Morphological Confetti

Have you seen the recent news about rice? This whole situation about the price of rice is really tripping me out. I really like rice, but there are people out here now who will bust you in the head for a bag of rice. There are many stories in the blogosphere about this rice issue, but I want to share something that will make you smile and something that will make you think . I realize that there is more to this shortage and crisis than I know because I haven't examined it. Update 4/30/08: At first, I thought this outrage about rice was a bit humorous, but then I looked at the bigger picture. There is a food crisis in the world. It's not just in Africa or some other so called third world country, but the world. Then, there is the increase in fuel prices. As a result, there is an increase in crime and assault. The people are becoming restless, hungry, and desperate. They are beginning to feel the tension that is caused when the gap between the rich and the poor widens. It's ...

“I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live my life as if there isn’t and die to find out there is.” ~Albert Camus (French Algerian Novelist) Photo source: Werner Horvath: "Albert Camus". Color pencils on paper, 32 x 24 cm, 1997.

I wanted to share a little subway art to start your weekend. This piece is part of a mural at the U Street metro station in DC. I don't know the artist, but I always stop to see what else I can see in this mural which takes up a long stretch of wall. The mural reflects a community that is culturally rich and diverse. This seems to reflect the Caribbean. I wonder what song he's playing? Maybe he's playing, Ding Dang Walla . Well, have a great weekend and be safe. Peace~

You know, sometimes I have to abandon the idea of posting something about poetry, photography, or history and just share. Today is one of those days. I have about 30 minutes left before I fight traffic to get home. I'm getting used to it (traffic); well, if one can get used to the traffic in the DC metropolitan area; it's rough. I miss the days of riding the train and bus home while I read my books. Now, I have to make time to read. Plus, public transportation is full of inspiration for writing. Otherwise, I'm blessed. My job is very challenging, but I enjoy it. I actually take work home and don't mind working on it. Tonight, I go to Bible study. Some of you know this about me, but some of you don't. I'm a preacher's son turned born again Christian. As for Bible study, I have to keep up with the WORD. He is my ultimate comforter. He instructs me and governs my life (when I allow Him to do so). You see, It's a growing process. If you were a friend of mine...

Have you ever heard the word “hunky-dory” (Superlatively good) used in a sentence and wondered where it came from? I have always wondered. I first heard a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy say it when someone asked how his day was going; he stated that everything was “hunky-dory!” So, from that point I thought it was just something that corny older white men said to describe their day. *giggle* Well, that was until I read about a man named Thomas Dilward (aka Japanese Tommy). Mr. Dilward was one of the first African American Minstrel performers performing on stage before the Civil War. He performed with a troupe called, the Christy's Minstrels . Thomas Dilward excited and thrilled white audiences with song, dance, and violin (note: I'm going to refrain from expressing my disdain for minstrelity just to keep this a short post). Also, I imagine that audiences were intrigued by size. Anyway, it turns out that the word is attributed to Thomas Dilward; researchers say that Dilward int...

This brother is talented. He sings and plays the Blues in a way that I haven't heard in a while. I hope you enjoy it. Have a great weekend. Peace~

Bright Eyes A poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar comes to mind whenever I see a little brown baby with sparklin’ eyes Oooh wee, child! Look at those eyes so big and bright I bet you they could lead us back to the house tonight Those big, bright eyes could shine and flicker straight to the front door and it’ll be just in time for this little brown baby to go to sleep once more Whenever I see a little brown baby with sparklin’ eyes A poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar comes to mind By: Stephen Bess

(Click to Enlarge) The road to writing a poem a day is too tiresome. So, I'm going to sit under this tree here and rest. I know...I know what I said, but I'm so tired and that shade looks so nice and cool. P.S. I want to give a big thanks to new blog friend, Lovebabz . She's cooler than this shade tree. Peace~ Photo: Road off of Hwy 125 in North Carolina Photo Source: Stephen Bess

Blue Holiday Don't matter how bright the day or how new the moon Trouble is always in sight and my mood is always Blue Even if I pray before I start the day and give The Father his due Weary is just down the street and my my mood is bound to be Blue Lord, take me now cause I'm just about through ain't no use in carryin' on cause my mood is always Blue By: Stephen Bess Dedicated to the memory of Ms. Billie Holiday born on this day in 1915. Billie Holiday, like so many of our young girls, was the victim of sexual assault at an early age. However, women of all ages are being assaulted even as I type these words. Big thanks to Xavier for promoting awareness. Art Source: boundlessgallery.com

A Child's Prayer Dear God I want you to have a hand in all that I do When I do my daily chores and arithmetic too I want you to speak for me in all that I say When I say my grace for dinner or ask to go outside and play I want you to protect me and my family as we sleep at night When all our world is dark and our only comfort is your light Amen Photo source: earthlink.net

Breakfast in Bed Hey baby I’ll be right back I’m going to the corner store to pick up a few things Why? Girl, I’m going to make you breakfast in bed I’m talking about french toast with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans Then, I’m going to fix you an omelet just the way you like it with fresh tomatoes, green peppers, ham, and cheese Finally, I’m going to buy a big ol' bag of oranges and squeeze all of them by hand to make you a fresh pitcher of orange juice Why? Just because I love you, baby Really, why? Oh… You mind if I go to the Wizards game tonight with Tyrone and Rob? I hear that Agent “O” is back on the court! I can! Thanks, baby Come on and get dressed, girl. I’m taking you OUT to breakfast.

Wor(L)d Problem Let us imagine that the discontent in the Black community could be summed up like a word problem Question: How many injustices would it take for one Black Nation to explode? Answer: 2 Kings 2 Many 2 Kings 2 Many By: Stephen Bess 1992

Map of Pain Despite this map of Pain I have my P ride I have my A mbition I have my I ntegrity, and I have my N ame Despite this map of Pain By: Stephen Bess

Marvin Gaye (Born: Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.) (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) Reverend Gaye Owoooooo! You recognize that shout? That’s Marvin Gaye’s signature HOW SWEET IT IS – COME GET TO THIS – AFTER THE DANCE shout I used to hear grown men and women shouting it on hot innercity streets, but they didn’t always have the Blues; Sometimes their arms and fist would be stretched towards the Sun as their hips would grind in unison with the melody Owoooooo! I remember grownups singing LET’S GET IT ON as they danced the slow drag and their bodies cast blue shadows on the basement wall Marvin would stretch forth his voice and bless the assembly singing, CAN I GET A WITNESS as the inebriated congregation would shout from their parking lot pews… Owoooooo! You recognize that shout? That’s Marvin Gaye’s signature HOW SWEET IT IS – COME GET TO THIS – AFTER THE DANCE shout And he did it all just to keep us satisfied By: Stephen Bess Happy Birthday, Mr. Gaye

Since April is National Poetry Month, I have accepted a challenge from Cloudy Day Art to write a poem everyday for the 30 days of April. My plan is to post every poem (good or bad) on Morphological Confetti every single day. Please join me if you are up for the challenge. I'll start this one off with a Blues piece. Peace~ My Baby Loves Me Let me tell ya'll somethin' I don’t know nothing ‘bout no money I don’t know nothing ‘bout no car I don’t know nothing ‘bout no sporty clothes I don’t know nothing ‘bout no spa What I know is that my baby loves me my baby loves me yes she do and she don’t care nothing ‘bout all those fancy things long as she knows I love her too By: Stephen Bess Photo Source: watkinscemetery.com Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification