Bird Watching These days I’m waking up with the birds Rushing off to work Similar to stealthy sparrows Early ones catch the worms Whistling to the sun Hello Slow folks finish last like vultures They become scavengers Like Poachers who scope for Rare species of feathers Those dressed in nice cloths of leather Show-off Critics like parrots Who mimic the skeptics Nobody’s saying anything new (its pathetic) Being original is too hard Set up the Scarecrows in the schoolyard Pressure Jailbirds sing songs and church hymns Behind prison cells and bars Please leave the half stepping To the flamingoes As artificial wisdom swell the stars Sirius Plastic Owls on the rooftops False prophets steal our goods Robin Hoods Politicians dressed as eagles Fly above us all complaining about freedom Extinction BIRD WATCHING WHY SO BLIND??? WORDS AND THOUGHTS FROM MY MIND I see you there – nodding your head Hands in the air – lets flllllllllly tonight Baby boys who never leave the nest Yet to spread wings – afraid to fall Black Man only taught to carry a ball And watch out for flying pigs They see us as Pokémon – trying to catch us all Collection The Fowler on the hunt for Love Dazzling Come Hibernate with me and the trees Beauty I’m twitterpated with every chick I see Lost Homeless living off crums like pigeons Travel in flocks circling blocks Only the sun keeps them driven Surfers prefer the company of seagull’s more than real people Riding the waves, unafraid, unashamed, untouchable Refuge My generation hides their heads In the sand like ostriches Jive turkeys don’t know what time it is Be more thankful and look up War Rock stars with Mohawks Shout songs to our young ones Like roosters trying to make our culture Wake up Evolution Future falcon - we men play hunt Showing off feathers like steroid peacocks Come smell the black rose I see robots on pterodactyls Prehistoric P funk this character got flows Watching rich folks resembling penguins who somersault into black holes Hip-Hop Carry the load like a pelican skull These jaws can store oceans of sins Who us? Christians never drop that ugly stuff We stay fresh and clean like white doves Confident Contradicting ourselves fighting everyone else Loosen’ sight of love The black bird Ravens are like the black thugs Who prefer picking locks Or picking out the heart of the dead corpses lungs Who float in the water around Noah’s Ark Which one of us will bring back a twig for the Lord? Rainbows A sign of hope when things fall apart Because angels come and go Like humming birds My thoughts get lost in funny words The flooding of the earth burning hot All you sitting ducks just sit and watch As Jesus Christ sparks my soul – look out below Here comes the Phoenix BIRD WATCHING WHY SO BLIND??? WORDS AND THOUGHTS FROM MY MIND I see you there – nodding your head Hands in the air – lets flllllllllly tonight NeverMindWhatPeopleSay GottaFindYourSeedOfFaith MountainsClimbThemselvesAway AllTheStrifeYouWillEscape Just spread your wings And shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhine your light Spread your wings And show your heart Spread your wings And show your soul Flap your wings Inflame your art Flap your wings Until you reach the lord The sky is the limit No time to be timid Just try to revisit The heavens that spitted Us out because of sin And are feathers fallen off Rotten A spirit in a cage Departed but not forgotten You see the last adam Set us free And ever since then I’ve been BIRD WATCHING

House of Mirrors Driving down “happy” lane Among the young children And drunken pigeons I gaze at abused women Beautiful and driven Each one the same yet different They know of pain and suffering On Barnard Boulevard I spot one lovely Full-grown girl in braids, With two kids and a bag of groceries Her black eye stays hidden behind dark shades Under gray clouds somehow my heart strays Running back to better days Before the arguments Before the alcohol and drug play Before the hardships That made all love decay And I wonder from my black eyes Are we really all that different? I want to escape to better days Where the summer stayed humble Come on folks remember jump rope And Double-Dutch Prepared us to stay on toes When trouble touched The sudden rush of life Can sometimes be too much As I drive down my road I notice the telephone poles And my very soul cringes At how I must jump rope With cable bills And Cox shady business The petrified electric lines Provide a safe haven For the tiny sparrows And bulky ravens My only entertainment Is a pair of old Nikes Hanging in the middle. Once treasured loves now abandon, This is how the city youth Decorate their planet With dirty shoes To claim their rightful street corner, Up above the sparrows and ravens Fight for the same reasons Territory and land Natures not that random Are we really all that different? Come and find a friend At the local playground Or jungle gym And jump along the spider web Or the makeshift diamond