Visual Poet: February 2013

Visual Poet’s Thirty Days of National Poetry Month 2011; Forks of the Road Poem

On this day of National Poetry Month 2011; my poem, visual poetry Forks of the Road honors all of the souls sold into slavery at the Forks of the Road site in Natchez, Mississippi.

Africa’s black ivory; Africa’s black ivory

The Natchez, Mississippi millionaires, code

Some down the river, as cargo, they did arrive

Others, shackled and herded thousands of miles

Somberly, one by one; their steps dragged and unfold

Many died; others made it, barely alive

But, they were sure to bring a fit piece of change

In pens, all were forcibly flowed

Once fattened, revived, greased and creatively clad

They were readied for sale, with new nightmares, soon to unfold

Many lives were forever altered with “Bought” and “Sold”

Feel the anguish as spirits stir and moan and salty tears they unload

Let us not forget the gut wrenching pain of our ancestors

As flesh was peddled and peddled at the Forks of the Road…

An Excerpt from Forks of the Road

Visual Poet’s Thirty, 30 Days of National Poetry Month 2011; Determination Poem

On this day of National Poetry Month 2011; I honor the strength and resilience of women with my poem, visual poetry Determination

...Misunderstood, yet, she stands

Discounted, yet, she stands

Rejected, yet, she stands

She stands, stands, wiser

She stands, stands, stronger...

An Excerpt from Determination

Visual Poet’s Thirty, 30 Days of National Poetry Month 2011; Determination Poem

On this day of National Poetry Month 2011; I honor the strength and resilience of women with my poem, visual poetry Determination

...Misunderstood, yet, she stands

Discounted, yet, she stands

Rejected, yet, she stands

She stands, stands, wiser

She stands, stands, stronger...

An Excerpt from Determination

Visual Poet’s Thirty, 30 Days of National Poetry Month 2011; Momma, Mother’s Day Tribute Poem

On this day of National Poetry Month 2011; I honor my mother with my Mother’s Day Tribute poem, visual poetry Momma

Momma, I remember, you

Not one of us; your love, did we ever, doubt

You, most definitely set a sterling example

Of a mother, considerate and devout

Nobody, nobody was ever overlooked or went without

Not us kids, not daddy

No matter how much we would yell or pout

Not the woman who needed a coat

As she fled a husband's vicious shout

Not the homeless woman, looking for handouts

As she aimlessly wandered about

Not even, the man who escaped from a chain gang
Looking for food and a waterspout

Not one person in need

Did you ever, refuse to help out

With a personality such as yours

Disclosed in any given dossier

Momma, for you

There will be an eternal tribute on display

A tall, elegant, crystal vase

Filled with a gigantic, colorful, fragrant

Tea rose bouquet

For, you will always be a beautiful

Chic, classy, compassionate mother, I say

Momma, I remember you clearly

As if, it was yesterday...

Excerpt from Momma

Visual Poet Concerned About Mississippi River Flooding 2011

Having been born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi; the Mighty Mississippi River has always played an intricate role in my life. Each time I have returned to Natchez; I immediately visit the Bluff to check on My Mississippi River. Therefore, today I pause to honor the Mighty Mississippi River with my poem The River, while listening to Mr. Charley Pride’s song Roll on Mississippi.

As the Mississippi River swells; causing major to record flooding; I am concerned for the welfare of those in Memphis, Helena, Arkansas City, Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez and other areas. Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville and Tunica are the only Mississippi cities with bridges over the Mississippi River.

Natchez Mississippi is the City on the Bluff and the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. In 1714 the French settled on the high bluffs and surrounding area and two years later a permanent fort was established. Even though the Mississippi River is rising; there is no chance of Natchez flooding. Natchez sits on a bluff approximately 150 to 200 feet above the Mississippi River. But, because the Natchez Under-the-Hill is situated below the main city area; it could experience flooding as the river rises.

Many have traveled your deep, murky, uncertain waters

Bursting with remnants of the past and present

Your banks poised with promises of pleasure and danger

All hail, the alluringly mysterious, Mighty Mississippi

The Nile of the South; worthy of the utmost, respect…

Excerpt from The River

Visual Poet Disappointed in Oprah Winfrey Last Shows

As Oprah Winfrey prepares to air her last show; I am overwhelmed with disappointment. Many have stated the show has enhanced their life. I just believe the show could have made a difference in the lives of the Negro Leagues players. Over the decades, I wrote the Oprah Winfrey Show and requested that Oprah plan a special show to honor the players of the Negro Leagues. I thought the Oprah Winfrey Show was the best venue to bestow the befitting honor; since many of Negro League players were growing older and Oprah Winfrey appeared eager to recognize accomplishments of individuals. While I waited for a response (that never came); one by one many of the Negro Leagues players died.

Years ago, I met many of the Negro Leagues players in Secaucus, New Jersey; Leon Day, Ferguson Jenkins, Buck Leonard, Max Manning, Lester Lockett, Lyman Bostock, Sr., Wilmer Fields, Buck O’Neil, Josh Gibson, Jr., Willie Grace, Josh Johnson, etc. It’s heartbreaking to know that those fabulous Negro Leagues players were not honored during their baseball heyday and very few were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. And, yet, years later; individuals in positions who can make a difference; continue to disregard the Negro Leagues players as honor, worthy. However, I am grateful to the United Stated Postal Service for the July 15, 2010 issuance of the Negro Leagues Baseball stamp. Unfortunately, the Postal Service stamp is a posthumous honor for many of the Negro League players.

Visual Poet Honors Mr. Charley Pride; Country Singer and Negro League Baseball Player

Today, I pay the utmost respect to Mr. Charley Pride, a fellow Mississippian, Country Singer and Negro League Baseball Player. Mr. Charley Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi and I was born in Natchez, Mississippi. Mr. Charley Pride has been one of my role models and I have absolutely enjoyed his music since I was teenager. During my difficult teenage years in Natchez, Mississippi, Mr. Charley Pride’s soothing country music was therapeutic. I recall how each school day started with Mr. Charley Pride’s soothing baritone voice. Yes, Mr. Charley Pride’s smooth country tunes has set the tone and got me thru many a challenging day.

Recently, while focusing on the Negro League Baseball players; I learned that Mr. Charley Pride played for the Memphis Red Sox, New York Black Yankees, Louisville Clippers and the Birmingham Black Barons. I am thrilled to know that Mr. Charley Pride; one of my favorite country singers was also one of the fabulous Negro League Baseball players. So, my poem and visual poetry Players of Valor, the Negro League Baseball honors all the Negro League Baseball players, including Mr. Charley Pride. Now, I must make every effort to have Mr. Charley Pride autograph my bat; since he was not present in Secaucus, New Jersey when I obtained autographs from countless Negro League Baseball players and Lionel Hampton.

Visual Poet

Tuesday, February 26, 2013