word sept issue

8/8/2019 WORD Sept Issue

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word .SEPTEMBER 2010 VOL. 1 ISSUE

The Official Spoken Word Newsletter of the Lowcountry

Writers

TALENTED YOUNGPOETS SHOW THEIRSTUFF

the

WORD Newsletter 2010

Greenville PoetKimberlySimms-GibbsComes to P&P!


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WHEN YOU

SHOPWE GIVEWe cant think of a better investment thanour own communities. And we couldnt do itwithout you. By simply shopping at Target,

you help us give 5% of our incomeover$3million every weekto support education,the arts, social services and volunteerism.Who knew shopping could do so muchgood?

2009 Target Stores. The Bullseye Design, Target and the 5% Bullseye Design

are registered trademarks of Target ..Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. 986437

SEPTEMBER 2010 VOL. 1 ISSUE 7

Let me begin with this statement: no, Poetry and Pancakesis not over.

So many people have asked Mack and me this questionsince we did not have a P&P last month. Just to clear upany fears, Mack and I just needed a break. We have somuch on our plate right now and want to make sure that wesuccessfully execute all of our other endeavors. However, Imust shamefully admit, it did provide an ego boost to knowthat so many of you sincerely look forward to P&P eachmonth. No worries; we will be back in full swing Sept. 24.

But as I mentioned, Mack and I have been on the grind. Anissue of word. was to be released last month even thoughthere was no P&P, but then my computer crashed, and myexternal hard drive fried itself simultaneously (only in my life

do such things happen)!So this months issue is going to be jam packed, andrightfully so.This month, we have included some pieces and some prosefrom youpatrons and supporters of P&P and word. Wereceived so many responses toward the end of July andbeginning of August when we asked readers and patrons tosubmit original work to be featured. We have narrowed itdown to a few, and have highlighted the author of each inour cover section. And I am certain you will enjoy the workof these talented writers.

As the summer begins to dwindle down, our new semester

of LOUD begins (Sept. 1 at the Boys and Girls Club TeenCenter). We are proud to announce that we have received agrant from Target. Through this partnership, we willcontinue to inspire the minds of our youth, and provide themwith unique cultural experiences to continue to meet ourcommunitys most basic needs.Also, through a partnership with Hope Haven of theLowcountry, LOUD has received funding from the MSFoundation for Women (www.ms.foundation.org) to createPSAs regarding domestic violence and violence againstwomen. This semester, Hope Haven will work with LOUDstudents teaching them from curriculum based Mentors inViolence Prevention. LOUD students will also receive

professional technical training in ideography and non-linearvideo editing software.Lastly, we are planning to take the LOUD students whohave earned a 2.8 GPA or higher to New York to visit NYUand Columbia University in the winter. Now this endeavor isdefinitely going to take some serious funding, so if you wishto donate, we appreciate it. Just contact myself orMackenzie to do so.In summary, we just want all of you to know we haventbeen idle, and that we, as always, appreciate your support.And feel free to stop by and visit our LOUD students at theBoys and Girls Club Teen Centerthey would appreciate it.Now, back to work.

Grindin

Jamie&Mackenzie
http://www.ms.foundation.org/http://www.ms.foundation.org/http://www.ms.foundation.org/http://www.ms.foundation.org/


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Our next Poetry and Pancakes is September 24th2010 at the Boys and Girls Club Teen Centerlocated at 1211 Harrington St in Beaufort (rightacross from the Cricket Telephone Store) at8:30pm! We will feature Kimberly Simms-Gibbs,an author, poet, educator, and national winning slamcontestant.

Our last P&P, in July, we featured S. Pearl Sharp,an established writer, filmmaker, actress, andbroadcast journalist from L.A.! She was amazing,definitely adding some magic to P&P! We alsofeatured the Savannah Youth Slam Team!Huge shout out to the Savannah Youth slam team ItDoesnt Matter. They were so skilled in their slamperformance, and definitely made last months eventthat much more entertaining and enlightening.

Remember, if anyone is interested in participating ina slam, just email myself or Mackenzie, or hit us onthe facebook atwww.facebook.com/poetryandpancakes.

If anyone is interested in participating in our nextP&P as an artist, or wish to make reservations,

please call Jamie at (843) 476-9738 or Mackenzie at(843) 521-7354.

spit thatish poet

If any person or group isinterested in volunteeringat P&P, call Jamie orMackenzie or emailMackenzie [email protected] THAT ISH POET!