bed Where the squares read Numbers of hope Numbers of joy As long as you stay on your toes There was always another chance To build confidence Master your footwork And hopscotch across ghetto blocks Where white chalk serves Multiple purposes It was all rehearsal for A life of constant war Where focus was merciless And everyone got along Picking on the fat kid for fun Yet protecting the shy ones We understood war In the bushes to in the trenches View masters become binoculars The blacktop became a battleground In the summer time we had Epic water gun fights with Hydro-balloon grenades It all trained us for a modern-day War…. Stealth attack mom A cherry bomb to the face Was worth being grounded for a week Little soldiers can’t be afraid…. From dodge ball to hard laws Life has been one of staying alert At all cost Because the code on the street States anybody can be touched It was never a game boy You just had to believe Finding new ways to get in trouble Upside down in trees The adventure never stopped Mimicking our favorite heroes In comic books Telling dirty jokes Ignoring all adults Giving strangers funny looks Eating worms to impress the girls Drawing hearts in the etch a sketch Retrace your steps around the world And travel back to a time of No worries, no stress, no work Before you lost your innocence’s And didn’t know your inner sense When you could ignore you inner sins Because God found joy in your ignorance Similar to a parent’s protective glance As you danced in the sandbox of muck Fearless and unconcerned Jumping off escalated swings Daring down razor edge slides Climbing along monkey bars, unashamed Those recreational areas will always Hold memories of hidden peace Before our freedom became limited lets journey back to the days when life was all child’s play and nothing made a bit of sense but we knew it all anyway……… I wonder back to the road Reminisce on this one poem Now I understand Smiling at a light pole Reminding me to come home Back into the arms of security My mother’s separation anxiety God wouldn’t allow anything to harm me All that praying from strangers Must have worked As I STOP…. at the CROSS In the street Always remember to look both ways Before getting in bed with a freak Instead I close my eyes And count to three Playing hide go seek With old memories The honking horns behind me Disturb my peace Rush…Move…Go Time is not cheap Gas is not free I make a left And obey the speed limit Wondering when will they Charge us to breathe Or tax my beliefs The more extreme The more green And I have to move back three Just like monopoly And I was never good with paper money But this is the final jeopardy Now I understand all the animosity From my mom see…. she must of Seen something special Inside me, whispering: “Oddie just notice the little things” pushing me to always do better like an A plus student looking for improvement or a grown man riding a bike for innovative influence but my parents never bought me a red bike my first bike was…. ….purple and it still hurts though but now I realize their hidden agenda they wanted me to search low to strengthen my soul for the 12 rounds with life in this corner we have vengeance Weighing in at 247 pounds Representing broken kinship Lets get it on!!!!! The bell rings…and the radio static Program a reflex to grab my cell phone But I’m on everyone’s ignore list Because life interrupts friendships When lovers discover matchsticks Aren’t that innocent. Years of experience Reveal that candles burn bridges. So slow down Before you ignite the passion And learn of the endless Mind expansion Memories that time has Captured, Because Forever likes to dance backwards In a house of mirrors Where everyone is the same And only appear different No stranger to disaster Where I run faster into the hands of… No the arms of…peace Security…laughter Stop….now imagine Remember…. freeze tag Fire and ice Red light green light Capture the flag Spin the bottle Your first kiss Close your eyes and count to 3 Now imagine you are free I’m just like the sparrow, busy and fearless Or more like the raven, black and curious I smile at the children playing ninja I’m just like them a great pretender No longer will I point fingers I’m connected to those single mothers I’m one with that homeless brother My neighborhood is just a house of mirrors And these memories will mirror me forever

