Poetry month..I Live and Breathe Poetry

I Live and Breathe Poetry

Just like some people crave coffee 

I crave poetry 

I make no apologies 

I live and breathe poetry 

I don't know what I'd do if I lost my poetic flow 

If my minds pen ever runs dry 

Surely, I’d just shrivel up and die 

It would definitely be my worst nightmare 

No poet’s cupboards should ever be bare

Whenever I go for a spell without writing 

I start this infernal nail biting. 

I find myself wondering when 

The dry spell will end 

Will the words ever spill from my mind 

Like fine wine?

I yearn for those vintage thoughts that give one reason to pause. 

I’m not looking for applause. 

I hope that’s understood. 

I don’t need accolades 

Cause those things will surely fade 

I just have a simple love for poetry that I can’t define 

It’s my lifeline, 

In an ever-pressing world 

Where problem after problem can unfirl

I’m sure somebody here can relate 

My sanity is at stake 

Poetry is my inner peace 

That makes the noises cease 

I live and breathe poetry 

It sets my spirit free 

Poetry is the wind beneath my wings 

It makes my heart sing 

And my spirit soar 

It is the open door 

My quiet in the midst of the storm 

It makes my spirit feel reborn 

So, I pray my well doesn’t ever run dry. 

I want to keep writing until I die. 

Even then, I want my writing to live on

Long after I’m gone 

I want it to bring comfort to the comfortless 

And rest to the restless 

I want it to be a source of inspiration 

And revelation  

I want my words to be a source of encouragement 

To those who live in constant torment 

Then, and only then, will my time here have been well-spent 

Does that make sense 

To anyone but me? 

Or am I the only one here that lives and breathes poetry?

copyright Patricia Newman-Harris

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to America and to the world.
Would that he could be present today.  It is evident we could use his guidance, wisdom and spirit of peace and love in the world, now more than ever.



Remember, the man,
Remember his dream,
Remember where we have come from
Remember where we are going to.

"He pointed to the mountain top and we ran up."

We have to continue going up.

 

April is the National Month of Poetry

April is National Poetry Month.  It is a good time to get your write on or read the works of some interesting poets.  There are so many talented poets, a lot of whom, are not known by all.  I would like to spotlight some of those poets.  The first one hails from right here in L.A. and is someone I just heard about, although he is a Poet Laureate. 



To learn more about Mr. Rodriguez, visit his website:  http://www.luisjrodriguez.com

We Celebrate You...Women of the World, I See You

Women of the world,
I see you there
Your hair,
Your dress,
Impeccable,
Yes.
I see you,
But I look beyond
Your hair,
Your dress
And see the rest.
Without a doubt,
You are beautiful inside and out,
But you want the world to see you,
In your entirety.
To look beyond your polished nails
and high heel shoes,
Not to be perceived as tough as nails,
But as someone who can compete
No matter what shoes she has on her feet.
Someone who is taken seriously by all
No mater how small.
Someone who can stand firmly in position
Without being unfairly degraded by the competition.
The "phenomenal woman," as Maya described.
What a glorious tribe!
The tribe called Woman.
I see you in all your glory.
I see your beauty;
Your hair,
Your dress,
Impeccable,
Yes.
I see you,
But I look beyond
Beyond your hair,
Your dress
And I see the rest.
Would  the world could see the rest.

copyright P. Newman-Harris 2017

Honoring 3 Faithful Sisters for Women's History Month

KJLH Radio 102.3FM Host Dominique Diprima And Other ‘Women Who Dared’ To Be Honored

By Sentinel News Service

Published March 16, 2016

(Left-to-Right): Honorees Dominique DiPrima, Jackie B. Majors and D’Ann Morris Courtesy Photo

On Thursday, March 31, the California Black Women’s Health Project will celebrate and honor “Women Who Dared: Our Legacy & Our Future ” during their 21st Anniversary Breakfast Gala & Fundraiser from 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at City Club – Los Angeles, 555 South Flower Avenue, 51th Floor. The California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) is the only statewide organization solely dedicated to improving the health of California’s Black women and girls via education, advocacy, policy and outreach.
The 2016 “Women Who Dared” honorees are: Dominique DiPrima (community advocate and KJLH Radio 102.3FM host of “The Front Page”); Jackie B. Majors (women and children’s champion, and CEO – Crystal Stairs, Inc.); and D’Ann Morris (community health activist and change maker, and former Director of Health Initiatives – Los Angeles Urban League). The Breakfast Gala will include tributes in dance, music and spoken word, as well as an update on CABWHP’s groundbreaking advocacy work to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of Black women and girls.
Proceeds from the gala will support the continuation of CABWHP’s work to achieve health equity for Black women and girls, and the expansion of the organization’s Advocate Training Program (ATP), an innovative program that trains Black women to be health policy advocates and activists. To date, the ATP has produced more than 200 women’s health advocates in Southern and Northern California.

From L.A. Sentinel.net

This is old news but worth mentioning for Women's History Month

Dominque will again be honored on Friday March 31st in Chambers of Congressman Herb Wesson's Office @10am., 200 N. Spring St., L.A.  Congratulations Dominique..Continue Fulfilling Your Dream.

YOU HAVE A DREAM TO FULFILL

Before you were birthed,

Before God placed you on this earth,

He breathed life into you nostrils and said,

You have a dream to fulfill.

He said, “I will supply all your needs.

I am all you need to succeed.”

He said, “You are mine, my child.

You will always shine.”

From the very start,

You were the Queen of his heart.

When he breathed life into your being

It was your spirit he was freeing.

God the great designer of your fate

Designed you to be great.

Always shine your heavenly light.

Whatever you do, do it with all your might.

Follow his plan

And hold fast his hand.

Allow him to direct your life,

You can do all things through Christ.

He will enable you to do exceedingly,

Abundantly,

Above all you can ask or think.

He won’t allow you to sink,

Because, before you were birthed,

Before God placed you here on this earth,

He breathed life into your nostrils and said

You have a dream to fulfill.

.

Women's History Month Tribute (Giving You Your Flowers)

I remember one of my Dad's favorite songs was entitled , Give Me My Flowers.
written by the late, great Rev. James Cleveland.  My dad sang this song a lot.
The memorable words are "Give me my flowers while I yet live
so that I can see the beauty that they bring."  It goes on in another verse to say,
"Speak kind words to me while I can hear them, so I can hear the beauty that they bring,"

Sometimes we don't take the time to tell people just how much
they mean to us.  When they are gone, they can't smell the
roses you never got around to giving them.  So, this Women's
History month, I am giving all women their flowers while they
can yet hear, but especially, to the Mothers, who keep watch,
love endlessly, and most of all, pray for our safety throughout
our lives.  I know for a fact, that my mothers prayers
kept our family and yet cover us, even though she is no
longer is our presence.  So, to our Guardian Angels,
I am telling you that you are loved and appreciated while
you can hear the words that so often go unsaid.

                        A MOTHER’S TEARS

No one sees a mother’s tears silently cried throughout the years.

No one knows the secrets she keeps hidden under lock and key.

God alone knows the endless hours has spent on bended knees

Praying for her family.

No one knows how many times she awakens at night

At the sound of every siren, 

Feeling her heart sink to the floor,

Silently praying until her child makes it through the door.

No one knows the disappointments that choke her heart,

As with each breath she fights to keep things from falling apart.

Everyone takes for granted she will always be strong,

So, she bares everyone’s burdens her whole life long.

Bravely she presses on,

Never complaining,

Always smiling, gentle and loving,

Working tirelessly.

 She is always there for you and me

A pillar of strength for all to see

No one knows the tears she has cried silently,

No one knows the endless hours she has spent on bended knees.

Praying for her family.

copyright Patricia Newman-Harris

Women's History Month

I would like to honor the contributions of women to the world.  Their accomplishments, as mothers, wives, and professionals in all fields is significant.  It amazes me how much woman can accomplish in one day.  They are excellent at multitasking, but sometimes, their ability to do that is to their detriment.  Often, as mothers and wives, they make themselves last on the list.  So, today, I put you first on the list.   To the women who contributed to our lives and our family, I am so grateful.  I admire them for their durability, for the their ability to make a meal out of very little, for sacrificing their own needs to make sure our needs were met and for their courage.  To all the women who are on fire, burn on!