Poetry, Short Stories & Children Books

"Baltimore Blues” introduces Vegas Adams, a recent college graduate struggling to find stability in Baltimore. Homeless and living in his car, Vegas faces systemic challenges, including racial profiling and economic hardship, as he attempts to secure employment. His arrest for trespassing highlights the societal barriers faced by individuals experiencing housing insecurity, especially in affluent areas. The encounter with Talulah Gray, a warm and self-assured music teacher, offers a turning point in his journey. Her kindness and willingness to help him not only provide practical relief but also restore his sense of dignity. Their shared love for jazz becomes a symbol of connection, resilience, and cultural heritage, setting the foundation for their growing bond. Vegas's experiences underscore the themes of displacement, resilience, and the unpredictability of human kindness.

The story employs vivid imagery and sensory details to immerse the reader in Vegas’s struggles and emotional state. The use of dialogue effectively builds tension during his interaction with the police, highlighting the social-economic challenges that disproportionately impact marginalized individuals. Talulah’s character brings contrast, symbolizing warmth and hope in Vegas’s otherwise turbulent journey. Her flirtatious yet nurturing nature adds depth to her character, making her more than just a romantic interest—she represents the possibility of stability and belonging. The jazz references not only establish character depth but also serve as a metaphor for improvisation in life—Vegas, much like a jazz musician, must adapt and find beauty in the chaos. The story’s blend of realism and poeticism captures the essence of struggle and hope, making it a compelling narrative on perseverance and human connection.

The third short story in the Embracing the Wind series, Labor of Love, continues the journey of Nubian Niles, formerly known as Vegas Adams, as he cements his legacy as an educator at Havenmoore University. The story showcases Nubian’s passionate commitment to education, emphasizing the balance between the art and science of teaching. Through his interaction with a student named Axum, Nubian's philosophy on the necessity of consistency and transformative teaching is revealed, illustrating his belief that educators must envision a better future for their students. The arrival of Ajanis Wind with a cameraman underscores Nubian’s growing influence, as he is now being documented for his contributions. The subtle romantic tension between Nubian and Ajanis continues to build, particularly in their playful banter and lingering gazes, hinting at an emotional depth that extends beyond their professional relationship.

This story expands on Nubian’s character development by showing his transition from an ambitious young professor into an established mentor and thought leader. His reflections on his time at Havenmoore suggest unresolved tensions from his past, possibly linking back to themes in the first two stories. The mysterious mention of his reluctance to advise the Student Senate, despite student admiration, suggests past conflicts that shaped his perspective. Socially, Labor of Love touches on the struggles within education, particularly the lack of teacher retention and the systemic failures that disillusion educators. Nubian’s dialogue highlights how the profession is often undervalued, an issue that mirrors real-world concerns about the state of public education and teacher burnout. His interactions with students demonstrate his mission to instill resilience and vision in future teachers, aligning with broader socio-economic discussions on the need for strong Black educators and community-driven academic reform.

From a literary perspective, the author skillfully employs symbolism and subtle foreshadowing. The classroom setting serves as a battleground for intellectual and social change, reinforcing the idea that education is not just a profession but a movement. The flirtatious yet restrained dynamic between Nubian and Ajanis mirrors Nubian’s own internal conflict—his need for structure versus his desire for spontaneity. The exchange about Nubian’s nails, seemingly trivial, symbolizes his reluctance to let others care for him, further developing his guarded yet affectionate nature. The final scene, with Ajanis walking away but glancing back, encapsulates the slow-burning tension between them, leaving the reader eager to see how their relationship will unfold. The author continues to weave a narrative that blends romance, education, and social consciousness, making Labor of Love a compelling continuation of Nubian Niles’s evolving story.

In Maryland Magic, Nubian Niles embarks on a trip to Baltimore for an HBCU Leadership Conference, using the opportunity to escape professional pressures and deepen his connection with Ajanis Wind. The story follows his journey from an anxiety-filled airport delay to a meaningful reconnection with Baltimore, where he once struggled as a young teacher. His evolving dynamic with Ajanis is central to the narrative, as their professional and personal boundaries blur. Their interactions during the flight and conference reveal a growing mutual attraction, but also Ajanis’s hesitance to engage in a deeper relationship due to past experiences. The story concludes with Nubian reflecting on his desire for something more with Ajanis, unsure of whether she will allow their bond to grow beyond professional admiration.

