Beginner's Mind

By Emma Joan

There comes a time in life when one is under the distinct impression that she knows everything there is to learn. I am fortunate that my learning process began at a young age, and at this very moment, I continue to evolve – to learn. I have only come this far by humbling myself and realizing that I do not know everything. I must continue t

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643670256

Emma Joan

"I started writing poetry and songs when I was 6 years old. Writing was my tool to speak when I could not make actual conversations make sense to others. Yet somehow, in reading my poetry or listening to my songs, it was easier for others to understand me. If anyone were able to visualize my thoughts, it would look like a black movie screen with thousands of words horizontally speeding across the screen. Ever so often, a word, or a set of words slows down and shows in bold text so that it is easily seen - then those words become more fluid thoughts and etched on paper, then my reader's thoughts and hearts."

Book preview

Acknowledgments

For the Creator, and this opportunity to allow me to shine my light in his glory…

For my inspirations, Mommy, Grandma Trudy (Emma), Big Sister, Grandma Joan, Uncle Tony, who taught me that no matter how much I learn, I will forever be life’s student, if I allow myself to be. Also to live life with humbleness, gratitude, and simultaneously pride. I thank each of them for the amazing, beautiful, encouraging, and wonderful people that they are (were).

For my Angels, Aiyana, Jahsira, Jaleesa, this is for you. You push me to be better every day. You challenge me every day. You force me to keep going and to achieve my dreams so that I can guide you to following yours. I love you!

For my oldest Angel, Kaleb, this too is for you. I hope I am a good example for you to follow, even though there is a lot of distance and age between us. I could not have asked for a better little brother.

For everyone who supported me through this process and this book multiple times and pushed me to be better, thank you so much. I dedicate this book to you as well. You know who you are. Thank you!

Truth Behind

Beginner’s Mind

Pros and cons extracted. Made known as good and bad.

Reducing knowledge of the wisdom you once possessed,

past tense—had.

Redefining thoughts to figure out where you left off in your search for understanding

More abrasions to life than conceded, reaching for pedestals your fingers can’t grasp—demanding

Entranced by the fear of not hitting the mark set for one’s self.

Dying, but your all you are giving

Suppressed by what you know, what you can and won’t do, oppressed

by the cost of living

Adamant about leading one’s own life, no matter what people say

Following the rules of the leader, even if wrong; one’s ways will not sway

Challenging views about facing the real world’s animosity, your thoughts, acting on those thoughts

Being so caught up in one’s self, that it is forgotten—the knowledge taught Half-believing evolution’s theory and half in God’s creation of man. Which do I beseech?

So many helpless souls including my own, so unknowingly, how do I reach?

Chapter One

The Essence of Jae

(Random Thoughts)

A B C’s

Always

Bout someone

Criticizing my flows

Don’t know a thing about me, but for you my words are

Etched in stone

Flipping my words

Got me going insane

Here we are again

I don’t even know your name, yet you are

Jumping to conclusions

Kindly step down

Let it be known that you can’t touch where my feet tread the ground

Many have tried

None have succeeded, your

Outlook was wrong, wisdom is what you needed

Please stop using my lyrics on a

Quest to make others fear it

Realize true genius is in your own mind

Subject yourself to let your originality flow

Twist your most inner thoughts

You don’t need a pen, just strength in thoughts

Vincibility is not the plan

With all of that said and done, your words can take a stand

eXonerate your tone

Yes it will be known, you are where it starts

Zeal cannot be contained when it is over; here is where you yourself can

win hearts

Joyful Entry

On May 7, of 84’

God blessed the world and opened heaven’s door

To present this angel of a girl

Taking hearts by bundles

Living this so-called life in Detroit’s jungles

Giving knowledge to the masses, wisdom she would teach

Ordained by faithful listeners as the worthy and notable PREACH

Findin’ Me

It took some soul searchin’

To find what I’m to be learnin’, to teach what I don’t yet know

Keys to the heart, but where do I go?

Time passes, goals unfurled

Ready for my entry into the real world

Buyin’ time

To find

The true me

Truly

Findin’ me

Color Scheme

Is it wrong to dig Whites, Arabian Knights?

Those with different eye shades and highlights?

My friends tell me otherwise

Tell me different stories, different lies

Thoughts in my head, I can’t place

But everyone thinks that the safe place is within the race

Well what is love if it can’t cross racial lines?

I’m confused because I should feel liberated, not confined

It puzzles me because my race is all but neither

But words turn my mind into the