On Sunday, August 22, 2017 I facilitated my very first “Show and Tell” meet up. I've been teaching young people and adults how to become better storytellers this way, at my local library. I’m also brushing up on some of my own work in the process. I did a rare FB Live event, where I [...]
Greetings Venusian, I've been busy as a poetic soldier over here but not too busy to shake a leg. Nothing picks me up like a good song. I love to put in a two step, in the name of love. Yes, music matters and Black music is the soundtrack of America. Sometimes the best time [...]
I decided to release this throwback video today on the 5th anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death because most of us are still not really comfortable talking about race or war in this country with family members, let alone complete strangers. I wanted to publish the short story first or do another theatrical run but someone [...]
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said... The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may [...]
First Thought "Really? I am so done with humans. Really I am. Just kill them all." Second Thought "Ok the thought that we are doing nothing to decrease gun violence makes me angry, but how violent do I sound right now? I'm so glad I am aware of my thoughts and don't act on them like others [...]
By Venus Jones with no vision, people perish. it’s a popular proverb in a popular book. those who seek to succeed have a higher expectation. take a long good look. success means to love. it’s the probability law. you're free to succeed or fail. you’re free to listen or not. you can experience on earth [...]
I've moved three times in four years. I may have mastered the art of detachment. Letting go is a life lesson in allowing. I've been looking for myself a lot lately. It's easy to lose yourself during transitions. Found myself writing, singing, and drumming. You have to remember what you truly love and like. Change can [...]
The cast (from left to right): Tia Strachen, me, Rick Stutzel, Alex Cruz, and Bill Martin. Steve and I pouting at the awards banquet. :) The debut of my first short play at the Straz in downtown Tampa, went pretty well. It was the ultimate writing workshop for me and [...]
A week ago tonight, on the evening of June 17, 2015, a mass shooting took place at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown in Charleston, SC. The church is one of the United States' oldest black churches and has a long history of community organizing around issues like civil rights. Nine people were killed, including the senior pastor and state senator, Clementa C. [...]
She’s covered in primary colors found in rainbows.On our front porchshe’s knitting a quilt.to match the sky for fun.Black and grey curlsbless her forehead.She scratches her nosewhere grandpa first kissed her.Then pricks her fingerwith that curved needle in the process.She laughs at the painexposing the depth of her wisdom.Then one strand escapeslike wild thread near [...]
