Have You Ever Had A Want?-Lauren Jackson

Have you ever had a want
That ever became a need?
Cos’ from experience I can tell you
It is an experience indeed.

When you think you want something
So... so... so bad
You go all out to get
But return home empty handed- sad

Dependence upon the illusion of need
Can lead one or two astray
Cleaving close to what you have
Is simply the safest way.

What you have is secure
Ready to be employed
However much you want something else
It remains on your shelf like an old toy.

A toy that is never played with
Accustomed to neglect.
Who’s to say your new fascination
Over months or years will not be duplicate!

So the importance of our wants
And those of our needs
Need to remain in their places
Or the consequence could be fatal indeed.

Never would you desire to harm yourself so
Appreciate what you do have
Yesterday, Today
And ......tomorrow.

The Price of Liberty-Gio

You were always the double edged sword
With one side pointed at me I never knew who exactly you were for
In one hand you gave me freedom whilst you took peace from the other
Your education has been invaluable
Yet the greatest lesson has been learned with your departure
You have had input in the moulding of my character
However this has not been beneficial on all occasions
My assiduous nature coupled with the presence of you led me down the road of stress
You demanded my time
You demanded my energy
You gave me friends and yet I also put friendships in jeopardy
Today I say farewell as I take on the next level of freedom.

Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis

Why So Serious? - Jeremy Bull

Too many people are inflicted with a resounding need to speak of trials, pains and tribulation

Why do we need to reflect on always the negative, the distressing? We know its there, we live, eat and breathe the smog of this system

Lets liberate the brighter side of the coin, the one with head of life, not the tails of dark emotion

Title: Why So Serious?

Story: Change the changeable, and have hope for the seemingly unchangeable

Life is lived by each, for each, for a purpose each chooses for themselves

Therefore, each one, live for a purer purpose

With the light of truth shining as though the lamp in the corner of a dark room, don’t shield yourself from it, make it your own

Following the light of truth keeps your mind focused at the attaining of, and away from looming gloom behind

Seriously keep seeing seriousness in a serious way, but in time think

Seriously, why so serious?

Rotten Fruit - John Feast

These days most people are just rotten fruit painted on the outside to look clean and fresh.

So many times I watch their would be consumers spit out the vile contents and wretch at the bitter taste of wet paint and rotten slime. The detritus of deceit.

The signs are there. You can smell them a mile off. Yet they pick and devour as if starved.

Do they miss the genuine article? Do they not notice the ripe fruit just waiting to be picked?

Perhaps I fool myself as they fool themselves. While I see rottenness on the inside perhaps they see me and perceive rottenness on the outside.

All I know is all that of all those with their stained hands, none are taking a bite out of me.

Grass Appears Greener On The Other Side- Laura Cooke

I’ve heard it told that “the grass is always greener on the other side.”
Well that all depends on what side you’re on!

From where we stand we can think that it must be better on the other side,
Nothing can be worse that where we are right now.

But once you step over, you soon realise that it’s all just an illusion,
You fight and beg to get back onto this side again.

You belong on this side!

Its only when something goes wrong that you even start to gaze at the other side.
Exciting.
Free.
Greener.
These are what you think will await you.

You begin to think that you won’t be happy until you get to that side.
So you deny everything you are on this side and move over.

Happy now?

It starts off well; you think ‘I can’t believe I didn’t come here sooner.’
You are free and you leave all those worries behind.

But then you start to miss certain things.
Security.
Love.
Greener.
These are what definitely await you.

Then something goes wrong on the “greener side”.
You are made to realise you were wrong and that nothing can be better than the side you left.

Get back there quick!!!!


photoby[na]tasha2010

*Sneak Preview!*

This is just a peak into my current photo project. I would call it my first but I have given myself projects before and never started to complete them... But this one is different because I was specifically asked to do it. So I will call it my first! You shouldn't really be seeing this as it is supposed to be a gift, but I figure one cannot hurt...

