Author: Joyce M. Rose-Harris

Joyce M. Rose-Harris is an activist, blogger, video podcaster, and published poet. She has worked in the political and nonprofit sectors since 2017. Joyce launched PaisleyPerspective blog in 2011 to be a positive and insightful voice in the universe. She has poetry published in periodicals and anthologies. Joyce currently serves on the Board of The Watering Hole, which is dedicated to the growth of poets of color; and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her spare time she enjoys cheering for her hometown Chicago sports teams especially Da Bears as well as the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball team.

I MISS MY MAMA

My mom died today. Well actually today is the anniversary of her death. It has been a few years now. It has been enough years where the deep ache in my chest and gut has dulled but still enough to be noticed. Yet no matter how many years pass, I will miss her. She was […]

The Greedy Get Got

My late father a reformed con man, hustler, and street smart type, always said, “the greedy get got.” He was referring to victims of con games or schemes. I didn’t agree with him for all instances, such as the elderly or children being hustled or conned. He agreed to a point that what fooled them […]

Guilt Tripping

I’m feeling guilty today. It is one of the holiest times of the year in Christian faith. This weekend is the time when Christians remember the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. On Good Friday the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Christ, I attended the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus […]

Purple Potatoes

We all have at least one thing we regret. If you don’t have any regrets then you haven’t lived long enough. Okay young people don’t be offended it’s the truth. When I was younger, I had no regrets or that is what I thought. Life and decades pass and we all look back, thinking there […]

Looking For Nothing In Return

This past Friday, March 6, 2015, The President of the United States, Barack Obama held a Town Hall meeting at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Benedict College is a historically Black college in the state that he, others and myself know helped propel him to the White House by winning the South Carolina Democratic […]

Oh Stop Whining

I hate whiners. Okay maybe hate is too strong a word. There definitely are things that I do hate. I hate when children are mistreated and abused. I could say I hate child abusers but what if they themselves were abused? They are part of a hideous cycle but make note I don’t excuse what […]

My Dr. King Holiday Weekend

This past Dr. King holiday weekend was mixed with many activities. On Friday, I went to see the movie, Selma. After seeing it my heart was full. Full with the fact that I need to be sure that I am present in my own existence. What that means is that I help bring solutions and […]

PAISLEY PERSPECTIVE TURNS 4!

Today is the 4th anniversary for PaisleyPerspective.com, which was launched 1/1/11 at 1:11am. There have been a number of life events that have been documented over the years within the blog.

A Poet Renewed

When I left for The Watering Hole 2nd Annual Poet’s Retreat held at Santee State Park in South Carolina, I just wanted to simply be a better poet. I didn’t have any other way to say my goal than to be better at my craft in addition to making connections with other poets of color. […]

The Birth of Jesus

Today is Christmas Day; the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus is estimated to have been born 2,047 years ago. There is so much I could say about this day but my faith leads me to simply allow the Holy Bible to speak for me. 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued […]