by Truth N Poetry, San Quentin, CA
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”-Pablo Picasso
My gift is using words, poetic expressions which uplifts, heals and informs and if need be create a fire. Most of us have been cautioned since our youth that “words have power,” and if you are not going to say anything nice be quiet.
I choose to use my gift of words to heal and help, rather than hurt others. See owning our power is in every decision. Yes, we all have the power to make the right choice to engage in progressive conversations and grass root activities, or stumble into meaningless arguments.
Example, recently, here at San Quentin Prison we had a “day of peace,” festival, with live music, prayer and positive energy that was simply amazing.
So I chose to use my gift of words to say a poem, celebrating those whom dared to embrace peace, for the purpose of restoring our humanity, a portion of the poem says:
“…Let us elders be available to help
Those seeking to repair that which is torn
Our scars evidence of toxic-machoism
Now we pull one another through familiar storms
As we search within our own souls
Allowing our heart and minds to be reborn
Each of you is an epiphany unveiled
Like renaissance jazz in Coltrane’s horn,”
In closing I need to say, “Don’t bury your gifts”
Dream boldly and dream again
Your words are the heart of “The Beat Within.”