Enjoy these hand-picked Samples of Poetry & Prose as read by the Authors. These forceful messages shout a mandate for change as “we the people” refuse to yield to power and authority that maintains and perpetuates racism. Now Listen to the following Exclusively Remastered Audio Recorded Samples from the actual Authors reading their own works from the […]
Silent No More (Audio)
Trouble Boy – ‘Silent No More’ – Music by Brady Blade © ℗ 2020 Sony music Atv Sweden
Get Ready to Hear (Audio)
Ronald Montgomery, a St. Louis born activist, linguist, educator, musician, photographer, and poet. Focused on helping individuals and organizations develop personal and corporate habits that eliminate barriers and build bridges using trust-based relationships. Drum Stem – ‘Get Ready to Hear’ – Music by Brady Blade © ℗ 2020 Sony music Atv Sweden
If This Is Now… Now What?
This is NOW! Next Now … What NOW? Baby Breathe!
We talk, as we walk paths curving through city sanctuaries, thru the streets
and speculate on future memories, planned retrospectives, looking back on
the “good ole days” as comfortable as slumbers on the family couch.
Now, there’s no resting until the work of peace and love is done.
This is NOW! Next Now … What NOW? Next Step!
Here, the steps never retreat as we discuss the themes of today’s war and
bygone friends, as leaves of a single season float earthward on the path
before us, while a lonely few on outstretched branches, hold on for dear life,
forgotten by pale siblings who have surrendered on the sidewalks, streets
and neighboring lawns. These are memories left behind, while some pain
remains: like broken teddy bears in toy chests and dried flowers, forgotten
on the coffee table. There’ll be no place for better times until the works of
rediscovered love and friendship are done . . .
Excerpt from the book, ENOUGH “Say Their Names . . .”
Let ME Breathe
When I breathe, I do not ask, “Is there another breath for me?”
I am focused on the present and that is sufficient—this breath,
an expanding rib cage, a diaphragm pulling and relaxing, and forgetfulness
as I concentrate on just being in this moment before my next exertion.
But no planning is required as I look to the next breath’s future and more
Mama, help me . . . Just let me breathe . . .
With each new day, I do not ask, “Will this be the last sunrise I see?”
I think about “my normal”—going about and doing mundane things.
With no hero plans or lofty goals other than to be alive and in JOY …
Thinking about my children, my family, and a tomorrow—all part of me
But no planning is required as I inhale, looking to brighter days without sorrow
Mama, help me . . . Just let me breathe . . .
Excerpt from the book, ENOUGH “Say Their Names . . .”
Raising Sleeping Giants
Seeing my world in turmoil and change, I remember and visualize fallen trees in a forest nearby. Colossi, hidden from sight in tall grass—laying in deep slumber and depressions, all awaiting a special day of resurrected purpose.
After seasons of waiting, black bark; dried by sun and rain, cracked and separated to expose the soft pulp beneath. It seemed to offer itself as a sacrifice for an awaited spark that would bring new life into existence and awaken dormant giants.
Unbidden, this hint of fire came to rest on this ready tender; now springing to life with purpose, the woods glowed white-hot while flaming tentacles pierced night skies—arms reaching for stars—earthbound and marching.
Grass, dry from arid days, withered in an instant and leaned in to feed the flames, as if kneeling in supplication—precious little sacrifice for a greater good now in motion. Ashes on the ground, acrid smoke, and groaning timbers all gave testimony of surroundings being laid to waste, as winds-of-change carried the conflagration to neighboring plots, spreading embers and sparks in search of giants lying in wait for waking . . .
Excerpt from the book, ENOUGH “Say Their Names . . .”