Life is a poem, for some maybe even an ekphrastic; the truth is, you make of it from your own perspective and self-understanding, often it means different things in different times.

~Tshombe Sekou

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I

What good is love

the ocean-raging

In a sea of pain

II

What is good love

a sea washing itself

in the ocean

III

Love what is good

an ocean of seas

washing itself of rage

IV

Good, what is love

an ocean and sea

finding each other

V

Is love good

What is the ocean

to the sea

VI

The ocean

is what to the

sea—love

VII

What the sea loves

is the ocean

which washes its pain.

VIII

What is pain

to love—a sea lost

to the ocean

IX

Pain is love

lost between

ocean and sea

X

Rage and pain

ocean to sea

love washed between

©2012 Tshombe Sekou

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We are forever standing at its ledge, whether we agree with it or not, it is coming, or rather always here; the question that always remains is how you will deal with change.

Change itself knows only the truth of self; it does not know anything other than its inevitable occurrence. We can embrace change with love or resist it with its antithesis; nevertheless, it will persist to occur no matter our insistence.  The antithesis to change is stagnancy, which is a slow and grueling fate for mankind in all of its perception of progression. Certainly, within stagnation change occurs, which is often menacing to the future.

It is better to possess a compassionate heart than one bound by the letter of the law; what is the law to man, a proclaimed sinner, saved only by his perception of fulfilling the law.  If every man is a sinner, the fulfillment of the law, to him, is forever elusive.  If two antithetic laws that are applicable to the same subject, how can he fulfill the laws and be righteous in whole within the eyes of change?  If he is to love with his right-hand, and rebuke with his left; does not the entire body share the blame? 

Since love is in concert with the laws of change, then castigation is the instigator of stagnation.  Our love is meant to perpetuate change, but if not careful, love stricken with the ills of self becomes the rot that is hatred.

—Tshombe Sekou

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As a Levitican Law follower, I found myself struggling with the discussions that have inundated our society. After much rumination I think I have determined where I find reason:

The foundation to any societies ability to progress rest within the way it treats all of its citizens as a whole, not in part.  The measure of its civil-rights, for all cross sections of its citizenry, must be balanced and true.  Morality and ethics have been the soundtrack to many of the civil atrocities committed in this country; if we continue on the path of moral and ethical self-righteousness, on any level, we put the very survivability of this society at risk.  

I need not change my personal morals and ethics to be civil and treat others equally; in fact, it is the ultimate sign of love to treat others the same as you would like to be treated.  Love thy neighbor as thy love thyself has no hidden stippulations attached to it.  We can love without sinning, I believe.

Best regards,

Tshombe

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The summit of womanhood, the ultimate love to this world, and the womb of man~kind. Every great feat of man's accomplishments unequivocally rest upon the breasts of this supernal gift to our existence: mother.

— Tshombe Sekou

I remember her, dreamer

she would sing the future

a lullaby as it suckled

upon her breast; trusting in

her comfort—the genesis of faith.

I loved her—still do

she created what is beautiful

through the chambers of her heart

soothed the pain with the gentle

strength of her hands.

I have called her,

Mother, Emah,

Umi, Grandmother

Nana, Savtah

Dodah, Sister

and at times father in his...

absence.

I love her because

she boldly smiles

upon the future.

Mother!

© 2012 Tshombe Sekou

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Looking into the sky 

I wonder what comes

Jazz blows from trumpets

Dancing a second line

Like a beignet

Powdered and hot

Smells like heaven

Served with café au lait

Riverboats roar the walk

My home

         My home

                   My home

I flew kites from its docks...

Life's tough but living is easy

Sitting on my porch listening

To the voice of Kalamu Ya Salaam

and the brother from next door

that moved to the New big city up north

singin' about the beginning of a new day

Someday I'd know the meaning

Sugar and toast were my favorite

NO don't cry,

         NO don't cry,

                  NO don't cry...

Like molasses these memories I savor

Brass bands play

From Musicians' Village

Sugar in my bowl now water

Homes washed away

'til the saints

     …come marching' in

        …til the saints come…

Play second line, play!

the beginning of a new day...

