Beauty Within The Cracks

September 2020

Beauty Within The Cracks is my first writing project which has pieces on there where you’ll be learning about me, I’ll be talking about topics that I feel need to be spoken about more and I have some fun and cool pieces on there too📝✨🌟

I have three amazing and talented people on the project too: Becca, Cerri & Hayden and they all killed it 💛✨🔥

Hopefully my project can be bring some light in the world after everything that has happened this year.

I hope you’re ready to journey through Beauty Within The Cracks!

1. Inked Pages

September 2020

Words soar swiftly into my mind

As I float

Into a creative wave

I’m moving in

Motivation

And drowning in

Inspiration

Words begin to spill out onto

A fresh blank page

Released from my

Creative palace

Full of so much

Excitement and joy

It’s drenched in feelings, passion & beauty

I feel deep within the moment.

2. Silhouette

March 2020

My silhouette is an art form

glistening as the beautiful

sunlight orbits it

The sun is glad to see my face

my unseen grace

my surrounding space

now my

silhouette is covered in sun beams

with this exposure

my emotions are naked

please respect

and encourage what you see

instead of trying to break me.

With my silhouette
there is mystery, there is beauty,

there is creativity,

there is someone

who is not perfect.

My silhouette is

standing stronger than ever before

as it’s standing tall

against a creative backdrop

I now embrace both the dark

and the light that comes my way

the light covers my silhouette

like a cloak

as I dance around

while the sky is sparkling.

Oh sun,

you’re so special

and powerful,

I love the way

your colour lights up the air,

your precious

warmth is always,

a sweet delight.

3. Your Art Form

September 2020

I love your art form,

it’s so magical, precious & unique.

I love how you glow

like stars

in a beautiful night sky

I love how your

art form tells your story

reflecting the amazing

good times

to even highlighting

the low dark times

I begin painting with different colours

to explore different emotions and moods

all these beautiful

metaphors come to mind

when I look at you

your body is the canvas, and I am the painter

painting away with my creative words.

You’re like the gorgeous sky,

I can look up at you for hours

I can never get bored

with what’s in my view

but I know

that the real beauty

lies within you.

4. Still Workin’ On It (ft. Becca)

September 2020

MANNY:

I’m standing still

In the same spot

Has it been

Days, weeks or months?

I don’t even know

What day it is anymore

Looking into the mirror

I can't see myself

I can only see a blank and empty figure

It’s like

I’m living in a distorted version of life

Darkness begins to pollute

My mind like

Ink to water,

Can I avoid it?

Sometimes

I don’t like what I see

Carrying everything

I’ve been through,

Feels like I’m walking

Through the

Harsh muddy trenches

So much fear by my side,

So much pain inside

Being trod on by

Reminders,

Heavy waves,

Memories, nightmares and

Gloomy faces.

Becca:

But in the future

When I'm standing at

The kitchen window,

Mug in hand

And space in my mind

To think,

To reminisce about

When it used to hurt,

When I used to hide,

When time used to merge together

And cloud my vision,

I'll know I made it

The trenches will be a distant memory,

My thoughts

Will be as clear as the rain

But for now,

While I drag the weight

Of my pain behind me

I'll sit at my desk,

Mug in hand,

Mind cluttered with dreams

And know

That I'm well on my way

To building the home

I've been dreaming of.

~ MANNY & Becca

5. No Judgement

September 2020

We need to help people

When they have fallen, fallen

Down that dark well

And they don’t believe

That the light

At the end of the tunnel exist.

People need words of love and support

It can do so much for a person

Words of encouragement,
To people who

Feel like they’re a failure

After losing everything

We should be telling people it’s okay

And stop judging people

We need to help people

Who are sick

At the moment

Who feel so lonely,

So cold and in so much pain

And their minds are on a loop

And their tormenting

Thoughts are an awful nightmare

People need words of love and support

It can do a lot for

A person

Will we not help people

Who are

Caught up in the dark

Downward
Spiral of life

Where escape from

The world is so much

More appealing than reality

We need to listen

And

Try to help out

People
Whose every moment

Is a battle to survive

We need to support

Children in the classroom who are

Trying to be themselves

But is getting items thrown at them,

Being left out,

Being called weird,

Because they’re different and are

Being bullied constantly

They’re just

Trying to fit in.

We need

To accept people
To comfort people
To...

Love everyone

Despite their stories,

Journeys and

Who they’re as a person

To hold out our hands,

For comfort and reassurance

To open our ears,

To hear what’s happening

To open our eyes,

To see what’s happening

To open our mouths,

To engage.

Whatever your story is....

