Category: African Goddess

Holy Week Reflections on the Love Poem of Solomon and Queen Sheba

On By dancingpalmtreesIn African American Queen, African Goddess, African King, Colour of Beauty, Dark Skin, Ethiopian Goddess, Female Divinity, Feminine Divine, Goddess, King James Version Bible, Sacred, Songs of Solomon & Sheba, Spirituality6 Comments

Thoughts on Love, Romance and the Song of Solomon

The Inspired Word of God written by man.

As February and Valentine’s Day 2011 came to a close a few months ago my thoughts brought me to the Old Testament book, the Song of Solomon.  Why would erotica be part of the Old Testament canon? But the Song of Solomon is more than just erotica; it is a love poem, a testament to love, desire and sexual passion between a Black man and a Black woman. However the Song of Solomon transcends race and/or ethnic group.

The Song of Solomon almost did not make it into the Biblical canon.  However its inclusion proves that spirituality and human sexuality can co-exist. It puts to rest many theologians prudish or restrictive claims of sex defined in terms of sin or lust.  The joining together of man and woman in erotic love or pleasure is pleasing to God and is one of the highest forms of praise to our Creator.

Most Christians have been taught that this book is an allegory, a representation of Christ and the church, which could be one interpretation, after all I’m no Bible scholar, and for me the sensual descriptions of the lover’s bodies reveal its true nature.  There are many reflections or mirrors in which to view the verses.  Yes most for Believers, Jesus is the ultimate Lover of our Souls and Spirits.  Truly Jesus love for his followers shows him as the embodiment of his redemptive names, the Lily of the Valley, and the Rose of Sharon, our Bright and shining Star, our Balm in Gilead.  Jesus, the various worldwide prophets who laid the pathway before him and those who came after each singularly expressed God’s love for all his creation.

The lyrical verses found in the Song of Solomon celebrate romantic love.  The way her face, breasts and stomach are captured in vivid detail by the Beloved leans more towards Eros than agape.  The Song of Solomon is the longing of two lovers separated, yet joined desperately seeking to be physical reunited to once again ignite the flame of fervor, and quench the fires sexual craving between them.

In my mind the lovers are King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon to inquire of his wisdom and as the story is sometime told, the two became lovers, their lovemaking resulting in the birth of a son once Sheba returned to Ethiopia. Yes we all know that Solomon had many wives and concubines, too numerous to count, however Sheba was different.

The Queen Sheba of Ethiopia was intellectual equal, one who not only desired wisdom but was able to communicate the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of her people, her culture to this Hebrew King, thus she became the desire of his heart.  Two minds on the same plane, not jockeying for position, become one.  When a man meets the feminine version of himself he seeks to unite bringing together one side of his mind with the other.  Solomon’s greatest error was in allowing distance and time to come between him and the woman God meant for him to reign with in this life.  Imagine how history would have been changed if these two great leaders had joined energies.  What a mighty force two people, one flesh to contend with!

Unchained Melody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-idDbIfGvw

 

Thoughts on Love, Romance and the Song of Solomon

On By dancingpalmtreesIn African American Queen, African Goddess, African King, Dark Skin, Ethiopian Goddess, Female Divinity, Feminine Divine, Goddess, Royalty, Sacred, Songs of Solomon & Sheba, Spirituality1 Comment

Thoughts on Love, Romance and the Song of Solomon

As February comes to a close and Valentine’s Day has passed my thoughts this morning brought me to the Old Testament, specifically the Song of Solomon.  Why would erotica be part of the Old Testament canon? But the Song of Solomon is more than just erotica; it is a love poem, a testament to love, desire and sexual passion between a Black man and a Black woman. Most Christians have been taught that this book is an allegory, a representation of Christ and the church, which could be one interpretation, after all I’m no Bible scholar, and for me the sensual descriptions of the lover’s bodies reveal its true nature.

The way her face, breasts and stomach are captured in vivid detail by the Beloved leans more towards Eros than agape.  The Song of Solomon is the longing of two lovers separated, yet joined desperately seeking to be physical reunited to once again ignite the flame of fervor, and quench the fires sexual craving between them.

In my mind the lovers are King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon to inquire of his wisdom and as the story is sometime told, the two became lovers, their lovemaking resulting in the birth of a son once Sheba returned to Ethiopia. Yes we all know that Solomon had many wives and concubines, too numerous to count, however Sheba was different.  Queen Sheba of Ethiopia was intellectual equal, one who not only desired wisdom but was able to communicate the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of her people, her culture to this Hebrew King, thus she became the desire of his heart.  Two minds on the same plane, not jockeying for position, become one.  When a man meets the feminine version of himself he seeks to unite bringing together one side of his mind with the other.  Solomon’s greatest error was in allowing distance and time to come between him and the woman God meant for him to reign with in this life.  Imagine how history would have been changed if these two great leaders had joined energies.  What a mighty force two people, one flesh to contend with!

Unchained Melody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-idDbIfGvw

A Queen’s Choice

On By dancingpalmtreesIn 50+, African American Queen, African Goddess, Dark Skin, Ethiopian Goddess, Female Divinity, Feminine Divine, Goddess, Henry V, Royalty, Shakespeare, Spirituality

A Queen’s Choice

Presented with knaves and pawns declaring lust concealed in oily slick voices of undying love,

I the Queen chose to Love a Warrior and a King.

And to that Lord & Master declared my complete and total allegiance.

To Him gave I My Heart, My Soul, & my body.

Nicole Paultre Bell

On By dancingpalmtreesIn African American Queen, African Goddess, Black History Month, Uncategorized4 Comments

Nicole Paultre Bell

Nicole Paultre Bell and children
Nicole Paultre Bell and her Children

Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to meet Nicole Paultre Bell.  For those of you not from New York, Nicole is the widow of Sean Bell who was shot to death by the police the day of their wedding in 2006.  Though the police were acquitted, Ms. Bell recently won a civil suit and was awarded $3.25 million for the couple’s two children.  Vindication if not justice.

Usually I don’t answer my door in the evenings but I figured it may be the UPS with a package so I called out who’s there and Ms. Bell’s small voice rang out clear and true. Nicole is running for City Council District 28, the seat was made vacant by the death of Mr. Thomas White this summer. I opened my door to a petite smiling young woman full of charisma and charm.

Normally political candidates, even the Black ones, don’t impress me at all.  I’m not an “Endorser of most folks I see running for political office, especially the charlatans and conmen within my own community.  I can count the ones who made a positive impression on me on one hand; Shirley Chisholm, 1972, Jesse Jackson, 1984, and of course President Barack Obama, 2008.  However just our brief ten minute conversation at my door and I was intrigued by this young widow who could have remained in victim status but despite not having experience in political office has decided to throw her hat in the ring and go for it.  Even though like every Southeast Queens resident I knew the particulars of her case I was moved by the fact Nicole goes on, moves forward even through tragedy and grief.  She chose not to wallow in what happened to her beloved fiancé.

It’s not so much what was said during our conversation but how she presented herself.  What words would I use to describe meeting with and speaking to Nicole Paultre Bell; heart, gumption, spunk, confidence, knowledgeable.  As for the criticisms that she doesn’t have a track record of experience, well neither did Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Long Island), who was prompted to run for political office after her husband was killed and her son injured by a gunman on the LIRR.  Maybe we need someone young, fresh and a bit idealistic who has not been corrupted by the system and who is not part of the current political machine.

Also Nicole Paultre Bell is only 26.  This young woman could easily have been my daughter, her children my grandchildren.  I’m amazed by the poise and grace of this young woman and Nicole Paultre Bell has my vote. Who knows folks we may be looking at the next Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm.  From small beginnings come great things.

Soapbox — Thoughts on the Older Woman

On By dancingpalmtreesIn 50+, African American Queen, African Goddess, Dark Skin, Dreams, Feminine Divine, Spirituality4 Comments

Today’s Soap Box — Thursday, July 15, 2010

Thoughts on the Older Woman

 I feel women over a certain age are marginalized in this society. It seems once you reach 40 then 50+ women especially Black Women are expected to fit into preconceived categories regarding looks, behavior and expectations. The women on my job in particular the younger women in their 20s and 30s and some of the Europeans seem to be shocked that at 51 I still have dreams, goals, aspirations and desires akin to theirs. Of course the white women are always asking me what I do to my face that I have no wrinkles and lines. My answer, “Good Black Don’t Crack!”  I’ll never need Botox, Restylane®, collagen or a facelift.

I think young people either expect you to be dried up and half dead or a throwback to the 60s, hence my nickname by one young white girl, “Soul Patrol”. Other than the physical ailments that naturally come with middle age my mind is still has the focus of a 25 -35 yr old but with the wisdom that comes with getting older. The young folks don’t realize it but I have the advantage over them. I’ve already made all the stupid mistakes, so now my goals are clear I just have to find ways of making my dreams come true. Not that I won’t have a few detours, in my case romantic detours but my eyes are on the prize because I no longer worry about whether I’ll marry or have children. Yes I desire a life partner/soul mate but I’m ambivalent about marriage and long past childbearing ability. Right now I enjoy dating and even as the birthdays keep coming I’ve never had too many problems attracting a man. Most intelligent mature men want a woman who is in good shape, has a sense of humor and is his intellectual equal, not a bubblehead.

Another attitude towards 40+ women I find very disturbing is what men in my age group think about in regards to dating. I had a conversation with one of my supervisors who claims he is 55. He’s depressed because women in their 20s and 30s no longer look at him as they did when he was younger. His reasons for wanting very young women are they everything on them is firmer and in good shape and he feels older men make better lovers. I pointed out to him that many women in their 20s and 30s are in terrible shape thanks to the fast food industry and a serious lack of exercise and also that for some men by the time they reach their 50s they need Viagra. He claims he does not need this.  Also he’s flabby himself and could stand to lose weight and firm up! What a hypocrite! However this particular supervisor is known to be a horn dog and word in the Ladies locker room is that he can get it up but can’t make it last. Also it never seems to occur to these 50+ men that younger women only date them for money, power, authority, position or status and when they find those qualities in a man closer to their own age they will leave that old bastard!  After all most young women want a contemporary so they can marry and have children. If you marry someone twenty years older than you, they will either croak in a few years or you’ll be their nurse as well as their wife.  Realistically you need someone you can build a life with, not someone who is old enough to be your Father!

No I’m not a proponent of this new age philosophy that 40 is the new 30 or 50 is the new 40. Fifty is 50 and forty is 40. There are some days when I get out of bed I feel like I’m 25 and other days like 95.  However because I never smoked, did drugs, only drank socially and adjusted my diet as I got older I’m proud to say that my exterior looks pretty darned good!  Personally I see myself staying in this condition for another twenty years God willing.

My Aunt Helen who recently transitioned at age 89 used to say to me when she turned 80, DeBorah what is 80? What does that number mean? Does it mean that you should stop doing some of the same things you did at 40? Go sit in a rocking chair and go live in a retirement community? Her answer was always No. Aunt Helen loved to tell jokes, attend family parties and church functions, sing, dance, and enjoy life until she became ill. Now she is singing, dancing and playing her violin in Heaven keeping the Angels and my other family members on their toes!

I want to be like Aunt Helen with that spirit and zest for life. I believe that in many ways I am like her only my drumbeat and pathway are slightly different. Ladies, age ain’t nothing but a number.