Speaking~in~Tongue (intro- Indian chant) In my past life I was learning wit my tribe Happy to be alive yo burning wit the vibe Off the sunshine-drinking moon whine With father-time caressing the spine Of fine mother earth I love this verse Don’t need to run and curse To pump yo nerves wit that heavenly thirst If it ever-occurs and my words all slur I’m sorry sir – you can choose to diss But I’m ((UFO)) the flowing blur – producen hits Like Zime-Zine-wizffe-imme – excuse me miss I was speaking in tongue Seeking the dumb – I’m thinking that some Needing this – lift – from my spiritual gifts Mission – accomplish – wit my broken English Spoken genius – rolling wit Jesus yooo taking notes As I catapult these scatter thoughts - Across the asphalt…. Paralyze whatever lies these bastards wrote I’m a captured ghost (heeey) Spitting disaster quotes (yeeeah) Like an outcast – backlash – pastor’s throat Echo off the mountains like a dolphin Watch-him – splash and float - I blast with hope Like in my past life I was a? Bow-and-arrow-Born-again-pharaoh Wit incredible-flows-caring-for-my-friends and foes WOOOOOORD UP Vertical shows supernova glow I’m the livest unplugged Oracle-Spit Saliva leave ya all bugged Like in my past life I was a virus a drug Spreading diseases of LOVE Changing like the seasons above The reason to bust – I’m teasing the drum (yo) Speaking in tongue Kicking-it wit Nuns – Chillin wit the sun And raising up my thumb Like funmab-humdumb-hon-dune Runnh-hum awwwwwwww- what is this?!?!?!? I saw an angel anonymous Dressed in heavens garments Who gave me the holy promise That why I run free like Pocahontas Stampede where the stars live like the farthest comets Step into God’s office and get ready for the holy harvest Son of man resurrection – accomplishment Droppin hits like a waterfall into the pool-pit Standing at the altar father what can I offer you that is worthy???? Bless my tongue wit the words to serve these Mc’s that are lost (lost….lost….lost) You need a compass for this track in my train of thoughts Hazardous landscape you will get tossed Towards my BOSS at all cost Some fought back wit weapons and lies Checking behind the most high don’t jeopardize yo soul Better recognize as I set my eyes On my past life I was a casket for Jesus Christ Left empty (that’s right) as he flies into the sky Leaving behind signs hoping you find In my past life I was a scalpel opening minds Tribal rival chosen sublime flowing with time Shining light for those who are all blind Riiip-rhhhyme-grapppevine-canntfine Taking flight then swim In tune wit the wind when I blend Step in Christ out the skin And cleanse your sin No need for panicking when in God we trust Don’t turn manikin str8 hard to love I got “king of all kings” boy – royal – flush Have joy and plus make noise with us I’m Oddie Sloan JUST speaking in tongue Never adapting to no Babylon put this rapper on And I’ll run this marathon doing back flips Come upon my atlas Dip wit me like John the Baptist Wit the holy-crowron-psalm for my adlibs Give me my daps kid Cause I’m enchanted wit raps that entrap-lids…. Unexplained like pyramids with gardens of cactuses I’m well equipped like a blacksmith Radiate and make my tracks lift Blessed wit this phat gift yo and it works I’m just a vessel for the king yo who was first All praise to the author of the universe. Woooord up (outro – Indian chant)

God the Only Refuge To the chief Musician, to Jedu'thun, A Psalm of David. 1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? Ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. 12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Job. 34.11 · Jer. 17.10 · Mt. 16.27 · Rom. 2.6 · Rev. 2.23

Umbrella Theory Intro Oddie: When there’s a storm approaching The first thing I’m holding is my umbrella unfolding Calling on God all knowing Help me gain a force To with-stain the wicket course Because when it rain it pours And my brain absorbs every shameful thought In this game I fought Against an intense onslaught I can’t stand the rain-banging non-stop Draining my heart But God’s been training me from the start Mind over matter Let me climb this ladder And battle every evil part Keashia: And Satan’s in the dark waiting for your downfall But stand tall because there’s not a problem God can’t solve Even when times are hard and ya put to the test Don’t be caught off guard Press on and try your best When the storm in your life manifest And you can’t accept the distress Stay dressed in the body of Christ With your umbrella outstretch To keep ya from getting wet With fear and being depress When it’s clear your truly blessed Oddie: I guess just because my every request Wasn’t answered with a yes I have to step back and confess My life’s a mess And this storm won’t let up It’s raining harder despite me My umbrella I’m hugging it tightly From sudden thunder and lightning Now the powers out and I have a flooded house Should I run in doubt? Or stand and shout at the clouds Screaming loud in anger First sign of danger God’s no longer a stranger That’s when you call on him to save-ya When all along he was Watching your behavior Keashia (hook) It’s that Umbrella theory When something really Can be carried by the weary And protect you everyday Even when a storm is nearing And it gets very scary and eerie Just remember that things will be ok Try to – keep the faith When the – skies are gray Or even when you run and play In the sun rays You still need the umbrellas company To provide shade And God’s the same way Don’t throw him away Oddie: And when the sun shines That equals fun time I put God aside and enjoy this one vibe Let my soul collide with this amazing occasion When everything is fine That’s when I’m blind to the invasion Plus there’s a thin line between Celebration and temptation And I’m on vacation with Satan Because facen’ his road is easy to travel Erasen’ the doubts of shadows Cause now there’s no more storm to handle Keashia: And when you in your sandals That’s when your weak for battle Sleeping on God becomes a fatal move I only say the truth Each day should prove and tell-ya That whatever the weather pictures You still need God with-cha So take your umbrella wherever you venture Rather summer or winter Always remember this lecture That God is here to protect-ya And he will never leave you Stuck in the mud Or ducking the sun He can block off all the corrupt and wrong You just need to gain his trust Oddie: I guess its bad luck to open up This umbrella in the house of pain It’s like announcing the Lords name in vain To earn lots of fame it’s all the same He’s always been there for me I can’t complain Either when it rains or when the sun stains my brain I have God above me head to maintain Now I’m seeing things much clearer Erasing my errors – replacing my terrors With hope and joy for the man in the mirror With my umbrella forever near I should never fear Keashia (hook) Its that Umbrella theory When something really Can be carried by the weary And protect you everyday Even when a storm is nearing And it gets very scary and eerie Just remember that things will be ok Try to – keep the faith When the – skies are gray Or even when you run and play In the sun rays You still need the umbrellas company To provide shade And God’s the same way Don’t throw him away

Spider Web Verse 1: The media misleading fantasy Can bring tragedy when reality comes crashing down No more family wit caps and gowns Just that rapid sound As the traffic pounds Thru the plastic town and false hoods Can you hear me now (yea)…well that’s good As I’m speaking loud over the shouts of cell-phones That’s attached to your dome like Velcro Some cats join wit it like an Umbilical cord Trying to fill in a void that’s been destroyed When really the lord should be the one you call upon Instead we let the gadgets spawn Technology our magic wand Now the passions on And those that have none hold guns and will respond But who’s the victim when the system did you wrong (wrong) If you listen to the song I’m not promoting violence I’m only saying that the human race Is laying in a spider-web Called advertisement Hook with my sister Keashia: Don’t get caught (get caught) in the spider web of Life CAUGHT UP TANGLED IN A SPIDERWEB ONE DEADLY VENOM DEATH Verse 2: The puppet masters corrupt us faster another disaster For the masses when broadcasters become scandalous In this business Being controlled by a higher hand like a ventriloquist Placing images Deceiving us – leading us to the next millennium More greedy-ah stampeding-the-malls With open palms and distorted thoughts Were more lost wit the products bought It’s not your fault ya caught by the false art Drop your remote control….and turn the TV off That’s ah start now proceed to free yo heart If we were smart we could avoid the web they spin But were not and we all play our part falling for the next trend Like robotic-cave-man in the dark pacen New-age-slaven to the mainstream My generation teams on a crusade with the same-dream To get paid-green-cash-cream And buy more things we don’t need While celebrities in they mansions catching nose-bleed Hiding behind the latest fashion feeling lonely While we collect Sony and promote other logos Getting materials to feel more – whole But even rich individuals are still poor without the lord 2004 we in big trouble for real yo Cause this the type of sin that people kill for As models tattoo they souls onto billboards Now lust envy plus greed will grow Bringing cold chills wit more thrills abusing us So ill surrounded by tongue tied influences Being force-fed – illusions of so called success Yet all these possession become useless And cause stress Objects own us as we quickly get addicted We know its wicket but the impulse revisit Coasting new exhibits Your suppose to finish life wit ah developed spirit Not with fancy cloths we got it twisted Hook with my sister Keashia: Don’t get caught (get caught) in the spider web of Life CAUGHT UP TANGLED IN A SPIDERWEB ONE DEADLY VENOM DEATH