Poetry and Pancakes

Poet, author,and radiojournalist S.Pearl Sharp atP&P in July.

Sp

otligh

tKimberly Simms-Gibbs is the quintessential renaissance

womanand shes not too shy about telling you that she is.

Donning many hats including mother, wife, teacher,

lecturer, poet, and author, Gibbs is a one woman tour-de-

force.

Known to many of her students as Ms. KJ, Gibbs worked as

a teaching artist in schools across the state of SC,

particularly with the Metropolitan Arts Council's SMART Arts

project. Currently an ELA in the Grenville County School

system, she incorporates poetry and performance stylepoetry in her curriculum to reach students and help them

achieve academic success.

Gibbs, who has been published and writing since 1993, is

the director of Wits End Poetry, a non-profit charity inGreenville, whose mission is to advocate and promote the

art of poetry. She has appeared on stage with renowned

poets and performers such as Marc Smith, the Libertines,

Ron Rash, Roddy Lumsden, and Jeff McDaniel. As an

organizer of poetry events, Gibbs organized and hosted the

first annual 2004 individual World Poetry Slam in

partnership with Poetry Slam Inc. (www.poetryslam.com).

In April 2004, Kimberly was elected as a member of the

Executive Council of Poetry Slam Inc.

Gibbs poetry has been published in anthologies, journals,

and online and she has performed in over 20 major

American cities, in addition to making numerous

appearances on stages in England.

As an artist, she finds inspiration from all around her and

even from her faith citing that all people and things poetic,

and, of course, Jesus Christ, our savior.

You can see Kimberly Simms-Gibbs perform this month at

Poetry and Pancakes, September 24th

8:30pm! Be sure to

visit her website,www.kimberlysimms.com.
http://www.facebook.com/poetryandpancakeshttp://www.facebook.com/poetryandpancakesmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.poetryslam.com/http://www.poetryslam.com/http://www.poetryslam.com/http://www.kimberlysimms.com/http://www.kimberlysimms.com/http://www.kimberlysimms.com/http://www.poetryslam.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/poetryandpancakes


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the

last

word

In the next few pages, you will experience

magnificent journey through spoken word. We hav

featured the work of a small bunch of talente

writers and P&P patrons. We hope you enjoy th

following pages as much as we enjoyed being a par

of this magical process.


I woke up next to you only to discover that my dreamwas just a dream and you were just asleep. My feetwere not worn from walking with you to the fieldwhere old traincars and bicycle wheels lie in waitfor humanity to destroy them or realize they stillhold some practicality, not just nostalgia.

The traincars were wooden with paint the color ofrust and christmas-tree-green chipping from years ofweather happening.The bicycle wheels were few in number and normal insize, yet the spokes were not so rusted; maybe thewheels get up in the night and wander through thetrain yard, finding little animals to play practicaljokes on then they make their way back to their

resting places to sleep all day. And in the rain theyreconcile with the animals and hide in their nests, tokeep their spokes shining-new, just as the first daythey were ridden home. O wheels, how did you end uphere?

So I woke up next to you feeling that there was morebetween us than there actually was, that we had justspent the day riding wooden train cars and screamingrebellious songs.10,000 Amtrak trains? What?

And then we sipped coffee. You sipped cause you likethe way black coffee tastes and because you need it to

wake you up and to stave off that headache you've gotfrom the ni ht before.

I sipped cause I like the way black coffee tastes onmy teeth later and because I just like to be with youwhen the sun comes through the blinded windows inslats; I have no headache.After the sipping we sat on the front porch, soakingup the sun and letting all of our small talk say thethings we could not."What time does your train leave?""6:30.""Do you want to eat dinner before?""Sure. Let's make a feast.""A feast, eh? That sounds good.""Yeah, we can go shopping in a bit."

"Okay.........have you seen my jacket?""I think it is on the coffee table. I'll get it foryou.""Are you sure?""Yeah, I need a refill anyway."ORDon't leave. Just stay a little longer.I have to, you know.I know, but it is nice when you are around.I cannot.

Why?You know why.What is it that we are doing?How am I supposed to know. Does it matter?

