Something New

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

Baby, let's try something new, me & you. Something beautiful. We are full of youth and the sun shines brighter today than it ever has before. You are my passion and I am your inspiration. You were my ambition and now that I've found you, let's try something new. Something different. I don't live for the pleasures and the pleasures alone but I figured we could use some life. We could stay alive. We could go above and beyond. Your treasures shake me as I dive into your mystery and you know I crown it if I happen to like it. I put a ring on it without going round and round in circles. I get straight to the point. Now, if you could close your eyes for a minute, I have a surprise for you. I know you're peeping low-key but it's fine. I can't hide the excitement either. It's not your birthday today but I choose to treat you special every day and in every way I can. We will try something new and differently exciting and never for even a single moment will we take this roller coaster for granted. I love the way you love me and the way I love you I haven't before. You can now open your eyes. You danced all night, girl, you deserve it.

Has Never Been

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

I'll take you to places you has never been. Mostly because I really want to get there and I also do not mind some company. So if you're willing, let's throw a dice and see where we land. Let's take some kites and see how far they'd rise. Let's grow some wings and see how high we'd fly. Let's dive into the oceans and see how deep in we'll survive. Let's go to places we has never been. I bet you are yet to land on the moon. Honey streets and well-decorated amusement parks. A dozen of milk stands that could make me do a bunch of flip-flops. Summer salt in sweet garlic prescriptions. Beautiful cake icings on a Christmas tree. Where every thought lingers and in your hair flows through my fingers. The sun rises and we are projected to the world. They know our names. Mostly because we were brave. They change locks of keys to places we called home and we change our vision to something greater. The music is amazing and I could dance in your praises and answer your prayers. One little thing I keep forgetting is that I knew you even before I found myself. And you walked beside me when nobody else could. One little other thing I'll never forget, is that unlike so many others, you are still willing to forgive me and come with me to places we has never been.

Press Record

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

The songs of a lifetime might be written and sung in just a single moment. So stay awake whenever it's required of you. I chant a song for this moment right now tastes juicy and it feels like a new day. I stay away from drama and to be honest, the world doesn't really revolve around you. There's a seed I'm sowing and the farmer I am will keep ploughing till dinner is served. Even if I keep getting tired, I will keep going. I will never give up. There's a moment I'm not about to miss. I watch my step and mostly to avoid your toes. There are others with the same voice as I have found so I'm no longer afraid to voice my joys. I no longer intend to stay idle. I do whatever little my hands land on. Bigger ambitions are satisfied by small continuous efforts. I have a family I love and cherish and now I wish to help keep them growing. We've struggled enough times. The cold almost ripped our ears off and I've seen blood oozing out of places I'd rather have never been. So join the anthem and sing with me. Let's chant a song of freedom and the ability to achieve whatever we set our minds to. We will never give up; we will keep on going. If it's money, we will make it. If it's peace, we will continue to create it. The seeds that we are sowing are a promise to this land and to our children's children that we will keep going, no matter how hard it ever gets.

Price Tag

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

My beautiful girlfriend told me, "Everything will work out" and I believe her. I'm not easily the type to get too excited without a good reason. But yeah, life's hit me hard a couple of times before. And, no.. I'm not even complaining. Shoe strings don't want to get too attached to the shoe but at least they hold your foot in place. Unlike shoe strings, sugar naturally dissolves in water and what a sweet sight. Sigh. You try and try because you believe that the 101st time you do, things will work out. It gets really hard sometimes to figure things out and if you're not helping the economy, they somehow find a way to kick you out. Everyone wants the joys of your success but would rather watch you carry the burdens from the sidelines. I understand. We are all fighting fights we do not even understand ourselves. The bigger the test, the more appealing your GPA looks if you get to ace it. So I do my best and learn from my shadows. Those things you can't tell are the best and worst things to play around. So I read the price tag first before I reach for my wallet. Are you worth it?

Sikukosa Kungojea

[Kiswahili Kitukuzwe] Kroxti:

Yamkini, sikukosea kungojea. Sikujitilia doa kuungoja wakati wangu. Na ulipowadia, sikungoja kuukosa. Nilipita nao. Nilifunua mabawa nikapaza sauti kisha nikapaa angani. Mwenye sikio na aniskize. Mawingu yasiyo kasoro yaliniamkua yakitaka kujua nilivyokuja kukua. Wakaniuliza nilivyokuwa. Dakika za kuomboleza zimenipiga chenga na kwa uhakika, nilizobaki nazo kwa sasa ni dakika za furaha. Asiyejua furaha hapati furaha. Mpaka lini tena nitasahau nilipotoka? Mpaka lini tena nitakumbuka mara nilizoanguka? Sikuchoka na sitachoka. Japo baridi lanilaza, sitatetemeka. Sitaogopa tena. Ni muda wangu huu na sitababaika. Akufuzaye wakati mwingine hukuambia toka. Na lisilokulisha lisikutishe. Chakula kingi ufukoni. Ya pesa tayarisha mfukoni. Dawa ya uoga si fujo. Ni kunyenyekea na kujifunza kukwaa hata juu zaidi, zaidi ya shida zako. Hatukosei tunapotaka; tunakosea tunapotaka kwa nia mbaya. Jizungumzie na ujipende ulivyo. Tazama mbali zaidi na usiogope kutenda. Lako likifika; lako utalipata. 

