A MAN’S LIFE

Born out of pain

A pain borne from pleasure

He’s become a treasure

Of parents to tame and train

Blossoming as a bud

Having no cares nor worries

Unaware of life’s complexities

He finds everything odd

But little does he know

That soon he’ll come on board

To either ply or soar

On life’s crooked road

In slippery youth

He fails to accept the essence

Of man’s existence

He becomes self-independent

A path to decadence

He has chosen as his essence

In the evening of his life

He begins to regret his past

Seeking solace in the future

Of his budding descendant

A wise old sage, become

Admonishing youths in their prime

Of another regret, prevent

Lo! History has itself repeat

About the Poet

Uzoma Ezeson was born into the middle class family of Mr. Ezeson Sunday of Ebonyi State origin in Nigeria. She grew up living with her family in Aba Metropolis.

She discovered her passion for writing when she was in high school. Her passion was born out of her need to explore the world she is living in order to better the system that drives the progress of mankind, and she couldn’t think of any better way of doing that except through writing. This passion of hers has developed to a positive addiction, one which she seeks to utilize to the fullest.

Uzoma Ezeson is the author of the masterpiece “MY HERO: Learning from the Makers of History.” She also has her articles in leading websites and writing communities.

Having found joy in the art of writing, Uzoma intends to make the best out of it for the benefit of mankind.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Uzoma: I became aware of my attraction to poetry when I was in high school. I would write little poems and hide them.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Uzoma: The first poem I wrote was “NATURE.” It was an ode to nature. It talks about the beauty and serenity of a natural environment.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Uzoma: I’m a fan of all poets as long as you exhibit good reasoning. I don’t have a favorite. I adore all poets and their writing styles.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Uzoma: No, I don’t. I just write what comes into my mind regardless of the genre.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Uzoma: Yes. It’s more like it. If you listen to a rap or love song, you’ll realize that they share some elements of poetry, e.g. rhythm, rhyme, pun etc. I can say, a good rap or love song writer has a shot at poetry.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Uzoma: Actually, I don’t follow or observe any particular style in my writing. Writing with strict rules freaks me out. I just can’t stand strictness in writing. I write as it comes.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Uzoma: I’m still compiling my first poetry book. I’m not done yet, but expect it soon.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Uzoma: No. I’ve not tried that neither have I gotten the opportunity to. But I’m looking forward to the day I’ll get that opportunity. It’ll be fun I guess.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Uzoma: Love! I think love is more than what people think of it these days. It’s not all about feelings or emotions; there are responsibilities and sacrifices attached to love.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Uzoma: *Blushing* I’m still single but I’d love to keep my love life private.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Uzoma: Both. One can be good at something but if the person does not get the opportunity to exhibit his talent, he won’t be seen. On the other hand, the first step to becoming successful is to choose to become successful. Both of them work hand in hand.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Uzoma: I get inspiration from everything and everybody around me. I might just see something or listen to someone talking and get inspired. I do get ideas from movies and songs too. As for my latest poem, the idea just popped in my head and I started writing.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Uzoma: The first thing I would do would be to change the way I saw myself when I was a kid. I would have loved to be more confident and bold in exploring my talents. Also, I would have loved to study more.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Uzoma: I’m watching movies (I like watching movies), listening to music or reading.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Uzoma: My typical day starts with going to work, taking care of household chores in the evening when I’m back from work and writing at night (If I’m still awake).

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Uzoma: My perfect day would be seeing all my chores done and relaxing in a garden or by a body of water (lake, river or beach) writing, getting all the screaming voices in my head out on a paper and not worrying about my job.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Uzoma: I try to put my life and house in order and get some quality rest. I like writing on weekends too.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Uzoma: I don’t club. I prefer hanging out, going on trips, picnics and expeditions.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Uzoma: I would love to visit Venice. Water is always very refreshing for me and I would love to go with my ‘One and only’ and a small group of friends.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Uzoma: The biggest challenge of my life was the issue of low self-esteem. When I was young, I always had this feeling of inferiority – you know, like others are better than me and I couldn’t be better off. I get upset when people say I’m not good at something so I try as much to prove them wrong. I got to realize that I’m unique, although I’m not good at everything, I’m still unique and that I don’t have to wish to be like anyone. I shouldn’t be afraid of failing because when you fail, you get to learn more. The most successful ones are the ones who fail and learn their lessons. Since then, I love daring difficult things. I’m no longer afraid of whom I am and I don’t bother much about what other people think of me as long as I’m on the right track.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Uzoma: Well, I’m a shy person. I watch a lot of movies. I don’t like long conversation on the phone; I prefer text messages.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Uzoma: Not yet.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Uzoma: Not really. I’m working on my poems.

Stay connected with Uzoma:

Website: www.uzywhyte.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uzywhyte

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/uzywhyte

POUNDS

Are you gaining?

Yes I am.

I'm gaining momentum.

Confidence,

More self-awareness,

And strength.

Why is my weight so important to you?

You don't have to carry it.

Does it make you feel bad

that despite my weight

I still look good?

No need to tell me what I look like

By using your cheap way of insulting me

Because I look in the mirror every day

I see myself

You can't and won't bring me down

Because I am beautiful

Even when I'm round.

About the Poet

Robin M. Bellamy is a native of Conway, South Carolina. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Francis Marion University and a Master’s degree in Business from Webster University. She is the author of "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed," "Grandma's Brooch," and "Bare My Soul." Robin has always had a passion for writing and she feels blessed to be able to share her words with others, while living out her dreams. She's also used that same passion to escape the pain associated with depression. Robin hopes to encourage those who may be going through similar situations. In utilizing her literary platform, she hopes to reach the masses!!

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Robin: The first time I realized my attraction to poetry was in high school. I had an excellent English teacher my freshman year who took an interest in me and my writings. She really helped to motivate me.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Robin: The very first poem I ever wrote was in high school. It focused on the lack of my father's presence in my life. It was very strong and to the point. It was filled with so much emotion, and I felt so much better when I put it all on paper.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Robin: My favorite poet is Maya Angelou. She's so talented, and her writings not only inspire me, they help to educate me even more about subjects I may not know a lot about. She is also a woman of great integrity, and I too would like to have that same integrity.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Robin: Sometimes I think in terms of genre, and sometimes I don't. There are many times when I just let the words flow.

UBAWA:  Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Robin: I do agree to an extent especially when your poetry rhymes. The one thing that is very common among the poems and songs are the strong feelings that they exhibit.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Robin: I don't just use one style/technique when writing. I do tend to write more free verse poetry though than anything else.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Robin: "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed" and "Bare My Soul" (a combination of poetry/inspirational readings)

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Robin: To date, I haven't performed any poetry pieces on stage, but I hope that I'll have those opportunities in the future.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Robin: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of love is God, because He is love. I don't believe it's possible to have the other attributes of love without His presence. He makes everything possible.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Robin: I'm currently single.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Robin: I think success is a little bit of chance and choice. When we make choices to become successful, it often leads to chances of a lifetime that will carry us right through the doors we need to make a mark on this world.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Robin: My life in general has led me to write most of my poems. Hearing about other people's experiences has also been a part of that process. The poem "Pounds" was written from my own experience, because I have battled with my weight for years, and people haven't always said kind things to me regarding it.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Robin: The most important thing that comes to mind is that I would have spent less time being concerned about whether others loved me. I would have spent that energy loving myself. I'm learning to take care of myself more and to cherish the one life that I have been given. More importantly, I'm learning to love "me."

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Robin: When I'm not writing, I think about writing a lot. I work diligently to improve myself and to accomplish other things.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Robin: Before I write a poem, I like to think about it intensely. I think about a variety of subjects, how I'm feeling at the moment, and everything that would make it a great poem. Sometimes I'll start writing, and then I'll scratch through it, and start over. It all depends. Sometimes I can write a poem quickly, and then sometimes it takes a while. If I have a thought that I don't want to forget, I'll jot it down, and put the rest of the pieces to it later.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Robin: The "perfect day" for me would be to go someplace I've always wanted to go. Some of those places include: Paris, Italy, the French Riviera, and Hawaii. I would just absorb every moment of being there. I would go on a few tours, take lots of pictures to include in a scrapbook, enjoy a couple of good meals, and whatever else comes up. That would be my "perfect day."

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Robin: I enjoy relaxing on the weekends. This may consist of watching a good movie, writing, reading, or spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy attending church on Sundays.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Robin: I hang out with my friends and family at family gatherings, restaurants, malls, or the movies. I don't really hang out at clubs, but I do enjoy going to a jazz club every now and then.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Robin: I would visit the French Riviera in the Southeast corner of France. I would go with my mom, because she and I have always talked about going there. I know it would be an enjoyable trip.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Robin: The challenge that I've had to overcome is depression. I have suffered from it for years, and a great deal of my writing has come from that pain. I've used my passion for writing to get through those tough times when I experienced self-esteem issues. I'm still a work in progress, but with God's help, prayer, and friends and family, I am overcoming it every day.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Robin: I've always wanted to be a news anchor, or so I thought I did. I had the opportunity to work at a television station, and I realized it wasn't quite what I thought it would be. It's a very dog-eat-dog industry.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Robin: At the present time, I do not host contests or giveaways, but I would like to in the future.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Robin: Currently, I don't have any upcoming events per se, but I have written a novel, and I hope to have it published later this year.

Stay connected with Robin:

Facebook: Robin M. Bellamy's Books

Twitter: author813

“Call Me for Prayer”

“Call me for prayer…”

Where?

Blasted on FB

Publicly

As tho’ everyone should see how far I’ve fallen?

And I need help to get up

From who?

You?

Don’t make me laugh!

Your rod and staff don’t inspire confidence.

They bring out the beast in me

Make me snarl cruelly

Thinking how easy it would be

To wash you off in cuss words

Poetically…

I don’t need the high and mighty

"Call me for prayer…”

 I need the brother who will be there

When tears flood my face

Who isn’t disgraced

To come alongside someone sitting in the dirt

And you wonder why I “flirt

With the world?”

‘Cause there’s more genuine love

Out here than under the pious stare

Of the righteous….

For real, don’t make me cuss

'Cause all I’ve heard is how I’m throwing away my life

When all the while I’m battling loss

And when I need you, you gloss

Over my need and tell me

How I’ve fallen away?

Yet I remember the hugs

Surrounding me

when loss wracked my body

and no one offered to pray,

just allowed me to be;

not throwing jargon.

I’m sure that if I was next to Christ

He would comfort

Instead of consorting

Spitting religious verbosity

I know you mean well, see

 But time and place would dictate

 A privately penned message

Not a blast on my Timeline

For all to see

That you’re ‘helping’ me

‘Cause the same Christ you following

Said “Don’t let your left hand see

What your right hand is doing…”

 So, in my ruling,

You need to wheel and come again

 Or rather – don’t come back at all

‘Cause I don’t need to deal with all the emotion

You stir up; one simple message pulled up

And my day lost all its bearings

Like a doomed plane losing altitude

Veering to an explosive end.

I had to sit down and spend

The time to write this verse,

Expressing myself and saving you

From the curses rising unbridled to my lips

So save us both the bother and take a trip

Taking your, “Call me for prayer” with you…

About the Poet

Robert R.Gibson (PassionPoet or Passion for short) is a member of the League of Extraordinary Poets (LXP) in Barbados and enjoys painting sensual images with his words, leading his audience into a sensory experience. Although sexuality and sensuality are his main forte, in his own words he says, "Passion is not always about sex." Passion is anger, sorrow, enthusiasm - his poems are written to evoke intensity. He has been writing from age 14 and is aiming to have his first anthology of poems published soon.

In 2011, Robert entered the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), the national arts festival of his native Barbados with three poems – Luscious, Rain, and Goblet. All three of the poems achieved awards – Luscious received a silver award, and Goblet and Rain received bronze awards. He also received the Most Promising Poet award for the year.

In 2012, Robert entered NIFCA again and one of his poems – Tribute – received a bronze award.

The winning NIFCA entries are to be published in the Winning Words anthology produced by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the producers of NIFCA.

Another one of his poems Tribute (A Call to Action), which was inspired by the documentary Cultures of Resistance, was highlighted by the Cultures of Resistance producers on their Facebook page.

