Morphological Confetti

Happy Birthday to late, Gwendolyn Brooks , an excellent poet and extraordinary woman.   I will always be inspired by her poetry.   I recently shared one of my favorites, We Real Cool , with a group of college freshman.   It was interesting to hear their interpretations.  Again, Happy Birthday Ms. Brooks.   At this moment,  I am Jazzin’ June, but in a positive way.   Thank you for your creative concern and poetic protest. .. Above Artwork by : Dirk Hagner [Gwendolyn Brooks, woodcut, 40 x 22.5 inches, hand printed on washi] Book by Gwendolyn Brooks:

Ausi Maria I imagine a place in the Sun I look to the east where I can see her reflection in the south African drums... Rhythms, tapping rhythms -- beating hearts of student protest. Artwork: "Biko '78" oil on board by Stephen Bess

Poetry entered David E. Patton’s life in September of 1968. It was in St. Louis, Mo. and the Civil Rights Movement in America was in full swing. David describes his first poem back then as “a sixteen line alternating rhyme of youthful discontent.” Now, 41 years later, David presents to us, The Trinity . The Trinity is collection of poetry and images all created by David Patton. When I first saw the book, my mind immediately drifted towards the Biblical reference of the Trinity: God, Son, and the Holy Spirit; However, David is referring to what he describes in his introduction as the “Body, soul, and mind, the trinity of the self.” So, The Trinity , to me, is an expression of self, and a bearing of one’s soul – open to the public. I’ve been reading David E. Patton’s blog for a couple of years and I’ve always found his poetry to be not only interesting, but very raw and unprocessed. It’s the difference between canned fruit and picking it from a tree. This is what I mean – he seemed to...

April is National Poetry Month! So, take out those pens, click on those keys or just finger them on the glass like you see in this poster. Hey write them in the sand if you're on the beach. As the R&B singer Charles Wright sang, "Express Yourself." I'm not going to attempt a poem everyday as I proclaimed last year, but just be on the look out. I will share my poetry from time to time on my blog throughout the month. Peace~

Liquid Lunch has arrived! I was smiling ear to ear when UPS showed up with my chapbooks. I felt like a proud Papa; I am a proud Papa! Well, if you wish to purchase just look to your right. There is a "Buy Now" button to click ( $8.00 ). It's easy and safe to use. If you don't have a credit or debit card, send me an email (for email address just click profile button). I guarantee excellent customer service. Meanwhile, please tell a friend or family member. We gotta move these chapbooks! Thanks for all of your support. *Big Smile* Note: The above is not the actual book cover. The book cover is on a beautiful green linen paper with a black and white photo of my grandfather and his friend in WWII. Picture: By Me (watercolor and pencil on paper)

I am proud to announce that I am the recipient of two awards compliments of Jack Mandora (aka Jacqueline Smith). These awards were a complete shock, and I know that I sound like one of the people on an award show, but this was so unexpected. Jacqueline, we've been blog friends for only a short while, so I am happy that my blog has had this positive impact on you and other readers. Thank you so much. First, I want to give out the “ Friendship around the World ” Award; the name is self-explanatory. Now, some of you may receive this for a second time. You all have been great supporters/friends from such a long distance. Here is a toast to distant love. This award will goes to: 1. Mickle and Zebby-Cat~New Zealand 2. Poéfrika ~Lesotho/France 3. Analia~Uraquay 4. Lady Putz~Dubai 5. Cergie~France 6. NML~London 7. Cape Slavery Heritage~South Africa 8. Emil Jung~South Africa 9. Fabrizio's Style Café~Italy Now, the second award is the Arte Y Pico Award [translation: The peak of art] a...

Artist spotlight is becoming my thing to do here at Morphological Confetti. I sometime stumble upon great artist and I just want to share them with the rest of the world – the MC audience. Recently, I did an image search pertaining to African American history when I came across a wonderful piece of artwork created by painter and photographer, Cedric Smith. My first reaction to his work was that of extreme admiration; I was impressed. Smith’s beautiful and colorful images resembled old ads from the early part of the 20th Century. Smith says that his inspiration and influences are drawn from the Georgia landscape and its people. Smith’s memories growing up and nostalgia also play a significant role in his work. As many of you know, the ads in America’s early years were often racist in its portrayal of Africans in America. Cedric wanted to change this negative perception. The difference in Cedric Smith’s work is that the images are positive and appealing; for instance, there a...

Robert Johnson, Terraplane Blue 2001. Stephen Bess Watercolor, pencil, and ink on paper Terraplane Blues "And I feel so lonesome you hear me when I moan (x2) Who been drivin my terraplane for you since I've been gone I'd said I flashed your lights mama your horn won't even blow I even flash my lights mama this horn won't even blow Got a short in this connection hoo-well, babe, its way down below I'm on hist your hood momma mmmm I'm bound to check your oil (x2) I got a woman that I'm lovin way down in Arkansas..." Lyric Source: © (1978) 1990, 1991 Lehsem II, LLC/Claud L. JohnsonAdministered by Music & Media International, Inc.

"Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal." -- T.S. Eliot This quote by American writer, T.S. Eliot intrigued me when I read it today. It caused me to question my own writing style, and if I am an imitator or a thief. Well, I thought about and I've decided that I’m definitely a thief. I say this because I take, take, take, and take some more from the world around me. I store it in my brain or write it down on pieces of paper. Then, I use all that I have gathered and I make an attempt to create something beautiful or just meaningful. How about you? What's on your mind today. It seems like I've been gone so long. I just want to catch up with you to see how things have been. All are welcomed. Peace~ Photo source: National Portrait Gallery

I was tagged by Cergie on the ten points I like about myself. This was fun, but not easy. It's sometimes difficult to think of the things I like about Stephen. It became difficult after number five. 1. First, I like that I have a good spiritual base. Some of you may know that I am a son of preacher (PK, Pastor’s Son = Bad boy). Well, that spiritual base from the beginning has drawn me closer to God as an adult. Now, I don’t have to be asked to go to church or to pray. As a matter of fact, I can’t make it without it. I know, I sound like one of those rappers after they receive a Grammy for an award winning song like, “Whoop that Trick.” 2. I like being a husband and a father. It’s been really rewarding and I’ve seen so much growth as a man. 3. I like that I have great manners. Yes, old people love me. They tell me that I have manners to spare. 4. I like that I’m a good listener. It’s not always easy, but I take pride in it. 5. This leads me also to my patience. It’s something that I...

oil and paper on board 4x6 By: Stephen Bess I did this piece in 2005 in honor of Stephen Biko. Peace~

I want to share with you today my memories of dance. It must have happened when I was an infant watching my parents dance. No, I don’t remember seeing my parents dance, but I can just imagine how beautiful the moment must appear to a child. For the first time, the child is witnessing the movement of limbs and hips in harmony with the beat of the music. As older children, my brothers and I would play for most of the day in front of our apartment building, but sometimes my mother would gather us in the house with our friends and turn on her record player. The song that comes to mind in memory is “ Car Wash ” by the R&B group, Rose Royce. I remember we would all take turns dancing in the middle of the circle. When my turn came up, I would close my eyes and just allow my body to flow with the rhythm of the music. I remember the exhilarating feeling and laughing as my mother cheered me on, "Go head Stevie!" The moment left an indelible impression on my mind. It influenced ...

Hello everyone. I just wanted to give all of you the heads up on what I am doing with this blog . Well, I recently purchased a domain for Morphologicalconfetti.com and I have plans to develop the site more. I want to continue with what I've been doing, but I also want to showcase new and upcoming talent in the literary and arts community. I am very excited about it and I hope to have the gallery, favorite links and others up and running within the next couple of weeks! Some of you found out by accident so I am making it official now. *smile* I hope that you enjoy what I have in store for all of us. Peace~

Poem: Untitled Big momma put on a pot of slick bones with biscuits in the oven ! We got any molasses ? Definitions: Big Momma - Grandmother Slick bones - Pork Neck Bones Big Momma’s homemade biscuits and a bowl of molasses - PRICELESS! © Stephen Bess 2006 Art: Acrylic & Marker on board This is one of my many attempts at art. I did this piece in 2001 while sitting in my apartment on a Saturday afternoon. I was playing one of my favorite cds, Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live [LIVE] and this was what I came up with.

This is a photograph that was taken in North Carolina off of Hwy 125 South. I had a little fun with it on bitmap. I know, I know...I should be working. *smile* Peace~ Click picture to enlarge

I hung out at the Mocha Hut Saturday afternoon on U street here in DC. This place is really cool. It has great atmosphere, comfortable seating, gracious host and a delicious breakfast menu that includes delectable snacks! I had a really good breakfast/brunch while I was there. I went there to meet my cousin and his friend who were engaged in a friendly game of Chess when I arrived. Well, I thought it was friendly until the young lady would get frustrated with the game and knock over the pieces. LOL! :) She did this about 5 times as I sat there eating. I would just laugh everytime and she would give me that one trembling evil eye. **grin** She was a sweetheart afterwards and we talked a little before I went out to do a little exploration. It was a nice day and I got a lot of good shots in and around the neighborhood. I'll have to share some more with you soon. Your move