Poetry - Poetic Resurrection

August 28, 2024August 28, 2024

Inam Inamullah – Author/Artist

Inam Inamullah - Poetic Resurrection Podcast This month, our guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is Inam Inamullah. We delve into his book “Whispers of the Flight,” a Sufistic novel that explores the journey of self-discovery through life’s peaks and valleys. In addition, we take a look at his personal experiences and how he rose to become an internationally recognized artist, with one of his commissioned pieces displayed at the Carnegie Hall Tower in New York City. It was a fascinating conversation with a guest who has much wisdom to share. Don’t miss it!

Whispers of Flight - Poetic Resurrection Podcast Inam, originally from South Asia, is a world-renowned artist, poet, and playwright. His work has earned international acclaim for its depth, creativity, and spiritual insight. Despite the challenges he faced early in life, including the hardships brought on by polio, Inam found solace in his art. Through resilience and a profound sense of creativity, he transformed his struggles into a source of beauty and inspiration.

Inam’s artistic journey is not confined to the canvas alone; his passion for the written word is evident in his prolific contributions to poetry and playwriting. His works reflect a deep appreciation for the ancient wisdom imparted by Sufi sages, which has unveiled the mysteries of the universe to him.

A graduate of UCLA with an MBA, Inam also serves as a Life Coach, guiding others through their own journeys of transformation. His commitment to giving back to the community led him to found the Glitter of Hope Foundation, a local charity dedicated to supporting single mothers and orphans, primarily within the refugee community.

Inam’s latest work, “Whispers of The Flight,” offers readers a profound journey that promises to illuminate the path to inner transformation. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a lover of allegorical tales, or someone on a quest for deeper understanding, this work ensures a transformative experience that resonates deeply with the soul.

Listen to the podcast here

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/472w8tO – whispers of the flight

Find out more about his artwork: https://www.inamgallery.com/

Whispers of Flight site: www.whispersoftheflight.com

Inam’s life coaching site: www.elevatelife.guru

July 17, 2024July 17, 2024

Luis J. Rodriguez – Poet/Activist

We are thrilled to welcome back Luis J. Rodriguez, poet/author/activist and former Los Angeles Poet Laureate from 2014 to 2016. We discuss the Always Running festival, which is named after his well-known book Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. Since our last interview, Luis has been traveling with his wife Trini for poetry readings and speaking engagements around the world. Currently, he is working on a script with Freddy Negrete based on the true story of the killing of David Dominguez, a gang member, by San Gabriel ex-cop Billy Joe McIlvain.

We also touch on a project that Luis was involved in with John Leguizamo, though unfortunately it was not completed. One of the most heartbreaking topics we discuss is the growing homeless population in Los Angeles and how expensive housing is causing many people to leave the city or move to Mexico. Take a listen to this insightful conversation with an accomplished author and activist.

In addition to being a novelist, memoirist, short story writer, children’s book writer, and essayist, Luis is also a poet. He is also known as a mentor, healer, youth and arts advocate, community and urban peace activist, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

And if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, be sure to visit Tia Chucha Bookstore and Cultural Center.

Luis J. Rodriguez – Biography

He has 16 books in all genres (poetry, children’s books, fiction, and nonfiction), including the best-selling memoir, “Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A.” His latest memoir is the sequel, “It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing.” His last poetry book is 2016’s “Borrowed Bones” from Curbstone Books/Northwestern University Press. In 2020, Seven Stories Press released his first book of essays, “From Our Land to Our Land: Essays, Journeys & Imaginings from a Native Xicanx Writer.”