A Fedora for your Troubles

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

I flip my hat off and marry it to my chest as I bow down before thine presence. A fedora for your troubles. I have seen it, the struggle. Your smile is everything, and in all you went through you went through it untroubled. You kept your peace because you fought to protect it. Vendetta troubles. See, my friends and I like to do random things. You know, like be ourselves in the midst of so much rubble. Trust me, we've had our better days and we know the best are yet to come. Yet, we've also gone through some shit we were never sure we'd ever get out of. Surely if you look at it from my angle, I am deeply grateful for the good and bad. The good taught me I can always win again and the bad was enough good practice. Even some of these vaccines are administered in the form of their own disease. You learn sometimes the hard way. If it doesn't harden your heart, it will open your mind. Everything is nice and I'll say it twice; everything is nice. Pardon my mystery but we both know I belong in the midst of those things you will cherish. You're a bright flower blooming in the midst of the ocean, fighting the storms and always winning. You stretch in too deep and your roots go even further. Your branches embrace the clouds and pierce the skies as your leaves embrace that only which is divine. You are a winner and winners know what it means to lose. You win some, you lose some. The ones you win don't let them far too in; the ones you lose, don't let them distract you. You've been doing a completely perfect job already. Not giving up. You are bigger than your problems and tonight, please allow me to bow this one down for ya: a fedora for ya trouble!

Some People Want to Take

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:


Some people want to take what is not theirs. But, I don't blame them. That's why I protect what's mine. I'll never take what is "not mine" without giving back something of enough worth, even if you do not see it. Something you need. I see you clearly understand my position but pain has its ways of twisting our rationale. I've said this a thousand times; never get petty. I know sometimes it's never that easy to tell. Some burdens might be too large and heavy on our shoulders and yet seem small and unimportant to others. Some who might not even lift their fingers to make it easier for you. Keep it burning. Don't let their winds wipe away your glowing light. It's weak if it's not coming from the soul. And if it's strong it'll come to build you up or teach you something. Burn a path before your guarded feet and step over them dead. A boss lady and her classic man knocked on my gate once. They were dressed to kill and I could tell they had each other's back. Stand strong with your women, men and you will soon see how many wonders she can help you create. Bachelor apartments have turned into huge mansions and it's never the size of the house but the vastness of your imagination. I have believed in you from the start and whatever you will set your mind to achieve. Grow to bless and learn to give from the heart. Your blessings have been counted and you will get everything you ever desired. I know some poets who have romanticized sadness, hurt, pain and their own sorrows. Let's not forget that a lot of people have gone through a lot of trouble and with trouble, pain. Let's not take them to our disappointments but rather direct them to the success we discovered in our own struggles. Let's help them be stronger enough and live to fight another day. We are all heroes and I hope for you and everyone else, that you will get to the place you've ever really wanted to arrive at. & of course without allowing anyone to take away what always belonged to you!

The Baker's Equation

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

Some prayers we pray rise up and find their place among the clouds. They are answered and sent back into our bosom in the form of rain. And every cloud has its silver lining. If you work hard enough, golden. I have walked in the shadows and deserved all these medals I won. That's why when I met this baker, I quickly baked all the questions I would ask him? Tough but necessary questions. Unlike many others, he understood some really brilliant concepts. His bakery was his kingdom and everything he ruled reigned. I became an admirer. Because sometimes, people really do not present the type of people you thought they were. That's why I've taught myself to never judge but to walk in the truest of principles that guide my heart. I celebrate life and just like Mr. Baker, he seemed to enjoy his, pretty well as well. "Ah, I have been expecting you!" He preferred to call me Syntax and he loved what I said. He broke down his royal equations and I calculated to prove enough that he was on top of his toes. Great conversations fade in a blissful way. As if they'd prefer to be forgotten. Then when you remember them, it's a beautiful memory. I guess when they said "Practice makes perfect," they actually meant it. To be great, you need to be prepared. It has never come easy.

Don't Dilute my Work

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

Just like the CN Tower, my work stands tall; and just like my BOSE speakers, it also speaks loudly for itself. Y'all heard that Jesus turned water into wine at some wedding in Cana and I wouldn't say it's something I can. Give me words and I'll make them beautiful; give me time and I'll make you proud. To be honest, show me something beautiful and I will praise it. Show me something ugly and I'll show you why it really is not and how much better it could get. See, when it rains the dust settles after a while and all the dirt is washed away. Wash away my sins and judge not my imperfections, if I happen to have any. Read through the lines of my work and understand where am coming from. It might look good, it might feel good but don't make it look you. I surely do not want to look like you. So if it is to esteem something you admire, you must rise your way to its position or just admire it from below. Drag me through the mud and I'll remind you that I've secured my place in a high place. Don't throw in the towel, yet. You can do it as well. If your intentions are true; if your intentions are pure; if your intentions certainly make sense. We are all different but equally the same. The things that make us different are the same things that build our similarities. So never try too hard unless you're putting in real work and gaining for yourself real value. Never lose hope and never really despair. My work is a little bit like your favourite liquor. And I very much hope you'll drink it with no chasers. Thanks.

EPAR - Never Beyond Repair

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

There are things we would never want to happen to us or to the people we care about. So, some papercuts will hurt so bad and an earthquake could bring your whole house tumbling down. I shiver at some thoughts and I feel the pain even when I think about it. I'd run away and hide but these thorny fences would never let me and the walls are so cold I could never force my way beyond them. The so called door wouldn't even open and as I have learnt to open my eyes more, I've seen destitution, destruction and pain; blood outpouring from a broken drinking glass. Alcohol will play with how your mind dances and some drugs will make you feel invincible. We are all tried and tested to our bones when we stumble and it's only the strong-willed who win the fight against evil desires. Sometimes, we breed it even before we intoxicate our thinking. I have seen evil spread through the world and some unfathomable things accepted by many who get roused easily. I could never blame them but to ever raise your finger and take advantage of someone weaker, it could only mean one thing. Call me on my cellphone and I'll tell you real stories of women hurt beyond what they asked for. Call me on my cellphone and we will sympathize with the men who have been stripped off the courage to refer to themselves as men again. Call me on my cellphone and let's think of the solutions we actually really need. I've seen scarred faces, felt scared souls and wept for broken hearts. Nobody ever deserves the pain. Any pain. Nobody ever deserves to be made a nobody. Because the fights we fight the most are in our minds and to disturb the peace in another's is strangely super weak. Let's be aware of the effect of the ripples we effect. Let's affect others positively; no matter how badly negatively affected we have been. I don't know about you but I believe things will always get better if we desire that enough. The worst might have happened to you, my dear, but you never have to shed a tear again. Your past might have been torn to pieces but you'll always find the pieces and fix the important ones back into the puzzle of your future. We are all different and "animals" will become of some who allow their minds to be twisted. Let's walk straight, with full respect to everyone else. Find your respect for others and you'll find respect for yourself. & before I forget, you are never really broken beyond repair.

An Ode to the Girl Child

[Today's Heroes] Croxt:

It has taken me the longest time to stand straight and look into the eyes of the girl child, into the eyes of her sister, into the eyes of her mother, into the eyes of any woman, any girl; and promise them that anything is going to be okay. Things come when they arrive. I am truly sorry. That's why today I sit to jot my heart out onto a piece of paper and let the ink spell out my words for you. A letter addressed to you, my darling. I have heard before that anonymous compliments are the best, because then you know well that the one who gave them needed nothing from you but you to believe in the beauty or admiration you possess that they pointed out. So today I compliment you; (something I wish you will believe each day), you are beautiful. In every single way you see yourself. In every single way you think of yourself. All of you. And nothing is wrong with you or ever has been. I am convinced the girl-child deserves to grow and should never be disadvantaged enough to stop growing. One, because she is very willing to learn even from when she is young. Two, because she is born full of life. So, dear girl child, take not to heart the lies they force you to believe about yourself. Do not let them show you to be weak in any way they present it before you. Speak up. There's enough power in your voice to silence each and every weak man who fails to make sense in front of you. Learn to talk. Learn to observe. Learn to go for the best reason possible. Avoid believing even in the women who have accepted to be less than whoever they believed themselves to be. Don't praise the ones who do not deserve it. Don't victimize or criticize them, either. Understand them and their position and why they do the things they do. Speak for the ones who will let you. Empower other women without looking for reasons to fight against their decisions; because you'll always find them. They got where they are today through a journey. Every woman I know has a story. & how I wish they could all tell them and the world, eager, could be ready to listen. Every story is different. Sometimes, where you start is far away from where you begun. And I'd have no reason to bring you out into the light with no intention of guiding you. So, believe me when I tell you, the universe has always been within you. You ever will be the things you believe you will become, no matter how petty. Choose to grow daily and miss no step. Trust your steps and learn from your mistakes. It doesn't have to be like it has always been. Nobody can love someone who doesn't love themselves, no matter how perfect the picture looks in their mind. Love yourself more; believe in yourself more. More than anyone else could ever do. Become fearless. The light is hidden within you and never let anyone dim it, no matter what they mean to you. You, my dear, have always meant more for yourself.

Yours sincerely,

The 6Poet.

