Issue #55 - moni's top 10 E-ZINE
(The Poets Niche Official Newsletter)
Thursday, February 24, 2000
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"If a man hasn't discovered something that he would
die for, he isn't fit to live."
Martin Luther King Jr., (1929-1968),
Speech in Detroit, June 23, 1963
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ON TAP THIS ISSUE:
- BIRTHDAY WISHES
- FROM THE QUEEN'S THRONE
- TWO VALENTINE'S DAY POEMS
- BLACK HISTORY EXPO UPDATE
- WHAT'S NEW ON THE POETS NICHE WEBSITE
- POETIC SHORT STORY
- WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
- POETREE U SAY
- PRAYER REQUESTS
- POEMS OF THE WEEK 61
- A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS and moni's POEM OF THE WEEK
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1) BIRTHDAY WISHES -- Okay, I forgot to wish our Aquarian Brothers and
Sisters born between January 20th through February 18th, HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!!! [My apologies to Angela Jones-Carr who celebrated her 30th
birthday on January 24th. After we talked, she forgave me because I told
her where the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH was located]. Everyone should have an
Aquarian friend because they're inventive thinkers, quick-witted and true
humanitarians. Please join me (along with THE FIFTH DIMENSION SINGING IN
THE BACKGROUND) in WISHING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS BORN UNDER THE ZODIAC
SIGN OF AQUARIAS, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!
To our Pisces Brothers and Sisters born between February 19th through
March 20th [such as Mr. Pisces himself -- WALT GOODRIDGE -- who
celebrates his ??th year of life (I promised to keep that a secret)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and MANY, MANY MORE!!! Walt, I know your lessons in
success turned your passion into profit.
For those of you with an extra lung to help blow out the candles for another
Pisces -- Saleem Abdal-Klaaliq -- celebrating his OVER DA HILL &THRU DA
WOODS 50TH BIRTHDAY on March 11th (it's okay, I'm sure he's expecting me to
sell him out), please email your condolences to Saleem at
(moni/iwillneverforgiveyou@&i'llbetherewhenuturn501day2.com), or ship an
extra lung to him at: Mr. Old Man, 50 &Still Looking Good Lane, Thank You
Jesus, USA!!!
WISHING ALL OUR OTHER PISCES MEMBERS THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS!!!
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2) FROM THE QUEEN'S THRONE (Issue #7 -- Motivational Insight from Shenita
Vanish) -- It's been awhile since the QUEEN touched our hearts with her
words of wisdom. Well...ALL HAIL TO THE QUEEN!
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Much Do I Want You to Really Know Me? (c)
Communication: we all think that it is important. Oftentimes, we can easily
identify when we are having a "communication problem." I've sometimes
blamed my mate for his "inability or unwillingness" to share himself with
me. But how often have I been willing to share myself with him?
In the past, when I met a Brother that I was interested in, I would "put my
best foot forward." I'd tell him the things that I thought that he should
know; the things that would make me seem more desirable. I wouldn't tell
him too much about my accomplishments; for fear that he might feel
intimidated by my successes. I wouldn't tell him too much about my
failures; for fear that he might view me as foolish and unworthy of his
affection. It was like a job interview and I often felt that I was never
really being considered for what I had to offer but I was being "sized up"
based on what the applicant pool had to offer.
I remember days when I wallowed in my own self-pity and often judged myself.
I found that I would continually ask myself, a thousand times, "How could
I have been so stupid? Why did I do this? Why didn't I do that? What will
people say if they found out?" I now realize that I was building a cage and
dying slowly by my own isolation.
As simple as it sounds, I am learning to accept my successes, failures,
mediocrity, and all other parts of my humanness. As crazy as it sounds, I'm
not waiting until a year within my relationships to talk about the abuse
that I sustained as a youth. My triumphs and my scars have made me into the
woman, excuse me, lady, that I am today. I am no longer editing my
life...I've learned to embrace it and I've learned to wisely share it.
