Hey loves, please watch, share, and like my new video/recording of my new poem Summer Vibes.
Tannika❤
Click on the link below⬇
Or
Summer Vibes 2 (same poem, different video)
Author Archives: Tannika Nikeya
Summer Vibes
Although much of our summer is moving fast and we are enduring many restrictions because of Covid-19, our summer is still present. Let’s make the most of it as best as we can. Think back of how you use to spend your summers as a child and the good times you had. There were fun things to do even for free and things that brought the family together. I remember when I was younger, maybe 8-somewhere around that age, and the fire hydrant was turned on. I remember many adults and children from the building my mom and I lived in were outside laughing, talking and playing. I remember the children playing and getting put in the blasting water from the hydrant. That was a great memory and moments like that brought the community together and left an imprint in my memory and joy in my heart. What summer memories you hold dear in your heart?
Read my new poem titled, Summer Vibes.
Summer Vibes
Summer nights of soft breeze and warm air
Bike rides down hills
Lightning bugs for sparkling earrings to wear
Hamburgers, chicken, and shrimp on the grill
Side dishes and desserts
Shopping and summer deals
Soul train lines and family jokes
Nights out with the cousins
Vacations
or staycations
If broke
Hot days and pool time
Water soaked
Church on Sunday
Vacation Bible School
Summer programs
And family fun days
Poetic nights
Headphones and jams
Living life in real time before the gram
Amusement parks and walks
Movie nights
Pavement and chalk
Fire hydrants and water fun
Block parties and unity
The Summer vibes have just begun
By Tannika Moore
Watch “Bring It To The Surface” on YouTube
Hey loves, please watch, share, and like my new video/recording of my new poem Bring It To The Surface.
Tannika❤
Click on the link below⬇
2020
I wrote this poem a couple or few months ago but made a few edits recently. This year has been said to be a horrible year, and we are just five months and six days down. This year started off rough for me and has continued on to be a challenge. In fact these past four years or so have been challenging (I use the word challenging because they were still blessings and I have learned so much). However, I remember when this year had just started a lot of people exclaimed that this would be the year of 2020 vision, clarity, the best year, and so forth. One thing for sure it has definitely been a year of clarity. It is like the curtain is being pushed back. But for me personally, this is another year of learning to trust God, another year of healing, and a year where God is drawing me closer to reprioritize and organize so that He can be first and everything else can fall in its right place. And this is the year for me to understand how to overcome and overcome those things that were draining me as well as distracting me, trying to keep me out of my destiny, and from healing and growing. So, this year is an uncomfortable one for me, and I bet it is uncomfortable for many others but this discomfort is needed. Let God open up our eyes and let God sit us down to have those personal and generational talks with each of us. Be willing and lean on Him for grace to receive His truth and His heart.
2020
I see you trying to be still
Trying to keep joy in the midst of chaos and sinking hill
This world is sick
And all signs point to last days
Some of us are so numb that with every new event we are unfazed
The spirit of deception is
Filling the airwaves and skies
Increasing also corruption and lies
People are dying and life ain’t the same
Coronavirus is spreading and taking lives
And it doesn’t care about your money, fame, or name
The foundation of our land
Is crumbling fast
From the seeds sown today as well as the past
Division and Racism
Pride and ego
Corroding the core of our foundation
Nation against nation
Money and fame are our gods
Fear and emotional disarray
Increasing every day
Everybody wants their own way
Envy and lust for power
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy
he shows up to work every day ready to devour
The fatherless and the widow, not to mention those whose hope is shrinking
And everyone in between
Authenticity of Identity and Empathy has left the scene
Some of our love for others and ourselves are sour
And some of us trying to find our voice and not cower
There is little respect and more destruction of the Black flower
Fighting to survive every hour
Police corruption and racial bias
My skin is a threat
No empathy or sympathy for me
They would say I deserved my death
Senseless violence
And pent up pain in our hearts
Many of our youth are lost
We must save our children
And receive the abundant life
But some of us are afraid to take up our cross and count the cost
Dreams and destinies fill the grave
Anxiety and depression are soaring
We have a lot of Elijahs hiding in the cave
Fear of persecution
Fear of being alone
We are living in times where wrong is right and right is wrong
We are drowning in despair
Reaching for someone to stop and truly care
We are starving for integrity,
Humility, and real love
And needing answers that only God can supply from above
By Tannika Moore
Poetry, Some Wine, And A Lot Of Self-Love
Hey Loves,
I am so excited about this next Q&A with new author, Deandrea Moore. She has always been a great writer and now she is an author. Her new book, I’ll Take Wine With That is available on Amazon right now and a must have. Go grab you a glass of wine or water, and come enjoy this Q&A with me and Deandrea.