Robert has also been the featured writer on the Seawoman’s Caribbean Writing Opps blog  and his work has been published in an anthology of poetry written by Ainsley Carter entitled,  A Journey Into the Abyss of the Mind

His poetry has also been accepted into the St. Somewhere Caribbean E-zine for publication in their April 7thedition.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Robert: I was 14 or so. I was introduced to poetry as part of my English Language curriculum in school. I decided to try my hand at it and the kids loved it, and I have been writing ever since.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Robert: I wrote a poem after being introduced to poetry while in school. It was called THE STUDENT'S LAMENT - and it was a humorous piece insulting everyone from the headmistress to the janitor - and the kids LOVED IT. I said to myself, "I could do this!" And I've been writing ever since.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Robert: Locally my favourite poet is D.J Simmons - I love his energy, and he's the one that got me back into writing in a serious way. Internationally, it is Gemineye - I LOVE his poems, especially POETIC BLOODLINES.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Robert: Sometimes. I usually write in free flowing spoken word type verse, so that I can learn it and perform it to an audience. However, from time to time I restrict myself to a form for practice.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Robert: I agree because (good) rap and love songs are poetic in nature. The point of a good poem is to communicate a feeling to the audience, just like you would want to do when writing a song.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Robert: When I'm writing under inspiration I write in such a way that the words flow off my tongue. The goal is to be able to carry the written word to the stage or to let those who read it on the page feel it as if it were being read aloud. I use a lot of imagery and word play. The rhythm of the piece is important - words will be dropped, cut or changed if the beat of a line is off.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Robert: None yet, but I'm in the process of writing an anthology of poetry called LOVE'S JOURNEY

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Robert: I am a spoken word artist, so I perform regularly on stage. My last performance was at the official house of Barbados' Prime Minister for a charity event called LOVE, POETRY and SONG. This was in aid of giving money and food items to help people living with HIV and AIDS.

Check out some of my performances

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Robert: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of love is my fiancée. I write her a poem every day expressing that love to her.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Robert: I'm dating another writer, Colleen Williams, who has written a book about her life as a domestic abuse victim in her book entitled, WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Robert: Success is a matter of choice; you have to work hard to get where you want in life. That being said, it has elements of chance too in that circumstances may align in the right way to allow you to get a chance to strive harder for success. For example (non-poetic) I would have sent out resumes to change jobs, (which is working for what I want, or choice) but the fact that the right job came the day before I was let go from my current job is chance; that allows me to continue to work towards my goal.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Robert: I get inspired by many things - a random word would pop into my head and I would build a poem around it. One of the craziest inspirations has given birth to one of my most popular poems. My poem LUSCIOUS was inspired by the taste of a ham sandwich.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Robert: Getting married too early caused a lot of heartaches; I would have waited.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Robert: Facebooking, working at my day job as a Database Administrator or Skyping with my fiancée

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Robert: Get up, dress for work as a database administrator, write a poem at my desk if I feel inspired and work is slow, then travel to my hangout spot and chill with my friends before coming home.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Robert: The perfect day would contain lots of inspiration to write with no interruptions. My perfect day would contain spending time with my fiancée, going on dates and reveling in the inspiration of the day.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Robert: I take care of my children on Saturdays, and spend time with my fiancée on Sundays. Sometimes, I perform or have a meeting with other poets.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Robert: I hang with other artistic people at one of our vegan restaurants and bars called the GOOD LIFE. I perform at a restaurant called JAGOS, but I do actually go party on the party district from time to time as well.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Robert: I'd take my fiancée to Europe and explore. We want to spend quality time together and we don't find a lot of that right now.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Robert: When I got separated and was headed for divorce, I fell into a funk, a serious depression. One of my friends started sending me FB invites to go out of the house. I found this poetry open mic in a bar and I went to see what it was about. It was there when I met the guy who inspired me to be a spoken word artist myself, DJ Simmons. Through interacting with him and the other word artists, I have come out of that funk with a new confidence, a new boldness, and a new relationship as well :)

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Robert: I HATE to be late for ANYTHING. I guess I have OCD. I would rather be an hour EARLY and sit down with a book in the meantime than be late.

Stay Connected:

Website: http://poetwhispers.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PassonPoet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bajanpoet

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bajanpoet?feature=mhee

 A Writer’s Struggle

Tonight I don’t want to write

I don’t want my pen to bleed ink

Putting life into this paper

Flowing out secrets I can’t bare to whisper

Tonight I don’t want to write

I don’t want to flash back on my life

How empty I feel it’s been

How my smiles have deceived even my closest friends

How I was searching for things that I felt I needed

Even though these things I couldn’t come close to naming

I don’t want sympathy

Folks running up to me saying you poor thing

All the while whispering making it all in vain

Tonight I just don’t want to write

But I can’t stop my heart flowing through this pen

Possessed is my hand

A soul trapped within

Refusing to stop until it’s all out

A voice unrecognized even by me

Shouting screaming unto this paper before me

Tonight I have no choice but to write

About the Poet

Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Vulyncia Poindexter spent most of her life writing, not only to cope but to also connect with those around her, drawing specifically to poetry because she felt there were never any limitations. Going to school to pursue her dream of becoming a psychologist Vulyncia has obtained her Associate’s degree in Science and is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Never putting the pen down, in April of 2012 she released her first book of poetry and personal thoughts on life called “Timeless Clock,” a message embodied in the truth that everyone goes through something because life, love, cheating, and sex is timeless. Through her book she inspires people not only to recognize their dreams but to not be ashamed of who they are and understand what makes them happy. Vulyncia Poindexter lives in Hopkinsville with her children.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Vulyncia: I first realized my attraction to poetry at a very early age although I didn't take it that serious. I have been writing poetry since the age of 15 of course and at that age I didn't know what I was doing; I just knew it was an outlet. As I got older it was something I turned into a habit; every chance I got I was writing little things here and there. I knew the attraction to poetry was more than a hobby when I could never resist the urge to write no matter what was going on.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Vulyncia: The very first poem I ever wrote was a poem called "My Life." It wasn't in the normal structure of a single column poem; it was written in paragraph form. I was real upset and felt alone, even with two sisters. I felt my oldest sister was too old to relate and my youngest sister was too young to understand. It was really a venting poem as I went on to explain how my life wasn't like other kids and why couldn't I be free to live my life as I seen the other kids doing. I didn’t dress like they did because it was "My Life"

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Vulyncia: I actually have several favorite poets - Frank X Walker, Jasmine Mans, Dana Gilmore just to name a few.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Vulyncia: I've never thought in terms genre, I just allow whatever to come to mind to come out.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Vulyncia: Yes I've always said poetry is a song without the music. True music is about the lyrics and actually saying something, and not hiding behind a good beat. The same thing goes for great poetry which is about saying something and connecting to people who read it.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Vulyncia: There is one thing I've never done when writing and that is title my poems before I finish them; and I don't read anything until after I'm done. I feel like it restricts me and distracts me because I’m constantly worried about the title or if it ties in. Other than that I have no real writing style-sometimes it rhymes sometimes it doesn't.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Vulyncia: I released my first poetry book called "Timeless Clock" in April of 2012

