Lovers of words,
Over the past few months I've been following writings lead. The journey is exciting at every turn. I wrote some poetry, entered a poetry slam and won 2 out of 3 nights, which lead to a mention in our local paper and then an Q&A session in the local paper, I was published, met Nikki Giovanni, joined 44 other poets at a poety read, launched a youtube.com channel to post poetry videos, but most importantly I've met some kind souls, some deep souls, made a connection. I've only been writing consistently for just about one year.
What's next?
I'd like to try to record poetry and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest poets before me. My reason to do this is to create a audio time capsule to look back on when I'm old. I want to remember a time when I felt most fearless.
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Poem Selection: Self-Righteous
Self-Righteous
By Jasminum McMullen
1/25/11
Exclusion is eroding the red, white and blue.I am American, like you.
Yet dehumanized, broken down to a particulate size,
categorized, then magnified.
How can I stand and function in this world of closed minds?
With hearts that beat for my early demise,
walkin' round in bodies
ready to kill the spirit before the rise.
Destructive and evil plans get devised inside the mind of the religious right,
as they slumber and sigh within the crust of their piece of American pie.
The smell of hate alerts me that love died.
The greatest gift the most high could provide,
is being pushed aside and denied.
At times, the perplexities that derive from society astounds me.
My biological sex, sexuality and ancestry has me viewed as a triple threat minority,
Making a way for fear to fuel the hate placed before me,
in and effort to down grade my worth.
A few things I'm certain of while traveling this earth;
I was birthed by my mother, God gave me life,
AND the power of the kingdom gives me strength to survive.
I recollect a younger me,
backpacking through halls being called "dyke,"
and being 15 years old when Matthew Sheppard died.
My mother in fear for me to go out at night,
that someone might feel righteous and take my life.
I was prepared then and still I AM prepared to fight,
naysayers that assemble and protest against my rights,
who turn a blind eye to the atrocities of their own life,
for a chance to redirect mine.
Like a war cry I proudly shout,
"I own the road I'm on!"
As they turn on the t.v. privately in the comfort of their own homes,
and watch gay themed shows,
Thanks for the ratings.
Society loves gay as long as it's entertaining.
-Jas McMullen aka +thewritegift+ (c) 1/25/2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Poem Selection: The Run
The Run
4/8/2011
By Jasminum McMullen
I’d say I came off the blocks, but there were no blocks there.
I’d say there were trees and manicured grass everywhere, but it wasn’t there.
I’d say I laced my shoes before the gun went BOOM!
But there were no shoes to lace and no gun to go boom.
I’d say there were tracks lined with chalk that I was on my mark,
Or that the sun was at its highest but there was only dark.
I’d say the pattered sound of my feet quickened with my breath, that I pumped my arms
With every step, yet there was no ground to echo each step.
The sound of my efforts absorbed into black.
No one in front of me,
And no one in back.
I’d say I had the heart of Pheidippides when the battle was won,
Carrying with me a message that legend is birthed from.
I am what has yet to be told
The marathon I run,
I run alone.
With motivation and determination in pursuit of my goals,
I run.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Poem Selection: The Reunification of Destiny
The Reunification of Destiny
By Jasminum McMullen
3/31/11
Let me tell you about the first time.
The first time I saw her she was a blank page,
new, untouched, plain, a virgin.
I was shy with the ideas, which rolled around my head,
like a continuous loop, a song on repeat.
The most incredible attraction my two eyes could see, beckoned unto me
seductively whispering “write me.”
With a trembling hand and an eager pen we merged together,
creating one sound like a symphony.
I was only nine; it was statutory so we covered our love
in secrecy on pages of loose leaf.
Then she quietly slipped away from me.
I grew older.
The world started to influence me,
that my love for her wouldn’t sustain me.
I needed to focus on A.C.T’s in order to get a degree,
that would furnish a job and salary.
As I S.A.T in agony, barely hearing her steps depart from me,
I called out her name “Destiny,” or maybe it was “destined to be,”
the words caught between my teeth motionless lips never did speak.
Years went by like days trapping me in a maze of grief,
mourning the love lost between writing and me.
