None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
‘Cause none of them can stop the time
While we stand aside and look? Ooh
Some say it’s just a part of it
We’ve got to fulfil the book
These songs of freedom?
Won’t you help to sing?
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
April is national poetry month and this week I am looking at all things as a poet.
1. The featured photo is of a mural that I discovered on a recent walk in midtown Toronto. My new home is close to little Jamaica, the Eglinton & Oakwood area of TO, the home of roots-reggae.
That was recognized in 2015 with the opening of Reggae Lane and unveiling of this mural by Adrian Hayles featuring some of the legendary musicians who called the neighbourhood home – Leroy Sibbles of the Heptones, Jackie Mittoo (aka Donat Roy Mittoo of the Skatalites), the Cougars, Johnny Osbourne, Ernie Smith, Stranger Cole and others.
2. Alexander McCaul Smith may not be a poet laureate but he surely can put together some joyous prose. I receive his monthly newsletter and this month he shares a poem; “Spring Comes, Even This Year“.
3. I really got into the reggae, ska and rocksteady music this week and it brought me right straight around to funk. Checking out the powerful vocalizing of Michael Dunston featured here on the Rhythm Express recording of “The Ghetto”.
Michael Dunston is also the featured vocalist for the group Soul Stew. My friends at JPEC captured a great performance of the band and Michael seen here singing on “What’s Happening” and “What’s Going On” bringing back that incredible Marvin Gaye vibe.
4. National Poetry Month happens every April and this year’s focus is ‘Resilience’ and it is certainly a fitting theme. What does that mean for you? Is there a poem wanting to be released in your soul?
Poetry Foundation puts out a poem for the day, I like this days poem and will share it with you all. The poem is by Robert Hershon, entitled Superbly Situated.
I have felt the passion to put my hand to a bit of prose in gratitude for the good things that I am blessed with. What better title than ‘Gratitude‘.
5. I have started reading a book of poems by Rupi Kaur; The Sun and Her Flowers it is a deep, different, humourous and wildly popular book.
My book Samba in Brazil is still available for a limited time as part of the Illustrated Children’s Book Spring Fling promotion.
If you’re in the hunt for some fun April reading, look no further! I have joined a group of bestselling authors who have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books.
Thank you for sharing my week. If you are looking for a fun children’s book check out one of my books. Samba on a Snowy Day, Samba em um Dia de Neve or my new book, Samba in Brazil – Free e-book for a limited time starting April 2nd, Illustrated Children’s Book Spring Fling!
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong and keep going.
Copyright © 2021 Paul Yanuziello, All rights reserved.