Written by

Tshombe Sekou

Copyright © 2006-2007. All Rights Reserved

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It is my personal philosophy that writing is both a vulnerability and strength; we are exposed when we express outwardly, yet we feel a sense of confidence once we have relieved ourselves of the timorous little voice dying to roar, searching for freedom.

—Tshombe Sekou

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Discussion with Poet Tshombe Sekou regarding his poem: “Infinitudes” 

available for reading at www.tshombeisms.com 

Discussion facilitated by poet Lana Joseph: https://www.facebook.com/lana.joseph.1

Session began at 12:56 PM on Sunday 06 May 2012, local Japan  

LJ:  I'm here (SMILES)

Tshombe Sekou:  ah ha! Blessings and light to you.

LJ:  To begin with ... I appreciate you immensely for wanting my thoughts on your work... blessings love and light to you too!

Tshombe Sekou:  I know that you are serious about your work and that means that you will be the same with anyone else's work. 

Amiri Baraka stated once...

“…if you want to know the truth about your poetry, ask someone who is equally as serious about their work or ask a complete stranger.”

 LJ:  That is indeed a powerful statement & I am in total agreement with that assessment. Thank you!

And thank you for your acknowledgement. 

Yes... I value our gift and I have a few notes about some things that I was hoping to reach a bit of clarity on...

Tshombe Sekou:  then I am prepared to address them...

LJ:  So with that being said, let's dig in! 

LJ:  THE FIRST NOTE:  The word "They" in your first stanza... gave me pause. The reason for the pause is that I felt as though you had already given power and immediate ownership to those who are considered "They" as opposed to using the word “Some”

Tshombe Sekou:  I chose it as an antecedent pronoun; it refers to those before me (souls); “Some” is sort of segregated to just anyone.

LJ:  I see... I'm clear now.

LJ:  SECOND NOTE: Fantastic metaphors!!! I Love the Jazz concept... Poetic Brilliance... and how the way the stanza makes your reader feel...

   My mind would drift on Tranes for Miles…

   Ra in the meadows of blue's 

   Pyramid sand dunes

   against sunflowers and moon trees

   infused with the quintessence of purpose.

LJ:  Tranes for Miles... clarity in Tranes, is that an aesthetic decision to make it plural?

Tshombe Sekou:  (LAUGHS), yes that stanza was one of my favorites to construct, especially since jazz has been the cornerstone of my development...I wanted the reader to take a trip with that one.  

Trane (John Coltrane) for Miles (Davis); yes, I extended a poetic license at pluralizing "Trane" for context of auditory rhythm.

LJ:  (SMILES) I see...

How about "would cats be like "Yo’ I'll sell you mine" is the “yo’ ” a typo or an aesthetic choice as well?

 Tshombe Sekou:  I chose the urban vernacular to give it a more concrete, yet definitive of the environment that surrounded me and the sense of alienation by expressed language.

LJ:  Yes... I love the language it works well.

searching for new time in new bio-vehicles

trading bodies like cats trading in rides

would cats be like "Yo! I'll sell you mine

because I'm low on cash;

I can't afford to occupy

because the mortgage is too damn high.

I LOVE THIS PART AND LAUGHED LOUDLY!!!

Tshombe Sekou:  Yes!  That part was really to connect with the audience with something real familiar while we are "making-believe"; the tether back to reality or fantasy, depending on which you choose is real or make-believe.

LJ:  Awesome!

Tshombe Sekou: I actually leave some imperfections in my poems, it keeps me grounded, and it also gives some people a reason to judge.  That gives me the sense they read something in my works, kind of the "can you find the error?" challenge, if you will. I am a puzzle maker when it comes to a lot of my work.

LJ:  I believe that, I too leave some imperfection in my work as my own aesthetic decision, as we are perfectly imperfect, God's choice; he gave us our gift.

Tshombe Sekou:  yes, it keeps the arrogance at bay!

 LJ:  Indeed!

In Addition, I realized that 'time and space' was repetitive... yet placed where they worked well...

Tshombe Sekou:  Time and Space is the whole context to being here before...it is the infinitude.

LJ:  I love the way you made the reader see and feel the connection of being here before...The transition here:

"and maybe its what gives context

to the illogical,

love at first sight.”

