Usually I don’t post these over here, but this one’s slighty different. Here you go. Reviews coming soon.

~~~

I sit down with my journal in my right hand under the bright light as a lady dressed in all white asks me…

“Can I write?”

I almost laughed.

I wiped off my black Nikes and slowly began to gripe. I don’t think they understand the effects of my plight. Lady, I can’t even relax or go to sleep at night unless I write to relieve stress in my life by somehow ranting about wrong and right…doesn’t even matter whether I’m wrong or right… I been doing this my whole life, and my whole life’s been stricken and smitten with sorrow and strife but in spite of the mess in my life, somehow I still manage to spin my problems in a positive light…

She asks me “Is that right?” Well I don’t think it’s wrong. It’s my personal truth, I’m surprised it’s not my theme song, although I make beats and rhythms in my head all day long and spit vicious punchlines custom-made by my design. And my design comes straight from the inner-sanctum of my Mind, and my mind says my lines are fine, but… something I’ve realized well over time is that people think I’m crazy when I begin to pen my rhymes…

She asks me “So why do I write?”  Did you really have to ask? You ain’t seen what I’ve heard. You ain’t cried how I laughed. You’re not living for the future, you’re just living in your past and that’s why you have no real presence, and that’s really just sad.

She didn’t understand the answer, so I told her to sit and maybe in due time she’d understand what I had just spit… The way her thoughts were derailed told more of the tale.

You think I’ve gone mad? No I Think you’ve gone mad because all you see is bad and all you read out of context are the lines on my pad that bleeds from my pen until that particular train of thought ends. I call it a writer’s cycle, not un-similar to the one you go through that puts you in a pissy mood.

I could see the offense on her face, so I quickly went into what I had to say and told her that for me it happened every couple of days. I just sit in my room, thinking of how to pray To God for Him to help me and show me a better way of escape and I expect to hear something, but really all I hear Him say is “Write..”… so I write just in spite of all of the drama surrounding me, my friends, and my family in my life…

She asks me if I might be overdoing it… That’s a good question, and even if I was, I honestly couldn’t prove it or stop myself from doing it. I guess it’s my own personal drug, but writing’s better than me deciding to empty slugs or initiate a violent rivalry with a thug on the block until cops stopped the shots. Or added to them.

She looks down to ask me another question, but I knew the next one and I beat her to it stating that I might need me another outlet soon, and I’m aware how many people are clueless when it comes to doing this thing of writing… but I’m talented, and I plan to use this one until it’s useless…

She nods and stands up asking is there anything else she needs to know…My sarcastic self responds “Am I free to go?”

She leaves without a word, although I gave her several… I picked up my pad and pen and started to write again and for now, this is how the story ends…

“Save The Unborn Child”

This is one of my favorites! 60 minutes of anti-abortion speeches by fathers, priests and professors.

There’s no year on the record but it’s most likely from around 1972. In the early seventies the Dutch politics started talking about a new abortion law which triggered a wave of protests and anti-abortion groups were formed. This record is initiated by a religious association lead by a christian priest who named themselves “Save The Unborn Child”

I’ll try to translate the cover text in my best english so you can catch the mood of the record

Only peace by justice,
A future for everyone by love and mercy,
We convert ourselves,
One way: Jesus
All human life is of irreplaceable value,
Nobody has the right to decide
over life or death of a fellow human being.
One exception in the legal protection
of life itself discloses everything.
Abortion is murder.

Enjoy these wonderful short clips:

And here you can get the whole sixty minutes (48mb).

Via BBC News

Mercury winner Speech Debelle was booed by Take That fans as she tried to rap one of their songs at a London event in honour of the group.

The rapper was one of a host of stars performing at the launch of the SingStar Take That video game.

Debelle chose to rap her way through the 1993 hit single Pray, leading to boos from some of the 500-strong crowd.

She was also criticised by host James Corden, who said “anyone can rap”, before launching into a rap of his own. Continue Reading….

Oh dear…when attempting to do something different goes terribly wrong.

Why would she even attempt to rap her way through Pray? The thought of her up there rapping  the line ‘All I do each night is pray’  just makes me cringe!

Earlier this week Speech announced that she was leaving her label Big Dada because of disappointing album sales.

DJ /rupture

No Tracklist.

discogs.com

hotfile.com

Were you at Dog’s Bar last night? Because I was. Imagine a stage curtained off from the noise and lights of Ackland Street, a spindly desk lamp, and Josephine Rowe draped over a leather armchair Dickens might have favoured, her pale feet dangling over the side. Or Chris Flynn, straight-backed, introducing guest readers with a Belfast lilt, needing a tweed suit to go with his cap. Delicately drawn characters from Steven Amsterdam and Luke May, conversations about boxing with Mischa Merz, and an impromptu travel story from Cate Kennedy that was so well-constructed, it was sleight of hand, the audience straining to spot the chicanery of wires and pulleys in the dark. And then wine after, and dinner, and conversation about books. ‘Twas good. You missed out.

It isn’t perfect, but it’s fun: This church produced the video below; the story is told here and here. HT: Liturgy NZ

And I discovered video below via Martin Kelley’s Convergent Friends Ning network (Ning networks are awesome!); Jon Watts is a spoken word artist and multipreneur; his music reminds me of Eminem or maybe Aesop Rock, except that he’s a Quaker rapping about the Inner Light illuminating the world’s darkness. He’s also created a wicked-cool George Fox Friend Speaks My Mind t-shirt that could totally go head-to-head with the John Calvin Is My Homeboy shirt – if only he’d make it in sizes that men with more girth could wear. Anyway, this video is fun; many Christians will balk at its chorus line, but I think it’s great for continuing discussion about the tension Dallas Willard names in The Divine Conspiracy between traditional and progressive Christians, the former of whom worship Jesus for what he does, the latter of whom follow him for the example he sets. Taken as a koan, imagine this song as singing one half of this ‘battle rap’ and live into the tension.

A story of infidelity and newly found freedom. Enjoy!

Listen here: Mel

This is powerful.

So is this.

Via BBC News

Speech Debelle is quitting her record label, saying the company were to blame for disappointing sales of her Mercury-winning debut album.

Debelle told 6 Music that sales of Speech Therapy suffered because of poor distribution by Big Dada records.

Prior to her win, the album had sold around 3,000 copies with sales increasing to just below 10,000.

“The Mercury Prize was on Tuesday, and on Friday there were no more physical albums in the shops,” she said.

“So, on the Mercury weekend, which would have been my biggest selling weekend, people couldn’t get it,” added Debelle, whose real name is Corynne Elliot.

“I wasn’t disappointed that it didn’t sell well, I was disappointed in the people I was working with.” Continue Reading…..

After the Mercury win it just seemed to go quiet *crickets* for Speech Debelle.

It will be interesting to see what happens now…….  

I would do anything for you
I would sell my organs on the black market
Liver
Kidney
Spleen
Anything that a scalpel and forceps can get a hold of…

…Except my eyes
So I can see your beauty

…Except my lungs
So you can steal my breath when I see your beauty

…Except my heart
So it will skip a beat when you steal my breath when I see your beauty
And more importantly not my heart
Because it already belongs to you

Got this via Facebook. Sounds like a terrific event and a good cause.

As a born socialist and also a Canadian who’s had cancer, I’d like to let you know that no, BC Medical does not cover all your costs. In fact, for many long months I was on an immune system booster that cost $1700 an injection, and had to be taken twice a month; it was not covered until my life savings had been eaten up completely and I was forced onto medical welfare. Even ambulance rides are no longer covered, remember. And when you are ill and in treatment, there are many small things, like neck pillows, special meals, and support services, that can make all the difference between enduring and living.

$20 for poetry, community, a good time, a burger and a beer. Can’t beat that with a shoplifted copy of On the Road. Geddit?

Cottage Bistro by berglind_hafsteinsdottir

Wednesday Nov 25th
Pandora’s Collective Presents
A BENEFIT FOR FELLOW POET MARC CREAMORE
Pandora’s Collective and folks in the poetry and music community are holding a Benefit for our friend Marc Creamore, who is battling lung cancer. Marc has been an active part of Vancouver ’s poetry community for many years. Join us in support of Marc and his family at this evening of poetry, music, spoken word and shared memories.

Tickets: $20 at the door includes entertainment, a burger with fries and beer. After costs, all proceeds go directly to Marc and his family.
There will also be door prizes, and Marc’s published poetry books will be available for sale.

6:00-6:30 Brief Introductions by Bonnie Nish and Ruth Kozak followed by
Poetry and ♫♫ David Campbell
6:30-7:00 Spoken Word Al Mader The Minimalist Jug Band
7:00 – 7:30 ♫♫ Jess Hill
7:30 -7:45 Spoken Word CJ Leon
7:45- 8:15 Spoken Word and Poetry Steve Duncan and Diane Laloge
8:15-9:00 ♫♫ Sandy Bone
9:00- 9:30 Open Mic
9:30-9:45 Spoken Word & ♫♫ CR Avery
9:45-10:15 Poetry Daniela Elza and Robin Susanto
10:15-10:45 ♫♫ Hi-Rise Dex (Kempton Dexter)
10:45-11:15 Spoken Word Bill McNamara and RC Weslowski
11:15-12:00 Open Mic Closing Words.

There will be an open mike for poets and friends to share their words with Marc.
Time: 6 – 12pm
Location: The Cottage Bistro
4468 Main Street @ 29th Avenue
Hosts: Bonnie Nish and Ruth K ozak
RSVP if possible
Contact: blinsh_pandoras AT yahoo DOT ca
www.pandorascollective.com

Him: Lately I havent been inspired to write about anything. Lastnight I lye awake thinking bout many things. Like I would be a fool to let U walk out of my life, & how I would be even a bigger fool not to make U my wife. Im not perfect & never claimed to be. What I do know is that I want U to remain with me.

Her: U don’t nevuh miss ya water ’til ya well runs dry but still gonna have to deny u. Too many tears have dropped from eyes. These wounds still burn from all ya lies. It hurts me so much but for my own sanity, we need to say our good byes….

Him: another chance is all Im asking for please dont be so quick to shut the door. Baby I need u & now I see I wouldnt be complete without my Dee!

Him: Baby Talk to me this silence is killing me! I dont like the vibe when I come around that ur not feeling me!

Her: Stop dude this love not loving nobody but u has been killing me….but softly…..u have had so many chances, I’m all out of passes, and I ask that u not make this any harder than it already is . I’m in pain and I’m takin this shit out on the kids. I’m goin through things that the naked eye can’t see. Just promise you’ll do right if the most high ever blesses u with another me…

Him: another you is not what I want! Im miserable without you I cant front. Your face your touch your love is all that I need. without out it my heart will just bleed!

Her: Silence is golden because it can speak so loud and the vibe is off cuz we’re under a dark cloud. Overstand that I can’t complete you until I complete me time will tell if this was meant to be. But if u love me be my friend. We need to blossom as individuals. That’s the only way we can mend..

Her: Overstand once again that u r not without my love. This love is divine from that dude up above. Step out of the physical for a minute my love exists in more than just my touch. Its gonna be rough but we gotta knock this shyt down and build from the ground up….

Him: I hear what your saying I feel what your saying! But I swear if I see with another im going to kill both of you & I am not playing!

Her: Wow I thought u loved me if u did, you’d wanna see me happy but from u saying u slaying me if another makes me smile. I gotta think about that for a while. Loooks like u lovin yaself more. U don’t love me, u just in love with what I stand for…..

Him: Your right I do love what you stand for! But I know Mr rights only gonna be right for a minute & all thats gonna change as soon as he gets in it. & I’ll be damn if I stand around & watch another abuse you, It’s that & the fear that I will forever loose you

Her: Ooooowwweeeeee boo u know how to fix it up but my jaw hit the floor too many times and I’m pickin it up. I’m no longer falling for illusions so don’t jump to the conclusion that my mr right will change and start abusing. I had a good teacher in u my friend the days of u playing the mind games in your most recent response have to an end

Him:  allright fuck it I quit! what time you not goin be home so I can get my shit! I need to know cus im movin in with my little bro.

