Feel Good Music: Theme Song of the Day Edition

I appreciate all the people who've appreciated the playlists.  Would love some feedback in the new year about some songs that just make you feel good.

This playlist is a collection of all of the songs that I've used as my daily theme song throughout the existence of this blog.  I can listen to it and pull from it the various moods I was in, and the lessons that I learned from those moods.  Plus, it's all good music to me.

Going to rock this for a while.  Enjoy

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec 31, 2010

Sam Cooke --- A Change is Gonna Come


As I stand on the edge of a new year, and likewise these new beginnings, I am confident that a change is gonna come. Let it be a positive one, that makes me better, through and through.

Much love to everyone out there. May your change come as well.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

The Beginning of an End

No matter where you find yourself tonight, it is the beginning of an end.  Something that started hundreds of days ago is suddenly coming to a close.  364 days ago, we celebrated another new beginning.  Some of us were filled with angst, while others embraced the possibilities with optimism.  2010 had begun.

Now that the seconds have passed, moments have come and gone, and each of us has grown older, and hopefully wiser, we stand at the crossroads again.  Maybe 2010 wasn't your year.  Perhaps some things came up that left you broken.  In a time where economies collapsed and fortunes were stolen, know that you are not alone.  It is easy to get caught up in the devestation of circumstance.  Far harder to just move on.

I, for one, certainly have no clue what 2011 will bring.  This passing year has been merely another testament to struggle, and yet I am surprisingly optimistic.  I see the coming day as a new beginning, a fresh start in my forever changing story.  I can smile, because I feel like I am it's author.  The best is still yet to come.

For those of you who relished in the bounties of 2010, may the new year only be an increase.

For those of you still stumbling blindly to find your way, may it be a beacon to the light that you seek.

For all of us, blessed to live another year longer, let us take the time to reflect on that fact and be thankful.

To the souls who did not make it, may you forever rest in peace.



The world is a big and complicated place.

But it is beautiful just the same.

Seek what it is that makes you happy.

Here's to basking in its coming embrace.

So long, 2010.  2011, you really have no idea!!!

Live full, love hard, party long, and be safe.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Feeling This Moment

I feel like so much good is about to come.  I'm ready to embrace it fully.  Standing on the platform, waiting for the train to the best days of my life.  My ticket's in hand.  There's a twinkle in my eyes.  I am ready for this moment.  It's going to be amazing.



Nicki Minaj ft. Drake --- Moment 4 Life

You can say what you want to about Ms. Minaj, but Nicki goes hard on that first verse. It is lyrically how I feel right now, and how I plan to feel for the rest of my days.

I'm ready for this moment!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

....(Because Some Things Don't Need A Title)

If you've never seen this movie....shame on you.  City of God....an awesome cinematic experience.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Musical Ink: Mos Def "No Hay Nada Mas"

sing us poetic songs,
mesmerizing us with your lyrics,
let us trace the length of your melody,
locating the musical ink....

Mos Def ---  No Hay Nada Mas

As one of the artists who exude the Soulquarian vibe to a tee, I've been loving Mos Def's music for years.  While my Spanish is severely limited, I love the way this song sounds.  After looking up a lyric translation, I decided to include it here.  It is from the album The Ecstatic, one of the Brooklyn MC's finest recordings to date.


The lyrics:


(English Translation)

No Hay Nada Mas = There Is Nothing Else

Good one, thin
Call me thin, but my first name is Jaci Andante (the one who walks)
The last name the one who pays

Listen
That I am witness

The beauty, the danger is different, of course it is the truth
The street, the town
The cottages and centers

City quality no better, worse
War and life, love and change
Food that is being kept
Pistol, this prayer is for them
Women and men

Family, upbringing
The light in the distance

I want and say
Good is closer
My sight, my house, my dreams, my soul
I want to know and feel your embrace
And your contact
Show me something

Amen

Of course, of course, of course, yes
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
The end
There is nothing else
Of course, of course, of course, yes
There is nothing else

And there is nothing else
The end
There is nothing else
Of course, of course, of course, yes


-------


At least for Mos Def, I hope there's something else:  plenty of music like this.


Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 30, 2010

Jimmy Eat World --- Pain

Today has been one of those days, laced in the forgiving embrace of pain killers.  Earlier my head felt like I imagine it would to have those bats go against it one or two times.  Luckily, that part is over.  Here's to taking the pain away.


Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Just a Bit of Randomness (Maybe)

"Being hurt once can change the way you love forever."

And hurting someone can do the same as well.



Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Special Message, To A'zar Bostic

Sometimes the smartest people forget the most obvious things.  I would like to take this time to apologize to A'Zar Bostic, whose birthday was December 29th.  I want to say that I hope you enjoyed your special day, and that God blesses you with many, many more.  So, Happy Birthday, old man!!!!  Lol.

I found this video, and was sure that you'd appreciate the humor in it.




Happy Birthday, with much love!!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

The Influencers

Every work of art changes its predecessors. 

                                                          ---  Mason Cooley


And so goes influence.  The work of those who came before creates foundations for that of those who come after.  I believe this fully.  If there had been no Jimi Hendrix, there would be no Kanye West.  Some people might disagree with the comparison, but the reality is that somebody who was influenced by Jimi influenced somebody who influenced Kanye West. (Closer to the truth would probably be the fact that Jimi's music was influential to Kanye, but we'll move on)

Because this isn't about Kanye or Jimi.  It's about influence and the influencer.  What makes these remarkable people so influential?

I love this short documentary that I came across.  It helps explain the allure of trend-setting men and women.



INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.


Salvidor Dali said "The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret."

Which makes me wonder:  Do influencers even care about the way we watch them?

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

We Count! The Black Agenda is America's Agenda

Earlier this evening, I was checking out some things online when I came across something that I wish I had watched the first time, but am ecstatic that I can now view in it's entirety.  Back on March 20, 2010, at Chicago State University, Tavis Smiley hosted a round-table meeting of some of the most intellectual minds in Black America.  Watch the conversation in full here:  We Count!

"We Count! The Black Agenda is the American Agenda" included the following panelists: 
Rev. Jesse Jackson 
Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan 
Dr. Cornel West, Princeton professor 
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown professor
Dr. Ron Walters, former Howard University professor (died in September of 2010)
Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux 
Policylink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell 
Former Alderman City of Chicago Dorothy Wright Tillman 
Author of "Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority" Tom Burrell 
Chicago State U Student Government Association President Raven Curling
Dr. Michael Fountroy, George Mason University professor


Also invited to attend, but declining:


Rev. Al Sharpton 
NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Jealous 
National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial
Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL)
White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)


I just think that it is very remarkable that African-American leaders have not lost the will to challenge simply because Barack Obama became president.  While I believe great strides have been made in this nation, I still feel that to be Black in America is to be limited in America.  


(And all those people who say well you can be President, you need to be slapped in the face with reality.  Out of the hundreds of millions of people who have lived in this nation, only 44 have been President.  And up until President Obama, none were Black.  He is less than 1% of less than 1%.  Now comment on that!!!)


The only way to change our society is to educate.  Only then can we plan for the future.  No matter what race you are, please, check out this discussion, and more importantly, start your own.  Unity cannot be reached without understanding.


Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Just a Bit of Randomness (Maybe)

Peep the message!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet


(After seeing this video of the same performance, I had to add it. I dig the raw aesthetics of this video a bit more. Plus there's something dope about live performances that are still awesome.  Song has the same powerful message though.)

A Message To All Thieves (Awesome Repost #8)

This one's coming courtesy of Morgarruya  (one of my favorite blog's to check out)

Thank you, and have a nice day!!!  LMAO....this is too funny!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Too Too Funny (And It Means Something, Too!!)

I had forgotten about this Def Poetry performance.  But you have to appreciate the humor of Jamie Foxx!!!



Got to appreciate the message inside the absolute hilarity. Unprotected is a one way trip to disaster. Think about it!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Because We All Should Feel Golden, Sometimes

Jill Scott ---- Golden


A conversation with a friend reminded me that if we don't value our lives and ourselves as the remarkable and amazing things that they are....who will?   Let's live like we're golden!!!


Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 29, 2010

I'm beginning to realize that I was blessed with a huge amount of compassion.  There are so many things that I wish I could do for people, simply because they need it/desire it/want it.   I started writing a poem earlier, and this is what I've got so far:

I am advocate for the broken, because I am one of the broken

Wish that I could take these bent in spines, and straighten them with hope 

Those two lines have fueled a mood within me.  Today, I want to fix something in the world of another.  Maybe it can help fix something in my world, too.  And thus, my theme song, for today.

Coldplay --- Fix You

".....lights will guide you home.  And ignite your bones.  And I will try...to fix you...."

Together, we can fix the whole world.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Photo Poetiks #2

I really love the story that a picture can tell. Much like a poem, it is open for interpretation. What one mind takes from a grouping of lines, might be different from the next, and sometimes even different from the author. The same can be said about a photograph.

(Definitely have to get that digital camera soon!!! Enjoy!!)

yesterday, I tap danced on the Sun
wrapped my legs in the fire,
and let myself be consumed
sparks leaping, higher and higher and higher
until a mighty engulfing ensued
and you might assume that I would be doomed
but the heat was so sweet from the
flares she released
energy so hot that I started to perspire
one kiss, and I exploded, coming undone
felt like dancing
on the Sun

electric lady land, where the shy guy stands
plectrum for a soul, and the wind cries Mary
voodoo child that don't get discouraged
cause if 6 was 9, he'd fly on little wings
singing hey Joe, can you make me whole,
I've got too many pieces that I needed to bury
all along the watchtower, instead of chasing
wild things
castles made of sand, in my mind

kneeling before Him
trying to find the answers
something's got to give

this is where my mind goes
trekking, quietly
to piece together flows
cold like the Arctic
I just want my words to echo
to create an avalanche
in the listeners' minds








Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

I Am a Phoenix

About two weeks ago, I once again started to pursue the opportunity to go back to school.  As I've stated before, it's been over 10 years since I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and that attempt didn't go so well.  Of course, much has changed.  I've done some pretty amazing things, and survived some others that helped me put life into perspective.  There is no longer that fear, which coursed through my 18 year old veins, feeling pressure to succeed and the need for acceptance.

Now it's just me.  Confident.  Calm.  Ready.

The University of Phoenix has actually been around a lot longer than I realized.  The accreditation is highly respected, and it has the largest enrollment of any school in North America.  The appeal of online courses made this an easy choice for me.  Plus, they recently began offering an English degree, which is definitely the beginning block for what I'd like to accomplish.  Now if I could only get them to let me take 3 classes at one time...lol.

Today, a journey that I started, a decade ago, continues.  I am enthusiastic over what it will bring, unafraid of any outside forces, and dedicated to the cause of completing my journey this time.

My name is Marcus Jamison, and I am a phoenix!!!  (Lol...you know you've seen those commercials...I couldn't resist...lol)

Strive for success.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Bloc Party

In the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, this guy rocks!!!! Much love to the musical dedication of lead singer/ rhythm guitarist Kele Rowland Okereke.




Bloc Party  --- Helicopters

This is such an awesome group, I hope the rumors about them breaking up are not true.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 28, 2010

Since I'm still up (and probably will be for a while), I'll share this now.

Was browsing the web, discovering some more interesting new things, and somehow that turned into moments of reflection.  I can't help but think about my place in the grand scheme of things.  From that, I arrived here.




Kanye West --- Street Lights


I will always celebrate 808s and Heartbreak for being Kanye's most creative album, or at least until he gives me reason not too.  My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy comes very close, but alas, I am still waiting. This song was one of the most appreciated on it's album, for me, because of it's easy-to-relate theme.  We've all reached that moment of realizing that, while we know where it is we want to go, we still feel like there's some work to do to get there.

And the visual I get from hearing this song is one of those scenes of hundreds of lights on the highway...kind of like this:

....just moving through life, passing the various moments.  That's where I'm at.

Eventually, I'll arrive.  Until then.....

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Living Unkommon

One of the most interesting movements in the fashion world has been Unkommon Kolor.   Started in 2008, the label has emerged as a highly touted brand.  If you're never heard of them, become informed now.  Shouts go out to Jeremy Biggers and everyone else at UNKO.  The world is full of normalcy, and I appreciate your fresh approach.