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Vulyncia: No I would love to one day but not as of yet.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Vulyncia: Never getting old, never getting dull, and never-ending. Rarely felt but often used, and mistaken when it’s really infatuation and lust.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Vulyncia: I'm currently single

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Vulyncia: Success is a matter of choice and chance; you choose to take the chance to put yourself out there to get everything that you truly want, but it definitely starts with you making that choice.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Vulyncia: People sometimes say they got bit by "the writing bug;" well I get that all the time. I might be in the bed tired to the world and something comes to me and I have to write it down. One night I was just so tired and I wanted to write so bad but at the same time I tried to fight it. I spent an hour looking for a pen because I couldn't resist the urge, thus "A Writer's Struggle" was penned.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Vulyncia: I really have nothing in my past that I would "right" because everything I've been through has made me who I am and if I was to take even the smallest thing away I may not be where I am or have even half the accomplishments that I do have.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Vulyncia: Reading or working on furthering my education in psychology.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Vulyncia: Getting up and getting my kids who are 8 and 4 dressed for school. Since the oldest is in preschool I take four hours to transfer whatever I've written on paper to computer. Then it’s school work when my youngest gets off the bus - that way she feels we're doing it together. I’ll have lunch made for the girls by the time the oldest gets off at 3, and complete any other school work. Then it’s dinner by 5-6, kids in bed, then off to work by 11.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Vulyncia: Me writing all day long with no interruptions, no errands to run, just me and my pen, and some nice R&B playing from my kindle.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Vulyncia: Weekends typically are anything goes days. The kids and I usually play the WII watch movies do laundry, and cook one meal together of their choice, either breakfast, lunch, or dinner

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Vulyncia: Hanging out for me is going to my friend's house or them coming to mine. I get to cooking and maybe a have a little wine, and then have fun with the kids.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Vulyncia: I would visit Europe and I would take one of my best friends who lived overseas before.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Vulyncia: One challenge I've had to overcome in my life was getting pregnant right when I graduated high school. A lot of people expressed their disappointment to me and didn't hide the fact they didn't think I would make anything out of myself. I got over it by doing what I did best - turn to writing and enrolling in school despite being told at times I needed to quit and focus more on money.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Vulyncia: I wasn't going to actually go forward with trying to be published but watching my mom get real sick and then pass away made me realize I wanted to be able to look back on my life and say I have no regrets and I never missed an opportunity. I was tired of wasting time when I had so many things I wanted to explore.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Vulyncia: Not at this time but I will soon

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Vulyncia: None at this moment but I will definitely keep everyone posted

Stay Connected:

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/timelessclockpoetry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorvulyncia.poindexter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulsista_101

Hey

Hey, how you doing?

You look nice today

I see you've still got that smile

You still wear the same aftershave

Got the same swagger in your step

Still fresh with your clothes

You still make me melt

And I bet you still know

Just what makes me giggle

What makes me giddy inside

What makes me lose my cool

And how to keep my tears dried

I've been missing you

Dream about you sometimes

Thought about you the other day

Yeah, you tend to cross my mind

I heard about the wedding

That's a nice ring on your finger

I hope you're truly happy

Despite these feelings that linger

I hope she knows she's lucky

And what a good man she has

I hope you stay together forever

I hope yours is a love that lasts

Well, I'd better be going

Busy as ever, you see

But there's one more thing I want to say:

She should be ME

About the Poet

Married at sixteen, a mother twice by seventeen, and thrice a mother and divorced by twenty-four, Adrienne Thompson is no stranger to adversity. Not your typical teenage mother, she went on to complete her college degree and to earn her nursing license. She attributes God's faithfulness as the catalyst for her success in life. Now, having raised two children as a divorced mother, with a third fast approaching adulthood, she is sharing a long hidden talent and passion with the world. Using the lessons that life has so expertly taught her as a guideline (betrayal, abusive relationships, self-esteem issues, and witnessing the deteriorating effects of drug abuse), she has created stories that will both entertain and inspire the reader.

Adrienne currently resides in Arkansas with her daughter. Formerly a registered nurse, she now writes and publishes her stories full time.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Adrienne: I believe around Junior High School. Poetry allowed me to express the feelings I kept bottled up inside.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Adrienne: Oh, wow. I don't think I can remember exactly what it said, but I'm almost positive it dealt with love. That's what most all of my poetry deals with. I was probably either expressing my love or my anguish over a lost love.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Adrienne: Years ago, I bought a book called The Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur. It was then and has remained my favorite book of poetry. And Tupac is my favorite poet.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Adrienne: No, I think in terms of what is in my heart at the moment, what craves to be expressed.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Adrienne: Definitely! A song is nothing more than poetry sung or rapped over music.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Adrienne: Anyone who really knows me knows that I am not big on rules. There are no real rules for creativity. You can't put what's in your heart into a certain category. I just write and whatever comes to mind comes out.

UBAWA What poetry books have you written?

Adrienne: I am currently working on a book of poetry that I will most likely offer as a free download on my website.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Adrienne: No, I haven't. But it's on my bucket list. :)

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Adrienne: God.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Adrienne: Happily single at the moment, but I'm ready to receive my husband when God sends him my way.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Adrienne: Definitely a matter of choice. In order to succeed, you have to choose to work hard, take advantage of opportunities, and persevere. You have to choose not to give up and to believe in yourself.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Adrienne: Knowledge that a former love was newly married.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Adrienne: I would choose to turn my back on fear and be fearless. I wronged myself in the past by being so afraid all of the time. I would go back and fix that for sure.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Adrienne: Listening to music or sleeping, lol.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Adrienne: Well, I make my bread and butter by writing novels, so I spend most of my day writing or promoting or thinking about writing and promoting.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Adrienne: Me on a beach with my iPod, a notebook, a pen, and no distractions,

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Adrienne: The same thing I do through the week: work!

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Adrienne: No, I'm way past that phase of my life.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Adrienne: Brazil, and I would take my youngest daughter.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Adrienne: I had to overcome worrying about the opinions of others, especially when it came to writing. I had to realize that just like I don't like everything I read or every song I hear or every movie I see, there will be people who won't like my work. And that's okay, because there will also be people who will love it.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Adrienne: I love watching ballroom dancing and I loved it way before Dancing with the Stars. I used to watch competitions on PBS all the time, lol.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Adrienne: Yes, I do from time to time.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Adrienne: Be sure to check out my website often as I plan to offer free reads throughout the year.