Hope you like it? TJ

For My Pal Al - TJ

'Yo-yo' is not just a slang term often used by black people.
It is actually an object/toy that can bring much joy and is very simple.
A single string attached to smooth roundness that's green (or any other colour[s] you choose)
And when you walk the figurative dog
The bright red flashes can light up the dark

Up
And
Down
And
Up
And
Down

It's more that a finger, string and plastic
It's a chord of love that deep into the heart sinks
And you can't contemplate your life without it
This is when you become friends and the moments will forever bring you happiness.

May you and your yo-yo have many a good time
I hope it never gets to the point where you say goodbye.

[untitled] - John Feast

I used to be innocent

I used to be free

Guilt and regret could not touch me.



They carried me away, they did, they did

Somewhere dark and damp is where they hid

Off to work for days that slid

Into weeks and months and years



They smelt of dusty chalk and tea

And ever did speak eloquently

Hammering various pegs constantly

Into uniform shaped holes



Finally, when form emerged

All trace previous had been purged

Enthusiasm no longer surged

And the fire in eyes snuffed out



“Good job” said the men

Drinking tea again

“For our jobs there’s no need to fear!

We’ve beaten and hacked and clawed them into shape

So we’re sure to top the tables this year”

Lifes Heart Beat- Lauren Jackson

Enclosed in the bubble of existence
I eagerly rummage around
But the disorientation that holds me tight
Refuses my mind with sound.
The sound of a rhythm constant in my head
With a tight grip over my soul
This resilient substance in my life
Its one I can’t control.
Its force is beyond my power
Its pull, is oh so strong
But I have learnt from experience
That it is often wrong.
The direction the heart guides one in
Is treacherous indeed
At once I thought myself stronger
That I could break off – succeed.
The rhythm however dominates the mind
The sound guides ones thoughts
And as it beats on
I realise I’m following its course.

The Unwanted Gift - Gio

A gift is usually given with the reception of gratitude but my story is quite a surreal one and one that is not composed of pure joy. For I am an object that is not admired as it should be. Its very strange though since it makes absolutely no sense to be treated this way… I mean A lot of time, effort and, for want of a better word, complicated engineering goes into creating me. And don’t get me wrong, generally, initially I am appreciated, in fact celebrated. For a while, I become the most celebrated and cherished possession for some people. For some moments…

Then things suddenly change, and I have no idea why. I can go from being the greatest thing to happen to someone, to something people don’t give two thoughts about. I am thrown away on a daily basis for pointless reasons. I am destroyed by self abuse, neglect and carelessness. I am stolen in conflicts, stolen in war, stolen in crime, stolen in moments of inhuman cruelty. And yet I’m still created, brought into a world that doesn’t want me. Why don’t they understand? Why don’t they realise? Why don’t they just…

Once I was one of the greatest gifts given too mankind. All too quickly I am forgotten as to how precious I am.
Cherish your gift.

Dreamer or Schemer- Gio

Sometimes certain defining characteristics aren't so,
That fine line can become blurred in examination.
Say for instance motives and results.
Two people may decide on similar actions,
However fruition may separate good intentions from a good plan.
But can you tell from the into what the outro will sound like?
Or does spontaneity play a much needed forming role?
If thoughts do not make it into the physical realm are you just a dreamer?
It is somewhere in between these two dimensions where i sometimes reside.
A dreamer, who knows not or has the means to transform ideas
Or perhaps a schemer who both desires and has the resources to?
Although such a person may induce connotations of craftiness, is it productive?
To choose between the two for self would be a difficult call,
Since I suppose everyone has a bit of both within them.
So maybe that line should stay out of focus? Joining the fantasy and reality who knows?
All I know is I shall keep scheming and occasionally slip into slumber to keep dreaming.

**********COMPETITION**********

Hi All!

Can you believe we are already a third of the way through the year? I won't pass any comment on what sort of third that maybe - but for you, I hope it has been good. For the Forum, it has been excellent. So many new editions, so much interest and some quality contributions. Thank you all for sharing.

If we believed in signs, then today I would say that I was given one. Sitting down to a quiet lunch and noticed some leaflets spattered on the table in front of me and it was the smallest thing that stood out to me: Poetry Rivals. Competition...for July 2009...oh. There was a website given so I thought I would take the liberty to check it out, hoping there was a chance the site still existed and I could get some links or see if there was anything for this year...YES.