I guess not.I will see you when your cheeks are red from summerand when things will make less sense.And so we waited around and cooked dinner and I endedup not going to the train station because I did notwant you to see me cry. We are nothing and tears donot solidify that fact, they only make things seemmore serious and who needs seriousness at a time likethis?We are nothing.

Grace Glasson is a

freshman this year

at Bates College in

Lewiston, Maine.

She is a musician,

writer, and artist

hoping to continue

creating as she

continues her

college and

professional

careers.


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The hands of time brushSoftly,Steadily

Across the pages of the book of memories.This book is unique and fragile.It holds the things most special to me.It holds every skinned knee, broken heart, regret,and lesson of my life.It holds the good, the bad, and the ugly momentsI've endured and cradles it softly in its arms.The book of memories shows no prejudice. It onlyaccepts.It welcomes each rise and sunset with a smileupon its aging faceEach day is a new beginning, an addition to hiscollection;

The book of memories is always hungry for a newsurprise.Despite what many may think, though, the book ofmemories has two faces.The one the lets everyone know that everythingis okayAnd the one that shows how time has shown himpain.Remember, the book of memories rememberseverything.Scars that run deep to the past,Roaring fits of rage that ended only in pain,Injudicious human nature,

And also when 'I'll just take a chance' wasn'tquite enoughBut the book of memories makes sure this is notto be seen.The book of memories is a master in deceptionand deviousity.The book of memories is a beautiful liar.

Where the spirit whispersWild geese into the clouds

You will find me lying around

Where the spirit wondersColors into dreamers headsYou will find me hiding in old love letter bed

Where the spirit dancesIn sweet dew dropsYou will find me floating in the green tree top

Where the spirit shiversAwareness into a hungry soulYou will find me shining in a rainbow

Where the spirit leadsAnyone who followsWill be set free

She's showing off for her...he's showing off for himAnd at da end of the game,don't neya one y'all win.Cuz y'all don't get thatwhat holds the most appeal is to justbe...who...you...are!to just "keep it real", for real.Y'all don't understand that there is only one YOUthat not another walkin' 'roundcan do THAT like you do.See, y'all blend in, tryna be like the nextsame hair, same clothes, same words, same textBut some of y'all don't even know what you talkiabout.Rap lyrics and slang flowso free from yo mouthUsing other folks words, [CONTD ON NEXT PA

Joye, born November22, 1994, is a 10thgrader at BatteryCreek High. Sheexpresses herselfthrough writing andmusic. Joye is active inher community andoffers to volunteerregularly. Shecurrently liveswithher mother, step-father, and friend. Sheis a member of LOUD.

Justin Blackburn loves you.He uses his love for you towrite heart lifting poetry. Heis the author of four books ofpoetry, his last "FemaleHuman Whispers Of StrongMasculine Gentleness" waspublished by Shadow ArcherPress. Find him atwww.justinblackburnlovesyou.com
http://www.justinblackburnlovesyou.com/http://www.justinblackburnlovesyou.com/http://www.justinblackburnlovesyou.com/http://www.justinblackburnlovesyou.com/http://www.justinblackburnlovesyou.com/


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leads to thinking other folks thoughts.What not what those before us,so bravely sacrificed & fought...for Sooooo much moreis what it's aboutStand strongStand tallStand up

STAND OUT!!The you that you areis da you that you should be.Realize that and then you hold the keyto your futureto your happinessto your goalsto your dreams.Cuz just as you are,you are Kings and you are Queens

and I BOW TO YOU.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Cool sand slips between the cracks in my toes.The starry night is silent,save for the sound of waves lapping quietly againthe white beach.A gentle wind rustles mischievously amongst the

wall of reeds that fortify our encampment.The sound of their singing is like the murmuring violins.

Shadows move all around me,their warmth is a comfort on this chilly twilightMy index finger plunges delicately into a patch owet sand,which responds by conjuring up a magical profusionof lights for every letter I etch experimentallyonto its surface.Like tears shed by the gibbous moon,the sea seems to be filled with these lights. They

dance and sparkle amid the waves, shedding a splasof color in the otherwise black abyss.

Before my feet, the sand falls,sliding beneath mein great mountains of grainy ivory.A dune blocks my path,above its crest, glows the burning embers of acrackling bonfire.Shadows crowd around this blaze, peering into itsheart, almost as if they see a reflection ofthemselves glaring back.The darkness is filled with a cleansing smoke andthe weeping shadows mourn for what they've lost an

left behind.

