Take It from Her: Cautionary Lessons for the Ladies We Love
Copyright © 2010 Tremayne Moore
www.maynetre.com
Published by Tremayne Moore at Smashwords
All rights reserved. Except for use in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, digital, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, scanning, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without written prior permission of the author and publisher, Tremayne Moore at Smashwords.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without permission of the publisher and author is illegal and punishable by law. Purchase only authorized versions of this book, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, the author’s own personal experience, or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. While the author was inspired in part by actual events, the characters are not distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
The author makes no apology for how the very REAL presence of God in this work of fiction may impact the reader’s spiritual life.
Edited by Shantae A. Charles www.shantaecharles.com
Cover Design: ROC Studios International, Inc.
What Readers Are Saying About Take It from Her
This book speaks to the heart of women. From trials and pain, to God's healing power and restoration, the author's poems express what for many women is a sad reality as they look for love in all the wrong places. It also reveals the gifts of mercy and grace, given to us freely by our Heavenly Father. 'Take it from Her' is a wake-up call and a call to action for of us to find our worth, strength and hope in God's promises rather than on the fleeting desires of the flesh.
Cynthia M. Portalatin
This book is a collection of poems depicting the varied experiences of women and brings them together by lyrically and profoundly encapsulating our encounters. The level of familiarity is so great that you will reflect, relate, and be renewed as it reveals hard facts and spiritual truths. A journey through the pages of this book, finds each chapter taking you down the hallway of self discovery. It draws you into a proverbial place where doors will open and you are revealed. Peer poetically into the rooms of life and find your place in its pages. Enter, Examine, Evolve, Enjoy, and You will be Blessed!
Andréa S. Bailey
Take It From Her:
Cautionary Lessons for the Ladies We Love
Tremayne Moore
Published by Tremayne Moore at Smashwords
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I give all thanks and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank You for salvation and the gift of Your Son. You are doing exceeding abundantly above all that I could ever ask or think. And for that I’m grateful and overwhelmed, knowing well enough that I don’t deserve your goodness.
To my immediate and extended family – I love all of you.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the following people: Brigitte Marshall for your contribution to this book; Robert & Shantae Charles for keeping me on deadlines, editing this book, writing a wonderful foreword, the great cover and photos, and anything else I failed to mention (you’ve done it again, and it’s all God); my beautiful “Cover Girls” (you know who you are - smile) who appeared on the cover; Cynthia Portalatin for your contributions to this book and proofreading this; and to all of the ladies (especially Andréa S. Bailey) who provided constructive feedback, who threw topics at me to write about and most importantly for being who you are, wonderful in God’s image (smile).
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the following individuals (who have sown into my life): Sisters Marilynn Griffith, Sharon Ewell Foster, Barbara Williams & Stanice Anderson – thank you for challenging me as a writer, speaking words of encouragement, and sharing your wisdom to up and coming authors at the SistaFaith Conference; my sister and fellow author Dawn Bruce – I am blessed to meet you and God has so much in store for you; my sister and fellow author Melodie Kent, congrats on your book Finding Her – I loved it! You are one talented sister, and I am so blessed that you’re my friend. My brother and fellow author Michael Beckford – brother, it’s no accident that God allowed us to cross paths. Your drive is an encouragement to me, and although I may not say it, I do appreciate you sharing your knowledge about this business. Sister Katina Amoah – we’ve known each other for roughly twelve years, and we’ve seen a lot of things. As a result, WE CAN (get it) make a difference.
I would like to extend my appreciation and love to all of the ministries and church families that have supported my ministry.
To the young ladies at Pace Leon – thanks for keeping it real and having a listening ear during your poetry recital.
If I didn’t mention your name, charge it to my head and not my heart.
Special Thanks
To my entire Four Oaks Community Church family (Pastor Erik & Tori Braun) – Tallahassee, Florida, (www.fouroakschurch.com), you are the essence of Agape love. You have opened your homes and hearts to me, and I thank God for all of you. God has so much more in store for us individually and as a Church. To my pastors at Four Oaks, thank you for preaching the unadulterated word of God and feeding the flock. It is a privilege and honor to call you my pastors.
Foreword
There are many issues that women face: abuse, discrimination, misrepresentation are just a few. This book of prose seeks to shed light on some of those issues while imparting hope and inspiration. Tremayne does an incredible job delving into the psyche of women and honorably displaying not only the plight of women around the globe but also the triumphs of women at their best. As I read, I took inventory of myself, my peers, and my own treatment of the women around me. This book is not just well written prose, but an eye and ear opener for everyone who can read the lines and the meaning that lies between them.
Shantae A. Charles
Editor-In-Chief
Author’s Foreword
When I was given the title for this book by my editor, I didn’t have to think too hard to write poems from a woman’s viewpoint. With so many shows on television and my association with so many women, I would hear so many stories. These stories would range from lovely to horrific. In fact, I was recently asked by a young lady (in her teens), what do I know about women? Well, I was privileged to share some poems from this book, and God spoke to the young ladies whom I was sharing with. The more I think about it, another woman asked me after reading a poem from this book, “Are you going to put on a wig and assume a pseudonym? It’s kind of scary how right you are with these poems.” My response to that is simply, it’s all God and not me.
With that said, I pray that you open your heart to His Spirit and that you will allow Him to minister to you. Finally, I pray that you are blessed, highly favored & empowered to prosper under His hand.
For His glory,
Tremayne Moore
Dedication:
My grandmother Joyce Springer
To every woman!
Table of Contents
Room 1: The Closet
Butterfly (Monica’s Theme)
I’m Not Good Enough
Little Miss Heartbreaker
Men
The Tyrant (Ladies Version)
Room 2: The Powder Room
I Am Beautiful
Learn From Me
My Friend
My Love For You
Room 3: The Dressing Room
A Woman’s Body
My Worth As A Woman
Running Away
The Embarrassment
Why The Drama?
Your Freedom
Room 4: The Board Room
A Better Place
I Need Balance
It’s All About Me
Mother’s Day
Still Here
The Big Payback
This Is Me (A Woman’s Declaration)
What Did I Gain?
Room 5: The Bedroom
A Sister’s Commitment To Purity (Piece And Purity)
Blame It On Love
I Need A Man (Parts 1 & 2)
Someone To Love
The Life Of Alyssa Cooper (Parts 1 & 2)
Room 6: The Bridal Suite
Don’t Waste My Time
He’s The One/She’s The One
Saying Good-bye (The Separation) (Parts 1 & 2)
She’s Gone (Parts 1 & 2)
Skin Deep
This Feeling
When It’s Your Turn (This Feeling pt. 2)
Wedding Dreams
Who Do You Love?
Room 7: The Secret Place
Accept Me Broken (Let Love Make Me Whole)
Grief
I Can’t Take This Anymore
I Feel So....
Listen To Me
The Conversion
The Sanctity Of Life
Room 8: The Delivery Room
Dream Again
New Identity
Pregnant Is My Name
About The Author
Room 1:
The Closet
Butterfly (Monica’s Theme)
Once upon a time, a caterpillar enters the world.
Yes, this caterpillar is symbolic for a beautiful girl.
She was protected in a jar, with a family who crushed her dearly.
As she progressed towards the butterfly stage, her beauty was displayed clearly.
Before reaching that stage in totality, she endured heartaches and tears.
She was a victim of foul play; it seemed no one could calm her fears.
When she fully blossomed, her family set her free.
She is now free to fly, free to be herself, free to see who she is meant to be.
Another tragedy occurs, and she’s trapped in a different jar.
The tears occur again, for she wanted to go far.
In this jar, she would face cruelty and undeserved abuse.
What’s left to do, other than to give in thinking, “what’s the use?”
Eventually, she’s set free again, this time with a renewed power.
She’s learning to fly further, every minute and every hour.
I happen to see her as she flies gracefully in the sky,
And I think, she’s beautiful, and she can surely fly.
When I catch her, I see the tears she’s cried,
And I ensure my jar is safe and secure; I sure tried
To comfort, love and protect her from those who don’t care.
But would she give me a chance? She wouldn’t dare.
After a few days, she’s so determined to be free.
But what can I do? I must let her be.
I will say that I love you and watch as you kiss the sky.
Spread your wings my sister, for you are a treasured butterfly.
I’m Not Good Enough
Cassandra is my co-worker; she’s narrow-minded and she knows everything.
Cheri is the new employee; she’s attractive and she can truly sing.
Working with Cassandra can be confrontational and sometimes frustrating.
Maybe she gets a thrill out of this; to me it’s irritating.
I would introduce myself to Cheri and would find out she’s from my hometown.
We bonded as co-workers, nothing serious, but Cassandra won’t let me live it down.
Cassandra thinks I’m interested in Cheri; so she blatantly says to me, “I’m not good enough.”
She says I’m this; I’m that; I’m not a true Christian or a real man, and all that stuff.
I could talk to Cheri for twenty minutes, and Cassandra would blatantly interrupt our conversation
To talk to her for four hours! Now that really raises my frustration.
I overheard the discussion, and Cassandra says to Cheri, “I know someone who’s perfect for you--
He goes to my church, and I think you’ll like him too,”
After she leaves Cheri’s office, she drops by my office to say “She’s off limits!
I’m going to protect her from people like you, and your time with her is finished!”
Cassandra arranges a date for Cheri and this man to meet at eight.
She told Cheri to give her details when it’s over; Cheri said “OK,” and Cassandra said “Great!”
Little did Cassandra know, this man is a rapist on warrant in two states.
I found this out from my friends, but I felt my chance to stop this was too late.
It would be indeed, and Cheri was off to this stranger’s home.
I said, “I’m way better than him, and I hope Cassandra’s happy now that they’re alone.”
The man says, “If you don’t lay down with me, I’ll put a cap in your head.”
So, to avoid being killed, Cheri lies down with her back to the bed.
He then puts the gun aside and proceeds to rape her in the most horrific way.
She thought, “Why did I let Cassandra play matchmaker, when I could’ve taken time to pray?”
She’s screaming please stop for ten minutes, and again he places his gun to her head.
This time he fires a bullet. Pow! Cheri is pronounced dead!
Some may think this telling too graphic.
Some may think this telling so lame.
But no one is thinking the hardest question of all:
Who is really to blame?
Small group idea:
Put together 3 groups.
Defend your point of view on who is to blame.
Little Miss Heartbreaker
Hey ladies, we are some fine women, aren’t we?
And these men need to appreciate the beauty of you and me.
We are heartbreakers, and we can get what we want.
Money, jewelry, love, and affection, and their minds we surely can taunt.
Let me tell you my story, as Little Miss Heartbreaker.
You all know we’re 100% woman, and none of us here are fakers.
I would go from one man to another, playing two men at the same time.
I would make them bow down to me and say, what’s yours is mine.
They wouldn’t argue or raise a fuss, because I had their hearts in my hand.
I’m so good at this; at the beach, I had about five men as my fan.
I’d tell them I loved them, and they would flock to my commands.
Just steady teasing them, and of course, I took their hearts and ran.
I felt that if I didn’t get my way, I would throw a tantrum like a child.
Of course, it was total manipulation, but it was surely worthwhile.
Men can do it to women; so, why shouldn’t I do it to them?
I have a plus, my beauty is fatal; I’m priceless as a gem.
My problem came when one man didn’t appreciate me breaking his heart.
He was so obsessed with me that he would eventually rip me apart.
He beat me up, literally, with marks on my face and abdomen.
I pressed charges and had to reconsider how my behavior had been.
Being Little Miss Heartbreaker isn’t worth it; you can be cute but think about others.
No man should be any woman’s slave; if you think he is, run for cover.
I thought that, and now can you see my bruises from that situation.
Learn from me, and straighten your life; I hope this will spread throughout this nation.
Men
I had a past that you would never understand.
I was molested at eight, and would vow to never date a man.
I planned to be single for life, but that plan would change.
At the age of twelve, my life would be rearranged.
I was molested again by a relative, and my family took their side.
So, I tried to find a safe place where I could run and hide.
School life was interesting; I’d get the same old line from boys.
Saying, “Ooh baby, you’re so fine, you bring me so much joy”
And like a typical girl, I fell for that line.
Only to fall into this trap time after time.
Now, here I stand with three children, all from different men.
I hate men, and I blame God for all of my sin.
Where was He? He could’ve protected me like a real father.
People say to me, “Give your burdens to Him,” and I say, “Why bother?”
I’m in a relationship now, and this man beats me like I’m his African Drum.
I must be helplessly trapped because he’s such a great lover...to some.
I leave him after he abuses me, but I still take him back.
He says, “You’ll never find another like me,” and I toughen up for his attacks.
People now say, “Why do you allow this again and again?”
Because I’m looking for love, but deep inside, I still hate men!
The Tyrant (Ladies Version)
When I met this man, he was fine and all that I needed to complete me.
I did everything I could to ensure that he would keep me.
I turned my back on my friends; I didn’t hear their concerns or cries.
I really didn’t trust the Lord either; I just didn’t want this new love to die.
Well, we married in a short period of time, and he took off his mask.
He became very demanding, and had me do multiple tasks.
I had to cater to him, and everything had to receive his approval.
Yeah, my true friends were worried; they overlooked my distance and removal.
I took offense to what my friends were trying to speak into my life.
All that mattered? I was the Tyrant’s Wife.
He would call me names and belittle me in front of my kids.
Just to prove his manhood; I was allowing him to do what he did.
He would choose my friends; ask me everywhere I’ve been.
When we were out in public, I was not allowed to look at other men.
I had to look at the ground, and he would use words to abuse me.
I would feel like a slave at times, and I allowed him to serve me a full course of misery.
The light bulb finally went off, and God now has my attention.