So, settled in my maturity and leaning on my newfound spirituality,
I shook off the reality of my own mortality, embraced a pen
like an old friend and to my surprise writing appeared again,
more beautiful and elegant than she’s ever been.
As I carefully placed my words, for a moment the earth stopped its spin.
I promised to love her eternally and together we birthed poetry,
true story.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Who is +thewritegift+ ?
Lovers of words,
I am +thewritegift+. The plus signs symbolize a cross. My mother always told me that God gives everyone a gift or talent. I do not claim to be talented but I have some sort of something that was put in me before I was even born, I believe that, and if writing is a gift then I know that it came from God. A biblical hero of mine is David and David wrote a majority of the Psalms. I learned that a Psalm is a lyrical poem and I like to think of David as the first rapper / poet. Although, I perform at open mics by simply Jas I cannot seem to let go of +thewritegift+ it came to me one day after I prayed. What's in a name anyway? I'll be using the name my mother gave me as it is unique, I am the only person in the United States with the name Jasminum McMullen.
Now on to the fun stuff. I like making youtube videos and my wife is my camera woman. I always try to incorporate music in my credits. I feel I'm doing more than just sitting in front of a webcam reading from a piece of paper.
Please enjoy my first video for a piece I wrote titled "911"
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
I am +thewritegift+. The plus signs symbolize a cross. My mother always told me that God gives everyone a gift or talent. I do not claim to be talented but I have some sort of something that was put in me before I was even born, I believe that, and if writing is a gift then I know that it came from God. A biblical hero of mine is David and David wrote a majority of the Psalms. I learned that a Psalm is a lyrical poem and I like to think of David as the first rapper / poet. Although, I perform at open mics by simply Jas I cannot seem to let go of +thewritegift+ it came to me one day after I prayed. What's in a name anyway? I'll be using the name my mother gave me as it is unique, I am the only person in the United States with the name Jasminum McMullen.
Now on to the fun stuff. I like making youtube videos and my wife is my camera woman. I always try to incorporate music in my credits. I feel I'm doing more than just sitting in front of a webcam reading from a piece of paper.
Please enjoy my first video for a piece I wrote titled "911"
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
Saturday, May 21, 2011
An Afternoon to REMEMBER
Lovers of words,
I'm still riding high off my first experience at Poetry Fest April 30th and I would not let another day go by without blogging about the events that lead me to meeting a poetry giant!
10am - The event has begun. I was driven to the event by my mother and riding in the back was my wife La Toya. Mom was doing a drive by to pick up a copy of CRAM 11 a Chicago publication from CJ Laity that selected my piece for inclusion. My mother goes in first picks up her copy when she is asked which poet was her daughter. I did not know until later in the day that the gentleman at the CRAM 11 table was CJ Laity. My mother comes back to the car to tell me that CJ quoted a line from my piece and that he was very enthusiastic about meeting me. This news moved me to tears. I am just one person writing but to know that someone thought enough of my writing to quote me, I wasn't prepared for the news.
I try to stay humble because I know I have many greats that went before me and I have a long way to go to ever be considered in the same sentence as Clifton, Dove, Hughes, Angelou or Giovanni.
11am - 12pm The Digital Speakeasy (workshop)
La Toya and I were left to explore the events and workshops. It was a pleasure having my honey by my side sharing this moment with me. She is an excellent source of support in my hobby of writing. We attended this workshop because it was about spoken word. The host was Brother Mike who mentors youth at Harold Washington Library through a group called Youmedia. The group has a very impressive section dedicated to the group that includes microphones, video equipment, DJ equipment, Mac computers and game systems. I was impressed with the existence of this group and the talent of the youth that was showcased during this workshop. We even recieved a live performance from one of the teens.
12pm - 1:30pm Unknown (workshop)
I feel terrible I cannot remember the name of this workshop and its not on the program I saved bummer! However, it was still a great workshop, we started off doing breathing exercises. Then a group activity where we had to stand in circle and express sound with action without words. Each person had to interpret the sound and action in their own way. It was great to be in a room of creative people from all backgrounds and proved you cannot tell a poet by what they look like. We also did some improv with simple words like "yes" and "no." This workshop included free writing exercises which also benefited me my sweetie even wrote a poem and read it aloud! We left quickly once the workshop ended as the time was nearing for the one event that really brought me to Poetry Fest.