The amazing thing that I have found is that my freeness to share my life
with the Brothers and Sisters that I encounter has freed them to share their
life with me. I've come to realize that I'm not the only woman to "lose"
money to a lover, I'm not the only woman who was sexually violated in my
youth, I'm not the only person that has made a "bad" decision or a "wrong"
choice. Through my willingness to share, I've not only developed better
friendships; I've established deeper bonds.
Most importantly, I've come to learn that I'm really not an island. I'm
connected to everyone. I've found that other people's willingness to share
with me has helped me to better understand "my" situations and myself. I
pray that I have done the same for others. And, in turn, I'm loving myself
more and I'm getting better at being me. And for this, I am so thankful.
Queen
* * * * * * * * * * *
[Experience has certainly shaped the Queen's prospective on self-love. And
for this, we are grateful that she continues to openly share her life
experiences with us. THANKS Shenita!!! Please feel free to send your love
and comments to the Queen at (svanish@aischool.org)].
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3) TWO VALENTINE'S DAY POEMS -- Don't ever let it be said that I'm not
sentimental when it comes to matters of the heart. I don't usually
celebrate holidays that cater to greeting card companies and florists, but
when I received "A VALENTINE STORY," by Shaun Cecil, and "FOR MY VALENTINE,"
by Padmore Agbemabiese, it reminded me that LOVE, be it on Valentine's Day
or not, is the ROOT OF ALL THAT IS GOOD!!! [And by the way, I instantly
turned into one of those women reading a Hallmark Card and CRIED MYSELF A
RIVER].
* * * *
A VALENTINE STORY
Chaos, moaned the wind,
Desolation, cried the land,
Death, intoned his soul,
So the Willow did bend,
And dismay like a fire fanned,
'Til hope cried in a limbo'd gaol.
Tia moved through the dark
Searching the hollows of the lost,
Rummaging in the detritus of war,
Anguish searing her heart,
Feeling as if her very life had been tossed,
Hoping it could be the same once more.
Her heart beat
With just a tiny flicker
Of love fired hope.
A tiny spark of passions heat,
Seeking just the slimmest tinder
Redemption for a blind world's hope.
Vale lay cold
Upon the unforgiving stone,
His soul stolen.
Decay in his mouth its story told,
Of ages passed since he left alone,
To war, Tia's favor his courage embolden.
Then came Tia upon a mound,
At first she could not know what she saw,
'Til she saw that glint of golden ring,
And she knew exactly what she found,
Encased in a pitiless stoney maw
Vale's fatal ground that death did bring.
With tears that burned
As acid, Tia wept and then
Her heart seemed to run.
This reuniting so had she yearned,
She lay upon the stoniness of him
And she began to pray to the Holy One.
God grant me this,
My only desire, my request,
Let my heart beat for Vale.
With that prayer she did kiss
The petrified lips she loved best,
Caressed a face bloodless pale.
It was as if her heart
Melted the stone upon Vale's breast,
And somehow they united.
With startled wonder she felt him start,
As he woke from that cruel rest,
That had stolen her love, and his heart quieted.
Rays of golden sun from above,
The Weeping Willow straightened tall
As the years fell away.
Vale and Tia gave thanks to the God of love
And told their story to one and all,
Thus the celebration of Valentine's Day.
Shaun "CAS II" Cecil (c) 2000
AWESOME darlin. . .and the TEARS started flowing!!! LAWD KNOWS I LOVE
SHAUN!!! Please feel free to send your love and comments directly to Shaun
at (unteteunbois@usa.net).
* * * *
FOR MY VALENTINE
if there were times I feel
like a fish taken out of water
and left flapping on the pier,
it is the day you were not near;
if there were days that all seconds
of my life were lived without a word
just because the words were washed
out by the waters from my eyes
it is the day you were not there,
maybe not in your arms;
remember, a day without you is the day
I shrink like a flower in the desert;
oh, how I wish we could lengthen
our days and shut out all
busy and hurried moments and spend,
without ending, all times together;
how I wish the sun could stand still
and the clouds rain the sweet aroma
of your breath around me
oh how I wish the smell of the olives
would keep me safe till you return;
this is my prayer in all morning
and evening lights hoping that
on this VALENTINE NIGHT
the swallows and meadows
flying over my rustic frame
will stopover with a word:
TO MY LOVE, ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Padmore Agbemabiese (c) 2000
* * * *
If you've been wondering where Padmore has been, well there's no need to
worry. He has resurfaced long enough to bask in some long awaited good
news. To bring you up to speed, first check out his interview in Issue #24
of THE TEN. Second, read the September 9, 1998 email on page 51 of our
anthology "COME INTO OUR WHIRL". Perhaps the note below from the
Dean-in-Charge of the Graduate School at Ohio State University explains his
absence.
Dear Padmore,
The Curriculum Committee of the Research and Graduate Council met this
morning and considered your OOAK proposal. The Committee was clearly
convinced that your proposal was, indeed, excellent and appropriate for
One-of-a-Kind consideration. It does not appear to "fit" into any existing
doctoral program at the University. In addition, the Committee felt that
you have constructed a very appropriate faculty committee for the program
and dissertation project that you wish to pursue. The final stage of the
process includes a face-to-face meeting between you, your advisor, and our
Committee members.
* * * *
Padmore asked that I not forget to THANK EVERYONE for their continued
prayers and support, and that he will never forget his responsibilities to
the group. Please feel free to send your love and support to Padmore at
(agbemabiese.1@osu.edu)
[moni's commentary -- Words simply cannot express how proud and overjoyed I
am for Padmore. My dearest brother is truly a LIVING ANGEL. His commitment
to his heritage, family, friends, education, and his genuine kindness to all
who know him, truly defines his character as a man. And once you've read
his poetry, "his words" will not only leave you breathless, but will spark a
flame of hope that a better day is just around the corner].
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4) BLACK HISTORY EXPO UPDATE -- If you will recall, several members of the
Poets Niche were invited to participate in the Black History Expo at
Hayfield High School in Alexandria, VA on January 29, 2000. Renee Davis,
David Weeks and Walt Goodridge (members from our East Coast Headquarters),
were on hand to add a bit of poetic justice to the festivities. Renee,
David and Walt wanted to share with us how much fun they had and how this
experience also changed "their lives."
* * * * * * * * * *
WALT'S STORY AS TOLD TO ME BY AN INFORMANT -- Walt shared his inspirations
with a half-twist of entrepreneurship on the side with those eager to learn
more about self-empowerment. Rumor has it that he was a walking billboard
of wit and charm. [Recently, Walt was heard on the radio prompting his
books "Lessons In Success" and "Turn Your Passion Into Profit," and it was
FANTASTIC!]
* * * * * * * * * *
RENEE'S STORY -- moni, let me tell you, we had a wonderful time. My
daughter Eboni and foster daughter Lawanda both attend Hayfield High School.
Also in attendance were my sons Justin and James. (We were only missing
my 2-year old foster son Tony, who was at his Grandmas). My Sweetie, Larry
and his children (Larry III, Mycal and Shelaina), slid into the audience
unexpectedly, which was a nice surprise.
The host, Mr. Cooper, as well as his co-host Ms. Platt, did a fabulous job
coordinating the Expo. A few of the participants included: (1) two youth
Gospel groups sang beautiful songs; (2) a rap group that did a very nifty
number; (3) an excellent High School Jazz Band that played songs from Count
Bassie to Duke Ellington; and (4) then us poetry reciting folks. Of course,
I thought I was going to lose my tongue, breath, and ability to read. But
God was standing right beside me and helped me through it. Somehow, right
before I climbed on stage, it seemed as though the entire auditorium filled
up with people from everywhere. I would have preferred a smaller audience
just in case I goofed. I read the following pieces: "With a Broken Wing, I
can still Fly"; "Not Abandoned"; "Epiphany of an African American
Woman--Realization"; and "Loving Me for Me". I had the best time of my
life, and my kids gave me much love as I watch the pride in their eyes.
I must tell you that David brought tears to my eyes as he read some very
lovely pieces that even my children found to be quite profound. I would
never have known from David's poetry that he had any sort of handicap. I
believe that God has placed the most important jobs in the hands of the
people that the world sees as being disabled. With the character and poise
of our greatest known men, David recited some very captivating and heartfelt
inspirational pieces that delivered a strong message to our youth. My hats
off to David, whom I gave a great big hug! Walt surprised me too because I
didn't know he was coming!!! I felt so honored to be able to share my
poetry on the same professional and talented platform as Walt and David.
