Testified: A Poetic Testimony

By Michelle Francois

This collection of poetry is a heartfelt compilation that comes full circle. It exposed some of the author's deepest secrets as she testifies to the goodness of God and her transformation from an irresponsible youngster to a mature adult.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Aug 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483668536

Michelle Francois

Michelle Dawson Francois started writing poetry when she was 11 years old as an outlet to deal with her pain, fears and understanding of the world. Her more recent works are related to uplifting and motivating others to get through some of the same hardships she experienced. Currently Michelle is a kindergarten school teacher in Abu Dhabi, UAE where she lives with her husband and two beautiful children. Other than writing, Michelle's favorite pastimes are listening to music, traveling and spending time with her family.

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by Michelle "TRUE’’ Francois.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4836-6852-9

                Ebook           978-1-4836-6853-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 08/27/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-800-455-039

www.Xlibris.com.au

[e-mail]

504504

CONTENTS

Introduction

Part 1—The Journey

1.   Testified (Jan. 2013)

2.   Why I Write (May 2013)

3.   In the Dark (April 2003)

4.   Heart Skips a Beat (March 2002)

5.   We Are One! (April 2013)

6.   They Will Talk (Nov. 2012)

7.   This Love (Feb. 2013)

8.   Reaction (Dec. 2005)

Part 2—A Brighter Day

9.   Butterfly (March 2000)

10.   Good Enough (May 2003)

11.   My Black is Me (March 2012)

12.   This day (Jan. 2012)

13.   From Conception (Aug. 2012)

14.   I’m Real (Jan. 2004)

Part 3—Love

15.   God is… (June 2013)

16.   The Woman of Your Dreams (Aug. 2001)

17.   Mother’s Love (March 2013)

18.   You (July 2006)

19.   The Beauty of a Black Man (Nov. 2003)

Part 4—Up Lift

20.   Fed Up (April 2012)

21.   I Survived (Feb. 2012)

22.   Afrika (Sept. 2012)

23.   Reminisce (OCT. 2012)

Part 5—Greatest Gift

24.   Y.O.L.O. (April 2013)

25.   God’s Plan (April 2013)

26.   Love Like God (June 2013)

Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to my children, Jahiion and Nalah,

let mommy’s experiences be a lesson to you and do better than I did.

Image1.jpg

The piece below was written as an introduction to the open mic I hosted in Atlanta back in 2008. This book is also dedicated to my Soul Official Family!

Soul Official represents everything I stand for;

fostering cultural events that unite, educate and

empower the community through creative expression

and so much more.

One fourth of a whole

coming together for a common goal

so I must speak from my soul and be True.

Not for me, but for the one who may not have a voice

or choice to shine through.

Soul is essential and necessary to life

like a man needs a wife

like the iron chef needs a knife.

My soul’s fierce like Beyonce Knowles

getting down like uh oh uh oh uh oh oh oh oh oh

Like a Haitian witchdoctor mixing up his stew for his voodoo.

My soul’s so official

you might need a tissue

to wipe away your tears

after you realize your greatest fear, You!

But that’s what I’m here for an open door to explore

an outlet to release stress so sit back and be blessed

as you help me make my goal whole, please enjoy my soul.

INTRODUCTION

I started writing poetry when I was just 11 years old for a contest in Middle School. The poem I wrote wasn’t finished in time to be judged but was said to be very good by several of the judges, my mentor and my dad. Their response to that piece boosted my confidence and I have been writing poetry ever since.

True was the stage name given to me back in 2008 when my husband and I hosted poetry in Atlanta, with some close friends who were also poets. People used to tell me, Michelle, you are quiet but when you speak it is always truth and wisdom. Today I still strive to keep it real, speak truth and stay true to myself and my God.

Writing and