Musicians, Street Pianos and Snowfall an excerpt

He brought his piano
and played a new song
it sounded like sleigh bells
and notes that were all wrong
but a lifetime of tickling keys
could only bring forth good cheer
the harmony of the melody
crescendo-ed right into the new year

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Birth Haiku

Christmas comes early

For a Child is born to us

Life everlasting

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Radio Theatre For Your Soul 

on AcceleratedRadio.net 

 Saturdays 2 pm PST/5 pm EST

Higher Authority (an excerpt)

Under the new regime

children from across the waters

navigate trouble with caution

be clear, this is not Zion my babies

freedom was never free

but Divine love is everywhere

let no rhetoric guide thee

stand on shoulders tall if you will

walls built can't interrupt grace

we're chanting down Babylon

trusting JAH the Most High in this race

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Love Poem

Bobby said I'll never write a love poem

so I'm gonna sing one, sing one...

oh yes I'm gonna sing one right now

Somebody said I'll never write a love poem

so I'm gonna sing one, sing one 

oh yes I'm gonna sing one right now

Got a lot of visions running through my head

about some things some body said

never thought it would get here

I abandon all my fear because
Bobby said I'll never write a love poemm

so I'm gonna sing one, sing one 

oh yes I'm gonna sing one right now

Somebody said I'll never write a love poem

but I'm gonna sing one, sing one 

oh yes I'm gonna sing one right now

Think I better pay attention to my heart
telling me to make a brand new start
so here I go stepping out on a ledge
and to myself I will always pledge 
to be my own love poem

so that you might hear me...feel me

as I un-apologetically 

give you my love

and my poem

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

In My Africa

Sweet rivers flow there
In my Africa
Purple wind...it blows there
In my Africa
Black earth...solid foundation there
In my Africa
Drink the glow of Ra there
In my Africa
When I think of there
I wonder if eternity knows
that its mission means forever
In my Africa

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman 

Get Life!

Poetry is my old man
Music is his wife
When poetry and music kiss
the roar of the crowd says get your life!!!
Rhyming by candle light
Singing to children at the circus
When rhyme and song become one
the nosey neighbor says
that was on purpose!!!
I never thought I'd see the day
He never thought it could be
When letters and notes hook-up
the whole world quivers
from the glow of harmony!!!

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

I blues sometimes

When I sing

it says everything in those broken notes

my screaming bass-strings split your earring hearing vessel

my fuse is the blues over muddy waters

my Guru man catching rain water in a boiling pot

and everybody still talkin' bout Trump on a Moped

I just wanna lay a pillow on my own bed

those broken notes sing the blues 

and my screaming bass-strings just split

your 2 flapjacks into 4 and 3 fried eggs

as this bumpy road winds all around

my deep southern roots...what?  I said I blues sometimes

uh uhn uh unh uh unah uhn uh

yea that  deep southern is Detroit roots baby

it says everything in those broken notes 

      when I sing  

                    by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

10 minute break poem

Thinking about what you said
scratching my head and thinking
pondering the lyrics you spit
gritting my teeth and pondering

Snapping my fingers to that timing
internal rhyming before we snap
crashing the urn-filled life
strife and stress has us crashing

Moving quickly through that maze
to each other we're so amazing
flashback it was winter
but winters here are warm

Thinking about what you said
scratching my head and thinking
pondering the lyrics you spit
gritting my teeth and pondering

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

The day will come

We will open our eyes one day
see everything we ever wanted
right in front of us...right there
grass...tall unkempt grass
it is greener after all
sky bluer and newer
fire turned to sapphire petals
lace the breeze between trees
chanting "you're the top, you're the coliseum"
the air is fresher surprisingly
with no mountain view...but the hills are truly
alive with the sound of nature
and we are smarter
wiser a part of engaging word exchanging
human choirs of light...heavy weights lifted
light we become as we pace...trace our map to freedom...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Exit-ku

Seemingly guarded 

hearts fleeting east to somewhere

must avoid the storm

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

 

Syncopated

Cover me with bell tones and blue notes
staccato rhythms that come from loud horns
break up the letters of the alphabet so I can braid it into my hair
sing me lullaby's in the middle of the day with 3-part harmony
and then write all about that jazz in your journal

Prepare a package of Flute Hums like oxygen
high low octaves from your hidden thoughts
throw in a pitch only the chosen will hear
ringing cipher circling round-round the heart

Deliver sharp beats of melody one octave at a time
make the key signature a sign of explicit simplicity
bending noise-accidentals I'll use to paint my nails
layering strings between Prince screams from that 45
and then play ghost notes to grace notes just to see if I'm listening