2pm - 3pm Poetry Reading by Nikki Giovanni
La Toya went in to grab our seats. The staff had handed out tickets earlier in the day and we had numbers 53 and 54. I wasn't certain why tickets were needed for a free event but we had them all the same. I am just learning about the poetry greats it's my own independent education. Months ago I started reading about Nikki Giovanni and watching her interviews via youtube. I am totally drawn by Nikki Giovanni she is a true spirit. I listened to Ego Tripping only to realize I had heard it before somewhere and never knew who the poet was that made such a powerful piece. I spent some time in the hall before entering the auditorium there was a table set up with Nikki's books and I wanted to add one to my book collection. I chose the most logical book to choose "The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni 1968-1998." I hurried into the auditorium in time for the start of the read. Nikki Giovanni is amazing. She shared some stories from the past in particular about her son being a small child and his encounter with Muhammed Ali during a time when he was stripped of his boxing license. Nikki talked about a wide range of things from the president to being a black poet. She read some of her work including "Ego Trippin," how lucky I was to hear it live.
But wait there's more! After all was done there was a book signing the number on our tickets was our place in line and the ticket numbers went up to the 300's. I stood in line to meet Nikki Giovanni. Once I made it to the table I was introduced it was like a dream. I shook her hand secretly hoping some talent would rub off on me. She signed my book. I said some nice things to her but mostly thanking her for being in Chicago. She looked at me as if she could feel the sincerity of my words. La Toya was near with the camera and Nikki and I posed for a picture. My day was made and I'll never forget it, EVER!
More on Nikki Giovanni http://nikki-giovanni.com/
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
I'm still riding high off my first experience at Poetry Fest April 30th and I would not let another day go by without blogging about the events that lead me to meeting a poetry giant!
10am - The event has begun. I was driven to the event by my mother and riding in the back was my wife La Toya. Mom was doing a drive by to pick up a copy of CRAM 11 a Chicago publication from CJ Laity that selected my piece for inclusion. My mother goes in first picks up her copy when she is asked which poet was her daughter. I did not know until later in the day that the gentleman at the CRAM 11 table was CJ Laity. My mother comes back to the car to tell me that CJ quoted a line from my piece and that he was very enthusiastic about meeting me. This news moved me to tears. I am just one person writing but to know that someone thought enough of my writing to quote me, I wasn't prepared for the news.
I try to stay humble because I know I have many greats that went before me and I have a long way to go to ever be considered in the same sentence as Clifton, Dove, Hughes, Angelou or Giovanni.
11am - 12pm The Digital Speakeasy (workshop)
La Toya and I were left to explore the events and workshops. It was a pleasure having my honey by my side sharing this moment with me. She is an excellent source of support in my hobby of writing. We attended this workshop because it was about spoken word. The host was Brother Mike who mentors youth at Harold Washington Library through a group called Youmedia. The group has a very impressive section dedicated to the group that includes microphones, video equipment, DJ equipment, Mac computers and game systems. I was impressed with the existence of this group and the talent of the youth that was showcased during this workshop. We even recieved a live performance from one of the teens.
12pm - 1:30pm Unknown (workshop)
I feel terrible I cannot remember the name of this workshop and its not on the program I saved bummer! However, it was still a great workshop, we started off doing breathing exercises. Then a group activity where we had to stand in circle and express sound with action without words. Each person had to interpret the sound and action in their own way. It was great to be in a room of creative people from all backgrounds and proved you cannot tell a poet by what they look like. We also did some improv with simple words like "yes" and "no." This workshop included free writing exercises which also benefited me my sweetie even wrote a poem and read it aloud! We left quickly once the workshop ended as the time was nearing for the one event that really brought me to Poetry Fest.
