May was a fantastic celebration of poetry, art and community at numerous events. Some highlights:
Legacy of Poetry Day on May 5
Under the direction of Alan Soldofsky and San Jose State University, this annual event went big at the Hammer Theatre Center with poetry, music, dancing and theatre. Thanks to all who made it happen!
With poet Lorenz Dumuk and U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera
My family with Juan Felipe
Pachanga on the Paseo!
Hanging in the lounge before the event.
L-R: Arts Commissioners Richard James and Ramona Snyder, PLOTUS, Arts Commissioner Ron Muriera, me, SF Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguia
PLOTUS and Lorenz exchanging artwork!
Out of Our Minds with Rachelle Escamilla
Thank you, Rachelle Escamilla, for having me and Darrell Dela Cruz on your show on May 4th!
If you want to listen in, here it is: Out of Our Minds
ImagineSJ Showcase #8: Poetry
May 12th at Anno Domini was a gathering of spoken word poets talking craft and sharing work with a full house in the gallery. Panel moderated by the amazing Mighty Mike McGee. Thanks to Future Arts Now!, Anno Domini, Kooltura Marketing and Silicon Valley De-Bug. Check out this Pop Up Editorial by Silicon Valley De-Bug.
Lips Uncurled, Eyes Forward
Congratulations to Quynh-Mai Nguyen for creating a beautiful community space for poetry, art, activism, dialogue, food and music. The May POETree was created at this event. Here’s part of it:
be careful with your wings.
tiempos suaves. swaying in and around me
all the dancers come to one, two three
my everything, everything
is nothing
for once
scars are beautiful. they mean you survived.
in navigating these grey waters
what if i knew what i was doing?
for community, for vulnerability
for full and complex brilliance
i would build a bullet train
to connect the continents
freedom will rise
justice will cry
heart will shine
my lips are uncurled
lift your head or the crown falls.
a better world is coming.
welcome home,
familiar faces.
the color of my sadness
paints the mountain mist
that surrounds you
the color of my sadness
is the headstone
of hospital tile white,
the sallow green curtains
that did not give back
my godmother’s name.
ghost hugs.
you will get them
when you are feeling down.
you won’t feel them,
but they will be there.
you know it’s love
when its light fills an entire community
and everyone wants to play
in san jose, city by the bay
that gets little play,
but, hey . . . that’s okay
the color of my happiness
is my velvet coated sleeve,
and all the words
i would bleed for you,
if my mouth knew how
to sing your name
thud. a sharp violet
the violin sharp
enter the woman in white.
twelve minor chords.
perhaps a b sharp.
the linoleum sings a dirty song
of freedom
wings, arms, legs, heart, mind
unfurled
don’t let me be hurt.
is it safe?
the pressure of approval
is debilitating
how could i have traveled
so far with you
before i die, i want to feel your warmth.
the color of my sadness
leaves footprints from your front door.
~ POETree, May 2016
Upcoming Events
Saturday, June 11 at Studio Bongiorno
Tuesday, June 14 at Works/San Jose
Media Poetry Studio summer day camp
Also coming up:
June POETree will take place along with a poetry workshop for students at College of Adaptive Arts.
Stay tuned for other summer activites, including workshops in collaboration with Santa Clara County Public Library, announcement of call for poetry submissions, POETree at summer events, and LitLumpia Fest on Sunday, July 17!
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 