Stay connected with Adrienne:

Website: http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Adrienne-Thompson/300208429995218

Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_H_Thompson

Youtube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/muusikluvver?feature=mhee

Tasting Billie's Strange Fruit as its melancholic sound dripped from my stereo speaker

I grip my pen tightly magically transforming college ruled notebook paper into blue veins and flesh as my soul is now the residue of a No. 2 pencil lead.

You see Billie has become the mother of my poetic expression and the murderer of the childish chant of Roses are Red and Violets are Blue.

About the Poet

Juan Diaz started writing poetry when he was twelve years-old. He states that poetry is a way to unburden the soul and to help others see their reflection within the power of poetry. Juan Diaz is a graduate of Wilmington University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is also the author of two books entitled Poet's Heart and Tears of War.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Juan: I first realized I had an attraction to poetry when I started to notice girls. I would write them simple love poems and give them away to the girls at school. As I began to mature, however, I started to write poetry about my neighborhood and the crazy things that took place. In other words, poetry became a way to vent my fear and pain.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Juan: The first poem I ever wrote was titled "Sheila" after a girl I had a crush on. I poured my heart and soul into that poem, letting her know how I felt about her. Unfortunately, she didn't feel the same way I did because she ripped up the poem in my face. I swear I cried for weeks.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Juan: My favorite poet is Maya Angelou.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Juan: No, I just let it flow naturally.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Juan: I agree because a lot of emotions go into writing poetry just like a love song or rap. Plus, as a poet you want to write something your audience can identify with.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Juan: I write "Free Verse," which means that I don’t observe any rules, I just go from the top of my dome. I'm kind of like a freestyle rapper when it comes to poetry.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Juan: POET'S HEART

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Juan: I have performed pieces on stage. At the end of my reading, people cheered and some cried, letting me know me know that they were feeling me as a poet.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Juan: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of love is two distinctly different souls coming together as one.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Juan: I'm single

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Juan: choice

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Juan: Listening to Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit is what inspired me to write my latest poem.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Juan: If I could go back to right a wrong it would be to tell my first love that I cared for her deeply instead of being so withdrawn from her.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Juan: When I'm not writing I'm usually spending time with family and friends

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Juan: I get up go to work come back home and write for a few hours and go to bed

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Juan: That would have to be my wedding day, surrounded by family and friends in a big old church.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Juan: I go out to the moves and eat out with friends.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Juan: No

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Juan: I would go to Paris, with my sister

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Juan: I overcame living with a physical disability known as Cerebral Palsy which has caused me to be wheelchair bound since birth. It was my faith in God, the love of my family and poetry that have helped me come to terms with my disability.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Juan: One thing that people may not know about me is that I am going for my Master’s degree in Elementary Education.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Juan: no

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Juan: I'm speaking at a Latino art festival on March 17, 2013 in Wilmington, Delaware

Reach out to Juan:

Facebook: Juan Diaz

"Little Black Girl" DO NOT LET ANYONE STOP YOU!IF WE CAN HAVE A BLACK FIRST-LADY "MICHELLE OBAMA"THEN TRUST ME, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. NEVER THINK THAT YOU ARE LESS THEN ANY OTHER RACE ON THIS EARTH.YOU ARE STRONGER THAN THEY WANT YOU TO THINK. IF "ROSA PARKS" COULD SIT ON A BUS AND NOT MOVE DURING ONE OF THE MOST RACIST TIMES IN HISTORY, THEN TRUST ME YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING! IF "QUEEN LATIFAH” CAN BE A SPOKESWOMAN FOR COVERGIRL THEN TRUST ME, THERE'S NOTHING YOU CANNOT SUCCEED IN.THE FIRST STEP IS NEVER GIVING UP!SUCCESS SHOULD NEVER BE MEASURED BY YOUR SKIN,BUT THE TRUE GIFTS THAT ARE WITHIN. IF AT A "BEYONCE" CONCERT YOU CAN FIND ALL NATIONALITIES SINGING AND JUMPING... THEN TRUST ME YOU CAN SUCCEED.IT'S THE FIGHT IN YOU PASSED DOWN FROM CENTURIES FOR YOU TO ACHIEVE....ALL I'M ASKING YOU IS TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF EVEN IF EVERYONE ELSE DOESN'T BELIEVE.

About the Poet

Reginald is a poet/spoken word artist From Chicago, Illinois. He released a spoken word track, entitled "Mis-education of a Black Child" available on iTunes and Amazon. Reginald is the founder of Freedoms Glory Publications. He believes in fighting for justice, loving God and helping people along the way.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Reginald: Poetry has always been a part of my life. From reading poems by Maya Angelou to poems by Tupac, I always felt a connection to writing, helping people and expressing myself.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Reginald: I think I was in elementary school. I wrote a poem to a girl I was liking. Just a way of trying to express myself if the words couldn't come out.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Reginald: My Favorite poet has always been Ms. Maya Angelou

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Reginald: No I usually write from my emotions or the atmosphere around me.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Reginald: I feel that lyrics/poetry are all one. It’s a way of expressing your feelings; a way of getting a message across.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Reginald: No I kind of just go with the flow of things.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Reginald: Interpret My Interpretation

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Reginald: Happiness, Joy, togetherness, becoming one.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Reginald: single

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Reginald: I feel we are all given chances and we all have a choice to either use that chance or walk away.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Reginald: Everything inspires me to write. At any moment I can just write away.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Reginald: I am not really sure; everything happens for a reason.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Reginald: I sing

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Reginald: I work, I write music, and do extra work for the TV show “Boss.”

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Reginald: Total peace and happiness.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Reginald: I usually spend time with my little brothers or friends.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Reginald: No, I had a friend get killed in a club. I usually stay away from clubs.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Reginald: I always wanted to visit France. I would probably take my cousin/God brother with me. He is a freshman at Morehouse.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Reginald: I live in Chicago. A lot of killings and gang activity goes on here. I overcome by the grace of God each day by staying alive.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Reginald: I am very honest. I love helping people. I usually make sure everyone else is happy before I even think about my own happiness.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Reginald: I will be hosting a lot more in the next few months with my novel and poetry book coming out.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Reginald: not as of now.

Stay connected to Reginald:

Website: reginaldaward.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReginaldAWard

Twitter: twitter.com/reginaldaward

365 Valentines by Untamed

Thoughts of you caress my mind

As I patiently yet impatiently await the time

To be next to you.

