My Daddy My Daughter | Words In Motion

My Daddy My Daughter-Words in motion, is our first published book of poetry. This book is the result of a father and daughter coming together to show their appreciation and love for poetry. The book came about at the urgence of Lenora Vaughn (Aja's mother), she saw that the two of us shared a common love for the art. Lenora saw this as a unigue opportunity to cement our bond as father and daughter. She suggested we write a book of poetry, and suggested the title. I agreed and took the idea to Aja, who was up to the challenge. I did not have a clue where to begin but saw the light in my daughters' eyes and knew that it was something I had to do. We researched the publishing industry and saw that it was not going to be a easy task. I knew I did not want to self publish, and looked for publishers that would consider taking on unknowns writers. We were met with denials after denials from all the big publishing houses. I explained to Aja that is was going to be a hard sell, and that we just concentrate on writing and hope for the best. We accepted the challenge and continued to write. It is at this time the book project took on a life of it's own. Everything started to fall into place and really come together. Upon completion of the poetry, we organized the content and formatted the book. Much to our surprise we were satisfied with the book, and assured each other that what we had was comparable to what we each saw at book stores. We wrote a synopsis and continued to shop the book around, after receiving a few more rejections, I received an invitation from Publish America to submit our completed book. I decided to research the publisher. There was a lot of negative and positive information about the publisher, and I was a little apprehensive. I joined their writers forum and posed a lot of questions to other writers. What I received back was very comforting, because I was welcomed and assured. All the writers formed a tremendous support group, they encouraged us and gave assistance when needed. We submitted our manuscript, and as they say the rest is history. I hope you enjoy the poetry in My Daddy My Daughter, and look for future endeavers from the two of us. Love and Peace.

Quotes by Aja

To live is to die another day,

Then awake the next day

To die a better way.

Aja Sherri Mack

To have faith is to see the unseen,

and believe in a life,

that was only meant for a dream.

Aja Sherri Mack

I'm thankful for the tears and the painful commotion,

they’re the reason why my words come to motion.

Aja Sherri Mack

If this generation dies, who will then be the voice.

It’s time to make a change, we have no other choice.

Aja Sherri Mack

Different things inspire my heart,

which in return,

aspire me to produce my art.

Aja Sherri Mack

Can you live without life?

Or is that considered an empty journey?

Aja Sherri Mack

What happens when you’ve reached the end over and over and over again

But still can’t remember the venture that can put an end to the end.

Aja Sherri Mack

If we live to love,

but lack the love,

is it really life,

that we love to live?

Aja Sherri Mack

It's more to me than just my physical

I have a mental,

So stop with the sexual subliminal

Aja Sherri Mack

Never let go

Close your eyes
gaze into the darkness
insight the endless pit
that reminds you of night.
Cut off from the world
secluded and all alone
what do you envision?
For all sight is gone.

Gaze deeper into the pit
wonder deep within yourself
open up the doors
see that which is; no one else.
Who are you?
What is it you want to be?
Why are you, you?
What is it that you see?
Unlock the doors
to that which sets you apart
don't be confused
for, I don’t speak of the heart.

Search deep beneath
to see what can't be seen,
but can be felt with feelings,
amazingly keen.

Now open your eyes.
What you just felt
is the definition of you,
your individuality;
which makes you; you.
Now, once more close your eyes,
then inhale real slow,
hold tight to your soul
and never let it go!

Poem by

Aja Sherri Mack

Words for the unspoken generation

I've been up, I've been down,

I've been over and under, confused and alone,

here, there, and over there,

but it's all starting to become so unclear. I

Need to break through and get to the other side where I know my expectations awaits me.

But I can't, see,

I'm Blinded by all life's fancy things, like all that blings

and all the lies given in replies to questions in need of answers.

And I become so tired of trying to piece together the broken,

and steady hoping that change will come. And

I feel so dumb. But

I can't give up, I'm almost there, I can do this but you don't seem to care.

You say "go ahead baby, you can do it on your own" but on my own seems so alone

I suffer and moan and want to go home. But

But home is broken, to me it's unfocused.

Home is broken, to me it's unfocused.

