Play In Peace, Prince

Prince
[Italicized stanzas are excerpts from Prince’s song, Purple Rain]

4/21/16 — The last day of Prince’s reign
He who gave us Purple Rain
And other hits that will never wane

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain

Pioneer, legend, icon, genius
He even had a name that’s a hieroglyph
As cryptic as what stole his last breath

Constant music in the making
He set the tone and style for the taking
He’s always real, no room for faking

Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing

A milestone maker in many stages,
He had a soundtrack for all the ages
His harmony is stronger than any steel cages

He’s a master in rock and blues
An impact in culture and people of any hue
He’s a melody maven through and through

It’s time we all reach out
For something new, that means you too

Prince and the Revolution
Prince and the N.P.G./The New Power Generation
Prince, you were always a sensation

Only want to see you
In the purple rain

Straighten Out

Societal concerns

Image: Pixabay

[Inspired by current events and Straight Outta Compton*]

Back in the ‘80s came a rhapsody at rap city
Straight out of Compton.
Some black dudes introduced a new musicality;
They were inspired from their frustration,
Fighting strong with words
Wrapped in rhythmic chords.

Today their message from then still holds true
Though it’s not just them vs. the men in blue.
There’s more to it than injustices done by one homogenized group;
It’s really all about every one of us that makes this a vicious loop–
To a degree we all contribute our own social and mental ills;
We’re all paying the same big bills.

The list is long,
But it’s time we see all what’s wrong.
Face up to the fact that history can’t be undone,
But we dwell on it and create a rerun
As long as we stay with the same script.
The only difference is another rendition of rehashed bulls_ _ _.

Haves and have-nots are alike,
So one has a bigger bike.
Create your own success story
Instead of living in envy.
The root of all evil is not money,
It’s the lack of self-accountability.

Funny how it really is simple,
Just be responsible.
It is an individual call
But it starts within us all
To make a dent.
To our system that needs a bad re-invent.

*Straight Outta Compton is a movie about how rap music revolutionized the Hip-Hop culture.

Fat Cat

best life ever

Image: Pixabay

Strolling down the street,
Looking dapper and well fed,
Smug with no cares,
You have food and a warm bed.
No hassle, no bill collectors.
Being a pampered cat can’t be beat.