Brilliant! Has so much merit... well... the entire piece does...

Tshombe Sekou:  Thank you! That was such an important shift or bridge for me in writing this piece, especially since what generally rest at the center of our existence is love; the most complex simplicity and misunderstood subject of our life.

How do we explain, "love at first sight" unless it is something we once new, we recognize it! ; If we were to break that down, it means we re~ (do again) cognize (call to memory or think) love.  Meaning it was here before.

LJ:  Indeed!!! It makes sense whether a person would like to believe in it or not. 

Tshombe Sekou:  Hence I ask that we "make-believe"

LJ:  (SMILES) I love that too! 

When I read that entire stanza, I felt the depth and height in which you soared, actually throughout this entire work of art; I too LOVE JAZZ therefore the connection was at the forefront.

The references were even rhythmic!!!!

Tshombe Sekou:  In poetry, I believe we should be so bold as to challenge the sense and thinking of readers; we have a captured mind so let's do something with it...you feel what I'm saying?

 LJ:  Yesssssssssssssssss I LOVE it and strive for that as well.

My spirit was uplifted because I connected so well to so much of it. It is always incredible when a poet/writer/author can come along and put into words the ideals that are fixed in your own mind, but not written yet; with this work of art you've done that...

Tshombe Sekou:  Ha!  I know exactly what you Mean, especially since I read more poetry than I write; it's like at times I want to say "what, I was thinking that years ago and never wrote it.  They beat me to it!"

 LJ: 

…since it's all energy

it will return to us in reciprocity

as water to the ocean.

 

this could be poetic philosophy

          even prophecy…

JUST WOW!!!!!

Tshombe Sekou:  Yes, that was a bit of a wild section and wasn't quite sure it would work for the reader, but then I remembered that Miles Davis said once, "don't play what's there, play what's not there!" so I stepped out with it.

LJ:  Yes... (SMILES) And I too READ more than I write as well. I LOVE IT! Which is another reason why I LOVE your work. I Love scribes that not only move me spiritually, but also, moves me to a level of high minded philosophy, which you always you do for me in your poetry.

I'm glad that you stepped out there... The reader might not make the connection right away, but if he or she READS YOU—and I do mean READ from the soul; it will become clear, if not, well that is sometimes the risk we take when we step out there.

Tshombe Sekou:  true indeed, we offer an opportunity to the audiences to see who we are in all of the brave-vulnerability of our expressions; there is always the chance that many will not fully understand and few who will.  This is the life of a poet, and those who fail at grasping the idea that every expression will either miss or hit the mark will fail at transcending into higher levels of art.

LJ:  Then you break everything down regarding poetry as you see it to be... I love the way you make it very clear that you are not trying to change their beliefs...

Tshombe Sekou:  Well, I am a firm believer that poets, much like the ancient writers who wrote the beautiful poetics of the scriptures, will define the context of the future; almost as if we are writing what they will come to believe.  We are writing their beliefs, their definition of "now", we will be “making them believe”.  This is why I find it so important to develop and be bold in challenging our scripts because someday someone will use them to govern thought and beliefs just as we have with the Holy Books.

LJ:  Yes! I remember that Walter Mosley once said:

Of all writing, the discipline in poetry is the most demanding. You have to learn how to distill what you mean into the most economic and at the same time the most elegant and accurate language. A poet must be the master of the simile, metaphor, and form, and of the precise use of vernacular and grammar, implication and innuendo. The poet has to be able to create symbols that are muted and yet undeniable. The poet, above all other writers, must know how to edit out the extraneous, received, repetitious, and misleading. A poet will ask herself, ‘Why did I use that word, and how will that usage affect meaning later in the poem when the same word is used again? A similar word?’

Tshombe Sekou:  Absolutely!

LJ:  I look forward to rereading your Exquisite Scribe, and I have a feeling that it will be read over and over...hundreds and hundreds of years from now, and discussed even more; even used in literary classrooms. By that time your little baby princess Nina Kai will say, "My Daddy wrote that!" I can see her beautiful bright angelic smile with so much pride and honor (humbly) in her sweet voice.

Tshombe Sekou:  (LAUGHS), I think you're right!

She has been a great source of inspiration, as she has an "old, been here before" way about her already.