Check out: http://poetryrivals.com/

You can upload your poems there. Closing date July 31st 2010.

If you're interested...TJ

The Perfect World I Wish For - Leroy Jackson

I wish there was a perfect world where races get along
I wish there was a perfect world where knifes arnt used for wrong
I wish there was a perfect world where man a beast live side by side
I wish there was a perfect world where for peace there isnt a fight
I wish there was a perfect world where babies grew up to see peace and good
I wish there was a perfect world where children know that they are understood
I wish there was a perfect world where blade would not meet wrist
I wish there was a perfect world where face would not meet fist
I wish there was a perfect world where man would never die
I wish there was a perfect world where we would never cry
I wish there was a perfect world where i could live with you
I wish there was a perfect world where wishes would come true
I wish, oh how i wish

Omalley Asks- Dan Baugh

Note from Gio- Please Open this picture to read. The poem is not one to be missed!

From Beginning to End-Gio

I woke up one day to an amazing sunrise which I had to capture and then the following day witnessed a beautiful sunset. Creation at some of its best for me!

Diamond Ring-Laura Cooke

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend so they say and

I sometimes wonder if this is a safer option.

A friend can be there for you one

Minute and gone the next.

One day someone will buy you a diamond ring,

No one can take that away from you.

Don’t ever think they can, it is yours forever!



Round, sparkly, glints with happiness.

It will make you forget all those sorrows you have,

Now your friends may come and

Go but you will always have your diamond ring.

El sentir - Susan Lisa

Me rasga, parte por parte,
Sin niguna esperanza
Se me Rompe, incansablemente
Sin miedo, Sin piedad, me arranca
Caon una Furia insaciable

El peso oprime mi pecho
Aprieta sin cansarse
Mi alma marchita,
Lentamente
Hasta al Libertad

Stripes and Spots - Lauren Jackson

“A Leopard can not change its spots”
A clichéd quote, fabricated in times of old, painted with full conviction,
Passed on through generations, and to young ones told.
But thorough those perception can such a proclamation be concluded?
Is this tag derived from ones countenance and attitude or is it the product of on looker’s opinion?
An opinion of sorts, of one regarding another.
Yet does that permit one to magistrate above the other? To adjudicate? Or critique?
Duration of time once passed on, has claimed a many heart, mind or song.
One can suppress their innermost attitudes, their essence of emotion.
How therefore can justice be found in so predictable a statement?
Granted, truth can be heard in change that is good.
Hence, metamorphosis of character is constructible,
Allowing spots to become stripes as they are closely entangled,
Forming a blur of ones persona.

My Irrational Promise - Gio

This is only a drop in the ocean of love I will bestow on you of which I'm sure,
My mind cannot fathom the feelings of the future; until then they will grow even more.
So many possibilities, so few years that can flash by in an instant.
Your not here yet but from first breath on, I don't want to miss a moment.
Who knows what tomorrow may bring but when it brings you I'll never want the day to end.
What will you be like? When will you come?
Uncertainties abound but I'm sure about one.
You'll be precious far beyond any rare gem,
Our bond once formed not one shall condemn.
The moment your life begins, what becomes of mine?
I would lay down my life for you in an instant of time.
A promise to my unborn children, wild and rash some may say,
But what you'll mean to me between now and then, will only grow and never fade.

A note from TJ (and maybe Gio?)

Hi guys! Seeing it's been a little while now since something has been added, thought the opportunity should be taken to keep things flowing nicely. It's great to see so many new members in a short space of time and so many contributions whether it be art or poetry. Please keep it coming because it's all fantastic! Spring is here now and not long until the summer so hopefully the muse will be with you and you'll be inspired to put together some fresh pieces. More photography, art, poems, prose even debates and discussions are welcome. Get into the Spring Zing people.

That's it for now, but something by me (TJ) for just a bit of fun follows. It's made up of song-titles so see if you can spot all 27 from various artists. No prizes really...but if someone does manage to find them all I suppose there could be... Ciao for now.