Among his many awards and fellowships, in 2022 Luis was given a California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship and a Los Angeles Times’ Robert Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Luis is founding editor of Tia Chucha Press, now for over 30 years, and more than 20 years ago he co-founded with his wife Trini Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore in the San Fernando Valley. He has traveled across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and Japan to speak, do poetry readings, indigenous ceremonies, or reportage over the past 40 years. This includes prisons, jails, and juvenile lockups in around 20 U.S. states, as well as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Argentina, Italy, and England. Dedicated to his indigenous roots and Native American spirituality, Luis has a Mexika name: Mixcoatl Itztlacuiloh. With his wife Trini (Tlazohteotl) he has a podcast called “The Hummingbird Cricket Hour”–http://hchpodcast.libsyn.com/

Luis is dedicated to a clean, balanced, abundant, cooperative, healing world. No more capitalist private property relations, exploitation, war, or inequities. “In essential things, unity; in nonessential things, liberty. In all things compassion.”

Listen to episode

Always Running – La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. by Luis J. Rodriguez

The Concrete River: Poems by Luis J Rodriguez

Tia Chucha Bookstore & Cultural Center

Freddy Negrete: Smile Now, Cry Later

Good Cop or Bad Cop? The Story of Billy Joe McIlvain and the Murder of David Dominguez

June 19, 2024June 10, 2024

Lynne Thompson – Los Angeles Poet Laureate

It is with great honor and excitement that The Poetic Resurrection Podcast welcomes our fourth Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson, as our distinguished guest. Her words flow gracefully and effortlessly as she reads several of her poignant poems, including Ode to Bones and A Woman’s Body, Aging, Still Loves Itself from her latest book Blue on a Blue Palette. Through our conversation, Lynne shares insight into her poetic process, the lessons she has gleaned along her journey, and powerful observations on the current state of women’s lives and history. Tune in to experience the eloquent wordsmith at work and delve into an enlightening dialogue with this remarkable poet.

Lynne Thompson was the 4^th Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles, The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, her poetry collections include Beg No Pardon (2007), winner of the Perugia Press Prize and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award: Start with a Small Guitar (2013), from What Books Press; and Fretwork (2019), winner of the Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize. Thompson’s honors include the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award (poetry) and the Stephen Dun Prize for Poetry as well as fellowships from the City of Los Angeles, Vermont Studio Center, and the Summer Literary Series in Kenya.

Listen to her episode.

https://www.lynnethompson.us/

Lynne Thompson’s Blue on a Blue Palette (2024) reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods. The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.”

Blue on a Blue Palette

Fretwork

Beg No Pardon

Start with a Small Guitar

June 10, 2024

Rha Arayal – Poet/Writer

Rha Arayal - poet In the May 2024 episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast features the incredibly talented Rha Arayal, a poet/writer who has graced our show before. In the time since her last appearance, she has added several more titles to her impressive collection, including her latest work, Sunset Hues. As our honored guest, she treats us to a powerful reading of two of her newest poems – “The Graveyard of Ambition” and “Maya” – both featured in her upcoming book. During our conversation, we delve into a range of thought-provoking topics such as Shakespeare, the fascinating realm of lucid dreaming, and how her experiences at university have shaped her daily creative process. Prepare to be captivated by this dynamic discussion with one of poetry’s most promising voices.

Rha Arayal is a 20-year writer from South Wales with British and Nepali roots. She finds joy in exploring the interplay between nature and nurture, particularly regarding her own identity as an Asian Welsh person. Through her writing, she delves into themes of racism, kindness, and other facets of humanity. In 2021, her first book of poems, Encapsulated Emotions, was published by Genz Publishing. Outside of writing, she enjoys indulging in American vampire television shows, practicing Pilates, and browsing secondhand bookstores.