It's true. Yet every day is Valentines

When I'm with you.

But today is extra special

It's when your touch is a caress

The finesse of your fineness is at its best

No fussing...shit no talking...no stress

Well maybe a reliever....haha

to make you a believer

that what we have is real 365

and on this day I'ma make you "cum" alive

Again...and again and again

Ain't no sayin when

Ain't no safe words needed

Pulling my hair and scratching yo back is intended

Hiked over, cuddling and bended

Shiittt....I'ma take everything you giving

So that when the sun ray

Comes up on Feb 15's day

You gone remember why everyday is Valentine’s Day.

About the Poet

Untamed is a fiction author working for One Karma Publishing Company. She first found a love of writing as a young child through her love of reading. It was a novel entitled, Coming of Age by Lorri Hewitt that truly inspired Untamed and became the flame that ignited her introduction to the pen and pad.

Untamed's writing journey began twenty years ago at thirteen years old with poetry, spoken word and short stories. Throughout her high school and college years, she received many accolades for her writing ability to include, the Coca-Cola Young Writers Award and honorable mention in the Sandhills Writers’ Conference.

Later, she began to develop her writing talents as a novelist due to her own personal life experiences. Best known for her gritty yet flavorful language, she embraced urban literature to bring about knowledge and support through real life, every day stories with highly animated and lifelike characters. Her powerful words and straight up, no-chaser verbiage delivers punches that will leave you screaming for more.

Writing is a passion to Untamed; believing that everyone has a story to tell, she proudly writes stories that not only entertain but relate to the readers on a very personal level.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Untamed: I first realized my attraction for writing poetry at the age of thirteen. We were learning about different poetry styles in school and we were asked to write a booklet of poetry as a final assignment. What started off as a simple class assignment opened a new world where I was able to release all of my inner thoughts and emotions. From that moment on, I began writing poetry all the time.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Untamed: What makes this funny is that during the time we were learning about poetry in school, I was upset with my "boyfriend" at the time. Therefore, I had a lot of emotion to get out! It was a quick little one stanza poem that I wrote on a half-slip of notebook paper and handed to him between classes.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Untamed: My favorite poet is the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre? U

Untamed: I generally write based on my feelings so I don't have a genre. My poems can fall into several genres anywhere between religion to erotica. It depends on my mindset at the time, what I am moved to write.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Untamed: I believe the writer's style of the poem can sway a reader/listener into feeling that it is a rap or love song. To me, poetry in itself is a heart's melody.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Untamed: I've tried to adhere to certain techniques but it doesn't work for me. I literally have to write what's in my heart and on my mind to say. But if I had to pick a few styles that I tend to favor it would be kyrielle. I've also written in a monotetra style, and spoken word.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Untamed: I have a collection of poems that I have written. Perhaps one day I will compile and publish them.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Untamed: I've been asked to write poems for different occasions such as weddings, funerals, black history programs etc, and asked to recite them. When you are performing a piece, the feeling is indescribable. Bringing the poetry to life takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It is where you are truly able to let out the feeling and meaning in your words.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Untamed: Everlasting. It's the single most sought after, fought after, hated, misunderstood yet understood emotion that everyone craves to have forever yet falls short of giving to someone forever. But God's love never fails. It is everlasting. Love. We love to love it.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Untamed: I am married to the most amazing man for twelve years and counting. And I'm looking...I’m joking. No, really, I'm joking. :)

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Untamed: A matter of choice. I think you can choose to go as far as you are willing to pray and work for. However, success can also come by chance, but the key to maintaining success is by your choice.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Untamed: Valentine’s Day and my husband inspired me to write 365 Valentines.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Untamed:  Wow. That's a deep question. I will just say that the couple I can think of, I've already apologized and prayed over them. So in essence I've "righted" them. If I could go back I would've never done it, but mistakes garner growth. You just have to be able to learn from them.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Untamed: Marketing, promoting, editing...that still falls under the "writing" category, huh? Well, besides my life as a poet/author,  I'm a full time worker, a full time wife, and a full time mother. I love spending time with my family playing on the WII, watching movies or sports. Hugh football fan! And I love to read and go shoe shopping!

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Untamed: Typical day? What's that like? I'm asking because I don't have those lol. Gosh, the most typical part would be going to work and my kids going to school. After that, it can get pretty hectic between my projects, their school projects and activities and making time for everyone.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Untamed: A glass of wine, my laptop, my favorite book of poetry, my favorite novel, a beach and some alone time with my husband. Perfect!

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Untamed: If I am not out promoting my book, I'm spending time with my family and tending to my house or watching sports. I love to watch ESPN. Yes, I'm a female and I love to watch ESPN. :) I'll catch up on my three favorite TV shows: Scandal, Suits and Necessary Roughness.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Untamed: I hang out with my family and close friends. I don't really do the club scene unless it's an event where I'm attending to show support.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Untamed: I would love to go to Greece and take my hubby.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Untamed:  Losing my child had to be the roughest challenge to overcome. No mother or parent wants to go through that. I made it through that by my faith, my family, my friends and my writing. Aside from that I realized, with something as devastating as this you will always go through some type of emotion. So I allow myself that moment to have my moment and I keep going.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Untamed: Oddly enough, I'm a very guarded person. Writing allows me to come out.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Untamed: I am not hosting any at this time, but stay tuned.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Untamed: I have a book signing on Saturday, March 2nd at the Nubian Bookstore in Southlake Mall in Morrow, GA from 12-3 for my novel Never Again...No More. The second part will release in May.

