dark alley ways and beg people for change,

I want to ask them, if they ever bumped into anyone they knew…

Would they feel ashamed?

Given the circumstances

I’d have to be bold to ask.

And since I’ve been bold before,

I might just take that chance.

It’s when I don’t ask questions that I truly become  afraid

There is something about knowledge

no matter what the subject

that simply allures

Me.

By: Queen S. Ofori©

“My Possession…”

images-15

I have myself

And myself haveth I

If I should feel I have no one

I look for my shadow nearby

As I walk around

Plenty of people I see

But still I am confident

All I have is me

I am the one whose soul is alive

It is me who holds my secrets inside

I am the girl who puts herself to sleep

I alone wipe the tears when I weep

No one knows me better than me

I have myself

And myself haveth I

Should that be all I ever have

As I am

I will continue to be alright

I am my greatest possession.

images-1

By: Queen S. Ofori©

“Healing Phase”

People say, “let go”

but it sounds to me like they’re asking

It’s more than a simple action

Should there be an attraction

What if you like all the things you were holding on to?images

And memories were the only thing

That helped you get through

The days & nights

They’re hard to fight

People say, “let go”

If only they knew

What if I’m not ready to let go…of what I’m holding on to?images

Everybody deals differently.

Healing Phase.

By: Queen S. Ofori©

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As always stay you & enjoy,

❤ Queen

KEEP WALKING…

23 Apr 2013 7 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Creative Writing, Inspiration Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

beautiful-nature-outdoor-photography-stairs-Favim.com-261280

Proud fact: I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York!

With that being so, I am not a stranger to loud noise and seeing unfamiliar faces throughout my community. However, during my sophomore year of high school I moved to Westchester, NY and I’ve been living there ever since. For the most part, my neighborhood is very well-kept and quiet. Should there ever be any uproar, because of where I grew up I’m sure I can adapt.

A couple weeks ago, on a friday night I decided to go to Manhattan. Instead of driving from my house I opted to take the metro north train. When my fun-filled night was over, I caught the same train and headed back home. I arrived at my train stop close to 1:00 am.

richard-nebesky-snow-covered-radnicke-steps-in-mala-strana-suburb-at-night-prague-czech-republic-europe_i-G-26-2613-H3RVD00ZWhen walking, the distance between the metro north station and my house is at least five minutes. To avoid going up a hill I took steps around the corner of the station. Located at the top of the steps are a pizza shop and bar & grill restaurant.

As I was approaching the steps I saw a young lady (maybe 18 or 19 years old). She stood at the bottom of the stairway, looked up for a minute and then slowly started to walk away. I thought her behavior was kind of odd but I was not deterred. I continued walking. When I finally got to the bottom of the stairs I saw a group of people, mostly men, standing in front of the bar & grill by the top of the steps. I figured this is why the young lady turned away, she was either nervous and/or scared.

Growing up in the Bronx,NY and always being on the go, I’m use to seeing people at all times of the night, so I wasn’t uncomfortable.  Without hesitation I kept on walking up the steps and as I turned to my side, the young lady was a couple steps behind me. helping-hand

This occurrence spoke to me in many different and beautiful ways.

I used my past and where I came from to my advantage. I also wasn’t afraid to head towards the right direction. Regardless of who or what I saw in the beginning I stayed on course, taking the path I was initially set on and knew to be true. In doing so I motivated someone else.

Unknowingly in moving forward without hesitation, I set an example of courage. I thought the young lady had turned away but she was watching.

People are always watching you, for some reason or another.

race-badge-keep-moving-forwardThe young lady was not much younger than me but I was really glad when I saw her behind me. I felt like I taught her a lesson and played a small role in her life… for about two minutes :-).

At all times you have to be strong and make the best choices, not only for yourself but to pave the way for others. The steps could have represented many things, such as goals, dreams, big or small decisions and most importantly life.

If I would have turned away in front of that young lady, I would have been condoning and reinforcing that it was okay to inconvenience yourself and be intimidated by others. Which should never be the case! I demonstrated to her that she did not have to walk alone because our paths were similar.  I led the way. tumblr_m9dntljUl01qb0nmro1_500

Of course don’t go walking in dark alleyways throughout the middle of the night, just be conscious of your actions and decisions. You never know who wants to walk with you and/or behind you. You are the inspiration. Act like it!

You never know whose eyes are on you.

Everything you do and in every situation, someone is ALWAYS waiting to see if you’ll take those steps. Especially the younger generation. What will you do?

No matter the ease and/or difficulty, obstacles and/or circumstances in YOUR life, I hope you will always keep walking….

footsteps

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find my TOP three encouraging songs of the week!

Under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) read my most recently written poem, titled “Notes”!

Lastly, “It is Written…” (“https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written) has one of my favorite poems of all time, written in the 1500’s! It’s definitely a classic.

As always stay you & enjoy,

~Queen

“On the Radio”…

19 Mar 2013 6 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Inspiration Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Unknown-1

I absolutely love music. There are no perfect words to explain what it means to me and how it makes me feel. With this being so, I’ve been to many concerts, showcases and open mics. I also purchase tons of songs and albums.

One day as I was driving, an older song by pop star Rihanna began to play on the radio. It was actually her debut song, titled “Pon de Replay”  and it took me to a vivid memory.  Pon-De-Replay-Radio-Edit-Single

When I was 15 years old, my friend and I went to see Rihanna perform for free at Macy’s Herald Square. This mini-concert was promotion for her first album, titled “Music of the Sun”. No one really knew who Rihanna was and/or cared. However, Rihanna made a good impression on me and my friend. We really enjoyed her music and since it was free and close-by, we figured it would be worthwhile to check her out.

As we approached the area for Rihanna’s performance there were three people waiting. We were early enough to catch Rihanna’s soundcheck. There were no security, no cameras and no hype.

Rihanna even stood by me a couple of times and I didn’t say a thing. My friend and I just waited for her concert to begin and as it started more people began to surround the area.

Although people were listening and watching young “Ri-Ri”, New Yorkers are  such a tough crowd. There was no excitement whatsoever in the atmosphere.

Now look…


The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivalsimages-1

More than 5 Grammys, Billboard hits, movies and perfumes later, Rihanna is a rich, global phenomenon! You can not find Rihanna walking through the same Macy’s in Herald Square or anywhere else in NYC, without a multitude of fans, paparazzi, and security having to shut down some areas.

Life is funny huh?!

You never know what God has in store for anyone, regardless of what they’ve been labeled and how much they’ve been ignored. More importantly, don’t ever be so sure about what God has in store for YOU.

Dont-Seek-Gods-Plan

While standing next to Rihanna I could have never imagined that she would be as big as she is now but my imagination for her life didn’t really matter. What matters is my imagination for MY LIFE…

No matter what stage I have reached and no matter what stage YOU are at in your life, always plan big and dream bigger!

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”–Corinthians 2:9

You can do anything in this WHOLE WIDE WORLD and be whoever you want to be.

Life is FOR you.

Life-Is-A-Beautiful-Thing

Stay humble and persistent towards your goals. Rihanna is  human, just like you and I and if  she can do it, so can YOU.

ALWAYS remember that, especially when you hear her singing on the radio!

Unknown-1

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find a powerful and inspirational clip titled “You Can Do This!” It’s sure to get you moving…

Under the “Ohemma’s Words” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) are original poems by yours truly…

Lastly, the “It is Written…” page  (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/) features a beautiful conversation between a Robin and a Sparrow, about faith! Don’t miss the blessing. Check it out!!

Stay you & enjoy,

~Queen

Just For YOU!

05 Mar 2013 Leave a comment

by ohemmawrites in Creative Writing, Poetry Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

images

Speak victory in your life. Smile and CHOOSE to be happy about nothing.

When I write, most of the time I’m encouraging myself but it brings me great joy to know other people are touched by what I share.

YOU are wonderful.  Every person is a beautiful butterfly. This is for YOU!

viceroy_butterfly

“My Beautiful Butterfly”

I found a caterpillar one day
It didn’t know its worth…
For it was meant to fly
But it only knew of being on the ground, of pain & of hurt

So I picked up that caterpillar
and I told it to be strong
I said “circumstances are only temporary but your victories will last long”

The caterpillar didn’t care
The condition it was in was all it knew

I begged the caterpillar, “just trust me”
A change will come, very soon

And the day the caterpillar trusted me

It turned into a butterfly

Before flying away, it looked at me & simply asked, “why?…
why did you waste your time on me?”

I quickly replied…

“I saw beauty and potential, whenever I looked into your eyes
and that’s all that mattered.

At least to me.

You turning into what you were always supposed to become,
now that was all you.”

All you needed was time.…

My beautiful butterfly.

 ~By: Queen S. Ofori©

Victory Verse: “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”–Psalm 23:6

Say “I Do!”

20 Nov 2012 4 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Inspiration Tags: , , , , , , ,

“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” ~Kenneth Blanchard

Time to make a commitment! It doesn’t have to be the beginning of a new year or one’s wedding ceremony to pledge allegiance to a goal and/or person.

Personally, when I hear the word “commit” I wonder if I’ve ever done such a thing, wholeheartedly.The answer is yes but not for as long as I would have liked. Although it is great to say “I’m all in!” It can also be kind of scary, without realistic planning.

