Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last Day of National Poetry Month!!!

April flew by...and true to my word, I spent time writing and sharing poetry with you. I hope you enjoyed it.

As this month comes to a close, I am now focusing on editing and finding a publisher for the poetry I have written, so I will be on a mini-hiatus this week. I cannot wait to have a release date for you!

I may not know you, but I love you for supporting me :)

Namaste,

T. Amour

Monday, April 29, 2013

National Poetry Month: Death and I

Happy Monday!

I know that is a terrible way to start of a post about a poem that concerns death.

Right now, I am dealing with death, but not in the physical sense. Death of an old way of thinking and death to habits that don't contribute to my future.

Today's poem is by Mark R. Slaughter:

**all rights reserved to respective owner

Death and I

When death comes 
I’ll need not love – 
Consumed, 
No wreath or dove 
Could offer me salvation, 
Not when I’m no more.

A weathered stone will bear my name – 
Identity of once a being
Living out existence in 
A world of risk, and never seeing 
Sense of why we’re here. 

My genes will die away thro’ child – 
Hue of eyes and hair, the way of thought,
Will quickly dim with generation –
Bow to future dominance – 
Memories of provenance 
Resigned to curious few. 

When death comes 
I’ll need not grace 
Below; no grieving face 
Will call my resurrection, 
Not when I’m at ground – 
Death and I so bound.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Song of the Week: Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu "Q.U.E.E.N."



Happy Sunday!

This week, I will be jamming to this new joint by Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu. As you know, I love fearless women who make music on their own terms and both Janelle and Erykah are known as eclectic and electrifying artists with signature style.

This song is funky, thought-provoking, and fun. I have dreamed of these two collaborating and I finally have my wish! Thank you music gods!!

Check out Q.U.E.E.N. below!



-T. Amour

Saturday, April 27, 2013

National Poetry Month: Alice Walker

I know I have been MIA for a couple of days, but I have still continued to read and write poetry.

Tonight, I want to share a poem by Alice Walker that cheered me up during my illness. I hope it will brighten your world too!

Peace,

T. Amour

Before you knew you owned it

Expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.
become a stranger
To need of pity
Or, if compassion be freely
Given out
Take only enough
Stop short of urge to plead
Then purge away the need.

Wish for nothing larger
Than your own small heart
Or greater than a star;
Tame wild disappointment
With caress unmoved and cold
Make of it a parka
For your soul.

Discover the reason why
So tiny human midget
Exists at all
So scared unwise
But expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 24: Gil Scott-Heron



It is impossible for me to mention the words National Poetry Month and not mention the revolutionary poet, activist, and spoken word artist Gil Scott-Heron.

He is known as one of the biggest early influences on neo-soul and hip-hop. In the 1970s and 80s, he perfected the art of breathing life into poetry with his spoken word albums.

Sadly, we lost Gil-Scott Heron in May of 2011, but his poetry and legacy will never fade away.

Tonight, please enjoy "The Bottle"

The Bottle

See that black boy over there, runnin' scared 
his ol' man's in a bottle. 
He done quit his 9 to 5 to drink full time 
so now he's livin' in the bottle. 
See that Black boy over there, runnin' scared 
his ol' man got a problem 
Pawned off damn near everything, his ol' 
woman's weddin' ring for a bottle. 
And don't you think it's a crime 
when time after time, people in the bottle. 

See that sista, sho wuz fine before she 
started drinkin' wine 
from the bottle. 
Said her ol' man committed a crime 
and he's doin' time, 
so now she's in the bottle. 
She's out there on the avenue, all by herself 
sho' needs help from the bottle. 
Preacherman tried to help her out, 
she cussed him out and hit him in the head with a bottle. 
And don't you think it's a crime 
when time after time, people in the bottle. 

See that gent in the wrinkled suit 
he done damn near blown his cool 
to the bottle 
He wuz a doctor helpin' young girls along 
if they wuzn't too far gone to have problems. 
But defenders of the dollar eagle 
Said "What you doin', Doc, it ain't legal," 
and now he's in the bottle. 
Now we watch him everyday tryin' to 
chase the pigeons away 
from the bottle. 
And don't you think it's a crime 
when time after time, people in the bottle.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 23: Reflections of this Month

There are only 7 days left in National Poetry Month!!

Have you been writing or reading poetry? I have been doing both!

Instead of posting a poem today, I decided to take a moment to reflect on what National Poetry Month has meant to me this year.

I challenged myself to do 30 poems in 30 days and I have been on target the entire month. Before this April, I would write a poem every now and then when the "urge" would strike. Honestly, I was too busy just trying to make it through my day to day life to worry about writing poetry!

Have you ever felt like you don't have time to do the things that bring you pure joy because you are bogged down with the mundane tasks of your day to day life?

Well, I will encourage you to make time!

Since I have been forcing myself to spend time in my creative space each day, my overall mood has improved, I am happier, and I have yet another wonderful moment to look forward to each day. When I get off work, I can't wait to get home to my computer, iPad, pen, and paper (I write on all of them).

We all get the same 24 hours each day and we are only granted ONE DAY AT A TIME. Whether you are religious or not, I think we can all pretty much agree that once this life ends, it is OVER. 

So, take time each day to write that song, read that book, paint that picture, stand in your garden, or do whatever brings you joy!

Happy Living!

-T. Amour 




Monday, April 22, 2013

National Poetry Month: Janet Lewis

Check out this poem by Janet Lewis for Day 22 of National Poetry Month

I love this one because of the imagery. I can literally use all of my senses to create the picture she paints!

Peace and Love,

-T. Amour

At Carmel Highlands

Below the gardens and the darkening pines 
The living water sinks among the stones, 
Sinking yet foaming till the snowy tones 
Merge with the fog drawn landward in dim lines. 
The cloud dissolves among the flowering vines, 
And now the definite mountain-side disowns 
The fluid world, the immeasurable zones. 
Then white oblivion swallows all designs. 
But still the rich confusion of the sea, 
Unceasing voice, sombre and solacing, 
Rises through veils of silence past the trees; 
In restless repetition bound, yet free, 
Wave after wave in deluge fresh releasing 
An ancient speech, hushed in tremendous ease.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Day 21: National Poetry Month: Shel Silverstein

Happy Sunday and Day 21 of National Poetry Month

I love this poem my Shel Silverstein. If no one else believes in you, I DO!

Peace and Blessings to you,

-T. Amour 


Listen To The Mustn'ts 

Listen to Mustn'ts, child, listen to the Don'ts. 
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts. 
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me. 
Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

National Poetry Month: Rita Dove and Nikki Giovanni

                          

Hello!

Yesterday was an insane day and included bad weather in my part of North Carolina, so I did not get a chance to post a poem yesterday.

So, today I am posting two poems for you. There are only 10 DAYS left in National Poetry Month!!

Enjoy the links to them below!

Namasté,

-T. Amour



Rita Dove: Shirtsleeved Afternoons

Nikki Giovanni: Quilts




Thursday, April 18, 2013

Day 18: National Poetry Month: Poetry in Motion: Erykah Badu "Out My Mind, Just In Time"

I don't know about you, but this week has been a hell of a week, with extreme highs and lows. Just thinking about what I have done this week makes me exhausted!

But, I want to continue to share poetry with your as April marches to an end.

Today, I am sharing a song by the lovely Ms. Erykah Badu. To me, all of her music is poetry in motion.

Enjoy "Out My Mind, Just in Time"

Peace,

-T. Amour

**I have posted part of the lyrics




I'm a recovering undercover over-lover
recovering from a love I can't get over
recovering undercover over-lover
and now my common law lover thinks he wants another

And I'd lie for you
I'd cry for you
and pop for you
and break for you
and hate for you
And I'll hate you too
If you want me too
Ah, Uuu...
I'd pray for you crochet for you
Make it from scratch for you
Leave out the last for you
Go to the store for you
Do it some more for you
Do what you want me to
Yes I'm a fool for you...

