The Wine is Fine

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Just saw this on the shelf at Whole Foods! See now, I’m thirsty! The wine really is fine!!!! Sistas, how y’all feeling?!!!!

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BLaCK MuSic Month

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In the library book display, I also highlighted several others for breaking records and leaving everlasting memories: The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Chuck Berry, Thelonious Monk, Augustus Pablo, The Neville Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Art Blakey, The Treacherous Three, Whitney Houston,TLC, Tupac, DJ Kool Herc, Chaka Khan, Notorious B.I.G., Miles Davis, Esperanza Spalding, Kool & the Gang, Marvin Gaye, Run-D.M.C., Aretha Franklin, Max Roach, Quincy Jones, Cootie Williams, the wonderful Terence Blanchard, and the list goes on and on and on… One Love!

I like the light on this photo!
Inside of the book: Soul Rebel
Mo Meta Blues by Questlove
TLC!

Black Music Month is undertow, and this year I’d like to salute, brother Bob Marley for his ability to transcend the every day ills directed at people of African descent. I could have just as easily saluted Sun Ra, Yabby You, Augustus Pablo, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, or Nina Simone. They all elevated, with grace, and love, and the desire to be FREEEEEEE! Let’s get liberated in the music. I call it FREEDOM MUSIC. So, I give praise to all the artists who tell their stories, the griots, who loosen and tighten our heart strings with beautiful melodies. 

Why we must celebrate:

Most jazz critics have been white American’s, but most important jazz musicians have not been. This might seem a simple enough reality to most people, or at least a reality which can be readily explained in terms of the social and cultural history of American society. And it is obvious why there are only two or three fingers’ worth of Negro critics or writers on jazz … usually the critic’s commitment was first to his appreciation of the music rather than to his understanding of the attitude which produced it. The difference meant that the potential critic of jazz had only to appreciate the music, or what he thought was the music…

Leroi Jones, 1961…

BM15      nonetheless,

Although Jones aka Baraka wrote this decades ago, the same can be said about Black music today, we aren’t our own critics! The world we live in has been crafted in such a way that we can’t even own our music, moreover, be the primary critics of our own sounds. We hope for the day when we can have full control over what we produce, and this is why I believe that BLACK Music Month is necessary!!!!!! Our ancestors shouted and hollered in the fields because it was one of the few areas of human expression available to them. In 2015, Black music still evolves. We continue to produce the wonderful sounds of glory, and we get more and more creative as the years go by. Artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and even Beyonce have battled for the rights to their own music. The fight goes on and the music will live forever!

BM9

Black Music Month

Bullet Proof Soul

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Waiting for the verdict to be read, my heart became heavy. I didn’t want to seem negative, but the results seemed obvious. Predictable. Our lives are often devalued. We are treated as less than human, while marksmen point their artillery at our skulls… we have grown BULLET PROOF SOULS, to survive. In this land of the free, home of the brave or home of the [slave]? In times of distress, I have to lift myself. So let’s Get Lifted in the music. Today, I choose, Sade. Her voice soothes me and reminds me of how powerful I am. We are powerful. I am goddess soul, floating in a dimension, above this, this state of chaos. We will wake up. And you will watch us…

… and although the decision made in Cleveland today was not surprising at all, it still hit me like a slow bullet. My mind, my heart, my soul, goes out to my people. We suffer. But. We are the strongest alive. When there was nothing to prove, my ancestors proved it. When there was no way to move, my ancestors created, innovated. And so will we. Dig this poetry…

THE lyrics of SADE…

I was so in love with you
You rarely see a love that’s true
Wasn’t that enough for you
Wasn’t that enough for you
I would climb a mountain
I wouldn’t want to see you fall
Rock climb for you
And give you a reason for it all

You kept on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun

Hit me like a slow bullet 
Like a slow bullet
It took me some time to realise it

You keep on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun

I know the end before
The story’s been told
It’s not that complicated
But you’re gonna need a bullet proof soul

You keep on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun

I know the end before
The story’s been told
It’s not that complicated
But you’re gonna need a bullet proof soul

You were trigger happy baby
You never warned me let me free
It’s not that complicated
But you’re going to need a bullet proof soul
Think you got it but you got all the trouble you need
I came in like a lamb
But I intend to leave like a lion

It hit me like a slow bullet
It hit me like a slow bullet

-I am Shila, thank you for reading.

peace and blessings manifest with every LESSON learned. I’ve been hit with bullets for almost 2 years now. The final shot taken at my heart. I bled. From September to December. My heart sank. My mind blank. It took a lot for me to come alive, again. I have been so determined not to find my happiness and worth in the smile of another. The foundation of my worth is ME. I am always happy to be alone. In those moments, my soul is well fed. We all have to learn. I have. Peace.

