Moments

I am always surprised when I’m acknowledged by name at certain establishments. Today this occurred at the Columbia Museum of Art. I first became a member in 1998 and since then have seen staff come and go. And one of the staff near and dear to all, died a few years ago. I am a […]

Between The Lines

Blessings of angels tending
to the left and right.
Our ancestors paved a path
of hope and determination.

A Poem: Calling

He called my name, my full given name pronounced each syllable that my mother spoke the day I was born. He called my name, like he knew my gait how each foot landed when I walked to Sunday School in too tight patent leather shoes. He called my name, as though he were […]

A Poem: Forced Entry

He broke into me- stole something. Brazen thief never charged with forced entry, and no one sees the bruise prints the scratch marks on my spirit- these don’t make police reports. The dignity missing from my step doesn’t qualify as physical evidence. I shake when I see him. Only my homegirls seem […]

Woman Wearing Red Glasses

Standing on stage with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just a few weeks ago has brought some interesting conversations. Most common questions are “Did I see you on TV standing behind Hillary?” or “I know you must have been excited standing on stage with our next President?” I humbly respond yes that was […]

Poetically Speaking

April is National Poetry Month here in the United States. National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives every April. It was […]

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. […]

For Nelson Mandela

~~~ As a high school student, I was made aware of the conditions in South Africa upon reading “All Things Fall Apart” written by Chinua Achebe’s. It was the first time I heard the word apartheid but it would be a few years later before I truly understood what apartheid meant. While attending the University […]

Remembering Louise’s Last Days

~~~ My grandmother stood approximately six feet tall prior to aging taking its toll on her body. When I was a child she was a little intimidating and a very no nonsense person. She showed loved in straight-forward ways just like her personality. Her favorite way of showing she cared was through feeding you. My […]

A Poem: Winter Solstice

~~~ Winds swirling, whipping whirling throughout trees releasing their final Fall leaves. Hibernation taking place throughout natures spaces. Sleep comes now, letting God work, creating additional rings of growth on old oaks. Preparing bulbs buried deep for a long winters nap; be dormant, we shall see your beauty again in Spring. . by: Joyce M. […]