El Vampiro & Le Petit Chaperon Rouge

[Some of the stories I tell] Croxt:

I bet you've already heard the story of the big bad wolf and the little red riding hood. I'll recreate it in my own words and in my own head: An attractive, well-bred, young lady who loved wearing her red hood lived some kilometres away from her grandmother's house. Her grandmother's health had gone from bad to worse in such a short time. And no one else was as less busy as she was. So it naturally fell on her to ensure that grandma was always fed and on time. It was what she did while the boys were sent to school. It bit her from within but she bravely fought her pain by swimming herself into every beauty she encountered. She would dance and jump and wave in the woods on her way to grandma's. She would sing with the birds and joke with all the other small animals she met. Frequently, she would pick flowers and place them in a vase next to grandma's bed. She prayed every day that grandma would recover soon and at least, smile effortlessly once again. There will always be eyes on beauty, even if unseen. Someone sees your bright beauty somewhere, no matter how much you might feel ignored. And these eyes would belong to El Vampiro; the last of the surviving vampires. He had saved the world one last time by erasing all the evil vampires that had existed. That was all of them but himself. Being a vampire, one had to really fight hard and work on themselves enough not to be a problem to humanity. But most of them were too carelessly lazy and obsessed into being other things that didn't even matter. So he wiped them all away. He knew he would have to wait well before he raised a generation of new vampires who had values and actually made sense. Vampires who were true to themselves and unafraid of anything, including their own selves. Vampires who would be the light. Then, a witch who had previously manipulated the power of the evil vampires to her own selfish endeavours became too infuriated by his actions, and set a curse upon him. In the only way she was allowed to; the name, love. He would be hated by the souls he fell in love with. And this pushed him away from seeking love. It was pointless. Yet he never hardened his heart. He never strayed away from the truth in his heart. And his eyes are the ones that followed the young maiden, ever since they first landed on her. He was yet to see beauty like this, all these years he had been alive. You shall know the size of the ocean by the magnitude of its waves, no matter how small. So he deeply fell in love. & he knew what it would mean to confess this to her. She would immensely hate him immediately, for no reason. So he admired her from afar and never stepped into her shadows. He looked over her, every trip she made. He had also conquered the desire to suck and feed on her. He was glad he had learned this by himself, the hard way. And all he ever desired was to protect her, nothing else. This is where the big bad wolf comes into the story. So this one day, he happens to sniff the perfume from her hair and rushes to block her path. Disguised as human because the light of day would let him. Unlike El Vampiro, he needed no ring for protection. At least, just from the sun and not far from the full moon. He said, "Hey, pretty lady" and sought to find what she would be doing in the woods by herself. El Vampiro listened closely, just in case the wolf made the wrong move. She, charmed by the "wolf"'s demeanour, introduced her grandmother into the equation. The wolf, greedy for more meat to his plate quickly hatched a plan to dine on them, both. So he acted sympathetic and suggested she should get more flowers for her grandma to make her feel better. As she took to the idea, singing and plucking flowers; plucking flowers and singing, the big bad wolf rushed to the grandmother's house to feed his greed. El Vampiro caught up with him, in a clearing, just a few metres away from the house. It gets bloody when these two opposing forces fight and our little red riding hood arrived just in time to see the wolf catch his last breath. Sad. Automatically, she riled up in anger and immediately hated El Vampiro. Why would anyone kill someone who meant no harm? Yet, men turn to monsters abruptly too often to defend themselves and the things they care about. El shouldn't have believed in his curse for it to work this way. And in distress, he rushed to kill the one he had come to love. He rathered her dead than him hated. As the fangs sunk in deep and his consciousness regained, he realized he would be killing the grandmother as well. So he changed his mind but it was kind of too late. And when you really care enough, you become desperate enough to find and offer solutions. He gave her life back but now if she was to come back, she would come back a vampire, a blood-thirsty vampire. And to be a vampire, you understand the truth better. You see the light. You understand how things look like and how they really are. So obviously she saw his plight and perceived wherever he was coming from. She discovered his true nature and understood his reasons and intention. She looked into his eyes and saw the truth. Nothing is bigger than that. Like in all realizations, she fell in love with the monster she had hated. El Vampiro's first turn turned his curse into a blessing. Now, he had some teaching to do and her, some learning to embrace. He would teach her how to fight and she would learn how to win. Both, how to love. A vampire fights many wars, and the very first one that she had to fight by herself, would be the urge to suck her grandma's blood completely out of her veins, as she delivered to her, that night, her now cold dinner and a bunch of blood-stained, sweet-smelling roses.

Ugali na Salad

[My Kind of Sheng'] Kroxti:

Ni poa ukijua place unastand in any equation. Ndo juzi vile kulihappen, mi na maboyz wangu tumechemsha chai tukarealize hatukuwa na sukari. Ilibidi tuikunywe tukipiga story tamu. Na hivi ndo venye ko hugo. Unacheki some times vitu hunjoo at the right time, zingine zo huchelewa. Tactics za Mungu hatuzijui lakini kitu natambua ni vile kila kitu hufall in its place time yake ikiwasili. Tusigive up virahisi na in its place, tugive thanks virahisi. Itakuwaje reasonable kukula ugali na sukumawiki lakini tushtuke morio akiangusha ugali na salad? Wale watu wamekula nyamchom bafore wanatambua utamu ya ugali na kachumbari. It's almost the same thing. Ni vile maze kachumbari huniamaze. Yo hukuwa imespiciwa viappropriate. Vimindblowing sana. Msee alifikiria hiyo idea anadeserve trophy ka mbili, so mchezo. Nishampigia debe na ukikaranga poa pia unajua harufu huleta neighbors through kuomba chumvi. Seriously, ukiona vyaelea, unafaa kujua vimeundwa. Lettuce ni majimaji na pia ina utamu yake. Ka favourite yako ni cabbage pia come na me. Ukiwa na njaa nimegundua kila njia ni option, bora tumbo itulie. Na shida hukuwa ukistarve sana, nguvu zo hulost pia. Ndo before ufike hiyo base ya kuchoka, skiza ya mpita njia. Karibia ntakuambia siri, my dear. Zile vitu unataka sana usjai wacha kuzitaka. Chapa works saa hii na usiwahi ogopa kudream bigger. Ya historia haijalishi, utarusha mbali kushinda Julius Yego. Na siwezi kudanganya, kila kitu unadai iko tu mbali kiasi. Kaza mwendo some more na jaribu kuwaza more. Usiogope kuongea; ogopa kuongea bila kumake sense. Na njaa ikikuchapa, usiogope kutry ugali moto hata kama ni na salad baridi. Naweza kuassure; this to you, might be the best of both worlds.

Competition is Dead

[Habits of Winning] Croxt:

Before you enter a speed car race, you ensure your car is of grand racing standard. You don't show up to a gunfight with a pocket-knife. It never ends well. The fastest and most careful reach the finish line first and with like in all good games, we admire the most the ones who still make it happen no matter how hard or bad it got. So I gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night! My super engines are roaring and the excitement fills the atmosphere. I look into the eyes of my competition and I can tell I am their utmost fear. My consistent conquests speak on my behalf. I try to do the least talking. To drag you into my fame and brag about my name is showing you what I fear, lame. I know what I have and I know I'll never lose it. I'm learning best how to use it best. Totally no need to rub it in your face; you know enough already. The gunshot signals the start of the fight and I switch my charged up-mode into flight. You can see the light because its fast and bright enough to reach your eyes. & where there's smoke, there's some fire behind it. I live for ignitions and not immediate recognition. They signify the start of a new thing. Every race is different as so is every different competitor. So before I war, I understand the way things appear first. Not a lot about the weaknesses but mostly the strengths. If worse came to worst, I'll top the highest bid. You have to learn to go the extra mile. It helps a lot. Be nice even to those who would pay to see you lose. Smile enough times to teach them a lesson. There's some things everyone deserves to know. I speed off unexpected without leaving a bad taste behind. If you can run fast then come run with me. I'm tired of friends who drag me slow so I prefer the right motivation now. If you can't understand my vision then I could never understand your fears. I'm headed to the top right now and it's champagne bottles we will be popping. If you're not one of them; if you're not too worried about me; if you're still alive, you're welcome to pop it with me. Because as far as I am concerned, (it's confirmed), competition is dead.

If I was to Slide in the Snow

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

I do not know where she's hiding but I can't stress enough that my girlfriend, Winter, is coming. It's one of those things that I am polite about. Yet, to be politically correct, we need to be ready before she arrives. I won't lie, my room can get messy at times. Clothes all over the place and everything else hiding somewhere only I can find them. So I put my house in order and take pictures for the newest world order. Peace and hope; stability and tranquility. For some reason, I always have some juicy stories to give you and please feel free to tell the world. I am but an ambassador christening his true self. I have run away from the lies and even the bullshit that comes with it would never catch me. Let me be your ride, we can die some other day. Too much potential I can feel my feet burning and my tires smoking hot. All the right ingredients join the squad in the pot at the right time. I prefer not to force things. It's truths like these I walk with maybe why you'll never see me naked. The human body has its flaws and like the streams from the mountaintops, I perfect my flows. And protect my laws. And project the things that I love. You'll never find me petty, I go for better reasons. If it's fear you have, I'll help you tear it down. I'll help wipe away the pain & wipe away the tears. I'll show you how to believe in yourself. It's pretty easy but there's some sweat that comes with it. A thin line. Because your worrying will be tested and pain will be tasted. The bigger you fight, the nastier the war becomes. All that's required from you, is never to worry. To fight with no doubts. To stand by the light enshrined in your within. So even if my girlfriend, Winter, would show up, and the sidewalks turn to a skating rim, I would walk on still. Even if I was to slide, I'd fall gracefully only to rise up again.

Have faith and go to Niagara

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

In Niagara, the good tidings fall. So you could expect me to reach out to a thousand stars to feel the droplets of water breeze into my face. I have been a worrier before but now, a distinguished warrior. I worry not; I seek solutions. Let's embody our purpose and we will taste what true beauty tastes like when we meet it. For the truest of emotion is hidden in genuine feeling. If the emotions you entertain feel like anything else, you fell short on your own. Yes. Because we hold people accountable for the things that they are not. And with enough pushing and shoving we make them believe in theirselves less. The hugest human deception. I'm not alarmed we seek shortcuts because, really, the motive is the judge. To do injustice to one is to do injustice to yourself. If you do not want to try this out for yourself then do not try to fight whatever you feel against. Genuine feelings. If you only want the good things for yourself but your "friends," why does this equation feel incomplete? If you happen to be happy for them just as long as you're doing better than they are, what are you saying? Because the self is a shelf and the more we're welcoming, the more the books will stay. If we are selfish enough, we might never fill up a library. And it goes without saying that you create space on your shelves for only the books worth reading. Books you would love to go back and read again. So don't let evil books harbour space on your shelf longer than they should because someone else might use their pages against you. Don't let pretenders steal your happiness; read right through them. It's when you take a trip away from the city that you feel the peace you had been needing and when you come back, you come back full of life. You refresh your buttons. So have some faith and go to the falls. You might be lucky enough to watch your worries fall away into the depths of the river below.

[COLLAB] Buckets and Hearts [COLLAB]

Buckets and Hearts (Love & Basketball)

If basketballs were shaped as the heart is, I wouldn't have bounced it as enough times to score every time I reached for her rim. See, you have to be more careful with the hearts of young maidens. Once they catch fire for you, they burn for you. You roll off your high horse and you need to take care of them. Yes, you ball till you fall. And it's in every fall that you realize the stakes are high and winter is coming. So you seek to find love for the warmth.

Where do I even try to do a pick up? You make it seem as if I can’t play the game as hard as you do. Don’t even act as if you never needed someone to hold you down because every hooper needs someone to come through with a clutch. It’s not so much to ask that every girl needs to be well-taken care of. It's expected that you fulfill your role as King, warrior, magician, and lover once you take it. And it’s during the cold months that everything turns to ice and I would be the one to keep your spark ablaze.

Never really sure if it was love or infatuation or in my case, as I've forced myself to believe, taking advantage. Admirers, I've found, are easier to love. They are halfway there. You don't have to fight much to win; you don't have to sweat it like for the big games. So I gave her my jersey, #17, and she wore it like her second life.

I always would love to think there was some love involved. Off court I knew I had a thing for you, but like all players their minds wander off a lot to somewhere else and 99.9% of the time, they happen to be jocks. So, when you said, “Hi, I’m a player.” I thought about the whole arrangement and coincidence of us meeting and without a doubt in my mind, I said, “Hi, I’m the coach.” Perhaps, it was played too easy, but wouldn’t you have cut to the chase right away? It’s everything you never thought possible. And if I was going to be that coach on the sidelines I would never short change myself either from being your biggest fan and cheerleader.

She would show up to every game and I'd see her on the stands, screaming my name to fame. You know you're lucky when the tides are in your favor. We were labeled the hottest couple of the league for the longest time but after a while it becomes too much responsibility to deal with. She's understanding and all and like all other girls, she had things she wanted and most of it was my time. Dinner at her parents', sleepover with her friends, link up a few clubs, trips to places we'd never been and just a lot of time.

In all the game days, you put in your 100% best. You stayed in tune with your focus: family and basketball. And it showed. I was never stressed out on the future pain but glory. It sounds crazy, but when I gave all that I had, deeply within I hoped that perhaps one day you would look up to the crowd and not just see me on the stands, but gaze at the good thing you were lucky enough to stumble upon. The shooting prowess you’ve got caught me smiling for reasons that you somehow were distant to.

I had a different mindset from her's then and with that, cohesion is almost a flickering dream. It's only for too long that you can bear the pressure. My defence team was crumbling up and falling apart and my attack team was lacking. I was losing focus and missing sure three-pointers. My dribbles became soft and I stopped breaking as much ankles.

We were just on different tracks. The blame game is too childish to play and to point fingers is tiring. Exactly why our two-player team couldn’t hold out any longer than it was supposed to. There is some truth to temporary situations because once I started not to hold out on my feelings it began to affect you heavy. The words were too deep and for you to perform and make those buckets the easiest way out seemed to cut me off. Our history was short lived and you left it to the grave.

My rebounds fell astray and all over sudden, everyone was concerned. But she never stopped screaming my name in the stands. Wasn't I painful enough to watch? Or she still believed in me when nobody else did? Too many questions I had but not enough time to answer them. I needed to up my game. So I explained the changes and she said she'd be there through it all.

I told her I might have needed time and she said she would walk through time with me. I said I needed space and she promised to take me to the moon and back. I don't blame her. Sometimes we love and love enough to really care. So I was scared of her love and what my failure would do to it. That's why I pushed her away; the worst way one could ever do. I broke her heart. It's been 17 months today. And now as I sit on her favorite basketball of mine in the changing room, shower running, tears dripping, I hate to think that I lost myself my number one fan.