Check out these fresh pics featuring tons of UNKO gear from their blog:  X-MAS In Denton


Not only am I expecting great things from this company, looking forward to copping some of there stuff in the near future.

Stay fly!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

I Will Not Lose: Sore Losing 101

I love creative people who are trying to accomplish something positive, which is why I love Sore Losers.  These guys are on their grind, trying to become successful in everything that they do, whether producing, directing, rapping, or whatever.  Maybe if we all adopted the mindset that "I don't want to lose", more people would become trend-setters, instead of simply waiting to follow the trend.




To get a better understanding of the men behind the music, check out this post on Duckie's blog:  Honestly.. I ♥ These Guys!

Here's to finding a way to win.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 27, 2010

Kanye West --- Dark Fantasy (instrumental)

I chose this particular version of the song as my theme song of the day, because as we approach the end of the year, I find myself thinking "What's the next level for me to move to?"

So today, I've been asking myself, can I get much higher?

Since I believe the answer is a definite yes, I look for ways to make that positive climb.

Here's to growth.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Proletariat Bronze

Jason Bayani, Jaylee Aldee, and Mesej One are three of the Bay Area's most celebrated spoken word artists, with each of them winning Grand Slam champion in the area.  Together, they form Proletariat Bronze, a group whose works are embedded in working class, day-to-day, struggles to simply live.

This piece right here, moves me, because it was derived from my favorite work by Gwendolyn Brooks.






Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

A Poem I Started Working On

Don't know if I'm going to add more to this or not...but I loved the poem it was inspired by.

Uncontrolled Feasting

inspired by Feeding Ground by Terri Moraj Newsome

we have all grown accustomed to feeding

we have licked these places

we have licked them clean

some of us still taste the shame across fingers

some of us

are still trying to be redeemed

can’t look beyond those powdered bones

can’t look through those emptied eyes

can’t look along those distant smiles

without seeing me, lingering in the distance

struggling to see how to set me free

to be more than

cum dripping down gripping thighs

died moral deaths, suicide victim

trying to resuscitate something that killed inside

killed insides, taking them with me

a bruise of heart, a squeeze of soul

took way too much pleasure in knowing

my tongue roamed

in places where the sun never goes

I drank them up

let them spill from me

greedily soaking up their attention

there’s a shame in barely remembering a name

but recalling how her limbs always fell into

positions

that no amount of scrubbing

can clean you from

curve upon curve, fold upon fold

guilt is the stories that go untold

replayed in a mind

that still tries to fight relishing

scents from

the sheets it had to wash clean

the taste lingers

and some of us

have grown too accustomed to feeding

Musical Ink: Red Hot Chili Peppers "Otherside"

sing us poetic songs,
mesmerizing us with your lyrics,
let us trace the length of your melody,
locating the musical ink....





Red Hot Chili Peppers ---- Otherside


For a group whose lyrics always tend to spill out poetry, comes this stirring rendition, first published on 1999's Californication.  I love the power of word repetition, as demonstrated by this song.


the lyrics:

Otherside

How long, how long will I slide
Separate my side
I don't, I don't believe it's bad
Slittin' my throat it's all I ever

I heard your voice through a photograph
I thought it up and brought up the past
Once you've know, you can never go back
I've got to take it on the other side

Centuries are what it meant to me
A cemetery where I marry the sea
Stranger things could never change my mind
I've got to take it on the other side

Take it on the other side
Take it on the other side
Take it on
Take it on

How long, how long will I slide
Separate my side
I don't, I don't believe it's bad
Slittin' my throat it's all I ever

Pour my life into a paper cup
The ashtrays full and I'm spillin' my guts
She wants to know am I still a slut?
I've got to take it on the other side

The scarlet starlet and she's in my bed
A candidate for a soul mate bled
Push the trigger and pull the thread
I've got to take it on the other side

Take it on the other side
Take it on
Take it on

How long, how long will I slide
Separate my side
I don't, I don't believe it's bad
Slittin' my throat it's all I ever

Turn me on take me for a hard ride
Burn me out leave me on the other side
I yell and tell it that it's not a friend
I tear it down, I tear it down and then it's born again

How long, how long will I slide
Separate my side
I don't, I don't believe it's bad
Slittin' my throat it's all I ever

I don't, I don't believe it's bad
Slittin' my throat it's all I ever

--------

I don't believe it's bad, at all.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Musical Ink: Jimi Hendrix "Castles Made Of Sand"

sing us poetic songs, 
mesmerizing us with your lyrics,
let us trace the length of your melody,
locating the musical ink....