Stay Connected with Untamed:

Website: www.theauthoruntamed.doodlekit.com

Facebook: Author Untamed

Twitter: @chazz_untamed

 

SHOEICIDE BY MORENIKE`

You know us black women love our shoes

Next to diamonds, they're like our best friends

Yes, we love our shoes and that's why I loved him

He was a Yankee man and he took this girl out of the dollar store

snatched her right out of the Mississippi River

and moved her to bright light New York

I loved that man dearly; just like us black women love our shoes

I remember my first pair of red bottoms

slingbacks, chic and sexy because that's how he liked me, chic and sexy

Those red bottoms complimented my new Ray Ban sunglasses

and my black eye perfectly

My first black eye

We argued about having kids, I wanted to create life

with my first busted lip, ripped like leather car seats in the summer

I got a jazzy pair of special edition, diamond encrusted leather Keds

and a Fendi Messenger bag

Every girl has to look presentable on the golf course

We women love our shoes

My esteem was highest in a pair of high heels

Thigh high Fall edition Yves Saint Laurent boots

The color of mocha and caramel, covering every bite mark on my calf muscles

But he said I still looked beautiful

The bite marks didn't matter much

A girl's gotta ride horses in style

In style, just like my boots

Cornbread fed, collard greens and pinto beans

I was a Southern girl after all

Size 7, not big on fitness, but big on eating

He bought Pretty in Pink Gucci sneakers

For yoga and physical therapy

My shoe strings were pink and purple, just like my fractured ribs

But you know us girls, we love our shoes

I sat in my walk in closet one day

My retreat

My Heaven

reading the test results

positive

positive

HIV positive

I didn't shed one tear

He came home with Red Roses and Jessica Simpson clogs

Funny that he had given me flowers

the color of my blood that would no longer clot or clog like those cheap ass shoes

I collected all of my shoe strings

We women love our shoes

But our shoes don't need us as much as we need them

Next to diamonds, they're like our best friends

From the day I had met my Yankee

I knew I had forfeited my way to Heaven

signed sealed delivered my soul to the devil

Living in a material hell

I wanted to go to Heaven

I couldn't believe I owned so many shoe strings

intertwined as my only umbilical cord to this life

all of my shoes, the soles of my sanity

Every pair represented a romantic affair he had

or one I wish I could have had or a baby I never had

I found my first pair of red bottoms

and planted them firmly on my feet

I loved the way my feet looked in my shoes

I needed a mirror, I needed to see this

I'd never jumped so high in the air

The only pair of hands that had ever grasped my neck were his

And now with the intricate rope of shoe strings,

that made another pair

Tightly pulled around my neck

I watched my flesh turn every color of the rainbow

of every pair of shoes I'd ever had

of every bruise I'd ever had

I redeemed myself in a shoe closet

You know we women love our shoes

Next to diamonds, they're our best friend

I wanted to go to Heaven

My shoe-icide was the only way to get there...

About the Poet

Morenike` is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Province High School and graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor's in English. Morenike’ is currently a graduate student at Jackson State University pursuing a Master’s degree in English. Morenike’ has been writing short stories and poems since she was a young girl in elementary school. Her passion for reading and writing stemmed from her early introduction to reading from her parents. She states that, "reading was very important in my home; my parents’ relationship started from the discussion of a book, reading created my family." Her goals are to one day become a world-renowned novelist, focusing on African American fiction, poems, and short stories that reflect the African American community. Her latest work includes the poem and short film, "Shoeicide" and the anticipated release of two novels, Taste of Insanity and Loose Ends from La Femme Fatale Publishing and Pulse Publishing in April and May, respectively.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Morenike`: My attraction to poetry arrived when I started to keep a diary as a youth. I realized that anyone could find my diary and read it but not everyone could decipher a poem to be conducive to my thoughts and life. Poetry is such an intimate act and everyone is going to interpret it differently; that's what attracted me to poetry.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Morenike`: I've been writing poetry since maybe middle school but I consider "Shoe-icide" to be my first poem because it reignited my love for poetry and words in general. Shoeicide details the life of a young woman who goes from rags to riches and becomes so enamored by material possessions, most favorably her expensive shoes, provided by her husband, that she excuses his infidelity, mental, physical, and emotional abuse. The cycle continues until she is terminally affected by her husband’s actions and she takes her own life.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Morenike`: The late, American poet, Emily Dickinson is my favorite. Although she was an introvert and lived a reclusive lifestyle, she poured so much of herself into her words. "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" is my favorite poem of hers.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Morenike`: I usually don't think in terms of genre because I don't like to hinder myself artistically.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Morenike`: Certainly! Music is poetry. People that disagree may question the validity of the poet/artist but who are we to say their words aren't poetry?

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Morenike`: When I was younger, I was always concerned about the rhyme scheme in my poetry but as I grew older I understood how much that limited my work. I now write from the heart and my heart doesn't follow any rules.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Morenike`: I haven't written any poetry books yet but it is definitely an option in the future. At this time, I'm focusing on novels and my first novel, "Taste of Insanity" is set to release on April 1st.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Morenike`: I turned my poem "Shoe-icide" into a short film and one of the days of taping, one of my girls didn't show up. I had no choice but to step in myself and do a quick cameo. That helped me to later perform my poem "Black Widow" at an event I hosted. It was a very intoxicating and liberating experience for me. It helped me crawl out of a shell I'd let my fear of performing place me in.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Morenike`: Love is such a strong emotion and feeling. It makes me think of the fearlessness and passion it evokes in people.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Morenike`: I'm married to my craft! It consumes all of me!

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Morenike`: Success is a matter of choice. No one is going to hand you a golden key in life. "Hard work and consistent efforts are the keys to success." My high school principal said that quote over the intercom every day for four years and I still believe in it to this day.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Morenike`: My most recent piece, "The Weary Heart," was inspired by this Black History Month.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Morenike`: I try not to think negatively about the past. If it weren't for my wrongs, I'd never have moment of clarity in my life. I'd never be able to conquer the present and face my future.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Morenike`: When I'm not writing, I'm usually trying to map out and organize my thoughts and what my next plan of action will be.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Morenike`: My day is normal on the surface. I go to work, write, do homework, and then it's on to night class. What people don't see is how hectic my life is mentally. As a writer, throughout the day, there are SO many thoughts and ideas going on in my head!

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Morenike`: The perfect day would include pen, paper, a margarita, and a beach with no interruptions.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Morenike`: I usually stay in on the weekends these days. I don't watch much TV during the week so I use the weekend to catch up and write.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Morenike`: I go out occasionally. As a graduate student, I've learned everything you did socially in undergrad goes out the window when you enter grad school!

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Morenike`: I would visit Brazil with my best friend. The beauty and culture there is so intriguing!

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Morenike`: My biggest challenge has been the fear of the unknown, professionally. My first year of undergrad I was undecided because I didn't know whether I should choose a field that would secure me financially or go with my heart. In the end, I chose to go with my heart and I majored in English.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Morenike`: My pen name, Morenike', is my middle name. It's African and it means "good fortune." A lot of people find it hard to pronounce but once they master it they feel quite accomplished. Morenike'=Ma-ren-ah-k

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Morenike`: In March, I will be hosting a contest and giveaway once I reach 400 likes at www.facebook.com/AuthorMorenike

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Morenike`: The Circle of Color Book Club will be throwing my official book release/signing at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library in Jackson, MS on April 13, 2013. Time to be determined at a later date.