I'm a recovering undercover over-lover
recovering from a love I can't get over
recovering undercover over-lover
And now my common law lover thinks he wants another

And I'd lie for you
and cry for you
and pop for you
and break for you
and hate for you
and I'll hate you too
If you want me too
I gotta do my love for you
chopped and screwed for you
Pay the rent for you
It's true it's true
Poor Badu
Thought I was through with you
Guess I'm a fool for you...

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Day 17: National Poetry Month: e.e. cummings [love is more thicker than forget]



Today's poem is by e.e. cummings and it gives us a unique perspective on love.

Enjoy it!

With Love,

-T. Amour

[love is more thicker than forget] 

love is more thicker than forget 
more thinner than recall 
more seldom than a wave is wet 
more frequent than to fail 

it is most mad and moonly 
and less it shall unbe 
than all the sea which only 
is deeper than the sea 

love is less always than to win 
less never than alive 
less bigger than the least begin 
less littler than forgive 

it is most sane and sunly 
and more it cannot die 
than all the sky which only 
is higher than the sky

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

New Music: Wess Bannon & Rashad "G.O.D.S"



As you all know, I am all about supporting up and coming artists. I heard this track yesterday and I have been playing it since.

This shit is wavy. Hypnotic beat, solid lyrics, and an overall chill vibe. It sounds like VA is preparing to bring a new wave of artists in 2013!

If you want to know more about Rashad, follow him on Twitter: @ECGhost

I plan of doing a more extensive feature of both of these artists at a later date, so keep your eyes open!

Peace, 

-T. Amour 


National Poetry Month: Day 16: Maya Angelou "Passing Time"

Happy Tuesday!

We are over halfway through National Poetry Month and I am loving it!

Today, I want to share a short, but sweet poem with you from Dr. Maya Angelou entitled "Passing Time"

Peace,

-T Amour

Passing Time

Your skin like dawn 
Mine like musk 

One paints the beginning 
of a certain end. 

The other, the end of a 
sure beginning.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Day 15: National Poetry Month: Tupac Shakur "A Young Heart with an Old Soul"

We are halfway through National Poetry Month!! 

If you are a poet, writer, or just a person who loves words, I hope you have taken time to write and read your favorite pieces.

Personally, I am reading (and posting) some of my favorite poetry as well as writing my own.

Today's poem is another one by Mr. Tupac Shakur, whom you all know by now is one of my favorite artists and poets.

Enjoy!

-T. Amour

A Young Heart with an Old Soul

How can there be peace? 
How can I be in the depths of solitude 
When there are two inside of me? 
This duo in me causes the perfect opportunity 
To learn and live twice as fast 
As those who accept simplicity...

One Year of Blogging: Lessons and Goals



One year ago, I decided to start a blog. I was nervous and afraid that no one would bother to view my page. I didn't know exactly what I wanted my theme to be, but I did know that I loved poetry, music, and speaking words of life into others.

So much has changed in a year! Since starting Love Poetry. Love Music. Love Life, I have gained over 570 followers on Twitter, nearly 50 likes on Facebook, and my page has been viewed over 5500 times. While these numbers pale in comparison to major blog sites like Necole Bitchie and Perez Hilton, it's pretty damn good for a part-time blogger chick from North Carolina who wants to spread love and light to others.

The most important thing I have learned from blogging is to NOT compare myself to others. This journey of blogging is mine. I am in my own lane in my own race against myself. Plus, comparing myself to other people will get me no where in life.

In this second year of blogging, I want to take it to the next level by gaining more interactive followers, promoting hungry rising artists, doing interviews, and having lots of great contests!! I am working on a novel AND a book of poetry, and looking forward to another great year of growth.

No matter what, I will not stop until writing is my career!

And, I hope you don't quit until you achieve BEYOND your dreams :)

With Love,

-T. Amour

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Day 14: National Poetry Month: Poetry in Motion: Amel Larrieux "Gills and Tails"



Any one who reads my blog knows I love my sis Amel Larrieux.

