POETS UNITED TO ADVANCE THE ARTS

In Honor of National Poetry Month...

2011-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Poetry of Yasmin Morais Excerpted from "From Cane Field to the Sea"

A BOUNCED REALITY CHECK

(For Mama)

Slowly, ever so slowly

her once sharp wit and constant humor faded.

Days rolled into one. Memories were elusive

and friend became stranger.

Danger lurked in once harmless places.

Faces, before familiar, now unrecognized.

She fought to get a grip, to not let reality slip.

Yet the long trip on the roller coaster of mental torment refused to end.

Alzheimer's triumphed, enmeshing her in a prison of delusion

BLESSINGS

"God bless you my child", my grandma would say

for simple acts of love I'd do each day.

Combing her hair.

A drink of water.

Reading chapters of her favorite book.

All these elicited outpoured blessings, not fully understood

by my young mind.

Now the flowing bounties I see

confirm the legacy of my grandma's blessings

resting on me.

For more of her work, visit her blog at Poets of the Caribbean.

Ruthie Foster performing her song "Harder Than The Fall"

2011-02-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN---HENRY L. JONES!

2009-12-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report the new release of RUN INTO BLACKNESS: FEELING MY POETIC GUMBO by Henry L. Jones.

This must-read is published by Pneuma Publishing International, and is available online for your enjoyment.

Consider it "required reading" from a heavy dude and an awesome poet and writer!

You do us proud (Henry)! Much continued success...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2009-08-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

JOIN POETS UNITED for 2 exciting upcoming events!

October 17--2:30-4:30--(in conjunction with the Beverly Library), will host Meet the Authors Day, featuring Chicago Writers Association.

November 21--2:30-4:30 Blogging for Writers--presented by Marcie Hill. Both forums will be held at the new Beverly Library at 1692 W. 95th Street.

Hope to see you there!

POEM OF THE MONTH--BY YOURS TRULY

2009-08-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

RACE RELATIONS

There is but one "race"---the human race
There is but one finish line---the pearly gates!

15 YEARS WORTH CELEBRATING!

2009-07-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

This past week, I had the pleasure of celebrating (with my poetry members), our 15th year anniversary as poets, creative artists, friends, and at times, an extended family.

What a blast!
...A back yard barbeque with beautiful weather and beautiful people. We had fabulous food and fun galore!

In attendance?
Lilllian Mitchum, A.D. Moore, Elaine Millsap-Parker, Daryl Avery, Mike Bowie, Crenshaw and guest, Sponge, Johnie B. Sanders of the Johnie B. Sander's Blues Group, and Damita Wilson.

To my regret, I forgot to take pictures, but I'll post comments as they become available.

We look forward to 15 more years of sharing our love of the arts and growing as individual artists!

Thank you for your continued support.

POEM OF THE WEEK

2009-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

OUR GREATEST FEAR
BY: Marianne Williamson

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.

It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others...

CHICAGO WRITERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A SUMMER WRITING COMPETITION

2009-06-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

Whether you are "versed" in creating verse, have a fix for fiction, or are into penning non-fiction pieces, here's the time to shine!

C.W.A (Chicago Writers Association)
SeeWWW.CHICAGOWRITES.ORG is sponsoring "FIRST THINGS FIRST", a creative writing contest that gives scribes famous first lines as the basis for competing for cash and prizes for winning entries.

See the website listed above for more details.

KUDOS ON MAYOR DALEY'S 2009 SPRING CONFERENCE

2009-05-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

KUDOS ON MAYOR DALEY’S 2009 SPRING CONFERENCE!
By: Jennifer Brown Banks

On May 9th, Mayor Daley sponsored a Spring conference workshop for Chicago high school students at DuSable Campus high school at 4934 S. Wabash.

This fun-filled, informative forum consisted of morning and afternoon sessions of literacy focused workshops geared toward teens.

Workshops ranged from writing poetry, to crafting plays, novels, and short stories, as well as other developmental training.

Participants (sophomores through seniors), received tools, tips, and techniques to hone their creative skills and pursue future careers as journalists, creative artists, instructors, and entrepreneurs.

The event was attended by author and magazine writer Denene Millner and other illustrious speakers, including the mayor.

As one of the poetry workshop presenters, (along with Lillian E. Mitchum), I was very impressed at how well organized the event was, and how fabulously it was hosted.

The day’s activities also included a complimentary continental breakfast and boxed lunch, along with fruits, desserts, assorted teas, and other refreshments.

I found the students to be bright, inquisitive, motivated, and eager to put in to practice the things they took away from the various sessions.

It was an enlightening day for all!

POEM OF THE WEEK

2009-05-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

RULE OF LIFE
BY: GWENDOLYN MITCHELL

Who am I
except that which
I tell you of me

is not this the lesson
of leaders and great ones
who know that they will be seen
from many angles

from this
I learn to live
my own definitions
set no limits
not even time

POEM of the WEEK

2009-04-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

This Distance

by: Henry L. Jones

From: "Tell Me No Lies"

Can you touch me

from over there?

let my arms reach

& hold you

as long as this thought

can keep our hope alive

when I need to feel your presence

even at this distance

you're near

& your love.

Poets United to Advance the Arts Presents a Poetry Contest for National Poetry Month!

2009-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Poets and Patrons,

2009 represents the 15th year anniversary for Poets United to Advance the Arts!

To commemorate this special event, and to honor National Poetry Month, we're hosting a poetry competition!

That's right, poets, 2009 is your year to shine!

Win cash prizes and gifts--(not to mention your"15 minutes of fame").

Here's how:

CONTEST RULES---

1). This contest is open to participants 18 years of age and older, U.S. residents.
2). All submissions must be original.
3). Theme?

In 15 lines or less, write a poem with the words "fifteen", "anniversary", "celebration", or "spring".
4). Entry fee is $4.00 per poem.
5). Please provide contact info which includes a phone number and valid Email address.

Send submissions and entry fee to:

POETS UNITED TO ADVANCE THE ARTS
P.O. BOX 208821
CHICAGO, IL 60620-8821

PLEASE NOTE: the deadline for submission is April 30, 2009.
Please make money orders or checks payable to: Jennifer Banks

Winners will be notified by May 15th, and invited to perform their work at the grand opening of the new Beverly Library.

POEM OF THE WEEK

2009-03-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

You
BY: Clara Freeman

Birds fly
bells ring
all because of you

April showers
budding flowers
clear skies of blue

Grass grows
the crisp white snow
Nature's green
Angels sing
all because of you

BOOK SIGNING AT THE BEVERLY A SUCCESS!

2009-03-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

A special thanks goes out to all who made it to Saturday's book signing and contributed to the success of our forum.
We had beautiful weather, beautiful people, and beautiful poetry.
We greeted old friends and new.

Much appreciation for the great grub provided by Eve Cogdell, A.D. Moore, Lillian Mitchum, and the rest of the crew.
Thanks also goes out to photographer extraordinaire, Hurley Green III, for his continued support, and the beautiful photography for the afternoon's event. And to journalist Nathan Thompson for his thorough coverage and his time.

Until next time...

Peace, love, and poetry!

Jen

POETS UNITED PRESENTS--HENRY L. JONES---POET OF THE MONTH

2009-03-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

1. Are good poets and writers born or made, in your opinion?

I believe a good writer has some latent skills such as observation and curiosity. Anyone can be taught the mechanics (i.e., grammar and spelling). The key is finding your voice, that expression which reaches readers. Your voice is your style which comes from your experiences.

2. How would you describe your writing style?

Eclectic, bold and raw, almost in the way of James Baldwin and Shange. I’m still the child who sees fascination in the details. I write about them and pull a reader into that whirlwind of visual delight.

3. Whose creative work has been the biggest influence for you?

As an avid reader, I can’t pinpoint a single person. I integrate historical references in work which I researched from certain historians. I tend to use authors such as the Egyptologist Dr. Ben Yochannan’s work. I have authors who I enjoy reading over and over like talking to an old friend. Then, there are those who I see as my spiritual guides and professors. I’ve created a weird dimension filled with guests called books. Creatively there’s no end.

