BuddahDesmond Reading Poetry at OutWrite 2012 [VIDEO]

Posted on October 10, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

There’s something about performing that makes it unlike anything else on this planet. The energy you get from the audience is intoxicating. Performing gives you a natural high that can take hours, even days, to come down from. I’ve said it before but performing takes me to a higher, deeper, spiritual place.

It’s been a few months but I’m happy to share excerpts of my poetry reading from the head / heart / soul event as part of OutWrite 2012. This fabulous event took place at the The DC Center on August 4, 2012. I will always look back on the event with much joy, as it was an honor to read alongside talented poets/writers such as Rashid Darden, Monica A. Hand, and Red Summer.

BuddahDesmond reading “Power of Love: A Contemporary Aside” from the “Love” section of Prevail

BuddahDesmond reading “Tonight” from the “Life” section of Prevail

Video of my entire reading will be forthcoming. Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other retailers. If you like it/love it, please spread the word.

Related Posts:

101 Days Project: Politics, Social Issues, Inspiration from Writers, & Other Passions

Posted on October 5, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

You know those times when you’re on a website and you see a category that appears to be a dumping ground for all the content that couldn’t fit into any of the other more descriptive categories? It’s like the miscellaneous category (though they usually don’t call it that). Well this last commemorative post for the 101 Days Project may appear to be that way. Although, I’d like to call it the “Potpourri” category. It also sounds better (and serves as an ode to Jeopardy). “Potpourri” highlights a variety of posts on politics, social issues, writing advice, and some of my other passions (like cooking and tea). Since I did not write as many posts within each highlighted area (as I did for poetry, music tributes and reviews, anecdotes, and inspirational writing), I thought it made the most sense to combine these into a hybrid category of sorts. I probably delve into social and political issues more so when I’m not writing on my blog. But I’ll hopefully be able to share more of this writing in the future.

Please check out the following:

Politics & Social Issues:

Inspiration From Writers:

Other Passions:

101 Days Project: Prevail

Posted on September 24, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

One of my biggest accomplishments this year has been the release of my first book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. Prevail was self-published through iUniverse and released the summer of 2012. Prevail is an eye-opening collection of poetry inspired by personal experiences, history, culture, and social issues of the last 10 or 12 years. Varying in subject matter, voice, and tone, this work touches on the ups and downs, highs and lows, trials and tribulations, and the many facets of life, love, and politics during this time period. With a style that is, at times, proselike, unconventional, raw, and in-your-face, Prevail seeks to offer an underlying message of strength, persistence, and triumph.

The feedback on Prevail has been quite positive, thus far. There’s nothing like sharing your work and seeing it have an impact and connect with others. Nothing can describe the feeling.

I’ve shared a number of poems from Prevail on my blog and some other posts related to promotional opportunities for the book. If you haven’t had the chance to check them out, please do.

Remember, no matter happens in this life–we must PREVAIL!

Other Prevail Poems:

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Day 98: I’m Voting for Progress – Obama Biden 2012

Posted on September 7, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of San Antonio Express site.

If you reject the notion that this nation’s promise is reserved for the few, your voice must be heard in this election. ~ President Barack Obama, DNC 2012 Speech

I want to live an America where we all have the same opportunities. An America where we all have the chance to live up to our fullest potential and achieve our dreams. An America where we all have access to the resources, services, and programs to maintain acceptable well-being, welfare, and livelihood. Because it’s about access, equality, and leveling the playing field, and not about entitlements or what we “deserve.”

I want to live an America where the wealthy are not rewarded for being wealthy and held accountable to the same standards and expectations of the working class and the poor. I want to live an America where I don’t have to make a case or fight for rights that are inalienable, because they are human rights granted for all. I want to live an America where the rights of corporations do not trump the rights of the people. Because after all, there wouldn’t be any corporations if it weren’t for the hard work and service of the people.

I want to live in an America where those that fight for the civil rights and freedoms of Americans and our brothers and sisters from nations abroad are not left to falter when they return home. An America that will look to its people to help maintain its competitive edge instead of looking abroad just save a few bucks. An America that will treat all of its people equally regardless of whether we were born here or are immigrants. Because we’re all here for the same things…we’re all dreamers.

