Society has a way of chewing you up / And spitting you out whole / Chunks of yourself unrecognizable / Until you can’t put the pieces together / A source of constant criticism / A competitor in a race I didn’t sign up for / A boxer without gloves in a ring I didn’t want …
Cultural Rhythms 34: A Motherless Child
Sometimes I feel Like a motherless child A long way from home A long way from home Breaking headline news / Rich colonizers surrender parental rights to their child / America / Wife, Pseudo Morality, calls it quits with colonizer husband / Said the affairs with greed, racism, discrimination, xenophobia, they were becoming too public …
The Untouchable
Steam rises from my grandmother’s crock pot / Freshly cooked rice sits comfortably on the counter / Lamb chops dance across the wedding china my mother—in-law had to buy me / Sparkling wine slides down the side of my favorite wine glasses / And there I stood / By the kitchen door / My sienna …
Who Prays for the Angels?
An angel an attendant spirit or guardian An angel / A gift from God / A gift for earth / A gift from Him / A gift for you I imagine it is hard to be an angel / Held at the feet of your father / Serving a man who can do no wrong …
Happy New Year!
Photo by Anna-Louise on Pexels.com I am renewed. I am refreshed. I am unafraid. I am hopeful. I am optimistic. I am ready to harvest the best from my reality and sow the seeds of my dreams. Cheers, Najya
Meditation for 2019
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Stop apologizing when you've done nothing wrong. And if things fall apart in that type of situation, recognize that the foundation wasn't strong in the first place. Love you enough to not make others and their opinions your God. It's time to live free. Xo, Najya
The Podcast Tour
Learn more about Cotton, my childhood, growth, and life's mission in my conversations with the following podcasts!
Influencer Spotlight: L’Oreal Thompson Payton
On July 3, 2017, the tables were turned. The woman, who has spent a large portion of her life as a reporter and content creator, found herself on the other side of the experience. Baltimore’s very own, L’Oreal Thompson Payton, took the time out of her schedule to have a conversation with me about her journey in writing, dedicating herself to her purpose and finding healing in self-care. L’Oreal is a true mover and shaker in this world, and I hope that you apply just a portion of the gems that she dropped throughout this conversation!
Freedom Unsung: A Reflection on the Fourth of July
America's Independence Day. The Fourth of July. Fireworks and cookouts. Hugs, kisses, and giggles among all the family members you love to see. By look and sound of it, you'd think that everyone really does have freedom. See, we've made the mistake of equating independence for all with freedom with all. Now if that's not …
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Behind It All
Why did I start writing poetry? Why did I start writing period?
As a young girl, I lived with my mother and grandmother. Before starting school, my time during the work week was divided into two parts: Ma Ma (read Grandma) time during the day and Mommy time after she came home from work. With this type of system in place, it's easy to understand how closely attached I became to two of the most important women in my life. However, I wasn't prepared for what would rock my world years down the line.
Najya Williams 