4. What would it surprise others to know about you?

That’s a difficult question. I know, the N word really doesn’t bother me. It used to when I was a child. I was a attacked, stoned and shot at. Many incidents for a book by white youth. I guess my ears were just too big. But, their attacks, domestic terrorism hurt more than that word. When the white adults dismissed the terror as kids playing, that hurt. I don’t trip on the N word. I even use it. Not saying or using the word won’t end racism as some believe. The behavior has to change. To change the behavior the country has to stop praising the violent past. I’m concerned about the word picnic and its historical references. I’ve been picked too many times.

5. In your writing, are there any “taboo” topics you would not tackle?

If it’s a poem about a subject, which I’ve experienced, whether direct or indirect, I’d feel a need to write it. That happens a lot. If a publication wants me to write about a taboo topic, I’d approach it more objective as a viewer from the outside. Society tends to make the word taboo as a relative thing. What one person considers a taboo another believes it’s normal. I guess that word has to be clearly defined before I write about it. I’m working on a project now about men which might be seen as a taboo. I don’t, but some do and will. But that’s okay, these stories must be told.

6. What's the difference between “spoken word” and poetry?

I give up. I’ve asked other poets and poetry lovers. From what I interpret, some writers use the word “spoken word” to mean pieces which are different from the schooled style of poetry, such as the rhyme and scheme, historical styles, etc. In other words, a literary piece IS poetry if it has “these” academic characteristics. Anything outside that circle is something else -- spoken word. Well, guess what, black authors have fought and are “still” fighting, as well as other authors of color, for their own. Our style in some eyes, that is the dominant white culture, isn’t seen as real poetry. It’s something else. A lot has changed but when our expression is put equally text books with the European and White American literary experiences then we truly know that what we express is appreciated. Spoken word tends to be linked with a lot of performance art work as well. I just do what I do and write what I write. I can’t head trip which tribe to live in. I’ll let history decide once the maggots take me home what my work is defined as. I just want to be read and share my experiences to enrich lives with something.

7. What are you reading lately?

James Baldwin’s The Evidence of Things not Seen. It’s one of his books which slipped by me.

8. What inspires you?

Women, music, art, family, culture, history, depression, joy, spirituality, ancestors, the wind. Any moment which draws and pulls me in to forget myself. I get in this trance and begin to feels many things. Then I write. I must write. That’s the only way to stop the voices in my head.

POEM OF THE WEEK

2009-03-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

THIS SEASON
By: Jennifer Brown Banks

Unexpectedly,
He makes me smile,
Makes me happy, even

Funny thing,
I never expected to find
What I was missing
In someone who was clearly lost
Himself,

And yet,
He came into my life
With the warmth of summer
And the unpredictability of spring,
And I needed him,

In ways I had forgotten,
In ways I tried not to remember,

Like never before,
Like never again,

This season…

POEM OF THE WEEK---IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

2009-03-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

My Beautiful Birthday Rose
BY: A.D. MOORE

In these times of toil and strife,
There's a very special person in my life.
One on whom I can always depend,
To stick by me to the unforeseeable end!

When things didn't look so terribly bright
And there was just a glimmer of light,
She was there! Through the good times
And the bad,
Simply said---she's the best friend
I ever had!

She's prime and pretty, chantilly lace--
But manages to keep me in my place!
And if things are not in order
As she deems,
Just ask the kids how she screams!

Yet, I love her still
And I'm glad for a wife I chose,
Happy birthday, My beautiful,
Dutiful, BIRTHDAY ROSE!

2009 EVENTS AND UPDATES

2009-03-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy March!

...Soon the weather will be breaking, and POETS UNITED will be busting loose with events to nurture your mind, spirit, and soul!

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming events for the 2ND quarter:

All events listed will take place every 3rd Saturday at the Beverly Library, (unless otherwise noted).

MARCH---WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
APRIL---- NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
MAY---MOTHERS' DAY TRIBUTE
JUNE---OUR ANNUAL POETRY ON THE PATIO OPEN MIC EVENT