2pm - 3pm Poetry Reading by Nikki Giovanni
La Toya went in to grab our seats. The staff had handed out tickets earlier in the day and we had numbers 53 and 54. I wasn't certain why tickets were needed for a free event but we had them all the same. I am just learning about the poetry greats it's my own independent education. Months ago I started reading about Nikki Giovanni and watching her interviews via youtube. I am totally drawn by Nikki Giovanni she is a true spirit. I listened to Ego Tripping only to realize I had heard it before somewhere and never knew who the poet was that made such a powerful piece. I spent some time in the hall before entering the auditorium there was a table set up with Nikki's books and I wanted to add one to my book collection. I chose the most logical book to choose "The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni 1968-1998." I hurried into the auditorium in time for the start of the read. Nikki Giovanni is amazing. She shared some stories from the past in particular about her son being a small child and his encounter with Muhammed Ali during a time when he was stripped of his boxing license. Nikki talked about a wide range of things from the president to being a black poet. She read some of her work including "Ego Trippin," how lucky I was to hear it live.
But wait there's more! After all was done there was a book signing the number on our tickets was our place in line and the ticket numbers went up to the 300's. I stood in line to meet Nikki Giovanni. Once I made it to the table I was introduced it was like a dream. I shook her hand secretly hoping some talent would rub off on me. She signed my book. I said some nice things to her but mostly thanking her for being in Chicago. She looked at me as if she could feel the sincerity of my words. La Toya was near with the camera and Nikki and I posed for a picture. My day was made and I'll never forget it, EVER!
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
Friday, May 20, 2011
Untitled: Is A Cop-out & So Cliched
Lovers of words,
It's here the elephant in the room. You sit down to write and the words flow effortlessly, you are proud of yourself because you wrote a great piece. Sadly, many great pieces go "untitled," and I never thought much of an untitled piece other than it's untitled, it never meant to me that the piece was missing something because I read poetry for the words and the meaning, a title was merely "icing on the cake." I'm starting to think differently about whether a piece should be "untitled." Is it a cop-out and cliched?
My answer: Yes.
Follow me on this. Not too long ago I wrote a great piece in an attempt to become published. It was my first time ever attempting to compete on paper for a chance at winning a spot in a small press publishing. As if the fact that there was a theme, poetry about poetry, wasn't enough there was also requirements like the piece could be no more than 12 words per line and length of 35 lines or less. Needless to say it was a challenge from the beginning but I think the challenge of it turned me on----creatively. It only took two days to write the piece and I was so proud of it until I realized if it is going to be printed it must have a title and not just any title a GOOD one.
Here are the steps I took to title my piece:
1. I re-read my work to pull out the feeling of the piece
2. I talked to people about the piece without reading it to them to see what they would title it
3. I wrote down the suggestions on (yes a post it)
4. I wrote down my own ideas for the title to compare
5. I sat in silence
6. I got distracted
The funny thing about sitting in silence is that it's not silence to a thinking mind. I was sitting in my mother's second bedroom also know as Maybelline's room, her chihuahua. I was in the dark listening to silence. I wanted Maybelline to come to me for a rub but chihuahua's seem to struggle with obeying commands and she didn't come to me. So, I sat and started rocking back and forth in the dark then a tune came to me that seemed totally random, Peaches & Herb Reunited. I started to hum this tune a bit and the title to my pieces seemed to pierce the darkness and the silence. I mumbled something to myself and that something became the title of the piece, The Reunification of Destiny. It took 4 days to come up with a title worthy of being the "icing" on my poetic cake.
The piece is now published in CRAM 11 a Chicago publication as of April 30th. What a great way to end National Poetry Month. For details on how you can get in on CRAM 12 go here http://www.chicagopoetry.com/
I've learned the importance of titling a piece:
1. It's a label that makes your piece recognizable
2. It's sets your piece apart from the other "untitled" pieces that were spat into history
3. It makes your piece memorable
4. It can draw more readers and a chance that they will read your piece again
Would you adopt a pet or have a baby and have it go through existence without a name?
Titles are important.