To me it's unfocused,

and I can't find the token to jump start the game, it's such a Shame.

Then they say don’t complain, but I'm in pain, and whose to blame?

Whose to blame? But all of you just walk pass and only look through,

I would not do this to all of you.

Open your hearts and lend a hand, try to comprehend or understand.

Don't keep pushing and pushing and pushing us away, instead love us.

Love us, please love us, and help us find a way

You say I'm a nuisance and a child gone bad, I start to feel like the child you should

have never had, then you say you’re tired of getting mad.

Guess what?

That's just too bad!

You see,

I'm tired of being the receiver to all this mental abuse, "you can't do this, you can't do that, oh what's the use", I'm letting it all loose.

I've found calm ground and on it I'll stay, this time you won't break me down or make me go astray.

Your words can no longer beat me, like the belt you hold on your hips, I pay no attention to the poison you pour from your lips,
it's like watching an eclipse.

Your darkness once suffocated my light, but now I stand and I'm shining bright. I'm done with the fight.

I’m done with your beatings and all your mental sores, and now you look at me as

though you’re unsure.

You see you can't win the war, cause the battle was never yours.

The battle was never yours.

And now, after all the tears have been wept, and harsh feelings have left, I feel no regrets.

Despite your lack of warmth and passion you took me to a level I could never imagine.

Through all the tears I learned a lesson, the trials and tribulations brought on a blessing.

I've come to realize that all I can be is me.

All I can be is me.

All I can be is me,

and if you can’t accept me for me, that's just how it has to be

You see:

Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, Pastors, Church, Government, President, all adults:

Society, it's time for a change, you got to do something, I beg you, just don't remain the same, don't remain the same.

My generation is dying, and it hurts so bad to see that the numbers multiplying.

You can't keep relying on kids to raise kids,

you got to step up, take your place and handle your biz

Don't keep pushing and pushing and pushing us a way, instead love us and help us, help us, help us, find a way!

Poem by

Aja Sherri Mack

The Cross

So I find myself alone, sitting on the edge of my bed
while a familiar song plays softy on the radio.
I follow the beat and recall every word
and I began to feel ever so mellow.
With the thought of you centered on my brain.
I start to drift down this fantasy lane.
And I won't complain.

I set out on a venture and began to explore you,
and everything I see is in perfect view.
Then your true beauty begins to shine through.
Your mind is delightful, and your smile so gentle.
Your eyes are intriguing and it’s messing with my mental.

Your skins so soft and your hands so warm.
At this moment I praise God for ever being born.
You touch me so soft it starts a reaction.
I can't catch my breath, I get butterfly contractions.
With you it’s no relaxing
I try to gasp for air
then our eyes connect,
forming a deep stare.

Through your eyes I catch a glimpse of my fears.
After all these years
I found someone who understands all my tears.
So why am I scared?
This is the life I've always imagined
love and truth built on top of passion.
A life of honesty and fun everlasting.

My eyes begin to water, then you notice my pain.
But I must clarify this, cause you're not to blame.
Now I can't focus I'm switching back and forth
in different lanes.
Reality then imagination:
Reality is so much complication.
I'd rather imagine a life of me and you
where everything is true just like I knew.
I want to love you, you, you,
if you only knew, only if you knew.
Reality VS imagination
Can only lead to a life of complication,
I'm living it, I'm living that situation.

Poem by Aja Sherri Mack

The Deception

His eyes are soft, and his skin is ebony brown

lips are full and sweet

With a kiss so deadly it surely swept me off my feet

His hands, big and strong, arms secure and warm

with a smile so inviting and a laugh that's truly enticing and

(pause and sigh)

His words so strong, but yet so soft

his body so big and, dag I’m lost.

Every time he's near, there's chills sent up my spine

and butterflies play in my stomach.

I get all tongue tied, and starry eyed and

I'm just mesmerized, at how I can testify

That I don't want no other guy

But then here he comes with the lies.

"Baby, I've been hurt so many times,

I'm incapable of falling in love,"

or "that's my cousin"

or better yet "I love you gurl."

Nigga please! I’m done with the games.

They leave me:

Emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained.

I constantly complain, it's time for a change.

It's time for a change.

Poem by Aja Sherri Mack

My Question

Why are we being faced with tribulations, of others?

Situations that jeopardize and endanger our brothers.
Altercations that intentionally burden us like no other.

Information told, lacking facts that could bring us together.

It’s so un-clever.

How do we break free from the chains that suppress us down?

How do we tear away from the load that bind us all down?

How can we move ahead, when all we face is the ground?

Is there anyone who knows, has any answers been found?

When morality becomes amoral, and people are no longer loyal,

battles being fought far away, when there are wars on our own soils

when does it become immoral?

If we pledge allegiance to the wonderful, red, blue, and white,

Take pride in our stars, and fight for our red and white stripes?

Then why are we put through so much, in this American life?

This American life, the life in America, what is the definition,

of life in America?

Poem by Aja Sherri Mack

Who is he

Who is this man that you call Christ?

Who is that man that you claimed saved your life?

You told me you were lost and seconds away from dying

then he came

and embraced you, and immediately you began crying.

Who is he?

You said "he works miracles and gives blessing un numbered."

You said "he's the one who created the thunder,

And the stars and the trees and the birds and the bees,

but you said he'd save me, even me, no not someone like me?

Who is he?

I could never go to him, people like me he'd only condemn.

Look where I come from

my past is so dark.

Oh and look ay my heart, it's so broken

I don’t know where it starts.

Well just hypothetically speaking how could I?

Not me of course But how could I talk to him?

Who is he?

I remember you told me prayer and you told me meditation.

Oh and you told me the bible, Why can’ you talk to him for me?

You know him more than I do.

Never mind forget it he’d laugh at someone like me.

I haven't talked to him in so long and my life is so wrong.

I'm just too far gone, this whole idea was drawn.

Well maybe it's me, cause I just can’t continue in pure misery

I just want to know in real plain terms: Who is he?

Who is he?

Poem by Aja Sherri Mack

My Prayer

Oh lord, my rock and savior, hear my cries.

Understand every tear drop

that falls from these sinful eyes.

Understand that I'm weak and sinfully resisting

to your nudge to compromise.

Lord know that I'm scared and see myself alone.

Understand why I don’t feel at home.

Lord see that I'm not content,

and know the reasons

why I don't repent.

Please empathize with my fear of being lost.

Help me to know, why you bared that cross.

Oh lord! Oh lord Oh lord!

Take me for all that I am, open my eyes

so I can begin, break my chains

free me from within.

See my sins and don't condemn.

Hear my cries so all this can end.

I’m so tired of living in sin.

Oh lord! don't condemn.

I’m so tired of living in sin.

Prayer by Aja Sherri Mack

Through my Momma’s eyes

The other day I was making a point to my son,
stern words and urgency, my choice of weapons.
He has a long road to go he has to understand,
it's needed, to become a better man.

Using hand gestures I've never used before,
pointing and wavering, praying he understand.

That's when I noticed, I had my Momma's hands.

My daughter and I, were like two peas in a pod.
We barely see each other now, her school… my job.

I cried to her, darling girl, don't let us grow apart.
Then I felt the compassion, of my Momma’s heart.

Give me strength O lord another exhausting day at work,
only to come home, to a house gone berserk.

I had a hard day, I'm tired and I am beat,
I looked down, and saw them, my Momma's tired feet.

As I've grown with my children, I've stood by their side,
when right or wrong, I've listened to their truths, and their lies.
They can do no wrong, I love them unconditionally,

these are my children and I look at them;
Through my Momma's eyes!

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack

I LAST SAW YOU

I last heard your, "I LOVE YOU SONG," 19 years ago,
I remember every expression, and it moved me so.

The last time I saw you, you were the cutest thing.
Now I look at you and see what maturity can bring.

The last time I saw you, was just the other day?

Or maybe:
The last time was when you were a little girl at play.

The last time I hugged you, was when you grew out of my life.

Holding on, not letting go, I didn't want you out of my life.

The last time I kissed your cheek, I knew it was gonna be hell.

To let go of someone, I wanted to grow with, now the tears swell.

I last saw you just the other day, the tears fall,

memories flash, and I don't know what to say?

I last heard your, "I LOVE YOU SONG," 19 years ago,

I remember every expression, where did the words go?

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack

The flowering of a seed

I never aspired to love in life.

Reach, nor long for adulation.
Wanting only to lay on lazy shores,

with sun drenched days and
milky starlit nights.

I never wanted to till the soil
of which my seed was planted.

Wanting to admire from a distance
and boast of my seeds

impending flights.

Never allowing to water or culture,
leaving mothering to nourish and
provide the essentials needed.
Nary a tending hand did I lay
to assure her Survival.

As I gaze upon this flower
in all her astonishment.
I'm consumed by guilty thoughts.
Yet comforted with the knowledge
that god was awaiting her arrival.

Took her under his wing cosseted
and ensured she had the things
needed in this life,
to see her to fruition.
God is truly phenomenal.

Miraculously flowers all the world
blossom to declare God's divinity.
Through all my aberrations
she loves me still,

unconditional.

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack

Promises not fulfilled

With the sunrise will come lollipop fields,
and orange slice skies.
To fill your days with cremesicle daydreams
and butterscotch pies.

For our children at rest or play
Let only your blessings caress them with:
Jellybean gumballs for their eye sight.
To sugar coat their vision in sweet delight.

In the night when their sleep do come.
May their dreams be of a paradise, of
splendor and wholesome.
With dreams of gumdrops dancing in their heads
in their homes of gingerbread.

Father this dream please let it be.
A gift of Heaven from you and me.
Let's make this promise that was never fulfilled.
Give them peace on earth, let it be done by your goodwill.

Poem By Wesley Allen Mack

Undying / Unclaimed Love

An undying love is a love that never died.
An unclaimed love is a shame, and never tried.
Throughout your life there will be an empty feeling.
To not try love leaves a blemish, in need of healing.

Been in love a few times before.
Nothing like, what I wanted to explore.
Claimed many a love, some less, some a little more.
You were the one I'd always reach out for.

An undying love is a love without the lies.
An unclaimed love is aloof but never dies.
As times goes by you think of her less and less.
Only to rediscover her for this you are blessed.

Been in love my whole life, but they were not you.
Something was always missing, I thought it was you.
Couldn’t commit to anyone, didn't know what to do.
There you were all the while, then I knew it was you.

An undying love will always ask to come in.
An unclaimed love will kick the door down to get in.
Been in and out of love, out and in, then again.
I've always had an unclaimed love,
Here's my claim check, the words on it say;
"YOU WIN!"

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack

Mothman

I speak of a love, who's song was never written.

I am haunted by memories of a love never extended.

I was drawn to you

like a moth to a flame,

unaware of the danger

impending.

Verily basking in your light,

not knowing if

my advance was welcomed.

"I" only wanting to be

in your presence.

Desire's Hue of yellow, orange,

red, and blue, flickering,

beckoning, for me to approach.

Intense heat keeping me at bay,

my desire outweighs what's to be.

I keep approaching, circling,

descending once more finding

the heat to hot to ignore.

So I retreat in defeat,

licking my wounds, as I go.

Determination no longer

an option to pursue.

Feeling the sorrow of my lost,

I keep looking back.

Oh how I wanted to embrace you,

I let go of all desires,

and move on,

with my singed wings.

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack

Power of Love/The contradictions within

Love can take you out of here if you let it

It can take you to another world, bet on it

You can fall in love

with someone

Even before you get

to meet them

Love can take you to the deepest hole below

It can take you to the highest elevation also

You will have love

In waiting

It will fill you with

Desire’s anticipation

Love can take you to the darkest of rooms

It can take you where the pure heart looms

You can fall in love

In a heartbeat

To feel it's stimulation don't

Look beneath the sheets

Love can take you where a guitar solo cries

It can take you were your sentiment dies

You can fall in love

Forever and

For reason unknown

fall out of love

Love can bring you to your end before you begin

This is the Power of Love or The contradictions within

You can fall so fast

Within passion's first sight

Hoping with all your emotions

That love will take flight

Poem by Wesley Allen Mack