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She is the One

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She is ageless,
75 and contagious
The most high,
I can see her in my dreams
Everything about her screams
timeless beauty,
loving me unconditionally to her last breath
Masterful with her words, self less
she is the strongest,
untouchable, but she touches
I am her.
I shine like the Sun when she comes.
I am going to walk across this room
and embrace her
Hold her in my arms
I need her heart,
so she gives it
Listening,
she erases the pain of the past
She sees thru to the truth
can’t let her go,
she touched me
with the hands of a mother
The love of a true friend
A flower. For her.
She deserves the world.
Non-restricting lover
She is ageless,
41, the insanist
I can feel the wisdom,
but the youth is forever there
She knows how to have fun
I stare. At her.
When she speaks, I am knee deep in her mystery
She eats the vines and drinks the wine
goddess soul
unrelenting
SHE
moves like a sea serpent,
controlling the air above the waters
SHE
makes it rain and then dances
SHE
sees thru to the future
as she let’s go of the past
Aware of the matrix
her love lasts
She belongs to the sky’s,
the Most High
I’m in love
She is the One.
She is ageless.
Respect to the courageous,
mothers of me.
I am listening.

Thank you for reading.

My name is Shila. I like that name a lot. Thank you mother for naming me something real cool.

In this world I am learning that we must love ourselves more and more each day. Not in a narcissistic fashion, but in high esteem type of way, because we are taught to love the images of others, and cater to the needs of another, while neglecting ourselves. Gender roles can be confusing. I will let you be You, because I love you. Know that, I am Shila first. Respect.

 

You Got the Juice (awakened by the light of gods)

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I really dig you. Not like I’m playing my hand between one and two, like I’m going to stop doing what I’m doing for you. Beautiful Black Beauty, I’m feeling you. you Denzellin, and Yasiin Beyin, and you got me sayin, I ain’t on the social media proclaiming, I’m in your bedroom playing, like, I’m really into you. We can keep a secret, but it’s not one. Cause they see the way I look at you, I didn’t trade you, I waited and let my heart heal before I came to you. no strings attached to me, no puppeting, no mysteries, no fake stories to cover the truth, we are together in this moment, eatin the fruits of my words, of your actions, you brought me light and I am grateful.

I am down for you. You can transform into the Sun, cause I’mma be the Moon, always lightin the night, for you. Daytime struggles, you got my back. call me in the morning as a matter of fact, i answer, cause I want to hear the Word, i feel the god in you. Morph into a vortex, spinning, you solve complex equations that my mind can’t decipher, i get on my Knees, you take me higher. Praise. Planting seeds everyday, control minds with a bassline, heads bobbin. You speak like a King, serious esophagus, You came. Into this dimension to make sure I heard the alabaster stories of my peoples. You my people. i don’t want to put you in a box, I want you to grow and grow and get better. your wisdom. is like. … i want you to be as great as I am. goddess to God, you got the Juice, to produce the frequencies, that run through me. electricity. shock waves. we Up. in the middle of a storm, meditating in the eyes of the other. My story got reallll interesting, when I met you, forever in my heart, you got the key. use it.

__________________________________________________________  This poem is inspired by one of the most intelligent recording artists/MCs I have ever heard, Mos Def, who became Yasiin Bey. The gritty, the grimey, the witty, the wise, I admire Yasiin because he takes risks and uses his energy to alert the world on what’s really going on. We all should be waking up! Moreover, my words are inspired by those who are a part of me, whom I resonate with daily, or enough, like Brandon, who really is one of the best people that I know. He is a harsh reality wrapped in a soft truth. Glad to know you brotha… and my sisters, goddesses and gods. Through your grace, I continue.

Yasiin Bey Interview

Black Jack Johnson N.Y.C., R-O-C-K-I-N-G
Sun and the moon, earths, stars, and planets
Before song done y’all goin’ all understand it…

Ha, I am a fighter and a lover
I’m the freaky baby daddy, I’m a bad motherfucker
I’m the earth, wind, fire, and the thunder
I said I am, go ask my mother…

peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned
-i am shila iris

National Poetry Month! @Maya Angelou

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Yup! I eat spicy California rolls at 10:45 pm in bed with Maya Angelou. Only during National Poetry Month, though!

It’s So Easy to Love Her, Selah!

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Since the first time I heard her voice, I have been in love with the sound of her. I don’t care how she looks, or how she wears her hair. I don’t care how crazy they say she is, or how many kids, I just love to hear her speak. I see myself reflected in her eyes, and I get weak. Her art is ministry. Her words are from the most high, she is god. And sometimes, I kneal, for, I am thankful for the gift of her experiences, revealed, through her poetic verses, Lauryn Hill… I hear you, as your soul transitions into happiness, keep blessing the best of us. I hear my ancestors speak through you, triumphant woman of the moon, peace to you.

It’s national poetry month ya’ll… Selah… and then he came…

Nothing can be done against the truth
No matter how we remain in denial, yeah
Wasting time, replacing time
With each empty excuse
But that’ll only work a little while…

Coping with despair
Knowing you’re not there
Ashamed to just admit I’ve been a fool
So I blame it on the sun
Run away from everyone
Hoping to escape this ridicule

Trapped in misery
Wrapped so miserably in this deception I wear it like a skin
Dying to maintain, oh I keep trying to explain
A heart that never loved me to begin

Oh I’m such a mess, I have no choice but to confess
That I’ve been desperately trying to belong
Lying to myself and everybody else
Refusing to admit my right was wrong

And then he came, selah
Oh and it means praise and meditation
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means, did ya think about that
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means, praise and meditation
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means that it is sieved

How beautiful his fruits, still in denial of its roots
My guilty heart behaved so foolishly
This treason from within that reasons with my sin
Won’t be happy til it sees the death of me

Selfishly addicted to a life that I’ve depicted
Conflicted cause it’s not reality
Oh what’s left of me, I beg you desperately,
Cause me to agree but what I know is best for me

Please save me from myself
I need you, save me from myself
Please save me from myself so I can heal

The choices that I make, oh have been nothing but mistakes
What a wasted use of space
Should I die before I wake?
In all of my religion, I’ve fortified this prison
Obligated to obey the demands of bad decision

Please save me from myself
I need you to save me from myself
Please save me from myself so I can heal

And then he came, selah
Oh and it means praise and meditation
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means did ya think about that
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means meditation
And then he came, selah
Oh and it means that it is sealed

And then he came
And then he came, then he came, then he came
And then he
And then he came

PRAISE & MEDITATION

-Shila

P.S. Nothing can be done against the truth.

Out of the Rain, I Come for You

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My mind is overwhelmed with the reality that I’ve been captured
melancholy rigor mortis becomes me
my spirit is heavier than my mind, my body
my legs shake, denying me mobility
i lay here, but i am not present
i want to stay
but I don’t know how to exist
in this space
I’m fighting
my mind is rotating 345, 360, 315
i daydrift into a dream
i am an earth goddess, spinning
needing to be with you
but needing my solitude

healing, with gel and latex
rubbing herbs into my soul
i contemplate
i look at my face through the fog
“you can do this” i say
affirmations is the way
i can say i love you and mean it
i can walk away,
but that doesn’t mean i’m leaving
just
feed me
food and water,
relieve me
I’ll give you the world
cause I have it,
just let me be free to choose

so I’ll close my eyes

and allow the fear to die,
so I can wake up

and be with you.

Rain

I am an Aquarius. we are slow to respond sometimes, because we’re thinking. let us.

more and more, I see, that excuses and blame are tools of the incompetent.
Say what you feel, before what you want gets away.

Love, Shila

Saul Williams for National Poetry Month @MOCA

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Use poetry to tap into your ROOTs.
Let the true spirit of your ancestors, shine through.

Our people were scattered into the desert, across the sea, over and away from their homeland; and they have forgotten how to recognize themselves.  We will wake up.  -shila

“I’m planting seeds wherever I go.”
Performing collectively…

I am an artist with a mission. That mission is to always be about uplifting people of African descent, and to be instrumental in the restoration of our true identity. This is why artists like Saul Williams inspire me:

“I am the streets
The white lines only separate me from me
You hydroplane in false god’s name and still crash into me
Sign and tree; mountainside; guard rail; into the sea
They thought they stole you from my arms then carried you to me
Here’s the key: DNA encoded in a beat
White rocks in a vial, nigga, ain’t got nothin’ on me
Bitch I’m free, ask these editors at MTV
Far as they know, they’re publishing some new school poetry
Let it be
Cause even that will do to turn the key
Doorways into other worlds, the truth shall set you free
You are me, I am you, but also I’m he
Shepherd of a bastard flock that grazes in the streets… ”

– from DNA by S.W.

Every day, I am a poet. I have been writing since I was 7.
Sometimes my words rhyme, but most often I use free verse.
From free verse, came the rise of spoken word poetry.
Many artists have chosen this form as their primary means of communicating.
Try it. It can be quite liberating.

SAUL BOOKS:

If you are in Northeast Ohio, tomorrow, April 15, Saul Williams will be reading at MOCA and then performing at the Grog Shop. If you attend the MOCA event for $12, you can get into the Grog for $10.  Of course advance purchases are better, because you save a few dollars. Check him out. I’ve seen him at least 4 times, in different cities, and I really dig him because each performance is different. He is fully committed and true to his art form and that is admirable.

SAUL CDs and MOVIES

Peace and love.  I am OSiRis RiSinG

Sunday Nights… I Don’t Feel Like Talking, JusT LisTen

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He asked, “where did you come from?” I placed my hands on his heart, looked into his eyes and said, “I come from inside of you. Just listen.”

I don’t feel like talking tonight. I just want to sit here in silence, and be the moon. It’s not complicated. Moving through the Universe, on high, I fly.

1.  ORANGE MOON:  Erykah Badu

I’m an Orange Moon
I’m brighter than before
Brighter than ever before
I’m an Orange Moon and I shine so bright
Cause I reflect the light of my sun
I praise the day, he turned my way
And smiled at me
He gets to smile and I get to be orange, that I love to be

2. CHERISH THE DAY:  Sade 

You’re ruling the way that I move
And I breathe your air
You only can rescue me
This is my prayer
If you were mine
If you were mine
I wouldn’t want to go to heaven

3. TOMORROW: Lisa Shaw

Does love feel real
Would you say
I’d find a way
To be there for you
And I’d stay
If you let me down
I’d be there
Again and again

4. THE TICKLER:  YahZarah

The sun glistens off your skin
In a universe with me and you baby
Under your control I’m in
Boy you ask and you’ll find the fire deep within

5. NOTHING EVEN MATTERS:  Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo 

You’re part of my identity
I sometimes have the tendency
To look at you religiously
‘Cause nothing even matters to me

Hope you liked those 5. And here’s a bonus track. Goodnight.

____________________BONUS BONUS BONUS!!!

6. UNDERTOW: Goapele

From the moment I saw you
There was something about you
Just from the look in your eyes
I knew I wanted to stay
How you were licking your lips
I could tell you we’re danger
Babe you’re the type of boy
Not even love can change
So I know I should leave
But I’m not ready to go
About to ride that wave
Got me in your zone

I am shila.iris.
Goodnight,
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THE MUSIC OF AFRICAN ESSENCE click here

Homo Sapien Gods – My Life Began Inside of an Aries

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR MOTHER!!!  This poem is dedicated to my parents, who are both Aries, who I watched love each other for many years, with little interference, but their seasons had to end, because sometimes, we make the wrong decisions. but the right choices. their souls mated. mated long enough to create 6 lives. from 1980 until 1987. a tribe. my parents were best of friends, facing their reflections in the eyes of the other, i’m like my mother, my dad, my brother, my sisters and I are one. it’s hard to allow each other to be human sometimes, right? “you’re really out of my control, but I’m not trying to rope you.” be free. i love the energy that created me. thank you for birthing iris, i’m with you til the end! peace and blessings, i send. 

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Dopamine racing
the feeling is surreal
love is fleeting,
but his intentions are real
i am not his default
he didn’t steal me
he didn’t keep me on the side
he came to me, free as love can be
the wind blew around us,
creating a vortex
he rolled me up in a blunt and smoked my cerebral cortex
he speaks
i stop.
i listen
cerebellum bale- lance
there is nothing like me,
to him
he is high in between my sighs
he, lays there
looking into my eyes
he came inside, what a pleasant surprise
breathing.
that’s what we do together
he carried my baggage to the trash
canned it, but didn’t chastise me nor reprimand it
I am not falling for him,
i rise, I rise, i rise, I rise!!!
i can see myself in the skies!
i am loving this
homo sapien god
             My LIFE began inside of an Aries.
my lover, my friend
breathing.
he gave me a heart beat
teething, over his shoulder
biting,
screaming
as he takes over,
i am in your arms
burning in your fire,
higher, higher!
lifting the smoke screen
you see me,
resonating in my mind
my King
i am so in love with you

My siblings and I were all born under the conditions illustrated in this poem. ♥

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Sitting here thinkin’ bout ya’ll

Recently, I have met some of the dopest and illest human beings alive. When I say dope and ill, I mean intelligent, wisdom-filled homo sapien gods!