In silence, I join them,just another pale figure in the dark.Together, our eyes twinkle like the stars in theheavens above, to whom the wind mutters a singlescratchy phrase, "He is here."

VOL. 1 ISSUE 7

Dustyn is a part-time

musician, writer, nurse,teacher and a full-timefriend. One of his favoriteactivities is making cornystatements. Dustyn'sleast favorite thing on theplanet is for there to be aplate with food on it. Theonly place that foodshould be is in hisstomach

Ellis is a gifted poet andwriter. Once only apatron of P&P, she hasdeveloped her skills tobecome the FEATUREPOET for Octobers

Poetry and Pancakes.

spit

thatish

poet!


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The Exchange


Every Tuesday Plums Restaurant(Beaufort)Open mic beginning at 10pm

Every Wednesday Kathleens Bar andGrille (Beaufort) Karaoke with Steve 8:30pm-12am (843)524-2500

Sept. 9th The Sentient Bean (Savannah, GA)Open Mic Comedy Night Hosted by JaykJohnson, this monthly event fills up fast andguarantees a good time. Come a little early andsign up to perform! FREE. 8pm.

Sept. 10th The Sentient Bean (Savannah,GA) Summer Book Release Party Presentedby DeepDeep is a nonprofit supporting artseducation in Savannah by helping students 8-18 develop their writing skills. Deep has

published two new volumes of students workwhich will be shared by the some of thestudents. FREE. 7pm.

Sept. 13th USCB Bluffton CoffeehouseSeries (Bluffton) Featuring the indie rock bandConsider it Done. FREE. 7:30pm.

Sept. 11th Street Music Paris Avenue(Beaufort) Vic Varner and Friends, DwayneDopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Davina & theVagabonds; & the Stacy Mitchhart Band.Produced by the Arts Council of BeaufortCounty. FREE. 6pm.

Sept. 14th The Sentient Bean (Savannah,

GA) Tongue: Open Mic Poetry Show A poetry(and music) open mic with an emphasis onsharing new, original, thoughtful work. Open toall ages and abilities. Hosted by RushelleFrazier, an accomplished local poet that hasbeen hosting poetry readings since 2001.FREE. 8pm.

Sept. 18th Exchange Club PancakeBreakfast (Beaufort) at the Praise AssemblyChurch 800 Parris Island Gateway. $6.00 foradults, $3.00 for kids 3-12. 8-10:30am.

Sept. 18th Writers Workshop (Beaufort)Beaufort County Library Lobeco branch will

feature a writers workshop with Jamie Flemingof Poetry and Pancakes. Open to 15+ FREE.3pm. Sept. 19th- The Sentient Bean (Savannah)AWOL Open Mic FREE. 7pm.

Sept. 24th Poetry and Pancakes (Beaufort)Featuring poet, author, teacher, and oratorKimberly Simms! Doors open at 8, show startsat 8:30pm. 1211 Harrington St $10.00.

Sept. 27th National Family Day A Day toEat Dinner with your Family! For moreinformation, please contact Christie 255-6003 /Keisha 255-6025 or visit our websitehtt ://www.bc ov.net/alcohol-and-dru

NEWSHIRTS

NOW!Order the new Poetry and PancakesShirt now for $12.00 or get two for$10.00! Hurry while sizes are left! WEstill have Spit that Ish too up to 3x!Email Mackenzie [email protected] if youwish to make an order!
http://www.bcgov.net/alcohol-and-drug/http://www.bcgov.net/alcohol-and-drug/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bcgov.net/alcohol-and-drug/


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1. Melissa Ellis and Jamie Fleming on stage at July Poetry and Pancakes 2. July Poetry and Pancakes 3. Our lovely young model with new P&P shirt

onshe is so cute! 4. Jamella Taylor spittin some hot lines at July P&P 5. LOUD students at Beauforts Boys and Girls Club Teen Center 6. Marquis of

Savannah Youth Slam Team It Doesnt Matter, slamming at July P&P 7. S. Pearl Sharp, feature at July P&P 8. LOUD student with one of LOUDs

mascots 9. LOUD student in the booth laying down vocals 10. Briana singing and bringing the house down at July P&P 11. Staunch support and dope

poet Tony Settles performing at July P&P.

word sept issue

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