You Took The Words...
It all started in the notebook
When I had to try sleeping with a broken heart in this bed
Thinking of a wreckless love and wondering how it feels to fly
‘Cause my oh my those butterflyz sure know how.
Is this the way love feels?
Something so indescribable there’s no way it can be concealed?
All I know is that I felt like a fragile, porcelain doll until you came along
Now all the time I’m playin’ our song
And I’m concerning myself all day long with what you do and how you do
But I just can’t tell you.
So I guess you could say love is my disease
But I have never felt so free even though I’m scared he’ll blame it on me
So at a prelude to a kiss I pray for forgiveness
To get me through it all – I don’t wanna always be fallin’
Unless it’s I.Y.A. because like I told my diary that would make me happy.
At what point would you say that I’m officially missing you?
When it doesn’t mean anything if I ain’t got you?
Would you allow me to tell you something?
I’m really hoping it might just be that
The hardest thing I ever did
Got me the best I ever had
And if that, if that, comes true and dreams can come true
It might just be that I love you.

Graffiti - TJ

I once saw it said:
"Everything that happens, happens mostly without you"
And it’s got me wanting to find the author,
Tell them that their words are true
'Cause I can’t help but think that “you” is so me
But that’s fine ‘cause Common inspired me to Be!
And the only reason you’d never be free
Is because you just won’t take the key
Unlock your heart,
Open your mind to see
That worrying what they think and do
Is not as important as pleasing the Almighty.
I’m takin' myself away from your prints
‘Cause I know I gotta do my own thing:
Forget about the future and put away the past
Live for the day and hope that it lasts
Ciao, au revoir, adios, goodbye
I know I won’t be missed and you just can’t deny
That when I’m gone
It’ll still happen all the time
The only difference now:
The graffiti is mine.

Take the Leap - DY

Things in life can be hard, make you feel so agrivated.
One step forward, three steps back, so hard to keep motivated.
But I can't give up, can't let go.
So much to do, so much i don't know.
What I need to do is decide
Make my decision, stop trying to hide.
The world is there, ready and waiting.
So large and wide, need to stop debating.
Take a chance, follow your dream,
cut the strings, take a leap.
Time is passing by, just take a try,
Time to move forward kiss the past and your problems goodbye!

Will You - TJ

NB: This was not thought up in the spirit of Valentines Day

Come with me
To the London eye
Where it can be
Just you and I

Smile with me
On the London Eye
Because that’s when
Your beauty shines

Hold my hand
On the London Eye
Because I like the feeling
That you are mine

Tell me what you’re thinking
On the London Eye
Because I like knowing
What’s on your mind

Cuddle me close
On the London Eye
Because you make me forget
The world outside

Kiss me
On the London Eye
Just because…
It feels so nice

*

Now as this carriage takes us high
In the early morning sunrise of this day in July:
You should know by now I want to be your guy
And I think we should give this more than a try
As new heights we have left to climb
We should do this together – it feels so right

So will you
Marry me on the London Eye
Because without you
I might just die

Listen - Jeremy Bull

Listen, to the natural orchestral sounds
What perfect pitch
Organic poetry, in its purest form
No conductor, no composer
Just the element of morning rising
Concealed in the gentle fading of night
They return willingly
To sing to those with an open mind

But are minds thus open?
When light, blissfully engulfs all beneath
Another band takes to the stage
This one, a bellowing reality
No harmony, no excitement
Injustice and pain on the rampage
Just 'normality' is its name
Unadulterated Perfection disfigured by man

The battleground of affection, laden with waste
To piece together,
To regain a hold on our humanity
Each must ask a question
...
There can only be one victor,
When that precious moment arrives
If you are listening?
What will you answer?

Masquerade Ball - Lauren Jackson

An assembly of people float around their compass, an expanse they call their own.

Doors exclusive, forbidding all but one key. One key essential as a portal to that world,

A secret solution of no physical substance.

Once admission is gained through so great a struggle, the doors swing open.

Glory........Honour......Prestige........all awarded to the sight, a divine display, for so fine a night.