Judgement here.

6. PICTURE PERFECT

July 2020

Here I am

frozen for a moment.

Time for me to think

try to not overthink

reflect and observe.

My eyes are two

glowing stars

examining my surroundings.

The space is filled with

so much silence

it’s so powerful and refreshing.

A flashing light shines before me

I cover my face,

and a

nervous smile

begins to appear.

I begin to tug tightly

on my sleeves.

What am I supposed to do?

I find that

the world always wants you

to be

ready, confident, slaying

the ‘perfect picture’

but

sometimes I don’t feel

those things at all.

shoes laces are always tied

but there are days when I fall.

Spots slowly growing

and taking its place

with pride on my face

my mouth doesn’t move

but

if you looked into

my mind

it would speak a billion words.

7. Beauty Within The Cracks (ft. Hayden)

September 2020

Hayden:

Cracks to let the light in

to begin we preserve how others expect to see us

analysing each move as if our life was a scrutinised game of chess

Soon however we discover ourselves are the model we need to mould.

We gradually begin to break up the 2d facade forced upon us by society

Each crack in our long held pretence

Let's a ray of light highlight a long forgotten unique characteristic.

The cracks also let in a reviving fresh breeze of new perspectives.

Now we can stand tall

We have shredded all that prevent us being us

We are unique

we are beautiful in our uniqueness

Never forget that

Beauty is subjective

yes the often used saying maybe true.

It’s because beauty is the subconscious connection of our unique characteristics.

The cracks that let the light in

allow us to see the true

and unique beauty of ourselves.

Then after our own realisation flowers grow through the cracks showing others our own true colours.

MANNY:

Cracks to let the light out

Find that spark in your soul and let the light Glow out of you.

Let your light inside flow out like an Erupting volcano igniting up the world.

Now your beautiful palace is lit up, we Gradually begin to let what society says is Perfect dissolve away.

Kiss those beautiful scars

Because you’re unique

Your glowing skin is your logo on show

And you are way stronger than you know

Let your light drown out the darkness Around you.

Let in a breath of fresh air, fresh Opportunities and new change.

Chase it head on and showcase

Your light as

It shines so brightly through the cracks

Rainbow reflections of many years to come And

Glowing mirrors showing

The person you’ve become

You’re a shining example of someone who Has seen darkness but made it through.

8. Golden Light

September 2020

I’m ready to turn up the heat

In my heart to full power.

I begin to glow,

In this golden aura

It felt like a blanket wrapped

Its arms around me.

I feel warm,

Content,

Comfortable and safe.

I push out the golden light

And let it rain down on people

From the cool

Air

Into the souls of people.

My light will shine

Ever so brightly

In the darkest places.

Like the sun

Guiding people

Goodness

Is needed in this world

Time for me to enlighten the world

With my dazzling and glistening power.

I’m going to open my glowing eyes

To a new dawn,

Let my luxurious light sit at the front

While the darkness fades at the back.

9. Trying To Be Me

September 2020

I’m trying to be me

but it’s so hard when people put you down,

I’m trying to be me

but it’s so hard when people

blow your fire out.

I’m trying to be me

but it’s so hard when people

rain on your parade.

I’m trying to be me

but it’s so hard when people don’t

give you a chance because of your race.

I’m trying to be me

but sometimes I don’t have

the strength to fight.

I’m trying to be me

I’m beginning to untangle

the webs that

are trying to consume me

I know I’ve got to be strong,

but it’s so hard in this world

when they keep trying

to change who I am.

I’m just

trying to be me

I’m trying,

trying

to be me.

Even though it’s difficult sometimes

I’m feeling hopeful.

10. My Foundation/Wings of Angels

May 2020

My Foundation continues to battle

against the

shadowing winds

that try to knock it down

evaporating the noise

that begins to gather.

Marks on the pillars

begins to appear

like scars on the skin.

Each one telling a different story.

Four walls

stand tall

on a strong promise,

shiny glistening windows look

out into the future,

encouraging words

imprinted in stone.

I weave together all I’ve been through

and forwardly I press on ahead.

My wings

begins to appear

it’s magical,

sparkling, special, baby blue colouring

the outlines of

the wings are all over the place

like a cotton wool sky

Beautifully imperfect.

My silhouette is

boldly perched above,

while the lights continue to flash

observing the destruction below

I’m now ready

for the take off

I hope you’ll all join me.

11. Hope

September 2020

That powerful word ‘hope’ is

The incredible invisible rope

That I cling on to.

I begin to grab tightly when

I feel like

I’m sinking in the deep ocean

Of my thoughts and

Rollercoaster

Of my emotions.

This rope is my amazing anchor

Keeping me sane through

The chaotic chaos of life.

I have been rejected

More times than I can count.

But I don’t feel defeated

I always have positivity in store.

Hope a word that is so powerful

A good feeling begins

To cook in my belly

The promise of a better tomorrow

The missing pieces of the puzzle

To help us through.

To me hope is a word

That holds a lot of strength

So I cling tightly to it.

I hope for tomorrow,

Months to come and

Even for my life right now.

12. Journey (Destination Unknown)

September 2020

Where am I?

Where am I going?

Where is this road

going to take me?

Destination Unknown.

I’m marching towards a destination

but I don't know what is the end.

My old footprints

have not be erased

but are now a distant memory

New ones

are now being made.

I wonder if I will ever stop walking.

My feet begins to hurt,

my mind is tired

my eyes dragging on the floor

feeling heavy.

Every stepping stone I walk on
makes my heart

grow so strong.

Expands my mind

even more further

than it’s ever been before

Obstacles

stop me in my path

Trying to knock me off course.

But with this it has

Made me wiser as I grow older.

The path ahead seems

Interesting, painful and rewarding

But I know at the end of this

I’ll feel proud of the hard work I have put in.

Sometimes I’m lost and

not sure what turning to take.

Arrows are not always there to help

They test me to see what decisions I make.

This journey I must commence

I must keep strong and solider through.

Where am I?

Where am I going?

Where is this road

going to take me?

The big question is what will the end destination look like?

13. Breathe

September 2020

I breathe

I take a breath in

I feel like I’m on a cloud,

floating by

in the crisp blue sky

I breathe

I take a breath out

I begin to let the chaotic

noise around me

dissolve away.

I breathe

I take a breath in

Up and down

Down and up

I am glad

to still be standing.

I breathe

I take a breath out

Slowly ex-haling

the negative thoughts

that orbit around my mind

I breathe

I take a breath in

As I fall into an

meditation wonderland

transporting me to

another world.

I breathe

all so slowly.

14. KEEPIN’ IT REAL

September 2020

Please allow me to introduce myself

…I am…MANNY.

I’m a black man

with power,

with an education,

with knowledge,

with a good heart,

with a voice,

a unique creator.

Today as I sit with my messy hair,

herbal tea in hand,

inked pages in my notepad

I begin to reflect

I’m feeling a bit stronger

than I ever did

but I know there will be days

that are not great and

that’s okay because life isn’t perfect

I’m KEEPIN’ IT REAL with all of you.

15. Creative Type

September 2020

I sit down,

Notepad in hand

I tap my pen to think.

Images begin to build up in my

Creative bank.

It’s showcased out like an art gallery.

The sounds circling me are so

Enchanting and calming like a choir

The stage is my canvas,

The crowds feed me energy and

My talents are presented for the world to See.

Words flying

Together

Forming creative sentences.

But sometimes I’m met with a nasty block, An obstacle relaxing in the way

One of those difficult bosses that is so Frustrating to defeat in games

Stopping me

Giving me an evil stare

But,

I won’t let it win

I know imagination and

Inspiration are the keys to unlock this Block.

Soon ideas I begin to see,

They feel so free;

As my pen moves silently

It flows, flows,

Flowing graciously out of me as the ink Oozes out of my soul.

Other days are not the same.

As I sit and think, think,

Thinking my ideas are not that great.

The bin begins to get fed with all the Scrunched up paper I’ve thrown into it

And it is to my simple shock,

That I have no ideas in stock,

I’m here again

A cloudy mind

A blank page

I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster,

Some days it’s an empty void

And other days the words comes out of Me

Beating with their own heart,

And smiling as

We part ways and it makes its way to the Page.

What a journey even after all of this

I love my creative mind

Even though it can be confusing

Sometimes,

It’s mine

My own unique creative mind

What type am I?

Well

I’m a creative type of course.

16. Swerved

September 2020

Haters can never shatter my dream,

I’m gonna carry on with a bop and lean

So I gotta say

Swervin away my lane is now blazing

Swervin away my haters are now raging

The only people I want in my lane,

Are the true ones,

if you’re not that then you have been

Swerved!

I’m the new creative around

Colours will be painted all over town

I’m swervin in my lane and

I’m ready to bring my spark.

I’m feelin’ fresh and fly

Energy at an all time high.

I’m gonna live life right

Every day I’m swervin by

I’m ready to strive.

Let’s go

Swervin away my lane is blazing

Swervin away my haters are now raging

Only people I want in my lane,

Are the true ones,

If you’re not that then you have been

Swerved!