It is as simple to start out with an idea, as it is effortless to not see it through. This goes for relationships as well. Of course there is a difference between no longer being passionate vs. quitting. So, before you devote your time and attention to a subject, THINK. Be certain. Then embrace discipline. Meaning for better or worse, in sickness and in health, you go through with your decision…On the days you feel like it and especially on those days you don’t.

Michael Phelps, American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, once practiced EVERYDAY for 5 years straight to make it to the Olympic team. 365 days he said “I do!” to HIS dreams. Sean Garrett aka “The Pen”, one of the best songwriters in the music industry told me, “As a writer you should be writing every day. Even if you just sit there for an hour and nothing comes out on paper…dedicate the time to your craft.”

If you want to start your own business, declare “I do!” Then YOU must live and breathe it. Become the business… If you want to act, sing, teach and/or build houses, whatever it may be, work your way to that goal! Prepare and practice steadfastly. Memorize lines, rehearse songs and even “elevator pitches”, should an opportunity present itself with the right person.

I’m going to make my personal discipline sheet and everyday besides what I do in my spare time, I will set aside one hour to write and 15 minutes to read. I might have to give some activities up, like going out, watching TV, talking on the phone, etc… but I’m going to focus and commit. It would be my honor if we could start together and encourage one another to FINISH. Will you join me? If so, please say “I do!”…

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/) find an excerpt from “The Power to Commit” by Author and Motivational Speaker, Jill Koeing.

Posted under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find some of my original creative writing.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (“https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/) features one of my FAVORITE poems, “Live for You” by Sara Gunderson. I read it when I was twelve and loved it ever since. Hope you do too 🙂

Stay you & enjoy,

~Queen

In the Meantime…

22 Oct 2012 4 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Inspiration Tags: , , ,

Awareness is the first step in moving forward and/or making changes. Therefore, I always try to keep my mind focused on the present moment.  In doing so, my frequent thought is always on where I am in life in comparison to where I want to be. Currently, I know I am in special place within my journey…

I am right above the starting level but not quite close to the end, my goals…. I haven’t completely figured out my purpose but I am aware of what makes me happy. I am not stuck but I do sometimes feel unsure of my decisions.

So until things fully come together, this part of my life I will call, “in the meantime”…

I’ve heard many pastors say “in life you must to know what season you’re in”. I now understand why knowing your season is important because my “in the meantime” could be different from yours. This could possibly be my time to do as much research as I can, on all the endeavors I want to embark. For another, their “in the meantime” could consist of working and saving, tests and testimonies or just having patience in general.

If you don’t know what phase you’re in, you won’t know how to act nor react to the circumstances and situations of your life. You’ll just be going through them but you may miss key points which were meant to help you.

I decided in this stage of my life to use my time to get ready. I will plan for whatever it is I am expecting.“It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”~Whitney Young, Jr. I will also be grateful in advance. I will make choices which will benefit me right now and not have everything I do only be profitable in the future because tomorrow is not promised.  I will support others and help them along their way, the best way I know how. I will be happy and make use of all my resources and continue to maintain good relationships. Lastly, I will continue to work on me.

Until all your dreams and aspirations come true, what will you be doing “in the meantime”?….

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find a list of my “It is Possible” people…

Posted under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find a new and original poem of mine, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, titled “Do It For Her”.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) has an excerpt from “My Utmost For His Highest”!…A devotional book which I read everyday 🙂

Stay you and enjoy,

~Queen

Talk to Someone

09 Oct 2012 2 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Love Tags: , , , ,

The surface is everything we see when we open our eyes. It is everything I see. The outside since it is visible, can also easily be labeled because it stems from a point of view. However, when you want to go deeper things get a bit more complicated, particularly when dealing with people.

What if you have encouraging words that could change someone’s life and/or affect their next decision, in a positive way… how would you know?

If you only look at the exterior of a person and never speak to them, how would you know exactly what’s going on internally? Don’t depend on a smile because those can and will be fake.  You can’t rely on an “I’m okay” because that is a generic response.

For example, a car can appear shiny and gorgeous from the outside but when you actually try to drive it, it may not be able to move. You have to check the inside and make sure the engine is right. As beautiful as the car is, if the inside is screwed up, the car is useless.

Therefore, once a week, I challenge you to seek out at least one person and make it you’re mission to converse with them. Whether it is friend, family or stranger, see what they are about. You may discover you have more similarities than you thought. You may even have advice that could change a person’s entire situation and because you never spoke it, they never heard and the life changing took so long!

Go deeper than the obvious and you’ll be surprised! Everyone has a story, but not many people have someone to tell it to.

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find a list of events, shows, organizations, and ways to get involved in NYC! Freebies included.

