On my website the other week, I commented about an art project I was doing with Brian Channer of Odd Zebra and NuBriton. We met again this week at our mutual place of work and sat conversing with the young ladies in the hostel. He read us a wonderful poem that he had written as the result of a sculpture either he or someone on one of his projects had done. It was about three ladies: one who wore a polka dotted dress, a wise lady in blue and a third in red. They each characterised different aspects of womanhood- I forget the intimate details but the poem was wonderful. I love listening to good verse and appreciate how poetry is the dance of language. I love being stirred and moved by words. As I was sat on the train yesterday I got to thinking about this wonderful poem I wrote this as a reaction: 

His Poem

I would love to write verse that made the soil turn
And have roots protrude from concealed seeds
Instead 
All I can do is listen, be mesmerised by words that caress into submission
Words that turn the heart of a polka dotted girl.
Who was she who lay horizontal in the reeds
Behind a purple setting sun and a jet blue sea?
Who was she who rose wise and empowered
Swaying with her nation? 
Loved at last from the inside out;
Birthed again from a thousand splendid whispers
We are told he was softly spoken, sober yet drunk with the knowings of herstory
The lady in red glows again
Another song rises from the lady in blue 
I sit with the polka dotted girl  
And sprouts blossom
From tear drops in the soil.
We are all something different from his words.

Confusion is in my Brain, Confusion: It’s got to be a Love game.

During the book launch two weeks ago, I spoke about how one of the reasons the book is important is because it helps parents build up confidence and self worth in their children. And I stick by that wholeheartedly.

It’s hard enough being a teenager, but when you throw low self esteem and love into the mix, it just complicates matters.

Here are  two characters- one Adult and one Teenager. They are having a conversation at a bus stop.

-He doesn’t know what love is, but I can show him. I need him and want him so badly.

             
But what about your Higher Self? What does She want?

-I dunno, I dunno. I just need him.

If you loved yourself and were sorted do you think you would want him?

-No.

Well why do want him now?

-Well am not sorted am I?

The night before the Book Launch

It's almost 1am, and really I should be sleeping, but of course I can't.
The first launch of Top Tips for Raising Today's Teens is taking place tomorrow. How do I feel? Well, tired to be honest. I have spent the week feeling nervous, excited, scared and wanting to call the whole thing off!

I have done the promoting, the printing, the checking in with the host, the guest poet, friends and colleagues.  There is a box of books on the living room floor. There's leaflets, paperwork, paper saucers and plastic cups: Fruit juice and paraphanelia. It's all there. Ready to go.

Earlier I purchased a cardigan to match my skirt- so at least I won't be wearing black. I got my hair redone, have had a glass full of vegetable juice, have prayed, meditated and visualised. Am hoping a sleep from about 1.30 until 9 will be fine. I have instructed the boys not to stay up too late, as imagine the three of us turning up looking totally busted. Not good.

There is little more I can do except hope the gods are on my side. I love the book and although I haven't rehearsed what I'm going to say, I  am fine about that,  as all I need to do is be honest. It will be organic. :)

The ones who are meant to be there will be there. And the ones that aren't won't, it's that simple.There is nothing more that I can do right now. Except sleep.