The Price of Rice: White Gold

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 going to become even more unbearable as coils unravel, split, and eventually snap.


Photo source: timeinc.net

Camus on God

“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.

Subway Art: U Street Station in DC

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~

What's Going On?

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 last year this time you would know a slightly different Stephen (I've never been too wild). Well, I pray that I will submit to Him even more in days to come. If you pray, then pray for me and I'll do the same for you. Well, sharing time is over. Can you dig it? What's going on with you. Somebody talk to me. Peace~

The Hunky-Dory Minstrel Show

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 introduced the word (Hunkidori) in his stage act during early 1860s. It is closely related to the Japanese term, “honcho-dori,” which means “main street” or “easy street.” Who knew that a Minstrel Show could be so hunky-dory?

Note: They referred to Thomas Dilward as “Japanese Tommy” on stage to conceal his identity as an African American and to retain the large white audience base who, ironically, did not want to see a black person performing in black face.

Sources: wikipedia.org, phrases.org.uk, ocf.berkeley.edu

Soon One Mornin'

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~

Poem 8: Bright Eyes

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

Poem?

(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

Poem 7:Blue Holiday

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

Poem 6: A Child's Prayer

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

Poem 5: Breakfast in Bed

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.

Poem 4: Wor(L)d Problem

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

Poem 3: Map of Pain

Map of Pain

Despite this map of Pain

I have my Pride
I have my Ambition

I have my Integrity,

and I have my Name

Despite this map of Pain

By: Stephen Bess

Poem 2: Rev Gaye

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

National Poetry Month

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

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