Listen to her episode.

https://bottlecap.press/products/wishing

https://amzn.eu/d/bAL73gZ

April 17, 2024April 13, 2024

Awakening Dreams: A Poet’s Stuggle

Awakening Dreams A Poet's Struggle Writing poetry has been a passion of mine ever since I learned how to write. However, for the past couple of years, I have been determined to complete my next book in the Inspire Me Series, titled “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.” Lately, though, my thoughts have been clouded and focused on sci-fi short stories instead. My goal is to finish this poetry book by summer so that I can fully dedicate myself to the short stories. It’s strange how my writing habits have changed – from writing multiple poems a week to only one a month. Perhaps it’s due to the pandemic, or the loss of my mother and close friend soon after. Strange Thing Grief, is the title of one of my upcoming poems, referring to how grief has affected all aspects of my life. Simple things are no longer simple. Writing poetry used to be therapeutic for me, but lately my emotions have been too heavy to express through writing. This poem, “Bound,” is from my previous book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 and is a glimpse into my upcoming collection.

Poetic Resurrection Podcast

Bound

Sorrow sweeps through my soul like
The sword of yesteryear
Waves of sorrow smash upon my heart
Reminding me of you
Of your love
Of your kindness
I drown in the eventual stillness, gasping for air
Why was life so unfair to you?
But it’s me who doesn’t let go
It’s me who feels guilty for not
suffering your loss longer
If I hold on to that feeling, then the memory
Of you doesn’t slip away
Miss the feeling of our etheric touch
I dreamt of seeing your soul last night
but I had tied a rope to it
You kept trying to fly away
But I kept pulling you back—You turned to me, broken
Today I cry and let you go—release you from the earth plane
The rope unties and I see your smiling soul fade away

March 23, 2024

Jack Remick – Author/Poet

Jack Remick - Author/Poet We are thrilled to announce that Jack Remick will join us as our guest for this month’s episode on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. He’s a poet and a writer and he recites his poems, Dying Dreams, Secret Disease and Lovdeth, from his poetry collection entitled Satori. They’re beautiful poems. I love this section from Dying Dreams: “Despite the cult of youth, we know this: flowers fade, we come to the closing of doors where we lie down naked for the dying of dreams.” Not only is he a talented poet and writer, but he also imparts his knowledge by offering a writing masterclass. Take the time to listen in to this episode, which promises to be both enjoyable and educational.

Jack Remick – Bio
I have been a college instructor, a grammar school teacher, a social worker, a community activist, a tunnel stiff, and a bus driver. My writing life began when I studied poetry at UC Berkeley with Thom Gunn. He taught me the essence of originality when he asked me why I was copying the style and substance of other poets–dead, of course. Jack, he said, when you inhabit another man’s universe, it will always be smaller than the one you create for yourself.

Throughout my career, I have taken on various roles such as a college instructor, grammar school teacher, social worker, community activist, tunnel worker, and even a bus driver. But my journey as a writer began at UC Berkeley where I studied poetry under the guidance of Thom Gunn. It was there that he taught me the importance of originality by challenging me to question why I was emulating the styles and ideas of other poets who were no longer living. Jack, he said, when you inhabit another man’s universe, it will always be smaller than the one you create for yourself.

After years of work, experimentation, and exploration of the writing world–which involved three trips to South America and their exposure to both Indigenous and Colonial lifestyles–I returned home carrying a load of understanding and desire that had not driven me before. Life in South America gave me three novels: No Century for Apologies, which won Honorable Mention for the Hoffer Grand Prize; Gabriela and The Widow, which was a finalist for the Book of the Year Award; as well as a Finalist for the Montaigne Medal and One Year in the Time of Violence, a novel that follows a Gringo living in the time of the Colombian Violencia with all its horror and political chaos.

My writing world expanded with each life experience until I was able to write a ground-breaking novel titled Citadel. Enraptured with fiction, I had ignored poetry until events unfolded, which led me to write Josie Delgado, a Poem of the Central Valley and Satori, Poems. With each publication, I understood more of Thom Gunn’s wisdom. I have learned the effectiveness of collaboration with other writers. Robert J. Ray and I co-wrote The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery a how-to that demystifies writing of the mystery.

Listen to the episode

You can find his published works here:

http://www.amazon.com./author/jackremick

January 29, 2024January 28, 2024

Poetry – Shade of Being Poem

Poetry - Shade of Being by Sonia Iris Lozada In this January 2024 episode, I’ll discuss poetry and read Shade of Being.

Poetry became my outlet, my means of processing and articulating the complexities of my dual identity. Through the rhythmic words and vivid imagery, I could capture the nuances of my emotions, the clash of cultures, and the struggles of navigating between two worlds. It allowed me to explore and embrace the beauty of both sides of my heritage, while also acknowledging the challenges and conflicts that arose from it. Poetry became a form of self-discovery and self-expression, a way for me to make sense of my place in the world. It provided solace and comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty, offering me a sense of validation and understanding that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Poetry became my therapy, my self-help, and my sanctuary, guiding me through the complexities of my bi-cultural upbringing and shaping me into the person I am today.

In my teens, I had a poetry notebook I would carry with me everywhere, treasuring the words I had carefully written. However, one unfortunate day in the bustling streets of Chicago, my three-ring binder slipped from my grasp and scattered its contents in the wind. Helplessly watching as my precious poetry scattered into the air, I felt a deep sense of loss. Unlike today, where technology allows us to back up our work easily, back then, everything was typed, and I didn’t have a copy of my poetry. Despite this setback, I refused to let it deter me from my passion. I continued to write, pouring my emotions and thoughts onto paper. Over the years, I have managed to compile my poetry into four books, each representing a different phase of my life. “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2” was published in 2022, previously published were “Inspire Me: Perception” and “Follow Akashic Dreaming Through Time” in 2019. My first book, “Inspire Me: Raw,” was released in 2017, marking the beginning of my journey as a published poet. Currently, I am eagerly working on the third installment of the Inspire Me Series, titled “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.”

In, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams I hope to take the readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It delves into the depths of one’s subconscious mind, exploring the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform. Through imagery and thought-provoking verses, I hope this book encourages readers to explore their innermost desires, embrace their passions, and awaken their true potential. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, the complexities of human emotions, and the mysteries of the universe, the poems in my new collection offer a unique blend of introspection and inspiration. With each turn of the page, I invited you to delve deeper into your dreams, discovering new perspectives and unlocking hidden truths. As the third installment in the Inspire Me Series, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams promises to be a soul-stirring addition to any poetry collection.

As the new year begins, I am excited to share a glimpse of my upcoming book, “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.” Within its pages, you will find a collection of heartfelt poems, including one titled “Shade of Being.” This poem delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring the various shades from beginning to end that make up our being. “Shade of Being” is a reflection on my journey of self-discovery and the power of embracing our finite nature. For those who can’t wait to dive into my upcoming book, a sneak peek of “Shade of Being” can also be found in the “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2.” Let this new year be a time of inspiration, growth, and awakening as we embark on a poetic journey together.

Shade of Being

I stand on the beach, absorbing the indigo sky. The whispering breeze surrounds and envelops me as I breathe. It cools the soul. The waves creep up and work with the sand to mold my feet on earth. The Sun’s desert colors—rays of light peak through the singing ocean waves, sounds of release and content. There I feel light, floating slowly over the water. I’m not afraid as I’m swept towards the light of eternal energy. The sea creatures do a singing infinity dance by my side. The sparkling eyes of these mammals transform my essence. I’m not alone. How long I have waited to go into the depths of the ocean where emotions ease life’s pains as they bathe the skin in harmony. No entanglements, no reins holding me. I turn to see my past and see the shadows of my family and friends holding onto the remaining essence of the sand encasing my life, my experience, the memorable existence of each footstep we walked together.

Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 (Amazon)

Listen to episode here

January 28, 2024

Life with Bex Rose – Poet

It is our pleasure to have Bex Rose, Poet and Mental Health Professional, as a guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast in November 2023. She shared her poem called A Subconscious Mind, which talks about depression from her book Mental Health Via Poetry. We had a fascinating conversation about the poem and her personal story of growing up in Brooklyn, New York writing poetry with Tourette’s, then transitioning to become a mental health clinician. Tune into this touching and entertaining interview to learn more about Bex’s inspiring journey.

A Subconscious Mind

What are these thoughts
The if, and, why,
What is this feeling I get
As if I’m ripping apart from inside
Why has my internal drive
Become so weak
Why am I too depressed to even open my eyes
To even sit up and think
Can’t even make it to my own kitchen sink
Not even thirsty for a drink
It’s lawless
The pressure to be human
Eat, think, sleep like a person, it’s arduous
It is not involving the effects of any one single event
I wish my time could be better spent
Society’s pages depend on a therapy book
So quick to not even take a real look
So quick to hand us the bottle than to ask us how to spell out the name
I’m not so easy to belittle with labels
Each diagnosis on paper
Can become quite easily a fable
Remedied with quick-think drugs bought from any store and self-help label
Not knowing there’s also drugs on the corners underneath the table
Waiting
For us to crave more
Why do we have to think and be challenged to want to search for more
When we’re left un-adored
In majority, for the very same reason you referred us to get help in the first place
I am not a charity case
I will not just fall in line
I will make use of this time
As I tiptoe between the tattered line
Between each tear-stained work of mine
I speak
For others whose medication has rendered them mute and subconscious
How dare you try to band-aid depression as if it’s a rouse
I think rather that it’s abuse
To be this overlooked
Well I stand here let-loose
I will tell you with my rhymes
The enforced societal standard behind each bind
Left on the “mentally unequipped”
Considered Drones of the unkind
These vastly purged minds
It’s exhausting
Left unchecked it could be an easy departing
Why should I let that be the case too
I am as much a human being as are you
If I had a presumed fully capable mind and funds I guess I would sue
But you’d stay there thoughtless
Wondering how this mess started to involve you
Feeling targeted you alone
Truth oftentimes is that
You don’t even bother unless it happens to one of your own

Bex Rose is a born and raised Brooklynite and native New Yorker who is both openly gay and active in the social work community. As a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHC), Bex is a Program Director for a NYC based non-for-profit. She has a background in family focused evidence-based practices as well as upper leadership administrative management. Additionally, her work extends beyond community-based services and extends into her private practice – Candor’s Call for leadership development, coaching and consultation.

Despite a dysfunctional childhood and diagnosis of OCD and Tourette’s she has been able to cultivate success in her field and through many social media platforms. Her most recent book “Mental Health via Poetry” speaks to the duality of a role as a clinician and experience living with Tourette’s. Bex hopes to utilize social media platforms to continue promoting healthy conversations, collaborations and content around mental health, creativity and positive representation.

Listen to her episode here

Get her book: Mental Health via Poetry

https://linktr.ee/Bexrose

https://www.candorscall.com/

October 29, 2023October 29, 2023

Life with Rocco Jarman, Poet

Rocco Jarman, Poet Rocco Jarman, is a guest poet on the Poetic Resurrection podcast, read his poem; They Might Have Told Us. The message was clear: awareness of our behaviors and beliefs influences all aspects of our lives. The tone was one of reflection and self-examination, so that we might overcome ourselves.

“Sacred does not need to have anything to do with shared or imposed ideas of religion or god, or whimsy. It is simply the answered wish to discover something deep, foundational and meaningful about this world and our sense of very private gratitude and belonging, we get from that encounter.” ~ Rocco Jarman

Rocco is an Australian Philosopher Poet and Podcaster. He has an unorthodox and autodidactic mastery of human psychology which provides cutting and insightful observations on all levels of personal psychological, interpersonal and societal dysfunction and specifically the path to effective remediation and stable actualization.

Rocco’s own idiosyncrasies have proven to be his greatest assets, which are an undiagnosed neurodivergence, a mistrust of teachers, sycophants, systems and hierarchies, and an irreverence for the restrictive silos of academia. This has resulted in him being an autodidact across many fields such as psychology, philosophy, behavioral science, psychedelics, project delivery, corporate leadership, agile, history, social engineering and relationships.