* * * * * * * * * *
DAVID'S STORY -- I was honored to be asked to participate in the Black
History Expo at Hayfield High School on Saturday, January 29th. It was yet
another step for me to take my message to the masses. Prior to the event, I
tried to figure out what could I read to these young hearts, getting ready
to soon embark on the real world's stage. In my years of writing poetry I
never really focused any of my writings on our youth(s). I went through "my
vault of poetry", to find just the right words to say and message to convey.
I was a little apprehensive in the beginning because being the focus of
attention can be a bit nerve racking. (At the time, I didn't know that
Renee was in the audience, and Walt being there helped as well). But "JAH's
Works Must Be Done," and this was an opportunity that I had to act on. I
read "Sow Some Seeds", "Sit In Silence", and "Each Poem Written". I must
admit, it felt good having the attention of those young Brothers and Sisters
who turned out to show their support, (which was the greatest reward of
all).
Finally, it is always good hanging with Walt. It is said that a man is
known by the company he keeps, or something like that. Well, Walt is good
company, and it was indeed a great pleasure to meet Renee. To tell you the
truth, I don't know who was more excited, us or her, because she's a very
spirited woman.
AND FINALLY, David received the following THANK YOU email from the school:
Hello David!
On behalf of the Imani Steppers of Hayfield High School, I would like to
thank you VERY much for your participation in our program on January 29,
2000. We enjoyed your poems and hope that you found the experience
rewarding as well. I do hope that we can call on you again. I look forward
to working with you again.
Thank you
Ruddie
* * * * * * * * * *
THANKS RENEE, DAVID and WALT. THERE'S NOTHING LIKE TEAMWORK!!! Please feel
free to send your comments and supports directly to Renee at
(rdavis1969@aol.com), David at (weeks@nichemarket.com), and Walt at
(walt@nichemarket.com).
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5) WHAT'S NEW ON THE POETS NICHE WEBSITE -- a) Pictures from our FIRST
OFFLINE PARTY and BOOK SIGNING, August 5-8, Atlanta, GA (thanks Linval
"James" London, who traveled all the way down from Canada); b) Pictures
from the New Orleans [Nawlins Whirl Tour and book signing] which I hosted on
Nov. 20th; and c) Resource Page linking you to helpful websites such as:
Academy of American Poets
Atlantic Monthly
Amateur Poetry
Database of African-American Poets
Glossary of Poetic Terms
Lawgirl.com
Poetry Markets
Poetry Scams and Rip
R.R. Bowker Foundation
United States Copyright Office
Writer's Digest
Coming Soon: HELPFUL TIPS. Here's TIP #1 submitted by David Weeks:
I, along with Walt and Renee (two other members of the Poets Niche),
recently participated in a Black History Month Program at Hayfield High
School in Alexandria, VA. While waiting for the event to begin, Walt
suggested that when I am invited to speak I should have a brief bio to give
to the person introducing me. Here are some suggested tips for putting
together a short bio/introduction.
a. If you've been invited to speak, read or perform at a poetry reading (or
any other event), prepare a short bio and give it to the host at least two
weeks prior the event. This will allow the host the opportunity to include
your bio in a program and/or agenda.
b. What to include in your bio -- Think of what you want the audience to
know about you (residence, awards, any community service, books/publications
you've been featured in, books you're currently working on or published,
organizations you are a member of, and family information -- e.g., married
with a couple of kids, and your dog Spot).
c. Be sure to include any contact information (e.g., name, address,
telephone/fax number(s), and email address) in case the host has any
additional questions.
