In Honor of National Poetry Month...

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

(c) 2011 Yasmin Morais

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.

(c) 2011 Yasmin Morais

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

Ruthie Foster performing her song "Harder Than The Fall"

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

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!

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

RACE RELATIONS

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

15 YEARS WORTH CELEBRATING!

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

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...