How to get INSPIRED - please read on... (108 hits)
Wow!
I can't believe it has been over a year since I published INSPIRED in Feb 2008. Time has truly flown by and when I reflect, I realise I have accomplished and learnt so much in this time!
Since June 2008, I've been reading my poetry weekly on Community Radio Station - Roots 95.4FM (www.ukrootsfm.com) every Thursday 8-10pm GMT. I've done quite a few readings and performance shows last year and started my April Write Challenge mass collaboration for National Poetry Month.
This year 2009, I've stepped up my game with writing for not one but two forthcoming collections, Cinnamon & Sin ( www.cinnamonandsin.com) and INSPIRED Vol.2. I've performed outside of London for the first time, most recently in Birmingham, West Midlands and even taking it transatlantic by sharing the title poem 'Inspired' in New York's world famous Nuyorican Poet's Cafe Open Mic Reading Room in January.
In Feb, I was appointed UK Editor for Teen Caribbean (formerly Skoop) online magazine (www.teencaribbean.com). I've also become more involved with reading at community and empowerment events e.g. Descendants 15yr reunion & Work Directions & Our Lady of Lourdes Fundraising Caribbean Day. I thoroughly enjoyed hosting the 2nd annual April Write Challenge, welcoming new poets and writers into the fold.
What I do now gives me so much pleasure, because I enjoy writing so much. I'm also in a unique position to help influence the young positively by sharing my words online and via the radio, and this isn't a responsibility that I take on board lightly. But what really gives me the most satisfaction, is if someone takes the time to tell me that they liked what I've written or it has touched them deeply in some way or has given them the courage to do something that they didn't think they were capable of. To me this makes everything that I do worthwhile. That's also what I like about the power of positivity and positive energy! It makes me want to write more and strive for excellence when I write!
If you'd like to purchase a copy of my first book of poetry INSPIRED, you can use paypal by sending a payment of £10 (if you live in the UK) or £12 (if you live elsewhere) to POETRY@angee.co.uk and a signed/dedicated copy will be winging it's way to you.
Or alternatively go to EBay and search for 'Angela Edgar INSPIRED' and buy it now!
Thanks for taking the time to swing by and be INSPIRED.
Angee.
June 2009.
Here's my favourite poem from INSPIRED, which is dedicated to my Mum!
'Mama's Kitchen'
Saturday I woke to the smells Of spinach greens, with meat bits, onions and peppers They roused me from my troubled dreams Sniff...sniff...mmmm :-) Mama's cooking…. With that special ingredient That makes everything ok My tummy rumbled and yearned For some bammie and fried plantains My tummy called to me and yelled "Wake Up! Mama's cooking! Go get yours before it's gone... And Big Sis has taken it all!"
I wait in bed, eyes closed, Recognising the familiar scents Until the combination Is right for me to rise to the table I hear the kettle boiling The clink of pots, pans and cutlery Of Mama moving about downstairs These are the familiar Saturday morning rituals That marked my childhood Until now as a grown woman.
Ooh, she's done it now! That's the smell that will get me up To claim my share ...Hot dumplings, fresh baked out the oven...Oh Yeah! I toss and turn onto my stomach As scents assail my nostrils Slowly, I slide out from under the covers A toe...an ankle...a calf...a thigh...my bum... As I eventually fling off the bedspread
"An-gel-a... Breakfast!" "Coming Mum!"
I've gone to fill my face As well as my soul With Mama's cooking creations And that extra special secret ingredient of hers The one that with a taste Can make it all better Heal hurts like a kiss, a word... Like a mother's unconditional love Like a mother’s understanding hug.
You gotta shine bright You gotta see you are a light A shining star sent to guide others Fathers, Mothers, Sisters and Brothers Showing them a different path, from the one they now tread Showing them that there really is nothing to dread Showing them there always is another choice Showing them it’s okay as one to share their voice.
You gotta shine bright You gotta see you are a light One that will lead others back to the right Open your heart, so others will sing Bare your soul, give the dark keeper back his bling By believing that you can, look deep and have faith Work hard, you can have it all, perhaps even too the cake.
You gotta shine bright You gotta see you are a light Show them it's possible, you can reach that dream goal Together we protect, we are one of the same fold Tarry awhile so you don't stumble or fall You were destined to shine bright for them after all It’s part of the process so worry not, just do you With God by your side, He will help us all through.
You will shine bright Don't you see you are a light You are one of a few specials Born to lead others back to the right.
Who would ever love me? I think as I look at the door Waiting for the post to drop Wondering what wings its way towards my letter box On this fourteenth day of the second month. Apprehension fills me with dread Of all the past encounters I’ve had Spinning my heart in circles and rocking my head The emotions over-run and under-turn me Forging my memories into anti-memories So I no longer know truth from reality. I think back to the handsome man on the bus Knowing he walks behind me at the end of the day Passing me by as I entered my flat alone So he knew where I lived He smiled at me each morning everyday As he sat in the seat opposite me Then I think oh it was just courtesy, That he didn’t really mean it That he was just trying to be polite But oh how his sparkly twinkle always caught my eye Unaware he made my day start off that much better.
I imagine the joy I'd feel seeing a strange envelope In amongst my usual mail Apprehensively opening it up My heart would soar with joy Knowing someone had taken the time to think of me The effort to choose the right sentiment The lick or stick of stamp to card The walk to the post office or post box To send it lovingly my way…
Who would ever love my smile? My sparkle? My twinkle? My curvy hips? My saggy rump? My not so pert chest as age and gravity catches up?
Who would want to listen to my laugh? My sense of humour? My wisdom? My words of comfort and advice? My moany, croaky voice when I first wake up?
Who would ever hunger for my companionship? Crave my touch? My smell? My warmth? My intimacy? Who would ever love me now you're gone?
SHOULD I SAY "EMOSEWA"
Tuesday, June 16th 2009 at 5:37PM
Vernon Davis Jr.
Yes Angela that is inspiring, I write poems also and my dream is to get published , I wish you could read some of mine, and let a sister know if she stands a chance, honesty is our best policy:)
Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at 5:05AM
Joyce Lee, Lilly
