Greater Than: Inspiring Poetry by James J. Adams

By James J. Adams

Greater Than is another bold collection of poetry from James J. Adams. This is James’s first published collection of poetry in seven years. Though the author has not published and shared his material with the public in several years, this collection is the result of his time spent reflecting, observing, and being a good student of the world. The author labored over this collection, taking in the noise and confusion of the world. The encouraging message of the book is people striving for greatness must not be swayed, distracted, or get lost in the chaos. The author concludes that greatness isn’t necessarily any particular career, athletic, or monetary achievements. Rather, individual or group greatness is a matter of spiritual success and positive as well as lasting contributions to the lives of others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781490795959

James J. Adams

James J. Adams is a Poet, writer and inspirational speaker. Originally from Kingstree, South Carolina, James now makes his home in North Texas. James has written several books: Guard Your Joy, Changing The Game, Views Of Bold (Volume I), River Girl, and Fancy's Way. James has also released two recordings of his poetry which are titled, We Live In A Time and Soul Candy.

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Copyright 2019 James J. Adams.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9594-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9596-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9595-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019908993

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Trafford rev. 07/15/2019

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Greater Than

For the Homies

Called Me For This

This Ain’t 1939

Oxon Hill

Cold Beach – Warm Beach

The Monkey

Black Face

Organic Poems

Seventy-Two Hours in South Florida

Bolder Than Bold

Babies For Sale

Have You Ever Thought Deeply?

I Serve

Yellow Apartments

Inspiring Gifts

The Missionaries

I Get Paid

Sunny Sunland Park

The Fire and Winds

Streams of Water

They Are Afraid

Big Dick

White, Black, and Brown

Who Do I Look Like?

The Same People

Dress And Dance

Name Change

Soulless Bodies

The Mirrors Don’t Lie

America of Americans

Questions and Answers

Say, You Had a Father

Bees, Wasps, and Flees

Mlk Is Dead

Where Does It End?

There’s No Rest

Dear Mommy

Obituary Section

The Line Is Long

Never Been Locked Up

In the Air

In the Air Ii

What I Am

Don’t Turn Your Back

Skip the Sugar

Rise Higher

Dear Children

The Lamp Burns

INTRODUCTION

A s I was wrapping up the Lion’s Mouth collection, I was unable to shut down the creative flow and spirit. So rather than continue to add more material to Lion’s Mouth, I came up with an idea for greater than. I was surprised that the ideas started flowing quickly and easily for this collection. The last three of four books have been extensions of the other. But this collection is the first one that I’ve published in at least five years. I’ve had plenty of time to listen, learn, and then decide what I wanted to write and share.

GREATER THAN

R ight here and right now, I proclaim, I shout like that brilliant football coach from Grambling University, Eddie Robinson, my children are much greater than—think of the math symbol—my children are much greater than the illegal laws designed