It all started last year, when I attended the Afro Punk Festival in Brooklyn, New York. The people, these “like-bodies” were so attractive, out-going, and confident. It was an amazing flow of energy in the air. It felt like we were walking between pyramids in Egypt. Such beauty reminded me that I was god. I began TRANSFORMING…

I felt elevated. And when I came down from this high, I went to you…

LET ME LOVE YOU. IT’S NOT COMPLICATED. My intentions are to plant seeds inside of you and to keep an open heart, and an open mind with You and YOU, and yoU, and YoU too. I got mad love for the Free people of the world! And I ain’t talking bout people with money and control, I’m talking about those real One’s, who live outside of the Matrix; who are bold lovers of themselves, and they love you too. GODS. They make you feel so good; not by stroking your ego in your weak moments, and not by pretending to choose you when it’s really default; but by telling you the truth, I’M MARRIED 2U. I’m married to me. I give you what you need, if you worthy. Brothas, sistahs! WE ARE meant 2B doing this together. Bring your LIKE-Minds into my atmosphere. Ya’ll inspire me to be god. Ya’ll remind me of my ancestral grace, in a world that tells me to hide it. I’m not hiding. I’m not lying. Reciprocity. I’m not afraid of you. I’ll look you in your eyes and say, “I’m god!”wpid-2015-04-06_15.57.44.jpg

But so are you. My darling Aries kindred sprits – Happy birthday

March 28 – Kyla, my oldest niece, and my youngest soul mate, i love your smile
March 28 – Zoië, my youngest niece, this wild one bites, I need this crazy baby
April 2 – My daddy, i love your poetic hustlin’
April 8 – Andre, my coolest cousin
April 8 – Imhotep Frank TheeTalented 10th, my sounding board, 13 years passed fast!
April 10 – My mother, mom, hmmmm. i am u.
April 10 – My Brandi Gregg! I love your Barbie doll collection and your warm hugs!
April 14 – Mr. Bobby Williams, who i can say anything under the Sun to, turns out, i need u

I am so glad to be able to connect with the Aries, rising with the Sun and resting with the Moon. Let the peace and blessings manifest within you, together, we are One.P.S. I do not want you to go, but I don’t know how to stop you. Live in my music. wpid-2015-04-06_13.31.07.jpg
i am OSIRIS and I’m RiSinG!!
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Are You Ready for Tonight? Soundtrack by Yasiin Bey & Res

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In a trance in the this space… CALMING

Dreamless sleep
refreshing, sometimes
not to think
Just lay, in peace
and listen to the sound of my heart beating
thumping,
Mind free of matter
Body free of desire
All I have is   ______
In this space,
I am wicked, spinning,
three sheets to the wind
awakening
In this bed,
on the clouds,
brown linens, the earth
gathering my wetness
I am breathing in,
exhaling, stretching,
Opening my eyes,
I see
you.
Together, we climb into the night

PEACE

Are you ready?

THE LYRICS:
People climbed into the night like space suits

People stepped into the night like moon boots
Marching like moon troops
In their zoot colored zoot suits

People climbed into the night like cool wells
Shiney bottles in their hands
Drinking their new selves
They say it’s their true selves

People climbed up in the night like green trees
They were hanging from the night like green leaves
Buzzing like queen bees

People climbed into the night like space suits
People stomped inside the night
Stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping

Where are they going?
What’s the rush?
Everybody in the place was so out of touch
Hey

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
And your frantic all by yourself

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves- Tonight

La La La [humming…]

People stomped inside the night
Let me climb into the night…
Let me climb…
[vamp to fade]

I mos def love the music of Yasiin Bey
Res

i am S hi la

Blessed up!

SUN DAZE: Alice Coltrane & Robert Glasper

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I’m sitting here, in the master bedroom, fighting my allergies with holy basil tea. Taking this journey to a higher place with Alice, and her spiritual muse Swami Satchidananda…

Master Bedroom Night

In this space, I’m not ready to leave. I read, comparing my notes, opening my eyes and ears, I breath. I’m learning, I can feel my body coming alive. My mind, my heart, I’m turning…

Metu Neter

… into my elevated SELF. Leaving this realm for the next, herbs help me to relax. I transform into a panther, long, black, I’m swift, experiencing trials, I’m running the last mile, the last stretch, to get back. This love for life is intense. Won’t you journey with me?David Hilliard

Peace and love, let your blessings manifest adjacent to your righteousness.

OSiris RiSinG