Reach out to Morenike`:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMorenike

Twitter: www.twitter.com/XatedMorenike

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9ZjOA2Tk8U

 

Whore for Half a century

It's ok because I allowed you to love me in such away. I love you as if we were 16, 20 years later I love you. I watched you grow, fall when beaten by society and stood up when faced by your enemies. I was to be your wife, however for the last 15 years I have been your whore. The woman that you refuse to forsake the world for; The woman you lie to, hiding me from those who mean nothing to me and the world to you. Your sick days I lie next to you in spirit; sneak to see when they are no longer around. Loaning you hundreds of dollars only to never see it again; 

I am your whore-

The woman who bore your eldest child, I am her. You hide my being, my existence and the deep conversations we have. You slide in my bed during the midnight hour and slide out in the early mornings. I fight battles of flesh and spirit over you. I belittle my worth in hopes that you will recognize my value in your life. 

I am your whore-

13 years ago I walked away from you but I never left your side.

Your side of the bed has been warmed by those who try to give me sexual gratification. But it waits on its true owner. The food I cooked and warmed during late night hours awaits your return. When the man of you; your manhood needs washing it is my jaws that cleans it. When the dampness of my thighs calls for attention you treat her as if to say you love her. But you have nothing but love for me. My heart knows the difference. Today I have to forsake you, and the us I believed in. I have to refrain from denying the truth, my truth. 

I am your whore-

Recognition is the beginning to feelings that I hid deep within

Owning my reality is my biggest unmet sin

Accepting the outcome is of being what I dream of

It’s nothing more than factual. 

I am your whore-

Being your whore is my addiction

My 12 step program has yet to be designed

This long drawn out story is our end but my true beginning-

I was your whore

However on this date

I am no longer- 

Now allow me to open my front door as I do so many mornings

Your back rest at the glass that I want to touch

Your spirit calls out to me

Yet the beat of your feet takes you from me; like so many nights

Holding on to my tears, resting behind all my lonely fears

Yes it’s true: nothing more than the whore you once adored 

I forgive you; I forgive me for not allowing us to live to our fullest

I am merely your over worked, underpaid, whore

I am your whore no more

~Najen~ © 2013

About the Poet

Najen a born poet lived a life of generational poverty. Through the courage and wisdom of great women she was offered an opportunity of God’s grace. Najen focused on the power of overcoming the struggles of poverty; therefore she became determined and earned her Master’s degree in Social Work to serve those who have experienced similar situations. Najen is the author of Jojoba Essence “A Woman’s Worth” and the erotic spoken word accompanying CD. Najen is a mother of three and believes no matter the struggles we are faced with, there is nothing more important to have in your circle than those individuals who have the ability to teach you something.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Najen: My first attraction to poetry happened when I was 10 years old. I was trying to explain to my mother that I was upset with her. I was reading a magazine and the words came to me. The words did not make much sense because I was trying not to be disrespectful. I come from a household where "a child was to be seen not heard." It was a poem that was not shared until I was much older and confident.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Najen: I wrote a poem about a child who was being raised in a home where the parents were using the drug, crack cocaine. However, the poem was addressed to the drug itself. “Crack Cocaine through a Child's Eyes” was an expressive poem. The words were used to explain to 'crack' that it would not defeat my childhood.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Najen: No. I find beauty in all poets.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Najen: No. I think in terms of being expressive and engaging.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Najen: Yes. Some 'underground' artists utilize a poetry format. I believe mainstream music does not allow for artistic poetry to be recognized. I believe poetry requires people to think. Too often in today's "American" society people utilize music as a way to get away from real life. Music used to be a way of teaching, educating, and unification of a group of people.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Najen: I do not like to use rhyming words. I believe my poetry is more of a spoken word. As an artist I tell a short story in my poems.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Najen: None. I use poetry in my fictional writing to inspire and engage my readers.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Najen: I was nervous and excited. I have performed at J'Anthony Brown's comedy club. That was an experience I will never forget. It was titled "Erotic Storm." It was my first performance with a large audience. I loved it. Some liked me and others loved me. The first night was a younger crowd; therefore I was able to be more sexually graphic with my words. The second night I was put to the test of taming my language because the crowd was more of an older crowd. That was a challenge because I was taught to respect my elders. It was uncomfortable but I was given encouraging words by several audience members after the show. .

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Najen: I think of God. I think of unconditional and rare emotions. I think of scary moments in life that forces those who are ready to become vulnerable to those they love.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Najen: I am single.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Najen: It is a matter of CHOICE.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Najen: The death of a character in my second book that I am working on.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Najen: I'm not sure. I fear if I change something in my past then I wouldn't be where I am today. I love where (not physically but mentally and spiritually) I am today.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Najen: Working as a child protection social worker, hanging out with my children, and developing my consulting business.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Najen: I wake up around 5:30 am. I read my morning Bible scripture. I get ready for work and get my family ready for their day. I work during the day. I am researching topics that I am working on in my books. I come home, cook dinner, help my children with their homework (when it is needed). Once they are in bed I am writing and researching.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Najen: I would love to rent a hotel room with a hot tub in it. I would connect my lap top to the flat screen and write my book on a large screen. When I get exhausted I would sit in the hot tub with a glass of wine to relax. I would eat and start writing again. I would do that until my book was completed.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Najen: Family activities, watch football, laundry, and try to write as much as possible. I am a big researcher. Even though I am a fictional writer I like to have factual information in my stories.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Najen: I go out when my friends feel like I have been isolating them too much.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Najen: I would go to Australia. I have no idea who I would take with me. Not enough open minded people around me.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Najen: I can honestly say there are many. If I have to be honest I would have to say I had to get over the challenge of not loving myself. I never hated myself but it seemed to me that once I truly started loving myself choices about food, men, friends, my relationship with God, family heart aches, other people disappointing me and me disappointing myself became a thing of the past. Loving myself did not make me perfect but it did make me slow down and acknowledge my wrongs quicker than I was able to notice the wrongs others were doing to me.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Najen: I love chili. It's the secret to my heart.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Najen: Yes I have. I do not have any planned for the year yet.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Najen: I plan to attend the National Black Book Festival in Houston, TX October 2013.

Connect with Najen:

Website: http://www.amorousink.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=446466025390800&ref=notif&notif_t=video_tag#!/pages/Najen/201502099878420

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Najena123

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/najenana