Coming Out!

Hotep!

I'm singing Diana Ross in a clear, strong voice, "I'M COMING OUT!"  Poetically, that is.  I am thrilled and filled with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the American Books Expo in New York City this weekend; it already feels like a whirlwind!

Ah... Poetry.  I have been creating poems as long as I can remember.   From little ditties in elementary school to first love poems in junior high school...  I grew up with the emphatic poets of the 60's - Nikki Giovanni, Gil Scott Heron, The Last Poets, Sonia Sanchez...  Their poems fueled a movement: defiance, empowerment, unrepentent Afros, colorful African garb and a consciousness vibe. 

Fast forward to the 80's.  I did not find my true poetic voice until I found my true spiritual calling.  Soon, poetry became a vehicle to express and release: societal observations, stress cartharsis, emotional celebration, intellectual musings as well as expressions of gratitude, joy, anger, disbelief, frustration, and, of course, love and romance, yet again.

Soul Poems: Life as Fertile Ground is a collection of poems written over a 15-year period that are slices of my life's experiences.  They range in subject from the sacred to the defiant to the challenges life presents on a daily basis.  They also celebrate life in its myraid of manifestations: love journeys, delicious coffee, beholding the natural wonders of God's handiwork and affirmation for purposeful work that contributes to healing and wholeness.

Obamatyme: Election Poetry is another story.  I hadn't intended to publish these poems.  I was seeking personal, emotional release from the intensity of an incredible campaign cycle that I never thought I would live to see, much less participate in as a citizen in a vibrant democracy.  In fact, some of the strong emotion expressed in the poems meant that a few of them didn't make the book!

Both collections are now available for pre-order at www.amazon.com; Soul Poems will be released in September and Obamatyme following in October.  I am excited that folks are already asking to read excerpts; my publisher will put a couple of poems from each book on the website in the next week.  In the meantime, I'm Coming Out!!!  More later...

Peace and blessings!