Rocco has an extraordinary mind, with a way of looking at the world, our journey through it and the blind curve we are stuck on, which beautifully reconciles the scientific and the sacred, and provides insights which land like a drink of fresh water after weeks in the desert.

They Might Have Told Us

they might have told us
when we were young,

self-ownership is a kind of leadership
where you do not expect of yourself
to master the world around you
but rather,
it is an allowing of mistakes.

they might have said
not to get so hung up
on the successes or failures
of a moment,

they should have said
to allow yourself to try,
and not expect
to get it right first time,
allow yourself even
perhaps, to give up on things
that are no longer meant for you,
or were never truly yours to begin with.

they might have let us know
that the path to wholeness
involves asking no one but yourself
for permission,
and wearing all regrets
like a meadow wears the morning mist
and afterwards the dew.

they really should have told us.
but they did not know themselves.
because no one told them.

and now,
no one else is coming.

My Instagram is Instagram.com/@rocco.jarman
My website is roccojarman.com
my substack is eyeswideopenlife.substack.com

September 4, 2023

How to Write Spoken Word Poetry

how to write spoken word poetry Spoken word poetry is a powerful art form that can be used to express a wide range of emotions and ideas. It is a great way to connect with others and share your story. If you’re interested in writing spoken word poetry, here are a few tips about how to write spoken word poetry.

Start with a strong idea. What do you want to say with your poem? What is the message you want to convey? Once you have a strong idea, you can start to flesh it out.

Use vivid language. Spoken word poetry is all about creating a sensory experience for the audience. Use vivid language to paint pictures with your words. This will help your audience connect with your poem on a deeper level.

Be personal. Spoken word poetry is often most effective when it is personal. Share your own stories and experiences. This will make your poem more relatable and authentic.

Use rhythm and flow. Spoken word poetry is meant to be performed, so it’s important to pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your words. This will help your poem sound more natural and engaging.

Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at writing and performing spoken word poetry. So get out there and start practicing!

Here are some additional tips about how to write spoken word poetry that are specific to the audience of Poetic Resurrection:

Write about diverse experiences. The audience of Poetic Resurrection is interested in hearing about diverse experiences. So if you have a story to tell, don’t be afraid to share it.

Be yourself. The audience of Poetic Resurrection wants to hear from real people. So be yourself and let your personality shine through in your poetry.

Be open to feedback. The audience of Poetic Resurrection is always willing to give feedback. So be open to hearing what they have to say about your poetry.

I hope these tips help you get started on your journey to writing spoken word poetry. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and to let your voice be heard.

Here are a few examples of spoken word poetry that you can check out:

These are just a few examples to get you started. There are many other great spoken word poets out there, so be sure to explore and find the ones who resonate with you.

Resources for Writing Spoken Word Poetry

Here are a few resources that can help you learn more about writing spoken word poetry:

Poetry Foundation

The Spoken Word Revolution: Slam, Hip Hop & the Poetry of a New Generation (A Poetry Speaks Experience)

Poetry Journal: A Slam Poetry Notebook for Poets, Spoken Word Slammers, & Lyrical Gurus: 120 Un-Lined Blank Pages for Inspired Creation (Songwriter Musician Series)

Take the Mic: The Art of Performance Poetry, Slam, and the Spoken Word (A Poetry Speaks Experience)

These resources can provide you with more information about the history of spoken word poetry, the different techniques used in spoken word poetry, and how to perform spoken word poetry.

Conclusion

Spoken word poetry is a powerful art form that can be used to express a wide range of emotions and ideas. If you’re interested in writing spoken word poetry, I encourage you to start today. Use the tips in this blog post and the resources I’ve provided to get you started. And most importantly, be yourself and let your voice be heard.

Check out the poetry section on Poetic Resurrection.