Poetry by Daniel Branch

ARE YOU REALLY REAL
By Daniel Branch
Inspired by: “It’s bigger than hip hop” by M.K. Asanti

A lot of people say that they are REAL
But I come to find out that they are REEL fake

It’s a shame because I don’t love to hate
But, as I sit and contemplate, I see that too
Many people are Reel Fake

Being Real means that you are genuine, original, and
Thorough. As a man you protect your woman and your girls.

Being real means that you are vulnerable, honest, and
Can show that you care. As a woman, you raise your
Children, respect your man, and yes, ladies also self-care.

But what I see is most individuals being Reel fake,
Promoting a fake life, like drilling! . . . The truth
Is getting caught for a body ain’t no coming back . . .
To the streets.

Brothas be acting all fake like send me
To jail, I’m real . . . . Sounding Reel fake.

ON the real these sistas need to chill! Ratting like Meghan thee Stallion, acting like
Hoeing is the way to be Real! But the truth
Is being a hoe is reel fake, who really wants
To sell their body and risk their life in
A day or a night?

As men we need to have more respect for
Our women. Maybe they will learn to respect
US!

We must be providers and maintainers,
Not the other way around. ON the Real,
You jokers are Reel clowns.

I know I’m Real because I have been
Reel fake before. Now, I really see what
Real IS! . . .

Real is being accountable, responsible,
Bringing solutions to problems, worshipping our creator alone,
And respecting ALL PEOPLE!

Here’s my advice, be yourself and you’ll
See real quick, what life is really like.

Let’s stop being Reel fake, and watch how
We will genuinely LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

On the Real WE ARE ALL brothas and sistas.
PEACE.

Race
By Daniel Lee Branch IV

Why must we focus on a RACE?
So, if a person is not my color, must I hate…
Them?
There is only one race
and that’s the human race…

We all came from one man and woman,
in the beginning.
There is no way to breed with a dog or an ape!
So why do we spread so much hate?

We can all see the systemic racism in the
United States.
So, why do we try to combat it with reverse racism?
I’m this, I’m that, we this, they that!

This is all a trick from our sworn enemy,
Who has hated us from the gate!
The Shaytan tricks us to propagate
All this hate!

Allah chose us to worship him,
And procreate with our race.
Back, white, brown, yellow & red,
We are human beings, no matter the race!
Let’s promote love not hate!

We are all one race.