j-so Poetry

A-MAZing FRANKIE "Maintained"

After I got word that Frankie Beverly transitioned Tuesday, September 10, 2024, I immediately wanted to pay homage to him in the only way I know how--with words.  I titled my poem after reading the following interview: In one interview with Frankie Beverly (excerpts from The M&M Group’s website) he was quoted as saying: “. . .  I don’t take anything for granted and I know you have to earn your wings everyday…” Frankie says that his main personal goal is “to maintain. I don’t want to lose my ‘thing’". For a copy of the poem, visit Coach OhMeDay's website:  www.ohmeday.us [https://www.getjsopoetry.com/]

A Memorial to my friend, Byron A. Merriweather

My friend, Byron A. Merriweather, of 20 years transitioned June 3, 2021 (from cancer) into a final freedom and an infinite light.   In 2008, Byron had been assigned (at the Oxford House World Service Convention) to be the Ghana Outreach Services Representative to start an Oxford House in Ghana.  Byron used the "Oxford House Model" (a community-based approach to addiction treatment, which provides an independent, supportive, and sober living environment).      Byron did that and much more!   Byron was living with his wife, two sons, one step-son and one step-daughter in Ghana (Africa) when he transitioned.  They will miss him, along with many others in America, Ghana and the world over—especially, his immediate family in Chicago, IL (USA); and his recovery community in Richmond, Virginia (USA).    I wrote two poems …. the second one is to his two sons – they are too young to understand it now, but someday will. ___________ CREDITS:   j-so Poetry’s theme music is provided by JuJu Drum   j-so Poetry’s Sound Engineer is Sherie Farmer   The Great Jazz Artist Ahmad Jamal(an American pianist & one of the most influential musicians and bandleaders of all times), graciously granted permission for j-so Poetry to use his signature piece, Poinciana, for this program.    j-so poetry is equally appreciative of the permission granted by Mr. Steve Peake – Director of Indigenous People, a non-profit organization based out of England with a goal to highlight how happiness and well-being can be enhanced by participation in cultural activities, as exemplified by traditional African drumming, dancing and singing, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth – please visit their website:  www.indigenouspeople.org.uk    For copies of the poems you heard, you can visit the website:  getjsopoetry.com [https://www.getjsopoetry.com/]    If you would like to share comments with me, then you’re welcome to send an email to:  contact@ohmedaykiss.com    Don’t forget to share with your friends, subscribe [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Umy2iBU/jsopoetry] and, until next time . . . Be Safe, Be Well, Be Kind to Yourself & Others.

Happy President's Day: Four Years of 45 and Then 2020

These are the words that surfaced in Janis' spirit following the Biden-Harris victory--November 2020. Background music to poem was whatever was playing from Cox Music Choice Soundscapes during the recording. Acapella tune (He's Got The Whole World in His Hands) sung/altered by J. Omide.  Outgoing song, LOVE OVER HATE, written & performed by K'bana Blaq.

Where Are These People

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe:   The song following j-so's poem is BLACK TRASH--performed by the multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq. Black Trash can be purchased from amazon.com [https://www.amazon.com/Black-Trash-Kbana-Blaq/dp/B07SX2WRCY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=black+trash+k%27bana+blaq&qid=1599499723&s=dmusic&sr=1-1] Excerpts from the song, NO MORE CHANCES from K'bana Blaq's album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC, is played in the intro.  This song is one of Blaq's numerous songs carried on amazon.com [https://www.amazon.com/Pour-Me-out-a-Blessing/dp/B07GTCZNN6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pour+me+out+a+blessing+kbana+blaq&qid=1585920617&s=dmusic&sr=1-1] and K'Bana Blaq Music Band Camp [https://kbanablaqmusic.bandcamp.com/album/death-to-mindless-music] K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music [https://www.amazon.com/Death-Mindless-Music-Kbana-Blaq/dp/B084DMT1Z3/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TKGSE601DGAQBSASV87A], has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform.  NOTE:  If you can see picture art, j-so Poetry is recognizing 2020's Recovery Month and using their beautiful banner to honor Celebrating Connections.

U S of A Therapy

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe:   Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings —EVERYDAY PEOPLE from his album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC--which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.com [https://www.amazon.com/Pour-Me-out-a-Blessing/dp/B07GTCZNN6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pour+me+out+a+blessing+kbana+blaq&qid=1585920617&s=dmusic&sr=1-1] and https://kbanablaqmusic.bandcamp.com/album/death-to-mindless-music K'Bana Blaq Music Band Camp [https://kbanablaqmusic.bandcamp.com/album/death-to-mindless-music] K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music [https://www.amazon.com/Death-Mindless-Music-Kbana-Blaq/dp/B084DMT1Z3/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TKGSE601DGAQBSASV87A], has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform.  The background music to Janis' poem, America The Beautiful, was found on YouTube. The original song "America the Beautiful" is an American patriotic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriotism] song--the lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katharine_Lee_Bates] in 1895. The performance you heard was by: Santa Monica High School Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble  Kevin McKeown, Conductor  The Eli & Edith Broad Stage  March 26, 2014 Janis emailed Mr. McKeown on June 15, 2020 to request permission to use his band's performance but never received a reply.