17. Feeling Good

September 2020

I woke up very happy today.

Blessings of seeing another day.

As I breathe in and

Out I feel my heartbeat,

A smile appears on my face

It’s shining bright like the sizzling sun

I’m swimming in harmonic waves not a care In the world

I’m cheering as glitter floats around me

Today I feel determined,

Confident and pumped

I woke up energised

And I’m ready to continue my journey.

I’m in such a great mood

I’m laughing,

I’m dancing,

I’m doing things I love to do

A relaxing kind of comfort surrounds me And enfolds

I woke up very happy today.

Blessings of seeing another day.

18. FIERCE QUEEN (ft. Cerri)

September 2020

MANNY:

I am cheeky,

Lovely and strong.

My light inside will continue

To shine out

While I strut my stuff

Down my runway

I feel the wind of fury

Rushing right through

My bones

As I step out.

Today

I’m feeling fierce

So fierce

And

I’m going to own it

To be different

To feel good

And I know

You dislike that

I feel your coldness

All over me

The frosty words

and the stone cold stare

But

In all of this

I’m feeling powerful

Like an ice berg.

I bring the sunshine

With my flame,

I bring the showers

Refreshing life

With the downpour of rain,

I bring the thunder

Sparks soar

From the electricity.

Lighting up the world

With positivity.

Cerri:

I am ferocity,

terrible and beautiful.

Heavy set frame and broad shoulders,

hairy legs, and chest, and arms,

folding to fit femme framed fabrics,

but

I am crowned by a curving face,

soft jaw, plumped cheeks,

with lilac lightning painted across eyes.

That shoot sparks,

bloom into wildfires roses,

spreads like legs,

and you hate it!

I catch your eye, feel cold steely stare,

the daggers in your disgust!

But

in all this heat

I will melt it down,

into armour,

into weapons

into crowning glory.

~ MANNY & Cerri

19. Brave Warrior

September 2020

To me you’re a Brave Warrior

And you will always be a brave warrior

Never forget that

You’ve been through many wars

I know you’re tired, stressed & sore

And you feel

Like you can’t go on no more.

But your time is not done yet

Warrior,

You’re powerful, special

Slaying the game

I’ve seen you pushed down

Through the ground.

I’ve even seen you

Pick yourself up again and again.

Brushing off the dirt

And carry on with life

Like nothing ever happened.

You are a hero to me

Never forget that.

Please never give up

This is your journey

And this is your story to finish.

There are so many chapters

Still yet to explore and discover

So set stepping stones in your life &

Hold tightly onto hope.

Don't forget to look around you and take Everything in.

Don't forget you have backup, a team, People on your side

Life is a battle field so

Keep fighting till the end

If you fall along the way

Don’t worry

You can get up and try again.

Warrior always look towards

The bright light

In the darkest hour

like a golden flower

Buried deep in rubble.

Always remember

Brave one

You’re fearless,

You’ve been through many wars

And you’re still standing.

20. Parade

September 2020

Let’s be united,

Join together in great force

Let’s bring back joy in the world,

We all deserve that

Let’s create our

Rainbow Parade

And shine

In the rainbow together.

This is our community,

So let’s reignite unity

We can let our rainbow

Colours shine out as one,

Start a parade,

Dance, celebrating,

Make change, enjoy life,

And show the world

What it means to come

Together!

21. Room For Change

September 2020

So much change is

Still needed in the world

If this year or even the years before

Has shown us anything

It’s that there is still a lot

Of work that needs to be done

Racism still floats around,

Bullying still continues,

Violence is on the rise

We can’t just sit in

Silence anymore this is a

Problem that needs fixing

People are afraid to be

Their true selves and

Are being killed for no reason

Some people out there feel like they have No voice and are being silenced.

At the moment I feel like I’m living in Darkness

A world which is so cold

And I want the light and the warmth to Return again

We need to join the mighty motivation

To make the change

Powerful revolutions to

Create better solutions

We need to create a better place,

With the option for everyone to belong

There are

Better ways of problems to be solved.

A sense of harmony,

Peaceful melodies let's take this vision on

Let’s start a new chapter

There’s always

Room For Change.

Let us find a new way

To move forward in time … and

Not backwards in time.

Let’s build a future,

A strong platform

A powerful foundation,

For the safety of

Everyone

But also for the next generations

That follows after us

We can show them

There are other ways, to solve conflict

Not just hurtful words

And actions to belittle people

It’s time to

Stand together,

Hand in hand

Not divided

Or we’ll fall

It’s time to

Be The Change.