What is different about this latest work of poetic art? Undoubtedly both the young and not so young can find true inspiration in the prose crafted by these innovative artists, who have documented their masterpieces both on paper and over music, bringing to life a wonderfully flavorful anthology of dub poetry. The Poets ?R? Us project was the result of teamwork by the artists, led by The Grandmaster, Phyllis Lightburn Butler, activities coordinator of the House of Culture; NICH, Ludwig Studios, among others. The effort also had the financial backing of the Embassy of Taiwan and Ambassador Charles Tsai. ?Poets ?R? Us has provided a venue for venting?a venue for fellow companions, friends to share and magically find out?Guess what! I am not alone. Others feel love, hate and hurt like me. It?s O.K. We will get our bumps, grinds, potholes, drains and canals of puberty. Keep us occupied and engaged and we, young people, will overcome our angst (anger),? writes Lita Krohn, Coordinator of the House of Culture, in the foreword. Butler informed that the project emerged from the discussions and dialogue between Jason Guerrero, former activities coordinator at the House of Culture, and actor, Curtis Gillett in 2004. The poets had met once a month, usually on Thursdays, to share their poems on self-esteem, racism, peer pressure, broken hearts, AIDS, and their quest for happiness, love and respect, Butler said. There are 31 poets and we cannot list them all. However, we would like to share some excerpts from a few of the poems: Dream Crusher By Melissa Coleman, St. Catherine Academy There are hopes and dreams that I secretly desire, Like a burning confession cast out of the fire, But that flame so ablaze with red-hot energy, Was ignited but extinguished so quickly? Be Drug Free By Shakeria Shield, Sadie Vernon High School Drugs are bad for your health Don?t be like others Drugs can damage your lungs It will make you lose your mind Like someone you should hate Like disease trying to kill you out? Tourne Roots By Jaime Yearwood, St. Michael?s College Deep From the batam of the box Emerges Black man Brout to a country of hardship Dilooted into a society Known to the Rasta as Babylon Changing the way we eat Changing the way we think Changing the way we talk Changing the way we sleep? The House of Culture says that the Poets ?R? Us program has been incorporated into its work plan, so look out for volume 2 in the near future.