For those of us that believe and share in the dream and this country we call home, we’re more than willing to be diligent and work collectively to move this nation forward. We must not succumb to the propaganda, lies, and false promises of those who hold their personal interests above the interests of the people they represent. We must stand for up what we believe and support the officials who share in these beliefs, and will honor them while holding office. That’s why I’m voting for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. They have and will continue to fight for America, its people, and the promise of its future.

I’m voting for progress, not regression. I hope we all will do the same.

Day 86: Gone Too Soon (from Prevail)

Posted on August 22, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

In a society that claims to value individual freedoms—it’s a shame that people are (still) ridiculed for simply being themselves. There’s no reason that anyone should have to hide or live a lie because they fear being ostracized, hurt, or even killed. It’s unacceptable. We’ve lost too many due to the hateful, intolerant ways of others in this world. It must end. In tribute to those we’ve lost, here’s “Gone Too Soon,” a poem from the “Life” section of my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.

Gone Too Soon

Battling,
Fighting with the world everyday,
Trying to stand firm on ground that changes like DC metro area weather,
Not knowing when it’s safe to be you, or when it’s best to retreat:
It’s safer on the inside—sometimes.

The golden era ended quicker than you could comprehend.
And you were thrust upon the audacity of disgust and hatred
From people you thought were your friends,
People you thought were your family,
People who said they loved you but you just can’t seem to trust.
You’ve walked a line that many people claim they can handle but couldn’t, even if humanity depended on it.
It’s a line that you don’t want to walk.
It’s a line that often runs faster than the speed of sound and light, with a soundtrack that repeats daily.
And you’re tired of hearing it.

Living in a world where people get high off of ridicule and bullying,
One is left numb,
Not wanting to deal.
The help you need never arrives when you need it.
It always comes too late.
You push and push,
And push and push.
And you keep pushing,
But the force always seems to kill your spirit.
It was at first a temporary thing,
But the period of death began to outlast the periods of rebirth.

There’s a lot that you can and have dealt with,
But it’s the pain and its lasting effects
That cut you down to nubs,
The hurt practically defying man’s comprehension of depth.
If you could only find relief,
A sweet release from it all…
If only…
If…

The inner light quickly fades.
Time halts,
And you succumb to a place
Where your spirit will forever reign.
You’ll be safe from harm and healed
From a lifetime of pain.
If only it didn’t have to come to this.
If only…
If…
You’d still be here.

If only…
If…

You could’ve been saved.

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politicsis available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Day 81: Inspirational Quotes (from Writers)

Posted on August 15, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Inspiration can come from so many places. Today, I’m featuring some quotes from writers whose work has inspired and moved me so over the years. What are some quotes from your favorite writers?

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” ~ Maya Angelou

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” ~ Maya Angelou

“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston

“Nothing that God ever made is the same thing to more than one person. That is natural.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston

“Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.” ~ James Baldwin

“The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.” ~ James Baldwin

“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.” ~ Alice Walker

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker

“An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.” ~ Langston Hughes

“7 x 7 + love = An amount Infinitely above: 7 x 7 – love.” ~ Langston Hughes

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison

“Writing is really a way of thinking–not just feeling but thinking about things that are disparate, unresolved, mysterious, problematic or just sweet.” ~ Toni Morrison

I’ll Be Appearing at OutWrite 2012 in DC 8/3/12 & 8/4/12

Posted on July 26, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Logo courtesy of the OutWrite LGBT Book Festival site.

It’s with great pleasure to announce my participation in the OutWrite 2012 LGBT Book Festival. OutWrite is a two-day book fair which will feature book readings and discussions, poetry readings, book vendors, and lots more. Throughout the fair, LGBT-themed books and magazines will be for sale, both old and new. OutWrite will take place August 3rd and 4th in Washington, DC at The DC Center. Check out the piece Lambda Literary recently posted on OutWrite.

As part of OutWrite, I’ll also be featured along with Rashid Darden, Monica A. Hand, and Red Summer in head / heart / soul, which will celebrate the works of Black LGBT poets. head / heart / soul will take place August 4th at 6:30pm. RSVP for the poetry reading by visiting the event’s Facebook page. I can’t wait!

Aside from the poetry reading, I’ll have a table set up in the exhibition area on both days. So stop on by!

If you live in or will be visiting the DC Metro Area in early August, please come out and support OutWrite. It’s gearing up to be an unforgettable event!

~ BuddahDesmond

Announcing the Release of My First Book – "Prevail"

Posted on June 22, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

I’m so happy to announce the release of my first book – Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. It’s been an arduous journey but well-worth it. I’m elated to have achieved one of my many lifelong dreams. It’s self-published through iUniverse. Here’s the description:

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics presents an eye-opening collection of poetry inspired by personal experiences, current events, history, culture, and social issues. This collection provides a glimpse into the mind of BuddahDesmond as he investigates our contemporary world. Written over the course of the last decade, these poems serve as an introduction to BuddahDesmond’s range, voice, and style.

Prevail is divided into three sections—life, love, and politics, each of which provides the author with an opportunity to thoroughly dissect his thoughts and feelings on each topic. “Life” challenges the notion of living happily ever after, considers the struggles of dysfunctional families, and shares the perspective of a laggard in a high-tech world. “Love” discusses the power of real, true love, the up and downs of relationships, and the difficulty finding a mate in the technosexual age. “Politics” explores the power of rhetoric and the underhanded maneuvering of politicians, as well as providing perspectives on many contemporary issues.

In this new collection, BuddahDesmond seeks to offer an underlying message of strength, persistence, and triumph.

The book is available for purchase directly from iUniverse, along with retailers like Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers. Please check it out. If you like it/love it, spread the word and encourage others to buy it. Be sure to stop by and “Like” the Facebook Fan Page as well.

Thank you to all the readers for the love and support over the years. Enjoy! Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!!!

I’ll Never Understand

Posted on May 7, 2009 by BuddahDesmond611

In our society, who you align yourself with is just as important as what you believe, your actions, your experience, and where you come from. It’s been said that the people you hang with or conduct business with say a lot about who you are as a person. I guess this couldn’t be any truer than in public office. Many persons have been tarnished by the actions of others. Whether or not those affected had anything to do with what went down, they are guilty by association. I’ll never understand why, especially if it’s over foolishness that they had nothing to do with, or when there is an obvious disconnect between their platform and that of their close colleagues.

It makes no sense to me that people automatically change their opinions of you and your character based upon the beliefs held by people that you know—especially when you’ve expressed the distinctions on more than one occasion. You shouldn’t have to distance yourself from those close to you because of a fiery speech they gave, controversial rhetoric in an article, book, or video clip, or because certain beliefs they have challenge those held by the masses. It seems to me to be more of a problem with the public and less a problem with or for you; or more of a problem for pundits, sideliners, and so-called experts.

People have to learn to accept the unknown, the foreign, and the distinctive. People have to learn to separate individuals from other people, their actions, and their beliefs. Many times these factors are not synonymous. Why should persons be alienated and vilified for actions untaken and words unsaid by them?

Though I’ll never understand this, I hope that people understand the implications, and will hold themselves just as accountable as public figures to a bar that is unrealistically high. ’Cause if you’re going to do it to others, the golden rule says the same should apply to you.

—————-

Now playing: Maysa – Never Really Ever
via FoxyTunes

Politricking

Posted on February 14, 2008 by BuddahDesmond611

They’re up politricking on the hill,
Taking lobbyists’ dollar bills,
Claiming they keep it real,
When they can’t give us something we can feel.

They make promises they can’t keep,
Forgetting that what they sow, they will reap,
Lyin’ to themselves and others to get a seat,
But when it all falls down the incumbent will get beat.

Your approach is haughty and self-righteous.
You come off cocky, act like you’re the second coming of the Messiah.
So sad—people caught on to bullshit,
Discovered you were only looking out for personal interests.
You’ve got it bad and that ain’t good,
Got the nerve to say you were misunderstood.
You give politics and government a bad name.
Liars, thieves, cheaters, adulterers, and politicians—
People will say they’re all the same.

You’re oblivious to the people you represent;
You act like this is a game when it’s a commitment.
You constantly cut and run and confuse the masses with doublespeak,
While your quest to save moral values has only divided and made us weak.
The time has come,
And the people see you for what you are.
They’re ashamed they let you get this far,
But when the time comes they know exactly what to do:
Find the next best thing and get rid of you.