dalmira johnson | Earth & Ether

In order to rise, there had to have been a faLL
This just means there are LeveLs to it aLL
PercoLate, osciLLate, take a step back, move round and around
Adjust your frequency, be kinetic or inert
Lay faLLow, rest and grow
DeveLop your intuition, know what to keep and what to Let go…

I began to understand progress when I deveLoped the abiLity to Look back.
What was there, what was aLways there?
History. Patterns. Karma. Past Lives, unspoken.
I had to be ever so quiet to remember who I was, who I’ve aLways been.
I changed. I change. Everything does. For a reason. Do the math.
Sankofa.

-shiLa iris

Waking State… reLative truths, imaginary truths, AbsoLute Truth

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… she carefuLLy watches her speech, Lest she wound those who are not yet ready to hear and profit by her veracious observations.

Who do I need to be to engage you?

– shi La I ris

No one ever leaves you…

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All these memories, too much to lose
I don’t need faith, I just want you…

Old man, let me wipe your eyes
I’ve never seen you cry

Old friend, in our own sweet time
We’ll say a good, goodbye
All my life, I know by now

All these memories, too much to lose
No one ever leaves you
I don’t need faith, I don’t need truth
No one ever leaves you

You’d say, this is all there is
And every time you’d blink, you’d miss
another piece of this wondrous world

All I’d ask is why you’d leave so soon
Everybody seems to
I don’t need faith, I just want you
No one ever leaves you

Everybody raise a glass, oh, here’s to a good goodbye
Everybody raise a glass, oh, here’s to a good goodbye
Everybody raise a glass, oh, here’s to a good goodbye
Oh, everybody raise a glass, oh

All these memories too much to lose
No one ever leaves you
I don’t need faith, I don’t need truth
No one ever leaves you
I don’t need faith, I just want proof

Goodnight and goodbye…

Shila Iris

P.S. Dedicated to everyone who has ever been a part of my life, and for those who have crossed my path. Thank you.

Men and women are miniature universes…

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… who reflect in their balanced relationship the larger universe.

It is important that we gain knowledge of who and what we are in order to be in a balanced partnership with another. You are the UNIVERSE. Study it. It is our nature to be together, not with many, that is a form of imbalance, but with a twin spirit. And by twin spirit, I mean the person who will compliment your existence. If you look at the concentric zodiac calendar, it can sometimes be the person completely opposite of you. What I’ve come to find is that often times, this person won’t be like you, behaviorally. Of course, you’ll share similarities, but they will be the other side of you, and together, you create a whole. We’ve been trained to be narcissists, looking for someone just like us when by Universal Law, that doesn’t measure. It isn’t so natural. With a twin spirit, you love them for not being you! You are enamored by their gifts, as they are yours. The two of you represent balance. Different sides of the same coin. It’s so beautiful to find peace in a union like this!

The G.U.N. = God, Universe, Nature = 1

Whatever the case may be with who you’re with, the important thing is for you to be at one with yourself, and then co-create, harmoniously, with one person at a time. It’s healthy to be able to connect with a person in a spiritual way whereas you’re not involving or running to many many people for validation. Let go of drama. In order to see this, you’ll have to be willing to be alone. If you’re already married, find a space to be in silence daily, for as long as it takes to connect with and love yourself.

Being by yourself allows you to hear the most important voice of all, yours, and in you, is God. Meditate. Embrace being in a state of solitude. It isn’t easy, but it is the most rewarding experience, for in this silence, you’ll hear the voice of God, and, you will hear and see yourself. Be quiet. Sit still. Listen.

So grateful for a Sunday afternoon, in the park, filled with butterfly kisses…

peace and joy!

Shila Iris

P.S. By being in solitude, I gained this uncompromising love for myself. It’s unconditional. And now, I reflect that love out into the world, in a reciprocating manner. I no longer feel confused and challenged by other people’s truths or realities. I embrace the All. I feel free! And I’m growing and changing the traumatic patterns in my DNA constantly. Must we all?

The Water

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The water heals
so, I swim deep

the depth of it all
just seems so out of reach

so I fetch, dig deep in my memory
the spirits rise, so again I can see

at the bottom of the ocean
in Labadi beach
The horses, they come for me

I am the master of this ceremony
new life, new mind
3 dollars and 6 dimes
Cause the woman that knows something,
knows that she knows nothing at all
Change

-by Shila Iris

My Introduction to James Baldwin

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As a child, when tough times fell on my family, I became an avid reader. At the age of 8, I was visiting the library, checking out the thickest and heaviest novels I could carry. I would read just about anything, as long as it kept me occupied. Browsing the shelves of the African-American Literature section, I often saw James Baldwin’s name, but for some reason, I avoided his books. I did this for a long time, and didn’t take an interest in his writing until I was in my 30s. I kept hearing his name in the art community, both locally and nationally- it turned out, he inspired many people.

One day, I was visiting my oldest sister and she had a copy of one of his books in her purse. I inquired and she said that he is her favorite writer. I said, well that’s enough. I am going to have to read one of the three Baldwin books I have at home! Yes, I had gone as far as purchasing his books, but still never read them. Giovanni’s Room was my choice. I was pleased. I will read many others. The way he brings the Black experience to life, and the way he isn’t afraid to discuss what conformists think are the “darkest” parts of our existence, is what makes his writing so attractive. He is the voice inside of our heads.
And, that’s all I have to say!

Thank you for coming here,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Judith Jamison

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The first time I saw my sister, Judith, perform a classical dance routine with the Cleveland School of the Arts at Parade the Circle, may have been one of the first times I ever saw such dancing. These teenage girls showed real promise. It wasn’t a talent I possessed, but it was definitely one that I admired. I felt a strong connection to the music and to the movement of the dancers. She was really good at it. My sister did not go on to pursue dancing, but I have always wished she would have. Later, I was in the John Hope & Aurelia Franklin Library on the campus of Fisk University doing research for a paper, and I came across a book with Judith Jamison’s picture. She was standing on one foot, with the other pointed up in the air. Her poise was unforgettable. I have paid close attention to her ever since. She spent time studying dance at my Alma Mater, Fisk, and then went to the Philadelphia Dance Academy. Jamison has danced since the age of six studying ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz, and primitive dance. She was accepted into the American Dance Theater and soon after became the protégé of Alvin Ailey touring the world with his dance company for fifteen years. She branched out and created her own ballet company, but when Alvin Ailey died in 1989, she merged with his company to keep the legacy alive. Her work fuses African motifs with modern dance. I’ve been blessed to see the Alvin Alvin Ailey Dance Theater perform several times, and each time, I always think about Jamison’s picture in that book in the library. I am pleased to say that the two of them together, are my favorite dancers and are definitely part of my Black History.

Thank you for reading,

In remembrance of Robert Nesta aka Bob Marley, Happy Birthday!