Persons numerous, uncountable and disguised, flutter around with the deepest twinkle of an eye.

Masks adorn all those in sight, prepared they are to illuminate tonight.

But as the mature sun declines to further an invitation to this distinguished event,

And sets off toward the west, the glitter no longer glamorises their masks,

As illuminators they are no longer manifest.

The distinct emotionless panel of a face no longer even hints happiness.

All such innocence of joy and fun of the day have disappeared into the long lost night.

As the moon drops by with his stars in the sky, to proclaim a message so clear, “The night goes on”,

He whisks them away, some peoples masks fall astray, as there’s no point having them on.

So now the Masquerade ball is not as glamorous as it once seemed.

Suddenly New Obviously Wonderful - Gio

Automatically I reach for the dial to re-tune my set
Bedazzled, reality strikes in sudden terms. An earth unkempt!
Did my slumber bring the onset of an earth gone cold?
Am I witnessing the ground reaching for covering like times of old?

Tempest, maelstrom, confusion, delusion
Beautiful, annoyance, bringer of joy, disruptive

This beautiful tempest unwaveringly requests entry to fill
Likened to a faulty continuum causing space and time to stand still
But the maelstrom brings a fluidity like that of time, yet covers
Only staying a brief while then vanishing to frequent others

The power can be unbelievably strong,
Its grip possibly immeasurable,
It may be likened to the battle in the way it cause panic
And still be like an elixir of life, making youthful those who are manic

Legendary and wild it cannot be tamed why bother?
As unpredictable and potent as its mother!
Enjoy it while it stays such a short while still,
Then wait another year for it to softly land on your window sill.

Walk Four Miles In My Shoes - Foxxy Cleopatra

This was my final piece of my personal study, i chose to base my project on my love of shoes. The bright colours, patterns an painting techniques are inspired by Chris Offili's exhibit 'The Upper Room' at Tate Modern in London.

Mirror - Laura Cooke

I look at you and you spit in my face
I know I could have done better but
All you can say is that I’m a disgrace.

Your words cut me like a knife
They penetrate deep into my heart
There’s got to be more to life
Than this misery I feel now.

You say pull it together
I try to defend myself but
This tight cord you hold me with will never sever.

I stare deeper into your eyes
Trying to find a slither of hope
Buts what’s the use, its all lies
There’s no way back now.

It’s not my fault, leave me alone
You punch me…hard
I groan.

The tears burn my cheeks
You laugh
My body is so rotten it reeks
Of stale bitterness and hate.

I inhale deeply but I choke
You’re smothering me
What are you trying to provoke?

I try to stand tall
You want me to give in, lose the fight
You throw a weight on me, on my mind, and I fall
I concertina down to nothing.

Who is this person,
That is determined to make me give up?

The more I look the more I see
It’s so clear now!
This person I’m fighting is me.

Well you’ve heard it said before
We are all our worst enemy

Phoenix - Gio

You brought me into the world but you did not create me.
I have only gotten older but my vision has cleared
I am no longer blinded to you
and have removed the rose-tinted spectacles.

You learn to walk taking steps to arms as a baby.
Bu you taught me to run by not being there to catch me.
You gave me a steep learning curve
Now I'm stronger by taking treatment I didn't deserve.

As Mr West said "Everything I'm not makes me everything I am!"
But if I was West you were always East living the life like wham!
And you didn't even wake me up before you left to go.

Beyond anger but not beyond comprehension
I'm flying high and yet solo did i fail to mention.
I have the capactiy to do what I need as a visionary
I guess I could be called G or X as I'll do it by any means necessary.

To me everything is now possible and all is attainable,
through application now in life I'm unstoppable.
You may have burnt me enough for ash to be my constitution,
liberated risen out of the flame real not fabrication.

I don't think I owe you anything past fam
but in an ironic sense you helped me to realise Everything I Am

Coffee Shop - Jeremy Bull

Here I sit, invisible to the world
The solitary sound of the couples whispering
Fills my head with ideas of a different life,
Sitting Somewhere else
On the vast furniture of the world,
Their tresspasses, thier faults
All revealed over the froathing of a minature sea,
Sitiing, waiting, musing
All with an air of proprity and grace,
Their thoughts aloud for anyone to read
With a baited ear, I am here
Ready to guide the misfortunes of others
My knowledge my wisdom my time
If only they would listen, if only they could see
The one the lonely the little old me.
Here I am, sitting invisible to the world.

What Am I? - TJ

I race through your veins to penetrate your heart making it beat faster until you lose control. I tangle your synapses confusing and consuming your thoughts. Now you see things my way. You do things my way. You know that I’m there but I’m a good impressionist; you will allow yourself to mistake me for my cousin and let me multiply throughout your soul. I need to feed and won’t be satisfied until I eat. That burning sensation is me; I can give you butterflies too – anything you want until I get what I want. I’m impulsive, spontaneous and now I have authority over your limbs. I become your master, I will drain out your useless values, knock down the wall you worked so hard to build because all of that means nothing if my will is not fulfilled. Have your legs turned to jelly? Are there sparks and fireworks? Fall to your knees because your body is weak. Sacrifice your all…

You know if you play with fire you’re sure to get burnt. I tell you burns heal so what’s the big deal? It’s too late anyway.
Now I’m set to self-destruct. As fast as I arrived – I take my leave. The pieces will be yours to pick up. And the scars you have are reminders of me.

Platonicy - TJ

“I love you because of…”
What’s in it for us?
“Because when you do this…”
We feel happiness
Me and I are selfish
But what can I give to you
When you give to me:
Sanity and strength to see 3D
Reminders it’s ok be
J’taime and constancy
The face that makes me feel at ease
Your aura that calms the waves of my sea

I have nothing but me
Maybe that’s all you need?
No hidden motives
No secret agenda
Just a friend who’ll never leave?

People will accept this hesitantly
(Not understanding our platonicy)
That I’m just someone who gives you room to breathe

Things may change suddenly
But this platonicy we share is a trust
And if I don’t speak
My love is loud enough

NEW brief project- Lyrical Inspirations and Admirations

This is a small project thought up by TJ and Gio for a brief gap to literary writing. We are taking the time out to share some of our favourite lyrics and ideas from songs. So all members who want to take part just have to post lines or bars from songs that they enjoy and we will soon have a post that is composite of some great musical highlights.

Every interview I'm representing you making you proud.
Reach for the stars so if you fall you land on a cloud
- Kanye West- Homecoming

Thinkin we all in love cause we can spend a day together
We talkin spendin the rest of our lives
It's too many black women that can say they mothers but can't say that they wives.
-Common-Retrospect for life

If I could do it again
I'd climb more trees
I'd pick and I'd eat more wild blackberries
Bloc Party - Waiting For the 7:18

I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
...
Beside every great man
You can find a woman
Like a soldier
Holding him down
Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo - Make Me Better

And the angel says:
Take a second
Think about it
Ask yourself
Is it really worth it
Brandy feat. Ne-Yo - Decisions Decisions

These King size sheets
Need more than just a queen
In between them
Alicia Keys - This Bed

Tried to give you summer
But I'm winter
Wish I could make you spring
But I fall so hard
Alien Ant Farm - Summer

Can't leave rap alone the streets need me
Hunger in they eyes, is what seems to feed me
Inside peace mixed with beast seem to breed me
Nobody believe, until I believe me
Now I'm on the rise doin business with my guys
Visions realize, music affected lives
A gift from the skies, to be recognized
I'm keeping my eyes on the people, that's the prize
Common - The People

I'm hooked
I'm saying if she got that look
I feel just like an open book
And its crazy how she got me shook
Like this
I just freeze
When I see you walking
down the street
Wid the body I just cant believe
Neva try to make her notice me
Before
Lemar- I Don't Mind That


Giant proclamations
Are all very well
But our love
Is louder than words
Bloc Party - Sunday

I don't wanna forget the present is a gift
Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again

Man I just thought of livin
You do what I do but somethin so different
so im just wonderin is it, because I deserve it
Or is it a way of learning
Cos I wont learn if I dont live it
Wiley - My Mistakes