Quick note:  This is something new I've started.  I'm understanding that my love of both poetry and music is not coincidental.  I've spoken to many musicians and poets alike, and there is a kinship in both arts.  The flow of some of the best poems dances like a bass line in head.  The lyrics of some of the best songs read like stanzas on a page.

The poetic nature of music is undeniable.  This is a look into that nature.

A classic example of what I call "musical ink" (those songs that feel like poems put to music and sung) would be "Castles Made of Sand", by Jimi Hendrix.




The Jimi Hendrix Experience --- Castles Made Of Sand

This song was recorded on the 1967 album, Axis: Bold as Love, which was the groups second hit album.  According to one account with his younger brother, Jimi apparently revealed that this song was about their family.

The lyrics:

Castles Made of Sand


Down the street you can hear her scream you're a disgrace
As she slams the door in his drunken face
And now he stands outside
And all the neighbors start to gossip and drool


He cries oh, girl you must be mad,
What happened to the sweet love you and me had?
Against the door he leans and starts a scene,
And his tears fall and burn the garden green

And so castles made of sand fall in the sea, eventually

A little Indian brave who before he was ten,
Played war games in the woods with his Indian friends
And he built a dream that when he grew up
He would be a fearless warrior Indian Chief


Many moons past and more the dream grew strong until
Tomorrow he would sing his first war song and fight his first battle
But something went wrong, surprise attack killed him in his sleep that night

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually

There was a young girl, who's heart was a frown
cause she was crippled for life,
And she couldn't speak a sound
And she wished and prayed she could stop living,
So she decided to die


She drew her wheelchair to the edge of the shore
And to her legs she smiled you wont hurt me no more
But then a sight she'd never seen made her jump and say
Look a golden winged ship is passing my way

And it really didn't have to stop, it just kept on going...

And so castles made of sand slips into the sea, eventually


----------

Such visual lyrics.

Marcus Jamison, The Rare Poet

Just a Bit of Randomness (Maybe)

Gives whole new meaning to the sports term, "He's on fire!!!"

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Snow Day

Today, in my small town, the residents have been enjoying a rare visitor: snow!!!

You can just about imagine the urgent sense of exhilaration that hits towns not used to winter precipitation.  I'm not suggesting that this section of North Carolina is akin to Florida, but when it snows, it seems that it's gone just as fast.  These are some pics that I took of the snow.

The neighbors had to come get their dog.  He was having a ball...lol.   I really enjoyed taking these photos.  There is this "silent observer" feeling that overtakes me when I'm behind the camera.  Definitely interested in investing in a professional digital camera in the near future.  (I'd love a Nikon 3100, with at least one lens, if anyone wants to play Secret New Year's Santa.  Yes, Christmas is over, but giving should be a spirit extended throughout the year.)

There is this amazing stillness during snow, like no other feeling.  I imagine to witness it in it's full effect you'd have to go somewhere remote like Iceland.  I recall hearing a story that described the snow as an embodiment  of angels, falling down to the Earth, in the hopes that they can observe life here.  This was used to explain why snow melts, which is simply the angel returning to heaven.  While I'm sure most meteorologists would have a fit at that description, I appreciate it.  There's a serenity in feeling like angels, for those who believe in angels, would  be concerned enough to want to observe us.  I can see in my mind, the snowflakes beginning to form as the angels become magnificent beams of bright light, in a place that is both distant and near.  The lights slowly break into pieces and float down through the sky, becoming the alluring veil of white that blankets the ground.

The idea is a calming one, that seems to orchestrate an inner peace.  A lot like those moments, standing alone in the snow, surrounded by silence, when the mind is free to reflect.

Enjoy the remainder of the winter.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 26, 2010

OK Go --- This To Shall Pass

I really love the vibe this song gives.  We've all been through things, that may have us feeling down.  But as the lyrics say:

When the morning comes.