Braken Me Down Intro: Now I’m only one man slowly going insane Trying to maintain in this world filled with nothing but shame Covered in pain – why have I came? Only to be enslaved or slain With T.V. corrupting my brain I try again and again only to be doing the same Hop on a train or a plane still not escaping the flame And I value my soul so no I won’t exchange For gold or fame no matter how strange or lame I will not be contain Although they have me by chains Treating me like I’m tamed Braken’ me down in ways that I can not explain Verse 1: Make this one a classic go ahead engrave it Mark and date it Maybe not going platinum or even really famous But still people will play it Cause my flow won’t be disintegrated or barricaded I’d rather be loved over feared or hated Here to touch all ages So bounce rock with your soul and skate kid Your down to earth poet, someone you can relate with My faces ain’t on no magazine pages I work a nine to five just like you trying to escape this But for too long I’ve been on the sideline taken witness Now it’s my time to rip-this Hardcore hip-hop mixed with the Holy Scriptures You want me to postpone my fate Homeboy are you ridicules? I’m spitting in the nucleus standing in the thick of this Filling up your empty plate go ahead and lick the dish While the gaze of your mistress leaves me delirious Ain’t got time to get twisted In your backstabbing mischief Braken down from the stress yo I have to live with And I’m addicted to rippin’ mic’s cause God made me gifted You may not like my business or the way that I flip this But I guarantee others dig this mysterious babblin’ artist Cause I ain’t holding nothing back No skeletons in my closet!!! HOOK: The system and the cops………(They braken me down) These snakes and my boss……... These demons and liars………..(They braken me down) Unbelievers who eye-us……….. Verse2: Yo some people still be racists Disgusting and I can taste this That’s why I walk these places Constantly changing faces Cause evil is straight contagious And I can barely take this Police are outrageous; want me to fill up their cages Bullies and even ladies Want me to corrupt their stages But I work for the Greatest, and there is no replacement You won’t find me in Las Vegas Smashed out or getting faded They kept me locked down like a basement But look how I made it So many people waited and anticipated my album That’s why I finally laid-it Rated as a champion But every now and then I have to stress with sin Now look at the mess I’m in Lets begin I don’t wanna be another victim Caught up in the system These are my predictions I see the cops on a mission talking about yo lets get him I’m just an innocent citizen trusting in the Holy Spirit To forgive all these wicket man HOOK: The system and the cops………(They braken me down) These snakes and my boss……... These demons and liars………..(They braken me down) Unbelievers who eye-us………..

Pinocchio Mc’s Verse 1: Star struck artist gossip and floss Who want us to worship the ice and frost The price could cost twice as much then there worth You get no props I won’t purchase yo dirty work…it’s all false Watch yo tape get tossed across the room like darts Cause you start sp-spitten out those evil thoughts Just to get up on them charts Bringing down the art that we fought so hard for Ya bunch of marks to me sound awful Rappin with yo platinum cross on Trying to be hardcore standing on all four Like Krs One said – “you need to see God more” Lying and keep flowing Denying yo nose growing but all the pro’s knowing That you ain’t nothing more then a wooden boy in a wig Empty soul for the market to toy with….ya dig And target the kids for the industry benefits Doing what the next man did So you can make your pockets limitless Hook: Pinocchio mc’s just watch your nose grow Telling lie lie lies on the stereo Pinocchio mc just watch your nose grow Telling lie-lie-lie-lie-lie on the stereo Verse 2: Let me play the part of jimmy cricket And pay you mc infants a quick visit Re-write that sentence…what is this? Bogus business - keep yo fairy tales out my district They spit that ish like they loving it Mc’s pulled by strings mimicking puppets Don’t even know how their controlled by the government Flow this and that so you can corrupt the public Back in the day rap was on some rise-above-ish Now mc’s only concern is the # one club hit I don’t want this nothingness bumping in my system I see more and more mc’s are falling victim To tha serpents sick type of ve-venom that’ll get em Spitting non-wisdom with some booty shaking women Being driven by yo lies they conduct and grow, nonchalant Non-stop non-talent now you’re falling off Mc turn gangster don’t wanna be called soft Took a few shots to your rips Now you being haled off Hook: Pinocchio mc’s just watch your nose grow Telling lie lie lies on the stereo Pinocchio mc’s just watch your nose grow Telling lie-lie-lie-lie-lie on the stereo Verse 3: Mc’s so deceitful their tongue will fumble Mumble in vain in trouble again From not containing they’re no talent fame Challenge illusion brain to not delusion and stain Falling in a state of confusion and pain You loosen this game Never to gain respect Takes more then a rosary around yo neck To get into heaven So check yourself and step correct Before the lies eject Stuttering muttering braking into ah sw-sweat Now you looking suspect displaying weakness Betraying secrets like this could eclipse friendships With your endless make believe fantasy field-trips Deal with the facts not the fictional Outcome critical when you’re not original And falsehood is responsible Should of listen to your conscious yo And demonstrate, now I gotta terminate Any previous statement of your greatness To me is now all vacant with no use Once you violate the truth You take your own image and self-abuse -Hook out

Black man walking There’s a black man walking Down the board walk Minding his own business No time for small talk I said there’s a black man walking With rhythm in each step God hidden in each breathe Unbound freedom in each footprint Look at where he’s been… There’s a black man walking Flossing rocks because he’s got Nothing else to shine with on the outside…. Around his neck he carries That oversized cross Because inside his mind Hope is a fragile thought And faith often plays hide and seek Leaving him lost I said there’s a black man walking And he’s wearing ice Because he thinks he’s hot The scars on his ear-marks The results of panther claws In the speaker box People blink and watch His peers wink and nod A warrior who can moon walk Across the street Or kiss the air with his flying feet Defeating gravity or maybe Its reality bending the rules For this special ebony jewel Broke in the flesh Yet richer than you He’s been through hell And now is living in part two There’s a black man walking Did you hear on the news? Walking the green mile Surrounded by mean smiles He seems proud with nothing to loose Still singing the blues From an obscene trial Design to bruise his ego Extending the curse I said there’s a black man walking Paying his dues putting in work. Older women see him And clutch on their purse At the same time their teenage Daughters show off their skirts. He pays them both no mind Drinking his sprite obeying his thirst Living his life Despite the pain on earth Let me be the first To salute you brother You’re not all villains… There’s a black man walking Eating chicken and watermelon Using the bones and seeds To clone his image A role model for all the children The hero’s sidekick With the stolen vision He’s the rude gentleman With no lyrical limits Humble in the spirit But angry with the world Turning down stereotypes Just to listen to mother earth Whisper words behind his eyes So his mind can unwind Dancing forever to the secret lullabies This is why even the shadow Of a Blackman walking moves with pride You see Black Stars have no reason to hide We are the 8th light We don’t need your ice We shine in heaven And leave angels blind……….. However that black man is walking Down that yellow brick road Of American golden hopes Like a lion in search of courage To face this world with the breath of God And reclaim the crown that’s been lost So can I cross the streets of your hearts? And jaywalk over racist talk To redefine love, because My culture never ask to come here Stolen, from the land of promise Kings turn slaves Turn felons Turn into cowards Hiding behind music and clothes Creating new trends at the extent of their souls I’m not walking for rap videos I’m not walking for drugs and alcohol That’s not ours The media has got me all-wrong I’m walking for the same reasons Martin Luther King strolled My brothers and sisters walk for Rights that are truly equal We are not a violent people We are actually very friendly and peaceful Accepting others no matter their color Is the way we roll. But we’ve been made to feel like criminals And to believe we are no longer beautiful That’s why I don’t watch reality shows I watch for what reality shows. We don’t need your war I take the walk of peace To free some more And that’s what freedoms for All my black-lions need to roar! Could care less with all this commotion and all But that’s what I am walking for

Mother of Joy Mother Joanna the giving tree of joy and laughter, singing heavenly anthems Amplified by everlasting confidence of seeing the Lords goodness in the here after In the land of the living, she is happier fulfilling her duty sharing her heart Mother Joanna forever seeking the face of true beauty, which overcomes the dark Now resides in the temple of the Lord placed upon the highest of rocks Transformed from an earthy vessel - encounter with the cancer struggle She remained that faithful servant amidst the torment of war A constant wrestle between her spirit and flesh with both demanding control Yet steadfast she endured and stood bold, with a strong hold on the Lord’s word She knew her bible well– the basic instructions before leaving earth Now she’s dwells in His tabernacle with Jesus and His mighty castle For what it’s worth - Parkinson’s had less than no effect on Her Faith Which remained unshakeable, thus for her weary soul was truly blessed Oh yes Mother Jo, who shared her cup of Joy with all of her boys and girls Now rest in Christ Jesus with a peace well dissevered Mother Joanna who brought Joy and whispers of Heaven This is a woman beyond measure Who found treasure in her darkest hour Yet in the shadow of sorrow she would never complain Eyes set straight on the face of the brightest tomorrow She’s now in the arms of the King of Kings Our lost but Heavens gain, as she currently trains angels to sing A new song, which only comes from a life of honor born again out of birth pains of hard trials to holy temples covered in spiritual garments, she’s now outside of time dwelling in the place she always wanted inside the house of the Lord forever in His presence dancing in His courts we cannot imagine her enjoyment her only petition to all her children was to share in this atonement imitating Christ on the cross, holding on for so long only to bring us closer to God to catch a glimpse at gladness ahead of sadness she moved on from glory to glory transformed to her original essence, rewarded with Jesus, living the never ending story as for those left behind who mourn, Matthew 5:4 makes it well known we shall be comforted, standing on God’s holy promises Similar to Mother Joanna and her accomplishments our foundation now fully planted and rooted so how much more should we stand strong and produce good fruit with works of the spirit that never spoil how much more should those memories of mother J forever play vividly as an example on how to conquer every pain how much more can we pray and worship in spirit and truth with all of our hearts and minds, emotions and intelligence God wants 100% from all of us; Mother Joanna was just more committed More than willing to be first in line, for who else was more divine and heaven sent It’s time we open our spiritual eyes, for we’ve been blind of this true gift from above Her last request and final wish was for all of us To practice the Lord’s commandment – LOVE – period No if’s ands or buts, she meant unconditional nothing physical Just a spiritual trust in the Lord seeking after His heart, power and kingdom Ultimately she left you and me the keys to true freedom Now how should we use them? Keys that could open the gates of hell And set prisoners of sin and death free with no regrets Keys to heaven’s gate and oooooh how long she waited to turn them Meek and weak yet fearless her eyes discerning all her friends and family For she knew where she was going, after solving God’s holy mystery Before thee appointed time of her pardon from misery She prayed in her garden of Gethsemane, selfless prayers Blood- sweat – tears – majority of these heartfelt prayers were concerning you and me Despite her own personal agony, she remained self sacrificing to the end of her days Always putting others first , forever keeping the faith Mother Joanna the giving tree, the morning songbird of praise Full of grace with great wisdom and understanding; oh watch her soar above the heavens For her burdens turned in to feathers, and her hair resembled a dream catcher Her light of salvation shined in psalm 27 as the sunset on the ocean’s side Manifested her inner blessing - Giving light to each step of Jacobs ladder Rippled off each wave revealing a perfect pattern of hope that most deny However Mother Joanna learned the steps to heaven walking on water Humbling her pride, now we walk behind those impressive footprints For her spine became the spine of Jesus, her tears became valuable elements Her smile mirrored her heart in God’s hand, each gesture became priceless moments Her blessing bestowed so much joy upon all her children, you can’t help but notice Her stubborn love would never budge stead fast in a pulpit of the gospel of peace For she was in the center of God’s heart the joy of His eye This is why he called her back home in the middle of the night. In the middle of the year of 2008 two times infinity 2 times as great Make no mistake this was His appointed time, 8pm the angels came in It was almost midnight, 4 hours to go 4 hours of darkness, 4 days in tomb Like the fate of Lazarus gone too soon, but she knew the author of salvation Opening July redefining freedom, removing all stone hearts After 4 days hear a great shout Joanna come out into independence with a deeper faith For she truly lived it, so let us imitate her ways and celebrate her race For she went the distance with no complaints, emptied herself, all sins erased To be reshaped in His image, to witness the glory of His riches, to listen to forgiveness To hear the master’s words, saying well done faithful servant your work is now finish To rest in Jesus the prince of peace was her comfort, our vision Her whole life was a testimony, to seek the king, and His coming kingdom And we were all just abundantly blessed to have her in our corner singing For her friendship, for her deep strength, for her guidance, the list is endless So don’t cry for her church, beloved family rejoice and be glad In the re-birth of Joan , for the fireworks of His plan For the glory in which she now stands AMEN By Oddie Sloan and the Holy Spirit