April is National Poetry Month.
And I'm excited!
Though I've had a great deal of success in different genres of writing, some people are surprised to discover that poetry is really my "first love."
I started writing as a teen, and have published (5) books to date.
There's something about its realness, its simplicity, and ease of flow that I truly dig.
This month, I'll be bringing to you some of the best in poetry, maybe even a few pieces penned by yours truly. :-)
Without further adieu...Here's a talented poet and friend who's taking the poetry community by storm. I bring you Henry L. Jones...
*Cabrini Red/Black/Green
Who will recognize the calling
as we watch our prophets die?
The silent night streets
where only a few roam
searching for tomorrow
longing for some answers
instead a scream
escapes the darkness
and echoes around corners
but it’s muffled
by the thunder of gunfire.
Am I still alive?
*Cabrini is a Chicago housing project.
Henry L. Jones
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Henry L. Jones is a writer and an artist who focuses on cultural and social change as a theme in his work. Run into Blackness is his first book of poetry. He’s been writing for over thirty years. As a child he’d write in journals about his experiences. Now, his poems are mostly inspired from urban experiences and Black heritage. From his dedication to writing and sharing his poetry in many communities, he’s received awards and recognitions such as an Accolade Award Medallion presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Poet Laureate, Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares. In a grassroots fashion he’s lead many creative writing workshops and open-mic nights. Published poems appeared in journals, magazines, newspapers, and some anthologies such as Blacks n Asia, Chicago Quarterly Review, Center Stage Magazine, Urban Flavor, Home Coming (book, Parthenon Museum Press), Houses of God (Gospel CD, House of Blues/Platinum Entertainment), Black Digest, Fisk Herald Journal, Vanderbilt Review and others. He lectures about the arts at schools and universities. His performances and recitals of poetry take place at cultural events, festivals and coffee houses. Jones has organized creative programs for youths and adults. He’s a Detroit, Michigan native with planted seeds in Chicago's art community. Jones, an alumnus of Fisk University, works and lives in Tennessee.
Poems from RUN INTO BLACKNESS: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo
by Henry L. Jones, Pneuma Publishing International, Inc. copyright 2009
ISBN: 9780979047695, 132 pp, Softback
Readers, what do you think of this poem? What mood does it inspire? What do you think is the message behind this piece? Weigh in.
Hey Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm actually an aspiring poet myself. I've written a few poems but not at a professional level. After visiting your blog, I think I will get back to that long lost love. :)
Here's one of mine titled - Twisted faith or reality:
The illusion is clear
Intertwined with all that I see
The eyes I’ve trusted
Continue to betray me
But the eyes are mere windows
Open for the brain to construe
That which is hidden
And is never obviously true
My sub consciousness manifested
Somewhat into make-shift reality
The power of creation underestimated
A slave at my fingertips
Hours become minutes
Days become hours
A lifetime, an oblivious spec
That we claim, but is not ours
Earth unearthed
Ancient awaken to modern
In search of what is, what was
Find ourselves we say we must
Life a vast ocean
Many mysteries we will never find
Unlock that which is bound
And claim what is mine
Wow, dude, you're deep! Yep, the verdict is in. You should definitely go back to writing poetry.
ReplyDeleteI love your work. Thanks for sharing it here.
Unfortunately many environments stifle and impede a better suitable life free to enjoy living, loving, dreaming and more.
ReplyDeleteYou have always had the ability to see with more than your eyes what many fail to notice, deny, or simply cannot recognize realities/truths.
La Gayle
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here today. I appreciate it.
ReplyDelete