(You can't keep lettin' it get you down, you can't keep lettin' it get you down)

Seems like a very simple statement, but a powerful one, nonetheless.  This song is all about moving forward in spite of, because that is truly the only way that progress can be made.  Even though it might feel like an immovable burden is on you, I am living proof that nothing last forever.  For years, I was afflicted with debilitating seizures that keep me from doing many things I wanted to do, and created this spirit of fear in me.  I am thankful that it's been nearly three years since my last seizure, that I no longer take multiple medications, and that the fear in me has been lifted.  No matter what you're going through, believe in yourself, and know that circumstance is temporary.  This too, shall pass.

By the way, this video is so very awesome.  The "machine", as they call it, was created in an Echo Park warehouse, in Los Angeles, CA.  The band and a company called Syyn Labs is responsible for it's creation.  I really could use one of these, just as a source of stress release...lol.

Smile big and bright today!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

It Helps to Wake Up With a Smile

When you see something like this in the morning, you really can't help but smile.  Good morning, world!!!  Go forth and enjoy your day.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Christmas Day Was Awesome

The Jamison family got together today and had an awesome time.  I love all of my family members, because every time we get together, it's a good time.  It was very good seeing my aunt and cousins, all together in one place.  I send out tons of love to each and every member, hoping they truly understand how much I love and appreciate them.

Jamison Family

Christmas 2010

(I love me some you!!!!...lol)


To all the family who couldn't be there, we missed you and love you always.


Wishing for a prosperous new year for all my family!!



This was just one highlight of the day.

Today also marked a huge day of individual growth.  I felt like I located the inner me, and was finally able to channel him fully.  I like that Marcus.  He's awesome.

I now actually feel what I've always believed really stirring within me.  I feel like I am destined for great things.  And it is a humbling, overwhelming, uplifting, and frightening experience all wrapped into one.  But I wouldn't change it for the world!!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Because Some Things Still Need Saying

Footnote

I think of you and me

as a novel I started writing

but didn’t have the patience for character

development, I used some clever lines

but never found a way to scribe

the proper ending

and for this, I am sorry

we should have been better than

only a few memorable first lines

a random array of inciting action

tragedy that I kept foreshadowing

from nearly our first scene

the beginning of chapters that

always kept us guessing

about the moments that came after

reading them back to myself now

I keep asking

was there some kind of lesson

the protagonists were supposed to learn?

back when we were both thirsting for something

you were arid and I was desert rain

it’s such a shame that I would never stay

constant

and it sounds cliché

but your heart wasn’t made to sustain

my barrage of constant plot twists

it couldn’t go back and read my prologue

so never knew the impact made by all the

prequels that previously existed

and while I insist

that I never began our story

with a sequel stuck in mind

I find myself desiring to rip out bad pages

write within the margins

a few author’s notes

or scratch out those moments

when the dialogue faded

into silence

silence, why were we silent

when the first time we kissed

was a zephyr’s scream

the first time we touched

cherubs caught fire, then splashed themselves with oil

just to cool themselves down

ignited, delighted

we’d lie in the bed afterwards

and simply

nothing ourselves to sleep

smiles on our faces

deep, meaningful

stretching

whole midnight’s long

replaced by

those

other nights,

we’d lie, in the bed,

guilty eyes on cold shoulders,

silently assuming that nothing was wrong

instead of trying our best to convince each other

of all the things that were right

or maybe this was just my plight, maybe just my

worry, maybe I was the one with the

inclination to hurry towards

recipes for disaster

¼ uncertainty

¼ denial

¼ infidelity, that spread out like miles

and ¼ fear that towered above

the death of one whole love

but we never did kill it, did we?