Today, my poem of choice is actually one of her songs. "Gills and Tails" is truly poetry in motion: smooth, serene, and thought-provoking.

Enjoy and Have a Great Week!

-T. Amour



"Gills And Tails" 

I looked at my reflection in the water 
Thought what an unlikely pair 
Closed my eyes, held my breath, plummeted down, down, down 
And anchored myself there 

Can't tell how long I've been 
In the company of gills and tails 
I think I feel my skin 
Growing scales 

Can I come up for air 
Can I come up, 
can I come up 

I'm gettin' eaten up down here 
I'm just not built like them 
The big fish have a monopoly 
The little fish get buried in the sand 

This here world I'm in 
Sucks your life out, 
leaves you comatose 
Take back your salt and fins 
Send me a lifeboat 


Can I come up for air 
Can I come up, 
can I come up 


I look up with longing at the surface 
Hypnotized by the way the sunlight seems to ride each ripple 
And they do a dance 
Every ray becomes a beckoning hand 
I miss the sweet taste of oxygen 
I mistook this for the promised land 

Saturday, April 13, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 13: Lola Shoneyin "Open"



Today's poem is by Lola Shoneyin. I became familiar with her work last year when I read her novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (which was an excellent novel).

Enjoy and Have a Happy Saturday

With Love and Light,

-T. Amour


Open 

She is a vagrant poem, 
a cautionary tale, 
an old story, 
an open book. 

Her belly opens and pages fly from it. 
Words fall to feet, 
letters flood the floor, 
questions mark her steps. 

Like Sylvia, 
she straddles, 
and stumbles. 
Who will put her back together again‌?
What will bind her and bring her to a close‌?

HOT NEW MUSIC: Fantasia feat. Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott "Without Me"

fantasia-without-me

This week, Fantasia released a new track from her highly anticipated 4th studio album, Side Effects of You.

The High Point, NC native teams up with the legendary Missy Elliott and sultry songstress Kelly Rowland for the radio friendly and addictive single "Without Me". Fantasia trades her signature powerhouse vocals for a smoother, softer sound and I am loving every minute. Of course, Missy and Kelly continually bring their A+ game on everything they do, so this song is a guaranteed WIN!

Do you love it? Comment below!

-T. Amour




Friday, April 12, 2013

Day 12: National Poetry Month: How to Get Through A Difficult Day

Today, I want to share a poem I read in a motivational book by a poet/writer named Barin Taylor.

After all the highs and lows of this week, I needed to read this and its now apart of my favorites collection:

How to Get Through A Difficult Day

Just give things a little time
And in the meantime...
keep believing in yourself
take the best of care;
try to put things in perspective;
remember what's most important;
don't forget that someone cares;
search for the positive side;
learn the lessons to be learned;
and find your way through to
the inner qualities...
the strength, the smiles,
the wisdom, and the
optimistic outlook
that are such special parts
of you.

Have a great Friday evening!!

-T. Amour

Thursday, April 11, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 10 and 11: Gwendolyn Brooks

Day 11 of National Poetry Month:

How many poems/songs have you written or read? I will admit, I need to double up one day because I missed writing a poem last night!

However, I want to post two of my favorite poems today for day 10 and 11 from Gwendolyn Brooks:

My Dreams, My Works, Must Wait Until After Hell

I hold my honey and I store my bread
In little jars and cabinets of my will. 
I label clearly, and each latch and lid
I bid, Be firm till I return from hell. 
I am very hungry. I am incomplete. 
And none can give me any word but Wait, 
The puny light. I keep my eyes pointed in; 
Hoping that, when the devil days of my hurt 
Drag out to their last dregs and I resume 
On such legs as are left me, in such heart 
As I can manage, remember to go home, 
My taste will not have turned insensitive 
To honey and bread old purity could love.

We Real Cool

The Pool Players. 
Seven at the Golden Shovel. 