The fourth installment continues Nubian’s character development, showing how his past experiences shape his present perspective. His memories of Baltimore highlight the struggles of his early career, contrasting sharply with Ajanis’s more privileged and socially connected college experience. This contrast deepens the exploration of class and opportunity within Black professional spaces, connecting back to Labor of Love, where Nubian emphasized perseverance in education despite systemic challenges. Additionally, the romantic tension between Nubian and Ajanis builds on their dynamic from the previous story, reflecting Nubian’s deepening emotional maturity and Ajanis’s cautious approach to relationships. The introduction of Ajanis’s past challenges at Havenmoore further ties her to Nubian’s backstory, suggesting that both characters are still working through unresolved issues linked to their shared academic environment.

The author employs strong literary techniques to develop the themes of memory, place, and emotional longing. The alternating perspectives of Baltimore—one of hardship for Nubian and one of transformation for Ajanis—highlight how personal experience shapes perception. The use of subtle, intimate dialogue conveys the chemistry and unspoken tensions between the protagonists, while the setting itself—airports, historic sites, and academic spaces—mirrors their shifting emotional states. The story also subtly engages with contemporary socio-economic realities, including the struggles of young Black professionals in academia, the disparities in early career stability, and the complex politics of HBCU institutions. Through reflective narration and rich symbolism, Maryland Magic deepens the series' exploration of personal growth, love, and the influence of past environments on present aspirations.

The short story The Ashanti Café continues the narrative of Nubian, a passionate and intellectual man navigating love, history, and community impact. The story opens with Nubian reflecting on his emotions for Ajanis as he drives to the Ashanti Café, listening to Miles Davis. His internal conflict about her lack of response to his heartfelt letter and email showcases his vulnerability, highlighting his deep desire for connection. The café, a symbolic space filled with historical and cultural resonance, serves as the setting for a pivotal moment in his personal and romantic life. His admiration for African American literature and historical figures such as Marcus Garvey further emphasizes his intellectual depth, linking his personal aspirations with broader historical and cultural movements.

Character development in this story is significant, particularly for Nubian and Ajanis. Nubian is portrayed as a man deeply embedded in his community, respected for his efforts in education and youth development. His past involvement in rebuilding the Ashanti Café after youth riots shows his leadership and commitment to positive change. Ajanis, on the other hand, is depicted as hesitant yet intrigued by Nubian’s love. Her internal struggle with accepting his affections mirrors a broader fear of deep emotional vulnerability. The dynamic between them evolves in the café as she gradually opens up to his warmth, showing a shift from reluctance to cautious receptivity.

Connections to the previous five short stories are evident in Nubian’s continued struggle with love and his role as a community leader. His past efforts in youth programs, his educational initiatives, and his intellectual pursuits tie back to themes explored in earlier stories, solidifying his character as both a lover and a scholar. The presence of Havenmoore University and Dr. Kamau further link this story to previous narratives, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and academic excellence in Nubian’s journey. The romantic tension between Nubian and Ajanis builds on their established dynamic, with The Ashanti Café serving as a key moment where their relationship edges toward a new level of emotional intimacy.

The story also subtly reflects socio-economic issues such as urban decay, youth unrest, and the role of community-driven initiatives in addressing systemic problems. The mention of the youth riots and the eventual closure of Havenmoore Prep due to corruption speaks to real-world issues in education and the challenges of sustaining community progress. The transformation of the Ashanti Café from the ruins of a violent past into a cultural hub mirrors a larger theme of reclamation and resilience, showcasing how spaces and people alike can be reborn through effort and vision.

From a literary perspective, the author employs rich symbolism, historical allusions, and a jazz-infused rhythm in the narrative. The references to music, particularly Love Jones, Coltrane, and Miles Davis, add layers of mood and emotion, reinforcing the theme of love as an improvisational art. The café itself, with its deep historical roots and Afrocentric décor, serves as a metaphor for the blending of past and present, just as Nubian and Ajanis navigate their emotions within it. The interplay between Nubian’s introspective thoughts, poetic dialogue, and atmospheric details creates a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of love, history, and self-discovery.