I wasn’t looking for a fairy tale. But I confess I was ready for another experience, even if it wasn’t a long shot. At least, it could have been a relationship where we had each other’s back. And one thing I find the harshest about this winter is that it's getting really cold. You’re just a lot harder to find during the season than off-season. Therefore, these fans you have, you don't. And you know what hurts like crazy? They were never there promoting you heavy like I was. At least, not even half as I did. I may not be the baddest chick, but this love I got was always all real. I was the laces to your sneakers, the spring to your step. I was the rebound to your mistakes only to find myself shoved back into the crowd. Just as you did, I decided as well to drop the deadbeat because I just don’t think there’ll ever be an overtime. Not for you.

COLLAB BY: Dani Del Rosarío & Dennis Tuyishime

Sweet Talker

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

Words of honey and creamy dreams pasted on your red lips ignite in me the pleasure of finding your sweet tongue. Still waters run deep and when you open your mouth to speak to me, a million beautiful things flow out. I never know what to do once you stop. So please don't. Take me on a trip to the deepest hidden depths of your sweet and delicious soul. I haven't been here yet so it's all a journey I'd love to take again. It's dangerous how it looks planned but sweet talkers like you are not this easy to come by. So I'll keep you and keep my mouth shut. Some things you just don't want to share. I know a couple greedy people out there. So I'll shelter your drunk lips in my sour heart. I'm tipsy to your words and I've not even tasted your juice. They say plain kisses taste of no future and I love how you have managed to flavour yours. I have a sweet tooth, I must admit. And your champagne words get me drunk-driving and sometimes dreaming of the beauty that flows from it. Your words could change water into wine and convert every doubter into a believer. Yet I can't deny there's a mystery behind your words I'd love to uncover. What drives you to drive me this insane? What inspires you to inspire me to be everything I've ever wanted to be? What challenges you to challenge me to step out of this comfort zone I had gracefully embraced? All I need is you, right here, right now.. speak to me. That when I lose my way or stub my toe, you'll lead me home and take good care of me. 

Homeless not Hopeless

[Habits of Winning] Croxt:

The ravens have come down to feast but the pizza delivery guy in his not-so-fancy uniform did not find me in the apartment, 17 minutes later. I missed my meal. So apparently you can't see clouds on a dark night but by the reflection of the city lights. The city park is a solitude for the ones seeking a place to place their heads and the streets, for the ones who need some spare change. The debt collector won't reach your home phone because you shattered its screen as you screamed for help. It shall not come from the streets but from the mountains. Shield your belongings as you sleep: the sun wears it out, the rain soaks it up and the thief of the night desires to feed his greed. Stealing from the rich to give to the poor is hopeless if the poor do not admire your cause. The swimming pool is dirty, unattended for two months and you stay away from the cold not to catch its flu. They live longer the ones who set their priorities right. So I've been wrong not to think like the rest that's why I've learnt to be really reasonable. I cast light forward without worrying about the shadows that fall behind you. If you're scared of the light, go back and work on yourself. If you're brave enough, come with me help find the others. Come to think of it, I've found speed-dating to be a bit reckless because then you know you shouldn't drink and drive. And to drive the point home, let's be cautious and thoughtful enough. What did the streetcar say to the train? - "I do not have to hide under the ground." But I think it is what it is as long as both get us home in good time. So I'm yet to lose hope and I don't think I ever will. A bunch of cab drivers and some security guys are my friends, they know me by name. So I really don't have to worry about getting home fast. They charge you fair enough and take the shortest route home. They have been there before. My security license is about to come through so I'll be legal to protect you from your fears. 'Cause, what's the use of knowing first aid and you can't really save a life? You put your house in order and shelf everything in its right place. You work on what needs to be worked on and trust in your creativity. If I'm begging I won't choose and if I'm giving I won't discriminate.

Milk & Bone

[An Apple a Day] Croxt:

A baby's first drink is its mother's milk. All of us. Maybe why I'm super grateful that we grow up enough because someone must have been there for us. A baby's first step is adorable and it's a welcome step to the first of the many we will ever take. We all learn from our strides and before we really ever can stand by ourselves, we first learn to crawl to our destinations. And we grow every day as our bones become stronger. We get stronger, we get bolder. There is the blessings in disguise that also befall us when we are born incapacitated. Blessings in disguise. We grow up to love or hate ourselves the way we are and I'm firm in the belief that we are never really our own. So tighten your muscles and strengthen your bones. You get the rewards you seek if you work for them.

Rip the lipstick off your lips

[Habits of Winning] Croxt:

I am a King but you don't have to act like a servant around me. I come humble. And as it is with great men, I stay humble as well. See, the cold winds of the night have put the sun gladly to sleep and it's only in the weariness of the moon that the sun comes back to save the day. So I am in many ways like the sun. I'll go to many places around the world and back. I flip the coin and heads is what I get first. I have learnt well to step ahead. And ages and edges past they'll call me the brightest. I'll continue to give you heat and light till I can't burn anymore. The drums are rolling and the beats are catching fire. The anthem of the night has been the solace we seek during the day as we sit at our workstations. As I have said before, seek your inner peace and you will rest in good faith, afraid of nothing. Because, let's face it, the more we grow, the less we can not conquer. It's the ones who desire to learn that grow. So seek to elevate yourself. Stay away from evil and do the good deeds. It's the good ones who can change a heart thus change the world. Start with yourself and you will find your voice. Make it your choice to impact the people you interact with. Let them know what you stand for but never shoving it into their faces (or ears). Everyone has their battles and it's wise to understand this. Show respect and have some life in you. That you can bless and touch the ones who have been broken. It is in healing others that we find our own cures. Breathe medicine and kiss fires till they calm. Let confidence be in your gait and power be in your voice. You have been kissed by life so ignore the burden of your pain and exhale beauty into all that surrounds you. These lips are written "kiss me" all over them and it's only fair that I rip the lipstick off them as I read the words imprinted on them. I love you, too.