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
It's here the elephant in the room. You sit down to write and the words flow effortlessly, you are proud of yourself because you wrote a great piece. Sadly, many great pieces go "untitled," and I never thought much of an untitled piece other than it's untitled, it never meant to me that the piece was missing something because I read poetry for the words and the meaning, a title was merely "icing on the cake." I'm starting to think differently about whether a piece should be "untitled." Is it a cop-out and cliched?
My answer: Yes.
Follow me on this. Not too long ago I wrote a great piece in an attempt to become published. It was my first time ever attempting to compete on paper for a chance at winning a spot in a small press publishing. As if the fact that there was a theme, poetry about poetry, wasn't enough there was also requirements like the piece could be no more than 12 words per line and length of 35 lines or less. Needless to say it was a challenge from the beginning but I think the challenge of it turned me on----creatively. It only took two days to write the piece and I was so proud of it until I realized if it is going to be printed it must have a title and not just any title a GOOD one.
Here are the steps I took to title my piece:
1. I re-read my work to pull out the feeling of the piece
2. I talked to people about the piece without reading it to them to see what they would title it
3. I wrote down the suggestions on (yes a post it)
4. I wrote down my own ideas for the title to compare
5. I sat in silence
6. I got distracted
The funny thing about sitting in silence is that it's not silence to a thinking mind. I was sitting in my mother's second bedroom also know as Maybelline's room, her chihuahua. I was in the dark listening to silence. I wanted Maybelline to come to me for a rub but chihuahua's seem to struggle with obeying commands and she didn't come to me. So, I sat and started rocking back and forth in the dark then a tune came to me that seemed totally random, Peaches & Herb Reunited. I started to hum this tune a bit and the title to my pieces seemed to pierce the darkness and the silence. I mumbled something to myself and that something became the title of the piece, The Reunification of Destiny. It took 4 days to come up with a title worthy of being the "icing" on my poetic cake.
The piece is now published in CRAM 11 a Chicago publication as of April 30th. What a great way to end National Poetry Month. For details on how you can get in on CRAM 12 go here http://www.chicagopoetry.com/
I've learned the importance of titling a piece:
1. It's a label that makes your piece recognizable
2. It's sets your piece apart from the other "untitled" pieces that were spat into history
3. It makes your piece memorable
4. It can draw more readers and a chance that they will read your piece again
Would you adopt a pet or have a baby and have it go through existence without a name?
Titles are important.
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Poet: A Few Elements That Inspire Poetry
Lovers of words,
What inspires poetry? This question came to me while I was working in my cube of doom. As I meditated on this, hoping that I would understand better my need to write, I tried to narrow it down to a couple elements that I feel inspire poetry.
Existence - Why are we here? Why do we exist? Is there really a God up there? (yes) Many poems are birthed about existence. I've thought of few while staring into a deep blue sky and gentle clouds.
Love - Love of self, love of another, love of an object, love a pet, love of love, loss of love, longing for love etc.
Fear - Fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of loss, fear of things like spiders (eww, I hate em!), fear of heights, fear of speaking in front of a crowd.
I find myself often reflecting back to areas of my life that I didn't pay much attention to, as an adult I value the ability to look back on myself so that I have a promise of a better tomorrow. If I don't change daily I must not be breathing.
Life much like poetry is all about the "change."
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
What inspires poetry? This question came to me while I was working in my cube of doom. As I meditated on this, hoping that I would understand better my need to write, I tried to narrow it down to a couple elements that I feel inspire poetry.
Existence - Why are we here? Why do we exist? Is there really a God up there? (yes) Many poems are birthed about existence. I've thought of few while staring into a deep blue sky and gentle clouds.
Love - Love of self, love of another, love of an object, love a pet, love of love, loss of love, longing for love etc.
Fear - Fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of loss, fear of things like spiders (eww, I hate em!), fear of heights, fear of speaking in front of a crowd.
I find myself often reflecting back to areas of my life that I didn't pay much attention to, as an adult I value the ability to look back on myself so that I have a promise of a better tomorrow. If I don't change daily I must not be breathing.
Life much like poetry is all about the "change."
Until we write again,
+thewritegift+
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