Recommended Poetry Links

These pages contain incredible poetry covering a range of styles and subjects.

The Dancer by Stafford L. Battle

Poetic Justice by Jill

Juanita Betts. Published in the book. Desire My Dream Poetry.

Veola Carter. Find more information at Creatively Poetic & Written Expressions.

My Momma's Bald Head by Sherryle jackson

I Dream of Freedom by Charles Chatmon

Eric L. Smith aka Lisse

Alicia Fleming

All poems appeared on Black Author Showcase. Agents of Literary Change. A network of exchange and encouragement for writers, readers, illustrators, editors, publishers, book clubs, media, etc. Thanks Diane for providing this information and April's poetry showcase to increase the awareness and appreciation of poetry.

Technorati Tags:
Black Author Showcase, book clubs, poetry appreciation, recommended poetry

Jazz Poetry

Deep breath takers discover
Seasoned truths
Dancing in the elements
Influencing images and sounds

Souls romancing souls
Writing and composing senses
Continuing the lineage
Of poetry and jazz

Technorati Tags:
breath taker, jazz, poetry, souls, writing

Spring & Things Unseen

It's Spring and Earth has begun revealing its many gifts from plants to animals to insects. The rain is providing moisture and nutrients in anticipation. Evidence of nature's great abundance will be visible soon. What we don't see is the combination of consistency, ingredients, effort and struggle it takes. We don't recognize wind blessings and rain blessings. We assume we can have it all without the urgency, the understanding, the preparation, the planting, the tending, the adjusting, the patience and the faith.

The Earth and its bountifulness are personal gifts to us. Our individual gifts are for the World. We are constantly being prepared to release one gift and then another, initially and in more abundance. The rain and its nurturing effects are advantages along with sunshine and warmer times. Spring seasons souls to release talents and join the living landscape. Others will be inspired and fulfilled by the sustaining fruit and beauty of the gifts we unwrap. With a combination of consistent conditions we can all enjoy new seasons of renewed life by recognizing the raw materials within us and around us.

See Also: Natural World Observations: Going Wild Like A Flower In Spring Breaking Free

Poetry Discussion & Analysis

Most of my poetry does not originate from one moment. After repeated exposure to life's bits and pieces, something triggers an overall idea. The poem whispers its will and I listen. That's the simplified version.

All of the poems in Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance have a primary meaning knowable with just one reading. Many have some nuances. Some contain secondary meaning either completely or partially.

For example: The poem, “Cool People” is about good people. It explores the richness of relationships that are right.

Cool People are like a breath of fresh air and a cold drink of water ("like mountain breezes and well water"). They are pure and natural. Cool People make time for you when they need someone to take time for them (“listen when they need to be heard”). Instead of judging you, they judge themselves by the highest standards. Cool people are the fountain of youth.

There are several more areas to analyze and discuss - some I know, many I don't. When I hear unique perspectives, it confirms what the Spirit has promised. This is not just for you but for anyone open to art as a life advantage.

Although the artist has some intent, they can't control individual interaction with their work. In that respect, poems are no different than songs or visual art. We can enjoy these creative expressions without an explanation or complete understanding of the origin or it's objectives. I'm still gaining insight into songs I first enjoyed over twenty years ago.

Contrary to this post, I prefer to not comment on a poem until the reader has spent personal time with the poem and offered their own impressions. Perhaps, however, this will provide encouragement.

Enjoying poetry has nothing to do with understanding everything. There is no right or wrong to the way the poem speaks to us. Poetry is accessible if we allow it to be.

Technorati Tags:
cool people, encouragement, fountain of youth, poetry analysis, poetry discussion