LJ:   I appreciate you more than I can express. That is all I had to go over with you and I graciously thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity. Thank you for the honor to give my thoughts, and get clarity on those few areas; I feel honored and deeply humbled. 

Blessings to you and your beautiful wife and princess Nina Kai.

Tshombe Sekou:  Thank you for the time dear one, it is always a great thing to give and seek clarity; I have learned much in this dialogue and give a huge thanks to you for the time and consideration.  It is I who is humbled by the inquiry and courage to challenge understanding; this is what being a poet is about: learning.  Writing the poems are only half of the equation, learning and discussing them is the other half; it gives them longevity. 

Tshombe Sekou:  be in peace and love, Tshombe.

LJ:  

Will do dearest one... Thank you!

Discussion ended at 2:28 PM on Sunday 06 May 6, 2012 local.

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...fear torments the mind, yet fear is a product of the mind; we are both friend and foe to ourselves, we highly intellectual beings: human beings, in all of our sophistication we are just as primitive as nature designed us.

~Tshombe Sekou

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If we are ever to find the truth of things, we must first have the courage to be responsible in facing it; otherwise the lie will remain resting comfortably in our cowardice.

- Tshombe Sekou

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The substratum of a man of valor, a good husband, and leader rest chiefly in the obedience and honor he has for his parents and thus God; for this is the order of things as the Most High has commanded the harmony of life.

~Tshombe Sekou

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A vessel can only hold the measure of its fill, to receive new contents you must empty out what has already filled it. Bless others with your fill of blessings in order to receive new blessings, simple logic.

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Amandla has been a laborious road, a task that has kept me busy over the past couple of years, it is coming along quite well as of late because I am learning to get out of the way of myself.  Yes, I get in the way of myself quite a bit when it comes to the literary aspects of my creativity, my own "stumbling block" if you will; it seems that I want everything to be perfect when I am finished with it, which isn't a bad thing altogether.  We should all want to put our best forward rather than later, in fact a colleague recently expressed that I should ensure that all "T's" are crossed and "I's" dotted before I publish.  Her advice is spot-on in feeding my perfectionist drive, and I adore her for the advice; Though I would be remiss not to acknowledge both my enemy and ally: perfectionism.

It was during a recent rumination that I considered what poetry is for me, and why it is that I fed the affinity for the prosody of expression.  Since I personally define poetry everytime I sit to write (my way of giving context to purpose) the one definition for poetry that has trumpeted for me rest in the context of this project, is that poetry lends to us, for those who embrace her, a freedom; an escape to a place that the physical world limits.  Through poetry time and space travel are possible without physically moving; it is a freedom of mind and spirit from the physical realm, albeit a short lived freedom for some, but it gives us a way out as well as a way inside of ourselves regardless of the perfections or imperfections we perceive.  

After this mentation it was determined that I begin to allow the freedom to exist outside the clutches of my stagnancy. Though perfectionism has it's place, it should never serve as the impetus to the impediment of progress, nor the lack of perfection give acceptance to mediocrity; in this mentation I have come away with the thought that not every man is as perfect as he thinks, nor as flawed as he percieves.

In all, the book is back to the front burner.  Nina has given it new breath, and I certainly aim to have it in your hands before the winter holidays; I will keep you all updated on the progress as it comes closer to publishing.  In the meantime check out my recent releases:

• What Is Love...EP (Audio)
• In Short Breaths (Haiku Chapbook)

Note: I am back to blogging here again, I had taken a great deal of time focusing on sharing with the Facebook community; I hadn't realized that I left my web home unattended for so long; much is coming so stay tuned.

Sincerely,

Tshombe

Copied to: Blogger, Tumblr, Posterous, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

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“Girl: The Film Volume I” is a message from Ardija Red-Cloud, a 77 year-old mother/grandmother/retired guidance counselor with the New York City Department of Education, who exudes a timeless wisdom based upon her personal experiences and self discovery.

The film was shot in New York City and Cape Town, South Africa. It is directed by Ms. Zawadi and edited by Oliver Covrett of XyayX Multimedia. The New York City filming was done by Oliver Covrett and Deb Williams. Contributors are Dorothy Johnson-Laird, Blogger for Girl-Child Network Worldwide, Groove Assassin (Gotta Keep Faith Records), Soul Agenda Musique (Do It Now Recordings), singer/songwriter Dana Byrd, Tut Amin (Sankofa Soulz), Saxophonist Shannon Mowday, poetry by Nathan P. and Tshombe Sekou, with “Girl” graphic design by Stephanie Griffin and artwork by Aaron Mobley.

"Girl: The Film (Volume I), A Message from Ardija Red-Cloud" from tantra-zawadi on Vimeo.

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Love, to me, is like an African rhythm...An African rhythm that enthralls you into its patterns, its poetry. It enthralls you... to come alive. - Tshombe Sekou, "What Is Love... EP”

Tshombe Sekou is part of a small group of North American independent artists who have lent a new impetus to poetry. And he has the rare ability of expressing his innermost thoughts in a way that is reminiscent of both ancient philosophers and master thinkers like Krishnamurti and Khalil Gibran.

When Sekou speaks, you listen; you listen with your entire being. His voice is animated by a knowledge that is truly ahead of its time. Every word has been studied and pondered, and then carefully laid on paper. The resulting spoken rendition is a treat to the ear and mind, a deep experience that leaves you begging for more every time.

“What Is Love...” continues Sekou’s tradition of poetry as a vehicle for spiritual discourses. The album has the same entrancing power and beauty as the artist’s previous releases. Once again, Sekou asks us to question the status quo, to reconnect with and embrace our inner child, and, most importantly, to respect our divine call, our duties towards Love. A love whose reward is complete freedom, once fears and expectations have been smashed to pieces.

You know, love is like the Sun. It’s always working. It never turns away. It’s just that we are like the Earth... always moving.

An artist always leaves a part of themselves in their creations. If you listen to “What Is Love,” you will hear the voice of a soul that calls God ‘home’ and Life ‘a thing of beauty’. A poetic jewel!

More about “What Is Love...”

Release date: November 1, 2011

Composed, produced and mixed by Tshombe Sekou Track listing:

• Love Is an Enigma
• The Understanding 
• Poem 2 
• Funny That Way 
• Poem 4 
• Vulnerable 
• Love an Influence 
• Poems 6 & 7 
• Real Love 
• Poem 9 
• Love Note 
• Love Her 
• Sun and Earth 
• The Lessons 

Album available for download at www.tshombeisms.com. Donations accepted. About Tshombe Sekou, also known as Tshombe the Poet/Truth Theory, is a prolific American spoken word artist and producer. Born in New Orleans, he was raised in Israel where he received most of his formal education. A member of the US Navy, he has traveled in more than 60 countries around the world. “What Is Love...” is his eighth release. His other albums include “The Messenger: Chapter One,” “The Messenger: Chapter Two,” “Verbal Jazz Vol.1,” “Verbal Jazz Vol.2,” and “IAMNOTAPO3T.”

For more information on Tshombe Sekou, visit www.tshombeisms.com.

written and reviewed by: Cendrine Marrouat, she may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.

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She sleeps—to

the sound of the ocean

ancestors speak—to her.

//

The same her father

sails the sounds

a lullaby in his coffin

—Tshombe Sekou

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In poetry it's more than the purgation of our soul, but the vehicle by which we leave you messages that only you can decrypt for us.

—Tshombe Sekou

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for love
self isolation—alone
born again into us…

—Tshombe Sekou

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it's 2am

low lighting,

we're making out

each-other's silhouettes//

eye glances,

she demanding every

bit of my attention;

she really thinks

I am the one.

She persists

with a smile of assurance

that she is where

she should be

in this moment

at this hour

staring deep into my eyes

as if to study the universe,

but the truth of the matter is

what she doesn't know may hurt.

By the time this dance is over

and the masquerade is uncovered

it will come down to one simple certainty;

As much as I would love

to keep the smile keep the smile upon your face

it will come out eventually that I can

give you all the love you need,

but never the thing you want most

in this late-night hour escapade...

though by sunrise you'll still love me no less;

it just pains me that in these few hours left

I will have to disappoint your heart

because I am not equipped to feed you from my

breast.

© 2012 Tshombe Sekou

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