Posted under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find a poem, titled “An Alliance”, written in 2005.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) debuts poetry from Sabrina D. Phillips, titled “The Perfect Friend”. One of my new favorites!

As always,    

Stay you and enjoy, 🙂

~Queen

What YOU Deserve…

02 Oct 2012 8 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Inspiration Tags: , , ,

It’s easy to take what you can get. However patience brings about many good things. Sometimes you have to forget what you want and remember what you deserve. You can search for a person, place or thing to bring you happiness but you deserve to have everything that is good, in search of you.  We often forget who we are while in a fast-paced world and we begin to chase everything. Trying to make the best out of any situation. However, not all situations are the best for us.  Some situations are a part of your destiny but they are not your destination.

DID YOU KNOW ….

  • You have the right to be free, to choose yourself first.
  • You are worthy of respect and appreciation.
  • You are great & that you truly DESERVE the best of what life has to offer….

There’s just one catch.  You have to put in the work!  And once you do, no one will ever be able to tell you what you’ve earned. You will know and have it the other way around.

There’s something that you’ve always wanted, that you’ve dreamed about, and deep in your heart you are certain of. It has your name on it and you will receive it because it’s already yours. It’s just a matter of time.

Don’t take what you can get. Don’t settle! Don’t grab, steal, or lure any person, place or thing. Always remember what you deserve 🙂

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find a clip of the legendary Les Brown. He has a message for you! Posted under “It is Written…” (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) an excerpt from best-selling author, Joyce Meyer’s “Battlefield of the Mind”. Ladies & gentlemen you’re in for a treat!

As always, I appreciate the love & feedback!

Stay you and enjoy,

~Queen 

I Had Given Up…

25 Sep 2012 2 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Inspiration Tags: , , , , ,

I never want to write anything that isn’t sincere. I never want to give advice that I wouldn’t listen to nor am I currently acting upon. I always want to promote others to be a better version of themselves & if I can make someone’s day by a simple sweet gesture, I do so.

There came a time when I felt I couldn’t do what is listed above. I had given up on myself and even doing anything at all. It was much easier to be complacent and do nothing but yet it became painful. This is because when you know there are great gifts placed inside of you, to help others, it can be frustrating not to share it. I had given up…anything that was a part of my plans, I stopped doing.  However, the mind-set that was meant to harm me was actually used for my good. In stopping, I was able to reflect and reconsider. I examined what was going on around me and why exactly I felt giving up was my only option.  The first question I asked myself was “why’d I begin half of the things I was doing in the first place?”

Before even answering that question it became apparent to me, that I was making my decision based on my circumstances rather than what I know to be true about myself… I start all my endeavors primarily out of love and also excitement. The thought of succeeding makes me happy. I just had to remember the beginning and everything was placed back into perspective…

Moral of the story is:  Now, whenever I feel like giving up because of my circumstances and the fear of non-favorable outcomes, I think of the beginning and why I started to begin with. Those thoughts and feelings allow me the momentum I need to keep going.

So when you feel like giving up on a situation, a person, and/or yourself, just remember the love and excitement; why you started in the first place. We’re all human every day isn’t going to be easy but I’m glad to say “I had given up”, (past tense) because now I can continue, (future tense) as if I just started, stronger and better than ever!!

On “Be Encouraged” (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find out  how to prepare your personal Life Kit!

Posted under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) a poem, titled “To Keep Alive”.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) features lyrics of my top ten hopeful songs !

Don’t give up, we’re almost there! 

Stay you and enjoy,

~Queen

“Who do you love?”

10 Sep 2012 9 Comments

by ohemmawrites in Creative Writing, Love Tags: , , , ,


“Who do you love” is a commonly used phrase and song title. One artist in particular that used this was LL cool J, back in 96’. It is also a sincere question…Who do you love? In this day in age, the question could possibly be answered easier if rephrased as, “what do you love?” Many times we go throughout life investing money, passion and time into things, more than we do a person … which is not much of an opportunity cost because at the end of the day people are always worth more, especially those closest to us.

Last year, same day different time, someone very close to me was in a car accident. My mom.  She had this…

And was taken out through the cut roof of this …

However, my mother is favored by an Awesome God, who grants protection and grace. So she left the hospital without one scratch. Things could have went differently but THANK God they didn’t. Today is also the day we remember the heroes and innocent lives taken in 2001, due to terrorism. All this to say, nothing and no one is promised nor guaranteed.  So when you figure out whom you love as opposed to what you love… Go ahead and tell em’!

Posted under Ohemma’s Words,(https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find a poem, titled “I Know a Woman” & if you know of a great woman, don’t hesitate to share those words with her.

Found on the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/) is my real definition of love.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) has my favorite poem from the living legend herself, Maya Angelou!

Stay you and enjoy, 

~Queen