Tannika: Hello Deandrea, how are you?
Deandrea: Hello, I’m doing fine, considering everything that’s going on in the world. Although things are crazy right now, I feel that I needed this time. I’ve definitely used it to my advantage.
Tannika: You just recently wrote and published your first book, I’ll Take Wine With That. Can you tell me about the process? What did you learn? What was challenging? And what were the fun parts?
Deandrea: Yes, I just recently published my first book and it was a process that started in September last year. I learned a lot about myself and gained confidence in my writing again, which was probably one of the most challenging parts. Coming up with the idea for the book, the table of contents and the poems themselves were the fun parts. Coming up with the table of contents felt like coming up with a track list for a CD, but I wanted to do that first to catch the vibe of the book I was going for. Although coming up with the poems was fun, it was also challenging. In some of the poems, I had to really allow myself to be vulnerable in my writing, which is a bit difficult for me. I also learned that there are so many different styles to writing and poetry.
Tannika: I find elements of vulnerability, femininity, transparency, courage and self-reflection. But I want to know what is the theme of your poetry book?
Deandrea: The theme of my book would definitely be self-reflection, but broken into different sections. I have a couple poems about love, intimacy, the other side of love, and seasons in life, and making progress.
Tannika: What is the other side of love?
Deandrea: The other side of love is just the parts we don’t want to have to deal with or what happens after love is over. That’s why the different poems in that section are about jealousy, wanting to go back (tempting), and heartbreak.
Tannika: Why did you name your book, I Will Take Wine With That?
Deandrea: I named my book I’ll Take Wine With That because I use to drink wine as a coping method when I was going through things. I started going to counseling and I now use it in a responsible way. I also had a glass during writing several of these poems. I love wine as well.
Tannika: What is your favorite wine? I love the cranberry wine from Cooper’s Hawk.
Deandrea: My favorite wine, if I’m going for something cheap and good, would be Oak Leaf’s White Zinfandel. If I’m going for something really sweet, then it would be Stella Rosa Peach or Carlos Rossi’s Sweet Red.
Tannika: You talked about being depressed and coping? Why is it important to have these discussions about mental health in the Black community?
Deandrea: Yes, I was depressed and using wine to cope. We need to start having these mental health conversations in the black community because we’re not immune to mental health issues. We think that we can handle things on our own or they’ll just go away, but they must be dealt with. When we don’t deal with things we pass them down or we lose lives. Also, when we make sure our minds are healthy, then we can progress.
Tannika: You have beautiful poems and are a great writer! How has writing also helped you?
Deandrea: Writing has helped me to release some feelings I had inside. It has also helped me to gain confidence, not just in writing but in myself. Lastly, writing has helped me to be a little more open and vulnerable with others, but still protective of myself.
Tannika: One of your poems is titled Self-Love Story? What advice would you give young ladies to develop self-love and genuine confidence?
Deandrea: Yes, Self-Love Story is one of my favorite poems because this year is dedicated to that and getting back my self confidence. Advice I would give to young ladies would be to always make sure your cup is the first one you pour into, because if your cup is empty then you’ll find yourself drained trying to pour into others. I would also say to be selfless, but selfish with your time, energy, etc. Also, take time to find yourself and do the things that make you happy. Take time to practice self-care and not just face masks and pedicures, but mental self-care, making sure you’re working to become the best version of yourself. Don’t compromise your happiness for anyone or any relationship.
Tannika: Ok fun question. What is one fun fact your readers may not know about you and one fun thing you have been doing to cope with the quarantine and provide yourself with self-care?
Deandrea: Something my readers may not know about me is that I want to practice makeup on the side. Something fun I’ve been doing during quarantine to cope is learning how to do more hairstyles on myself, give myself pedicures and practice makeup.
For more information on writer and author, Deandrea Moore, and to order I’ll Take Wine With That, visit https://winenwords.com/.
The Enemy’s Trick (Lesson From Walking Dead)
I love The Walking Dead tv show. I recently began watching season 10 which first aired October 6, 2019. I love seeing Rick’s people evolve, persevere, and overcome challenge after challenge. And I can always find a lesson or two in an episode.