We real cool. We 
Left school. 

We Lurk late. We 
Strike straight. We 

Sing sin. We 
Thin gin. We 

Jazz June. We 
Die soon.

Kendrick Lamar Concert in Charlotte



Last night, I had a great time at the Kendrick Lamar concert on UNC-Charlotte's campus in Charlotte, NC

It was my first time seeing Kendrick since he released good kid, m.A.A.d city last year and, of course, he did not disappoint.

Yes, I was in the standing room only part up front with a couple hundred other crazy people who were willing to stand for hours to rock with K. Dot, but it was all worth it.

Kendrick did a variety of songs from Section 80 and GKMC, including A.D.H.D., Cut You Off, HiiiPower, Swimming Pools, Poetic Justice, and others.

The crowd was insane, the energy was off the charts, and I am still tired today lol.

Good Story:

The first story is about a frat guy and his boys. I was on the left side of the stage and there was a guy who happened to be a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. with a few of his frat brothers and friends. Long before Kendrick could come out, he was already being a wild dude. He had his shirt off, his shades on, and he declared that HE was going to get on stage with Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick rocked with my side of the stage hard the entire concert and at the end he decided to bring someone up on stage to turn up with him. Guess who it was?? Yep, the wild guy!

And boy did he turn up! :)

I guess some declarations do become reality!

-T. Amour


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

National Poetry Month: Days 8 and 9: Emily Dickinson


Hi Guys,

Life is so busy.

Yesterday and today, I found myself about 4 hours away on a impromptu trip with my husband, so I didn't get to post poetry.

But, as well all know, family comes first!

Here are two poems I love by the late, great Emily Dickinson. If you are not familiar with her and her work, you should take time to learn about her!

Much Madness is the divinest Sense

Much Madness is divinest Sense -
To a discerning Eye -
Much Sense -
the starkest Madness -
’Tis the Majority
In this, as all, prevail -
Assent -
and you are sane -
Demur -
you’re straightway dangerous -
And handled with a Chain -


Success is counted sweetest

Success is counted sweetest 
By those who ne'er succeed. 
To comprehend a nectar 
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple 
Host Who took the Flag today 
Can tell the definition 
So clear of victory 

 As he defeated – dying – 
On whose forbidden ear 
The distant strains of triumph 
Burst agonized and clear!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Day 7: National Poetry Month: Nikki Giovanni "You Were Gone"



The first week of National Poetry Month has flown by! And, I have stayed faithful to writing a poem a day and re-reading and posting my favorite poetry.

Yesterday, I shared a poem by my favorite male poet. Today, I want to share a short and sweet poem by my #1 poet overall.

Nikki Giovanni is the reason I write. Although her first book of poetry, Black Feelings, Black Talk, was released 20 years before my birth, when I first read one of her poems for Black History Month in the 4th grade, I have loved and written poetry since then.

This week, I have been reading poems from a book my sister purchased for me that includes her poetry from 1968-1998.

Enjoy "You Were Gone"

***NO Copy Infringement is intended***

You Were Gone
by: Nikki Giovanni

You were gone
     like a fly lighting
     on that wall
     with a spider in the corner
You were gone
     like last week's paycheck
     for this week's bills
You were gone
     like the years between 
     twenty-five and thirty
     as if somehow
You never existed
     and if it wouldn't be
     for the gray hairs
     I'd never know that
You had come


This is a new week filled with new opportunities. Make it a great one!

-T. Amour


Saturday, April 6, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 6: Tupac Shakur "I Cry"



Today is Day 6 of National Poetry Month and I want to share a special poem with you by my favorite male poet. When I was a troubled teen, I read this poem hundreds of times and I used to know it by heart.

Tupac Shakur, also known as the infamous 2Pac, was more than just a remarkable lyricist. He was a powerful master of prose and highly introspective.

Enjoy today's poem, entitled "I Cry":

I Cry
by: Tupac Shakur

Sometimes when I'm alone
I Cry,
Cause I am on my own.
The tears I cry are bitter and warm.
They flow with life but take no form
I Cry because my heart is torn.
I find it difficult to carry on.
If I had an ear to confide in, 
I would cry among my treasured friend, 
but who do you know that stops that long, 
to help another carry on. 
The world moves fast and it would rather pass by. 
Then to stop and see what makes one cry, so painful and sad. 
And sometimes... I Cry and no one cares about why.

With Love,

T. Amour 

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 5: Jhené Aiko "My Mine"



It's finally Friday! And this month is already flying by!

Music and poetry go hand in hand. Music ushers an extra breath of life into poetry, making it jump up from a notebook page and dance with a beat.

So, today, I am sharing one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite female artists, Jhené Aiko.

Enjoy "My Mine" and check out an excerpt of the poetic lyrics below.

With Love,

-T. Amour





Memories sinkin', deep in, leakin' in my mine, 
All of the time tried to forget you, 
Thought I could get you to be mine. 
Memories sinkin', deep in, leakin' in my mine, 
All of the time I can't forget to, 
Tried to forget you in my mine 

Pretend to not have the patience, 
Pretending there is enough time for waiting, 
Remembering when we kept it all basic, 
I wanna go back so that I could taste it 
What do I care for? 
You were not there anymore 
I was not careful, 
That is all your fault, 
You let me fall

Memories sinkin', deep in, leakin' in my mine, 
All of the time tried to forget you, 
Thought I could get you to be mine. 
Memories sinkin', deep in, leakin' in my mine, 
All of the time I can't forget to, 
Tried to forget you in my mine 

Buried alive here inside a nightmare, 
Living a life where you're gone, 
There is no light here, 
It will be light-years until my mind's clear (you're gone) 
I did it all for love, 
I did it all 
I'd trade it all for you 
I'd trade it all 
But what do I care for?
What are you here for? 
If you're not there when I call? 
I was not careful, 
And that's all your fault, 
You let me fall 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 4: Maya Angelou "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"



Happy Thursday!

This Day 4 of National Poetry Month. How many poems have you written so far?

Today is Dr. Maya Angelou's 85th birthday and since she has been such an influential American poet, a list of favorite poems would be incomplete without her brilliance.

Take time and enjoy one of her most famous pieces below...

Love,

-T. Amour

**NO copyright infringement is intended**

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by: Dr. Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps 
on the back of the wind 
and floats downstream 
till the current ends
and dips his wings 
in the orange sun rays 
and dares to claim the sky. 

But a bird that stalks 
down his narrow cage 
can seldom see through 
his bars of rage 
his wings are clipped and 
his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing. 

The caged bird sings 
with fearful trill of the things unknown 
but longed for still 
and is tune is heard 
on the distant hill for the caged bird 
sings of freedom 

The free bird thinks of another breeze 
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees 
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn 
and he names the sky his own. 

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams 
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream 
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill 
of things unknown 
but longed for still 
and his tune is heard 
on the distant hill 
for the caged bird 
sings of freedom.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 3: Langston Hughes "April Rain Song"



Happy Wednesday!

It is day three of National Poetry Month. As you know, I have been sharing some of my favorite poems and poets with you.

Today's poem is by the handsome Harlem Renaissance man Langston Hughes. This poem is very fitting, since it is April and this month is known for its showers.

In a deeper sense, we all experience rain in our lives. Embrace it and face it because brighter days are on their way!

With Love,

-T. Amour

**NO copyright infringement is intended**

April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you 
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops 
Let the rain sing you a lullaby 
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk 
The rain makes running pools in the gutter 
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night 
And I love the rain.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

National Poetry Month: Day 2: George Bernard Shaw "A Dream."




Day 2 of National Poetry Month:

I am sharing my favorite poems with you every day.

Enjoy this one by the late and glorious George Bernard Shaw.

May you be disciplined and determined enough to dive into your dream!

-T. Amour

**No Copyright infringement is intended**

A Dream

My spirits soar on high, 
Inebriated with thoughts so pure. 
I now can fly, 
Nothing is obscure. 
Spiritual healing is taking place, 
As I rise to heavens realms. 
Beams of joy cover my face, 
Nothing can me overwhelm. 
I have seen the heavens gates, 
Beautiful light paves the way, 
Music sweet to soul and ear, 
I have nothing more to say.

Monday, April 1, 2013

National Poetry Month Day One: Iyanla Vanzant "Yesterday, I Cried"

Happy April! 



April is a special month for me in many ways.

First, April is a month of transition. In my home state of North Carolina, the trees begin to bloom, the grass gets greener, and my allergies are in full swing (SMH). The transition from cold, blustery days to warm weather and blue skies begins!


In my personal life, I celebrate April because it is a month of accomplishment. Last April, I took a leap of faith and began this blog. I wrote my first blog post on April 15th, and since then, I have gained over 530 Twitter followers, some Facebook fans, and even picked up a couple of small writing gigs along the way. Do I still have a long way to go? Absolutely. I will not quit nor will I give up.


April is also an accomplishment month for me because it is NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!! More than ever, I am encouraged and inspired to read poetry and dive into my own poetic device.


This month, I want to share some of my favorite poetry with you each day. Today, I will share a poem from Iyanla Vanzant called "Yesterday, I Cried". *all rights reserved to the respective owner*


Sometimes we ALL have to cry with a purpose.

Enjoy!

-T. Amour



"Yesterday, I Cried"

I came home, went straight to my room 
Sat on the edge of my bed, 
kicked off my shoes, 
unhooked my bra, and I had myself a good cry. 

I'm telling you, 
I cried until my nose was running all over 
the silk blouse I got on sale. 
I cried until my ears were hot. 
I cried until my head was hurting so bad 
that I could hardly see the pile of 
soiled tissues lying on the floor at my feet. 

I want you to understand, 
I had myself a really good cry yesterday. 
Yesterday, I cried, 
for all the days that I was too busy, 
or too tired, 
or too mad to cry. 

I cried for all the days, and all the ways, 
and all the times I had dishonored, 
disrespected, and 
disconnected my Self from myself, 
only to have it reflected back to me 
in the ways others did to me 
the same things I had already done to myself. 

I cried for all the things I had given, 
only to have them stolen; 
for all the things I had asked for that 
had yet to show up; 
for all the things I had accomplished, 
only to give them away, 
to people in circumstances, 
which left me feeling empty, 
and battered and plain old used. 

I cried because there really does 
come a time when the only thing left 
for you to do is cry. 

Yesterday, I cried. 
I cried because little boys 
get left by their daddies; 
and little girls get forgotten by their mommies; 
and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave; 
and mommies get left, so they get mad. 

I cried because I had a little boy, 
and because I was a little girl, 
and because I was a mommy 
who didn't know what to do, 
and because I wanted my daddy to be there 
for me so badly until I ached. 

Yesterday, I cried. 
I cried because I hurt. 
I cried because I was hurt. 
I cried because hurt has no place to go 
except deeper into the pain that 
caused it in the first place, 
and when it gets there, 
the hurt wakes you up. 

I cried because it was too late. 
I cried because it was time. 

I cried because my soul knew that I didn't know 
that my soul knew everything I needed to know. 

I cried a soulful cry yesterday, 
and it felt so good. 

It felt so very, very bad. 

In the midst of my crying, 
I felt my freedom coming, 
Because Yesterday, 
I cried with an agenda.

Play or Pass?: New Video: Chris Brown "Fine China"

Today may be April Fool's Day, but Chris Brown's new video for "Fine China" is NO joke!

The talented young singer takes a page out of his idol Michael Jackson's book and brought a full-bodied visual jammed with style and smooth dance moves!

Chris Brown has not completely immersed himself back into the R&B arena, but "Fine China" is a great start!

What do you think? Will you play or pass "Fine China"?

-T. Amour
Twitter: @poetrymusiclife