Monday, October 31, 2011

The Mic Sounds Nice: Mark Ronson Track

So, for my music lovers, especially those who love fusions of jazz and hip hop- you absolutely must check out this song from Mark Ronson. He is working on a documentary called Re:Generation about jazz experimentation. This song is one track to give you a hint of whats to come. Got my foot tapping- what say you?

A La Modeliste 4/Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Trombone Shorty and Dap-Kings

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I Am Who I Am

I was prompted today to write a poetry or prose piece and the theme was: I am who I am... Issues with my birthmother have been front and center lately... I think since my visit to San Francisco. I am working on a follow up to our visit but thought I'd share this piece instead. I hope to hit the mic with it some day. Without crying.

I am who I am
And it’s because of you
A one night stand
Is a part of my truth
Matters not that you loved him
But what happened after
In a house of shame
Far from derision
and laughter
you got acceptance
with your food and your bed
while I swam for my life
nourished by what you fed
a meal missing love
it’s no wonder I’m tired
while you watched Butch Cassidy
my womb-lease expired
discharged in a river
of blood, sweat and pain
you pushed me out
then gave me a name
Gloria. Marie.
Was tossed out into space
Then lost in the shuffle
Of papers, red tape
Before I could exist
or my race would start
I fought for my life and
a place in your heart
But I didn’t win
And neither did you
There’s no draw in battles
Where both parties lose
Still I persevered
In an attempt to be better
My womb, the answer
To your… Dear-John letter
See- I’ve loved my own
And those not mine too
Those cast aside
the neglected, abused
Trying to add color
For those feeling blue
I don’t love ‘cause I must
But because I choose
I give what I missed
So they don’t miss too
I am who I am
And it’s because of you.