In episode eight, we see how Ziddiq’s PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that isn’t mentioned but one can conclude that is what he is dealing with along with survivor’s guilt) has heightened. Finally, Ziddiq (played by Avi Nash) shares with someone the pain from seeing those he loved murdered right before his eyes. We also find out that there is a traitor in Alexandria. I felt something was off about this person but dismissed it.
However, later in the episode, they flashback to the traitor’s story and my suspicions turned out to be right. He was actually an imposter. When his true identity is discovered, what he tells Rosita made me immediately think of one of the enemy’s tricks. The imposter at Alexandria tells Rosita (played by Christian Serratos) that they are not as strong as they think they are. She expresses her growing fear to Gabriel (played by Seth Gilliam) and is starting to believe what the imposter says. And that is one trick our enemy uses to weaken and disarm us. He wants to bind us with fear and doubt.
Fear and doubt are crippling, accusing, and draining. However, we do not have to walk around with fear. As believers, we must remember that God did not give us a spirit of fear but that of power, love, and a sound mind. We do not have to let doubt weaken our faith’s muscle. He who is in us is greater than he that is in the world and we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. The enemy will use trials and tribulations, lies, doubts and fear to cause us to shrink back and lose confidence, feel alone, doubt or forget God’s providential care, unfailing love, and almighty power. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV).
The enemy will also send imposters our way like enemies posing as friends as well as distracting and toxic baes and boos when we least expect it. But let us be alert and guard ourselves with the truth and power of God. Jesus guarded Himself in His time of weakness and wilderness during his 40 days and nights of fasting. He guarded Himself with the truth of God’s Word and by remaining confident in His Father.
So, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus for He is the author and finisher of our faith. God is omnipotent and omniscient. He will protect us and guard our lives from the lies and imposters of the enemy. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39 NIV)
Flashback Friday: Mother’s Day–A Daughter’s Prayer
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th and although celebrations of our mothers are limited, we can still make sure our mothers feel appreciated in the simplest ways. What are you doing for your mother to show your appreciation and love? Check out this flashback poetic prayer originally posted on May 7, 2016 and from my book, Setting The Captive Free Poetry Book.
A Daughter’s Prayer
Lord, I pray for my mother
By first thanking You for her
I acknowledge that You created her for a reason
And it wasn’t just to be my mom
So, I pray Lord that she seeks out her gifts and purpose from You
For You are her creator
Lord, I pray that she realizes
That she is fearfully and wonderfully made
And that she was set apart for Your use and
Your use alone
I pray, Lord
That You will grant her the grace
To reject all negative and deceptive comments, beliefs and thoughts Satan tries to inject in her mind
I pray, Lord that You will bind up
Every critical spirit that tries to pollute her mind and her emotions
Lord, I pray that she will be filled with joy and peace
Your peace that surpasses all understanding
I come against fear that she may have, for You did not give her a spirit of fear
But that of power, love and a sound mind
I pray, Lord, that she will see herself the way You see her
And that she surrenders every area of her life to You
I pray, Lord, that she believes without a doubt
And she prays without ceasing
Give her strength, Lord, to move forward
And be what You have called her to be and do what You have called her to do
Grant her Godly wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your Word
Help her exude holiness and virtue continually so that her girls may imitate these attributes that You possess
Help her to trust You and depend upon Your strength
For only with You there is stability and security
Give her direction for her children
Help her to be anxious about nothing even when it comes to her children, but to pray about everything
Lord, help her to forgive and love even when it becomes difficult
Build her up and encourage her
And let her learn to encourage herself when others won’t
Let her not lose sight of the visions and dreams You have placed in her heart
Let her have time to devote to You
And let her experience Your Presence in her devotion time
Help her to take time also for herself as well as to reflect and laugh
Let her identity be wrapped up in You
Lord, Let her know that her prayers are not in vain
Her praise has not gone unnoticed
And her tears have not gone unseen.
Now Lord, I pray that your angels encamp round about her, protect her, guard her heart and her mind
Lord, I pray that she develops the fear of the Lord within her heart
And the joy of the Lord always
In Jesus’ name, Amen
And thank you for my mother’s love
Because of a mother’s unconditional love, I know how you feel about me
Black Wonder
Black Wonder
Appeared on the scene like thunder
She stands bold
Gets the story simply, directly told
Black Wonder
Doesn’t follow anyone’s tail
She not only gets the men’s respect
But the ladies’ look up to her as well
How she does it I never know
To see a Black woman’s trailblazing
power and love, it amazes me so
Black Wonder
Full of knowledge and understanding
Will share
The wisdom she gains and definitely
wears
Black Wonder Passes it down
The soul of a Queen honoring her
crown
Blesses her daughter with gifts of
virtue, dignity and a figure
Teaches her son to pray and not pull
triggers, and to not refer to his friends’
as niggers
Black Wonder fills our midst
Mighty like the Black fist
Always present in church on Sundays
And faithful to the Lord
Battling in prayer like a knight with his
shining sword
Black Wonder raised us with creativity,
sacrifice and strength
Takes no stuff off anyone and is no
one’s fool
At any age, amidst trials and
tribulations, Black Wonder still keeps it
real, phenomenal and cool
She’s an example of God’s taste
And a woman of grace
Dedicated to all the Black Wonders in my life who are great role models and examples of perseverance and courage, especially my mom who helped me to become the woman I am today.
What I Brought To The Table
I came and sat down at the table
Carrying what I had made in my hands
So excited and pleased
I wanted to show Jesus what I had made
But it fell apart as I set it on the table
It was destroyed and I was crushed
I looked at Jesus, who was sitting across from me, with my eyes wide and full of disappointment
Tears began to slide heavily down my cheeks
Jesus got up, came and sat closer to me
And put His hand on mine
He looked me in the eyes and said don’t worry,
We will rebuild it together
I know what it takes to build it right
And to make it last
He sat there with me
Patiently
And with a smile
We talked and laughed
He comforted me and
He let me pour out my heart to Him
And I felt safe
He worked with me
And guided me through
The careful rebuilding of what I brought to the table
It looked different
It looked new
He breathed on it
And it came to life
He spoke to it
And strengthened it with His might
It was my life
And as I surrendered mine and received His
I knew then I was going to be alright.
Tannika Nikeya
Self-Care: Capturing Memories & Moments
Not too long ago, my therapist gave me an assignment. It was to take time each day to do some thing for fun and for myself. Upon attempting to complete this assignment, I realized and noted in my journal that I couldn’t fully identify what was fun for me.
I enjoy cleaning and especially before I can relax. I know, it sounds crazy. I do enjoy writing; however, I struggle with writer’s block here and there and I don’t write daily like I used to unless it is a to do list. I use to have things I enjoyed doing, but now I couldn’t really answer what I like to do for fun. Making a consistent effort to take time to do something I truly enjoy has been a struggle. I also race against time to slow down and just be present. I have found though that in order to continue providing the care for my family and fulfill my work and many other obligations, I have to first care for my relationship with God and then my relationship with myself. And one of the ways I provide that care for myself is to do something I enjoy.
As I turned my attention back to a project I had been working on for some time, I began browsing through photos I had taken to add to it. And it dawned on me that photography was something I enjoy. I am not a pro and I only had one photography class in college when I was an art and design student. Yet, I still enjoy capturing memories and moments. I also love nature and love capturing God’s art and handiwork.
So, I as I browsed through photos and realized my love for photography, I told myself I will continue taking shots of beautiful skies and landscapes and more. It is also a simple way of taking time for myself. Taking time for yourself is crucial. Having a hobby, and not just a hobby but a healthy one, is important also. Moreover, it is imperative to refresh yourself and rest. Rest isn’t just sometimes being still or taking a nap. It is about doing something you love and actually being productive. It is about being present and trusting God to manage the universe He created while you breathe in His ability to take care of you and your family. It is about taking a break to reprioritize.
Some things I have also been doing are now intentional to provide myself some fun and some self-care. I have been walking my dog; I love walking and I enjoy my new best friend. I recently polished my finger nails and toe nails as well as watched one of my favorite shows. I made one of my favorite desserts, a strawberry cheesecake, in which my nephew filmed and interviewed me like we were creating our own cooking show. And we also binge-watched Nailed It.
All of these things I am realizing did bring me some joy. I also had to recently make me a priority after feeling so overwhelmed, log off the computer, and be okay with not getting to every thing on my to do list. And I will continue to make time to take photos and write as much as I can. I guess I actually have some things I enjoy. I just had to take time to sit and think about me for a change. Check out some of my photos below!
Tannika Nikeya 