I just left, a gunshot wound to the back

I guess I assumed you’d move to the back

I expected you to

bleed out, easy

but you’re still here

present

you’re as present as my pages

you’re still here

present

you’re as present as my pen

which is why sometimes

I can’t help but draw you in

your name is still

a tattoo sketched to the backside of my heart

and like new lovers, it is skeptical of lasers

I cannot remove you

which is why I sometimes use other women as chasers

to help wash down my abandonment’s pain

staining my brain with the refrains of

awkward love songs

because I wanted to love you better, but see

I studied the blueprint wrong

which means every love that I’ve fashioned

comes crashing down

so I need to rework the construction of me

I been a long time coming

but my change is going to come

I’ve spent a lot of time running

but the day is going to come

where I will stop and face the

demons

my name is going to come

under question

either exorcise

or submit

but I am not a sorcerer

and I don’t conjure any spells

our rhythm is abstract, because it’s always been abstract

and the record keeps spinning

as we rotate detail upon detail

your love circling my love circling your love

circling my love circling

all my repetition about my

inability to love you

see

burning my notebooks won’t erase the words in me

no more than my walking away, can erase the you in me

but it might erase the pain a beautiful heart once sustained

when forced to beat to the rhythms of my erratic tendency

so please, by all means

let it burn

and may the embers flare like testaments to our once blazing passion

but stare it down, with the eyes of trauma survivors

who walked through the fire, and licked the flames

knowing there soul does not remain there

rise up in the smoke like a beautiful phoenix

knowing every time I ever told you I loved you

I meant it, even if it couldn’t sustain

this might be the footnote

to our love story

but hopefully, you rise from it in a blazing glory

don’t let this become heart’s epitaph

I heard a poet once say

there is love

after love

and I believe that

like I believe there are blue skies after rain

and I want that

like I demand joy after pain

because I need that

you need that

we

don’t have to remain

incomplete

like scattered pages

written

in vain

© Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet 2010

Theme Song of the Day, Dec. 25, 2010

Kings of Leon --- On Call

This song actually makes me think about the man I wish I had been with a certain someone.  She'll always know who she is.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

.....and Giving (The Poetry, That Is)

Going to add three more poems to my gift giving poetry spree:

1.  Rachel McKibbens is awesome embodied in one of the coolest packages ever, and is on my list of poets I must meet in person before I'm senile....lol....this poem is so emotionally charged, and her delivery is so great. (plus she has one of the most creative websites known to the internet...lol)




2. Brook Yung is hands down, one of my favorite poets.  Ever since I came across his poem "Changes", I have loved his style, loved his stage presence, and loved his words.  This poem right here, is so powerful, I will just let you watch it.  It continues to demonstrate why I'm such a fan.



3. Zora Howard echoes, as elegance and grace meets a revolutionary's pounding fist....she is Maya, Nikki, Gwen, all rolled into one.  Her voice is a hypnotic loud speaker and the audience eagerly anticipates being amplified.  This poem, in a time of global conflicts, speaks volumes.






I had to add these 3 amazing individuals to the mix...their poems reach out from the pages.

I'm realizing that there are so many, so many more amazing poets, worthy of a view.  I could easily give the gift of poetry 365 days a year.  Much love to the poets, everywhere.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Poetry, the Gift that Keeps Giving

I'm on such a poetic high right now, that I needed more...lol

1.  I've mentioned Jamaal St. John enough times on my blog for most readers to know that I deeply dig his pen.  This poem right here is a testament to recognizing the state of affairs, and wanting to positively correct them.  Love it.  (The defiance that seeps from his mannerism...this gets me pumped every time...lol)




2. When God created metaphors, he lent them to the world, with the understanding that one day, Joshua Bennett would become his designated master of them.  When he spits, the audience sees tapestry.  They see artist diligently painting magnificent lines.  The finished work is a masterpiece.  And this poem is certainly no exception.



3.  Rudy Francisco is the 2010 iWPS champion....even though I could be silent right there, I must say that he has consistently been amazing.  And I love this piece because it is an amazing account of how we as poets sometimes feel exposed.





4.  If you have any appreciation for humanity, this next poem is for you.  Anis Mojgani reached inside himself and spilled out the type of poem, that every poet should try to find.  'Every time I write, every time I open my eyes, I'm cutting out parts of myself, just to give them to you...so, shake the dust, and take me with you when you do, cause none of this has ever been for me...'  Awesome.



5.  Marshall Soulful Jones has a style that his name implies.  It is soulful.  It is melodic.  It is hip-hop, neo-soul, bluegrass, rock, pop, rhythm & blues...frankly it is everything lyrical.  I remember coming across this poem, and thinking "yeeeesss!!!!"




Again, 5 amazing poets, whose words are felt time and time again.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet