Coming up

 

It seems like quite some time

has passed

Since we met

in that basement sat

listening to poetry that

warmed our hearts.

It feels like forever since we last collected

In that hall of words, that temple of rhyme

Where souls connected.

I'm starting to lose track of time,

Was it weeks, months, years?

 

Beyond my tears

my eyes reminisce

Back to when those

words kissed delicate ears.

It seems like a lifetime ago,

Eternity has wallowed alone

and even she has flown,

A bird of prey searching

Elsewhere for a stone

To perch and listen

to the universal wordplay.

 

But fear thee not!

We are going to be back soon,

as sure as the moon sits in the sky,

As sure as staring at the sun

will really fucking hurt your eyes.

We will be back. As Arnie said,

So, terminate any bad

thoughts that are running mad

through your head,

the wait will be worth it,

you will be glad.

 

It will be our 1-year anniversary

Where we will be welcoming back

the amazing Cathi Rae, who has a couple

of brilliant collections recently released,

which I'm sure she will be selling

(Buy, buy, buy and please

support all of the

wonderful poets that put

their hearts on the page)

 

Before our show on August 12th,

Get yourself

To literati arts at ole moses cabin.

July 16th

Where Aflo the poet will be feature

to Some-Antics new home

at the phoenix on Friday 19th July,

Where it will rise again from the ashes.

With the absolutely stunningly brilliant

Ellie Spirrett making the first of a few returns

to our wonderful poetry nights. Super excited!

 

Peace, Love & Poetry

Kyle

Kamisha Hawkins Interview

For our next feature artist 

we welcome Kamish Hawkins

 to deliver her thought provoking words,

 but before then let us get to know a bit more about her

I wrote my first poem 

in a classroom setting at school 

at 8 years old. 

This was part of a lesson theme. 

One was called "It's snowing" 

the other was titled "Go fishing". 

I didn't write poems again until my teens, 

despite my late Father's encouragement to do so, 

as he was a dub poet at the time.

 

I write poetry for many reasons. 

Firstly, it's been cathartic and therapeutic for me. 

It helps me to maintain my emotional and mental well-being.

 I was definitely inspired by my late Father 

being a poet himself. 

Poetry has literally saved my life 

and even resurrected it in many ways. 

I also would hope that my words assist 

in the empowerment and upliftment 

for humanity 

to love oneself and accept oneself.

I love how I feel when I recite my poems. 

Connecting with one’s own words 

and sharing that creative expression with the world 

is a very uplifting and empowering experience. 

It makes my soul soar!!

I wish for everyone 

to feel this level of freedom!

 

I would describe my work as

an empathetic expression 

for the human condition and journey. 

Also, some themes rooted in Mother nature. 

Life in general 

loss, grief, the myriad of emotions we feel, 

personal experience

 and transforming these emotions 

into feeling free.

Trauma and beauty are both as inspiring. 

I like combining the elements 

of so called dark and light 

because it's all just different

polarities of the same energy, 

it's all one. I also like to promote unity!

 

I am moved by the interconnectedness 

of everything and everyone. 

I moved by my beautiful and resilient children. 

Who inspire me daily. 

I am moved by my own life journey and the journey of others. 

By the slings and arrows 

that knock us down yet still we rise. 

I am moved by Mother nature the Creator and Creation. 

I am moved by my Ancestors 

and all they overcame for me to live today. 

I am moved by the lives of my Mother and Father 

and how they shaped me. 

I am moved by every living being. 

I am moved by the synchronicities in life 

and how they align every moment.

 I am moved by life a life as a whole.

 

I absolutely love the diversity of Leicester’s poetry event scene. 

I have attended 5 different poetry locations/events 

that are on-going 

and each has its own unique identities 

and its own recurring themes, 

with talented hosts and poets, 

also the inclusivity of one and all 

being welcome is heart-warming.

The Leicester poetry scene is alive 

with a myriad of poetic talents at all levels.

Maybe we as a poetry community need 

to promote our events to more people 

who wouldn't ordinarily choose to attend. 

Whilst I understand 

some may not be at all interested, 

I think poetry is for everyone!

 

My favourite poets 

range from local to world stage.

Firstly, my late Father Oscar Frank.

Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, Benjamin Zephaniah, Bobba Cass, Lydia Towsey, Dr. Pam Thompson, Sandra Pollock, Carol Leeming, Cathie Rae, Kyle Coare, Ty'rone Haughton, Carolina, Amy Walpol, Oscar, Imani and many more. 

Most are local poets 

because it's local poets books I have read. 

I love supporting local talent!!

 

(Shameless self plug!!! Kyle)

My Facebook profile is:

Kamisha Hawkins

My instagram is @warriorspiritroamingfree