Here is an example of my short bio/intro:
Born on the Island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, David moved to
Maryland in 1985. He attended Bowie State University and holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Computer Science. David has been writing poetry since
1985. He knows that his creative spirit is a gift from GOD, and
acknowledges that his duty is to share with his people and the world what
GOD inspires in him. Over the years, David has written a unique collection
of poems expressing a positive message towards uplifting his people, and the
unity of humanity as a whole. He prays for the day when his works will
completely embrace, inspire, and touch the hearts of all who read his
poetry. Currently, David is working on his first book of poetry entitled,
"ANCIENT TRADITION Of The Peace Pipe", which features 100 of his original
poems written over the past 16 years. Contact Information: David L. Weeks,
Telephone: ##; Email: conqlion@hotmail.com
Thanks Walt and David!!! If you have any HELPFUL TIPS you'd like to share
with us, please email them to ME ONLY at (moni@nichemarket.com). Initially,
these tips will be included in THE TEN, then placed on the website under
"HELPFUL TIPS".
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6) POETIC SHORT STORY -- After you've read "I AM . . .," you'll understand
why there's no need for an introduction because it speaks for itself.
I AM....
by
Lynn Welch Hargrove (c)
I am the Sphinx, majestic and mysterious. I watched the greatest nations
rise and fall. Through the storms of time I have stood strong and tall. In
my silence I answer the calls of my ancestors and my descendents.
I am the river Nile and Euphrates, when I overflow my banks my people are
fed in abundance. My people are majestic as they dance on my banks and swim
in my glory.
I am the foundation of the land created so long ago. From my bosom my
people do eat. The fruit of my hands is sweet and good. The
protection and the shade of my arms is powerful. I am Africa, Egypt, the
Sudan. . .I am the Motherland.
I am the mysteries of the past, the questions of the present and the answers
of the future. I am mother Eve created to love, assist and bless my
companion Adam. I am the mother of many nations. From my womb nations of
Kings and Queens, Warriors, Scientists, Teachers, Doctors, Priests, Dancers
and Musicians are born. I have watched my seed spread all over the globe.
I have watched them achieve and watched them fail. I have seen the tears
and the celebrations of my offspring. I am the mother of all that is.
I am the majestic Neferttiti sitting on my throne. I am the royal diadem
that adorns my king, my pharaoh. I am the royal priesthood, the mighty
seed. I am clothed in royal purples and golds, in wisdom and power. This
is my queendom. I am the Queen of Sheba, the beauty of Africa. I seek out
that which is good among my people.
I am the Middle Passage, the stolen seed. I am the stolen glory, wisdom and
knowledge. I am what was and what is to be. I am the slave taught lies
and treachery. I am the slave bought for the white man's kind of love. I
am the grandmother that tried to keep the family together while raising the
massa's chilin'. I am the dream of nations past and visions yet to come. I
am the beaten, abused and battered, but I am not defeated. I am not
conquered.
I am the Rosa Parks who finally got tired of moving to the back of the bus
for the white folk. I am the one who sat-in at the all white counter
waiting to be served. I am the one who was hosed down in the streets
because I wanted my child to get a good education and the right to vote. I
am the nurse who helped our injured and dying soldiers. I am the one who
comforted all their pains. I am the one who bore the grief of my people.
I am the past, the present and the future. I am mother Eve, Mother Africa,
I am the Queen of a mighty nation. I am chosen of God. I am the call of my
ancestors. I am the seed of the future. I am the beauty of the present. I
am. . . .
THANKS LYNN!!! "I AM," is certainly a roadmap of WHENCE WE CAME and WHERE
WE'RE GOING. Please feel free to send your comments and love directly to
Lynn at (ladypoet1@hotmail.com).
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7) WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH -- Black Voices did a nice
compilation on the most influential African Americans -- "Pillars Of A
People: The 100 African Americans Who Most Influenced The 20th Century" --
Over the course of 1999, BlackVoices.com users from across the nation and
abroad nominated whom they believe are the "100 most influential
African-Americans of the 20th century." This list is the most unique of its
kind, using Internet technology to combine the opinions of average online
users with those of experts in African American history. Some important
names did not break the top 100 and some controversial names did. But there
is no doubt: all of them -- for good or ill -- have significantly influenced
American society. What could Clarence Thomas and Kwame Ture possibly have
in common? They are both "Pillars Of A People." To see the complete list
go to: http://www.blackvoices.com/feature/pillars.
* * * * * * *
This website (http://www.galegroup.com/schools/resrcs/blkhstry/index.htm) is
dedicated to Black History Month with a quiz, activities and timeline.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Other popular African American websites to check out include:
Tom Joyner - http://www.tomjoyner.com
BET - http://www.msbet.com
NetNoir - http://www.netnoir.com
The Black World Today - http://www.tbwt.com
Essence - http://www.essence.com
Ebony - http://www.ebonymag.com
Vibe - http://www.vibe.com
Black Enterprise - http://www.blackenterprise.com
Black Voices - http://www.blackvoices.com
Everything Black - http://www.everythingblack.com
USAfrica - http://www.usafricaonline.com
Network journal - http://www.tnj.com
Mosaic Books - http://www.mosaicbooks.com
Black Collegian Online - http://www.black-collegian.com
What2Read - http://www.what2read.com/home.html
BlackVue - http://www.aumagazine.com
Blackworld - http://www.Blackworld.com
Afro-America's Black History Museum - http://www.afroam.org
Thanks Nicole, Saleem and Nyra for contributing this information!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8) POETREE YOU SAY -- NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS -- Deadline: March
14. Offers fellowships of $20,000 for prose translation, poetry projects,
poetry translation, fiction and creative non-fiction in 2001). For more
information contact: Literature Fellowships, NEA, Nancy Hawks Center, 1100
Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20506 or call 202/682-5496 or visit:
(www.arts.endow.gov).
* * * * * * *
ANAMNESIS POETRY CHAPBOOK AWARD -- DEADLINE: March 15. Winners receive
$1,000 plus, an award certificate, and 20 copies of your chapbook. Seeking
poetry with intellectual and emotional depth that avoids clichˇs. Submit
20-30 pages of best poetry single-spaced with only one poem per page.
Include table of contents w/page numbers and TWO title pages. Include name
and address on only ONE title page. For more information, call (510)
481-7123 or write to Anamnesis Press, Poetry Chapbook Award, P.O. Box 51115,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
* * * * * * *
Romance Slam Jam 2000, March 17-19, 2000 at the Doubletree Campbell Centre
Hotel, 8250 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, (214) 691-8700 or
toll-free (800) 222-TREE.
Theme: Fostering an Exciting New Perspective on African American Culture in
the Spirit of Romance. Scheduled events include: Mix &Mingle; Writers
Workshops; Marketing Your Masterpiece; Writing Plots, Synopsis, and
Character Assessments; Major Publishers vs. Self-Publishing; Literary
Circle-Book Discussions; Meet Your Favorite Romance Novel Hero; Open Mic
Poetry, and much, much more. Author's tentatively scheduled to attend are:
Rochelle Alers, Gwynne Foster, Donna Hill, Monica Jackson Beverly Jenkins,
Francis Ray, Margie Walker, and many more. For more information, please
contact Darlene Ramzy at (972) 274-2321, (narir@flash.net) or Cindi Louis at
(214) 565-9655, (cindil@swbell.net).
* * * * * * *
LARRY NEAL WRITERS' COMPETITION -- Resident writers of the District of
Columbia are invited to submit works in four categories of literature
(poetry, fiction, dramatic writing, and essay) in the Larry Neal Writers'
Competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for artistic excellence in writing
in each category and presented at the Seventeenth Larry Neal Writers' Awards
Ceremony to take place on Friday, May 12, 2000, 6:30 P.M. at the Folger
Shakespeare Library (located 201 East Capitol Street, S.E.). DEADLINE:
Friday, March 24, 2000. For more information, please call DC Commission on
the Arts and Humanities at (202)724-5613.
* * * * * * *
CALL FOR SUBMISSION: About the Editor -- Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah is the
editor of Ogoni's Agonies: Ken Saro-Wowa and the Crisis in Nigeria. His
collection of poems, "Almajiri", will be published June 2000. He is the
founder and Faculty Advisor to Western Illinois University's Creative
Writers' Society, and he teaches African and African Diaspora Literature at
the University. He belongs to several professional associations, and has
performed nationally and internationally.
Abdul is currently editing an Anthology of Poetry, tentatively en titled,
"Martin Luther King, Jr." He invites you to submit your poems which explore
various poetic traditions, from ancient to contemporary oral and written
poetic forms. Each poet can submit up to four poems from which some may be
selected. The poetry book intends to celebrate King's struggle for civil
rights and social justice, and will be truly multicultural. King's image as
a leader and activist will be explored as a metaphor to championing a better
world in the twenty-first century. Poems on such topics as hunger, wars,
genocide, international trade, cultural pluralism, equality, respect for the
environment, women's issues, historical civil rights movements and
personalities, African and Third World nations, America, slavery, and other
relevant topics, as long as they are related to the above identified
objectives, will be considered.
Submission starts immediately. Publication details will be sent to those
whose poems are selected as necessary arrangements are completed. Please
send your poems to Abdul at: African American Studies Dept., Western
Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455; or faxed to (309) 298-2181, or
emailed to (a-naallah@wiu.edu). THANKS Abdul, and CONTINUED SUCCESS!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9) PRAYER REQUESTS -- Tina Marie's husband, Herbert Clark's beloved mother
died last week. Your prayers are certainly needed for Herbert and his
family during these difficult days. Please feel free to send your love and
support to Herbert and Tina at (lyricist@bellsouth.net).
Penny Seale and her family need your prayers and help. Her father is in the
hospital and will require ongoing costly treatments for his condition.
Please email Penny at (penny_seale@hotmail.com) with your prayers and
support, as well as any information to assist her with fund-raising
techniques to help offset pending medical expenses. Penny said, "Thank you
and God Bless you all...."
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10) POEMS OF THE WEEK -- Let's give a ROUND OF APPLAUSE to this week's
FEATURED POETS!!!
I HAVE MADE LOVE TO A MAN by Patrice C. Queen
on being in love with a married man by bams
i don't want to dream by Isis R. Nelson
my muse by Maurica Lavon
morning becomes by Nina Henley
yesterday i cried by Cjoi Mosley
THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO GIVE TO YOU IS ME by Rose Ford
THE CONFESSION OF A HYPOCRITE by Roderick Harmon
REMEMBER by Shaunda Holloway
You can read for yourself their hard-hitting and sentimental words in Poems
of the Week 61 at (www.poetsniche.com) THANKS YOU POETS!!!
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A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS -- I'd like to thank bams for hitting us with her
LONG AWAITED and MOST APPRECIATED, Middle of the Week Relief Critique.
We're grateful that bams found the time to squeeze us in her already busy
schedule. If you haven't already visited her slamming website,
3BlackChicks, I invited you to take a look. Also, 3BlackChicks has a
webboard (http://www.3blackchicks.com/3bcboard.html) and a "Community News"
forum for posting news, upcoming entertainment and media-related events.
Please feel free to post your news, or let bams know and she'll do the
posting for you. Be sure to also check out "Roll the Credits" where bams
graciously thanked us for turning her dream of becoming a Published Author
into a reality.
To those members who sent me Valentine's Day wishes, cards, flowers and
virtual candy, THANKS A BUNCH!!!
Below is moni's Poem of the Week. Your comments are always welcomed and
greatly appreciated. Until we meet again!
Keep sharing your LOVE!
moni
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SILLY TALK
She was a chronic complainer of the simplest pain.
I told her, "You better stop, because one day you might end up lame."
She wanted everyone to feel sorry for her because she didn't have
enough time to enjoy life.
I said, "You better take stock in what you got!"
She expected sympathy because her cash flow was low.
I hinted, "You should be glad you got the opportunity to make mo'."
She talked about all men being dogs.
I advised her that, "You only get flees if you stay on your knees."
She said she wasn't the kind to talk behind people's back.
I eyed her and said, "Now, is that a fact."
She said she had to exercise to take off some weight.
I looked up and sistah was on a second piece of cake.
She said she was tired of working for low pay.
If I forgot to mention it, "Honey, today is your last day."
I had no trouble bursting sistah's bubble because
When I was finished listening to all her silly talk,
I brick-walled her with my hand and told her,
"Nuff said. . .Damn!"
Monica D. Blache (c)
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