Her: Y curse I thought u loved me and I don’t need to be here when u come. Just shoot me a text when u done….I ain’t arguin no more. Imma just let it be. Lock the bottom lock behind you and leave my key…

Him: Its cool I’ll leave but know its not goin be that easy to get rid of me! I dont wanna argue either or want to fight! but umm can I come over later my brothers having company tonight! I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself cus I see you’ve officialy put our love on the shelf!

Her: I don’t think that would be a healthy situation cuz when I c u, my panties still get that tingling sensation u can’t spend the night ’til I can seperate the love from the love makin…u think u slick. U know u ain’t gotta touch me for me to hop on and mangle that dddiii….

Him: damn I guess ur hip to all my game but I would love to get one more night of you screaming my name! I would love to feel your nails run across my skin & I would love for you to condition my chin! Im sorry just got caught up in the passion! Just think about it baby thats all Im asking!

Her: Sorry boo but i’m hip to that game too. One more night of unadulterated touches and you’ll have me right back in ya clutches. Let me chill for a while ’til I’m strong enough to fuck you and leave the money on the table. But I ain’t conditioning shyt until I’m able….

Him: I can respect that! damn I taught you well! maybe this will workout for the best still it’s to early to tell! Just know that u have my heart & Im not looking for a replacement until then dont forget me & lock our memories away in the basement! I love you!

Her: Aawww lil tink tink that was so sweet enuff to make me ponder lettin u sweep me off my feet but not so much that it made me relapse. Thanks for understanding and allowing me to fallback….

Him: Your a good girl I can only respect your wishes, you gave me some food for thought now I have to do the dishes! Goodbye my love until I hold you again, I know now that we must focus on being friends!

c. soprofound & c. gatewood

Bundled up by the fire
But your skin is like ice
Still striving for that moment
When your soul can be released
You do not try to be comforting
Your mind is too frigid
Hurt among your eyes
Can no longer be hidden
Pressure that constructs
Causes everything to blur
Tears stream down your face
No one is there to see them
Loneliness built up over the years
Stories forgotten, day by day
Heartache has come and gone
Life should be much more than that
Money is an issue
Though surely a last concern
Looking back, you are forced to wonder
Never did you see this coming
It only existed in distant fears
Death after death
No longer could you take it
Depression froze time
Fear dragged from marriage
Oh, the life you could have known
Your dreams were so colorful
But your story altered mood
Only black and white snapshots
Were displayed in your scenes
 If you were not so afraid
The mirror would be clear
You would see great passion
But a transformation so fierce
Made you forget how to breathe
All hope descended
The heat from the flames is useless
Your bones are too bitter
The hot cocoa drops to the floor
Pieces scatter, you are careless
With a final glance around the room
You feel more shattered than the glass

According to Spambook, Peril’s Issue Eight will be launching Thursday, 3 December, at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre. I’ll be stuck at an end of year work function, missing out on the likes of Tom Cho, Ladies of Colour Agency, Maxine Clarke, Angela Costi, and Diana Nguyen. I really want to meet Diana after reading her Growing Up Asian in Australia piece, ‘Five Ways to Disappoint Your Vietnamese Mother’, and I enjoy Maxine Clarke’s performances; I’m kinda bummed that I can’t make it. Somebody should go on my behalf and tell me about it (or, even better, record and post stuff up on YouTube).

My one consolation is that I’ll be MC-ing December’s Caffe Sospeso gig on Friday, 4 December. Racism will be the night’s theme, and there will be performances from Maxine Clarke, Lian Low, and Raina Peterson. It will be like totally PC and high brow: I’ll be putting on my best  ’Sittingvale’ accent and my new ao dai. Come along and laugh and then feel awful about it. Things start happening around sevenish. 

Poetry Fridays: Racism with Maxine Clarke, Lian Low, and Raina Peterson