Word Porn

[Guilty or not guilty] Croxt:

Sexy is the language of class. So if you have none, please take a seat. Thanks! So to begin my lesson, I know a few things you may want to take a page from. The bigger the ass, the bigger the umbrella you buy. And if you love your unnatural hair, you protect it as it pours. So beggars are not choosers; mostly why I'll never beg. I pick out the best. It does not mean I am uncomfortable with the rest. I'll gladly share my plate if you have the appetite. Big appetites come with big satisfactions if the good food is there and in hunger, you learn to tame your desires. I have a friend who likes for herself the good things in life. Yet, still pretty happy with and grateful for whatever little she has. You get more when you appreciate more the less you have. So come, my darling, let's take a trip to Paris. I'll be your tower and your name shall be Eiffel. Pretty little, Eiffel, why does the sun seem to revolve around you? You shine bright like a diamond and heavens know you deserve your place among them. You are a true reflection of beauty because you have seen trouble and learnt the art of escaping its troubles. Real winners know what to do with a loss and I'm impressed by your ability to care less. To need less of people and to believe more in yourself. I'll shed my skin twice and that's when you'll know I'm ready. To stand blemishless, you have to rub yourself against a hard place to shed that which you've never even ever needed. The hunter in you knows the right places to look for food. Patient enough not to lose hope. Hungry enough to know you need to eat. So I beg your pardon; you got this! Don't let anyone tell you you can't turn your dreams into a reality. All beautiful experiences were once only just a dream. Stay thirsty.

I Plead my Case

[Guilty or not guilty] Croxt:

I have seen tables turn and the guilty walk free. I have also seen forgiveness. So, it leaves me to wonder; what is the price we have to pay? I am engrieved (engulfed by grief) remorsely of my misgivings and misfortunes. And as I stand in your presence, judge me not. I have done things I have reason to regret, trust me on this. But to exhort the significance of my existence, I have also learned from my mistakes. To reintroduce myself, I am but a young man learning to grow. My two most favourite things. To learn and to grow. And if I would give myself to you as an example, I am a seed that has just had its roots stretch and its plumule fight to reach the sun. It is hard. There is always going to be rocks, small stones., pebbles, soil and of course, the burden it carries. I am determined as they come. I have every reason to fight. I surely would never let it fall easy. So whichever weather I find, I will show up. It is the sun's light that guides me and it is the rains that favour my rise. I owe a lot to the universe. It has its ways of bringing things to light. And the light is truth. And truth is what makes me tick. I will be honest with you, I have found a million reasons to stand my ground. And bad things happen when good people do nothing, I have learned. That has become enough motivation to find my voice. And when you find it, no one can steal it away from you. It happens you are right. I am not here to defend my case but to plead. That you may not overlook the mistakes I have committed but search into the deeper truth and what lies behind the obvious. We all say different things and I know the fragility of our words. Easy to manipulate, especially, when one dares to utter truth. So don't cast your stones, yet, the sun is about to set. Tell me how we have grown to love the things we hated the most. Yet some of us grow to find that those same things would be the keys to our freedoms. To joy. Verily, I despise people who argue, yet not firmly if they make a sturdy point; well-thought. I'll throw my two cents in because the more, the better. I will work to repay what I wore and what I owe and my sweat will be the testimony of my fate. It's late and I'd rather not keep you longer and if my words would be something to go with; I have been a winner since the day I stepped out of my mother's womb.


*step out - go out to have a good time.

Dear Child

[COLLAB]

I truly am not as strong as I thought. There is a lot of things I would rather not mention. To those others who had taught me well. I want to say I am sorry if I was never there enough at times or if I seemed too attached. I want to say one last sorry to my parents who should not have had to bury my soul. For I should have had to bury theirs. 

                                Dustan M. Halliday

                                        @primer_55

Dear child,

They say the apple doesn't fall too far away from the tree and our roots share in your plight. We agree. See, we found love in a hopeless place and fought to fight the good fight. What we had then to celebrate our victories was you and even all this time we've not said anything to show we protect you, we thought you believed in the love we offered you. So it breaks our heart that you would choose to break our hearts. Good times are coming and it doesn't hurt to stick around and see magic happen. As always, we will be here to cheer you through it all. You are our hero.

Love,

Mom n Dad

                                 Dennis Tuyishime 

                                          @syntaxsays