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

The Story Never Ends - Part 1

Sometimes I am quiet and when I am quiet

in quiet-mode-silent to your ears-eyes 

absent physically unconnected spiritually

where you think I should be only near you

I flee quickly so quickly I flee

dust doesn't have a chance to cloud

'round your way...somewhere 'round my/your way

the killing never stops and cops ohhhhh I am quiet

but alive and keen in my consciousness

heart a bit ruptured but beating strong 

don't ask me to speak now...the story may never end

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Musica-ku

I still breathe music
Fading loud at his last breathe
I sigh breathe music

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Check out @SCLColeman's Tweet: https://twitter.com/SCLColeman/status/751644873032278018?s=09

First Day of Summer-ku

Very HOT outside
naked man sitting on grass
side-eyeing the sun

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Yo No Entiendo (I don't understand) for Mandela and Rivera

God...Friends...random people on the street...
I'm 19 years old in 2012...
please help me to understand some words like Freedom and Liberty
out of bondage independently
no longer controlled, how we choose to be
is too often and overwhelmingly interrupted by the powers
I see that systematically enforce laws that don't serve we...our society/community
I heard that before Nelson Mandela and after Oscar Lopez Rivera...
You and me...then and now...locked up or beat down...ignored...
treated less than human...in the hole-no-light...save my soul...I'm only 19...
this isn't justice, it's trickery...seditious conspiracy?  Really...
Ay...ahhh Dios Aidame a entiendo words like la Libertad y Independencia
as I stand here with those who say everything that you're thinking...
when did it become a crime to love one's home
and the preservation of that home...tell me again,
mi besinos say I'm American...don't you know...but I'm still not clear...
is it what he said...who he led or a nations fear...
I'm 19 years old in 2012 y yo no entiendo

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Conversation piece: Big Plastic Ring

There are letters of the alphabet floating around in my head
hair follicles string a to z splendidly into words of clarity
as new audience peers at me through the cracked door
eyes sore from looking so hard and so long...
...what is she doing and what's with that big plastic ring?
Ha! Before we go any further audience, let me say this one thing...
...come here...yea come on in...I see you, yes come on in
listen, this is my notebook and this is my pen...I write

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Body Snatcher or Here Comes Lady Macbeth...Run!

No I was prepared, I was...I was prepared

then I got in the audition room and suddenly

without warning the character who I was not

auditioning for took over my body and voice

seriously, some other character who decided

she was needed in that moment started talking

and walking around and making up words that 

were not on the paper...

gesturing to imaginary people 

breaking the 4th wall and ignoring the reader

who was great by the way 

laughing where it wasn't funny 

dancing when there was no music 

crying for no apparent reason and then it was over

I got my body and voice back 

stared at the casting director for a few minutes 

who stared back at me...then simultaneously 

we said thank you and I left...I left feeling like I did that...humph

that's what happens when you haven't auditioned

in over a month and the 1st chance you get 

that role you played of Lady Macbeth back in 1996

seems to be the only thing that makes sense...

oh that don't happen to you...

oh so I'm the only one channeling Lady Macbeth at the exact wrong time...

oh ok...but I was prepared for that audition...I was...no I was

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Delusions of Grandeur

Honorable, Honest, Virtuous & Upright
titles or identifying words associated
with you or who you want the world to see
you be...go on for pages and pages but sadly
don't describe the true you, authenticity compromised
too many surprised by the title-hog mentality
no integrity but tailgating not waiting on invitation
but declaring an alliance not desired or required
please...slow your roll...what's destined for you
already paid in full, packaged and awaiting your pick-up
every shiny stone on which you stumble does not belong to you
strive for your Honorable, Honest, Virtuous & Upright...self

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Thinking about James Baldwin

In Giovanni's room we all wrote notes
native sons we are to Harlem
about to go meet the man
but the price of the ticket
well that cost more than Sonny's blues
cramped up quarters sweating walls
just above my head, oh yea the devil finds work
no name in the street but if Beale street could talk
Lord have mercy on my soul, the fire in another country
will tell how long the trains been gone from 5th Avenue
next time we'll write about the evidence of things not seen
forget your blues, I already told you 'bout Sonny dem
Jimmy and Mister Charlie will carry that cross of redemption
I see you through the keyhole little man little man
go tell it on the mountain while I shout Amen
over here in this corner

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Watch your step

Who knew...I mean really who knew
every turn was a stop sign or a puddle to jump
quicksand, fire ants, broken glass, black ice
which way is up cried the children of the corn
reborn as Thespians marching together
holding hands lifting the other to reach wide-open
windows of opportunity while scrutiny fills the air
not fair...not fair...I was here first she yelled
snap out of the spell Gertrude your day is coming
just don't let go of the hand ...don't let go of the dream
none of them really knew...nope
but all of them were lifted to the window

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Don't get it twisted-ku

Don't misunderstand
Kindness is not my weakness
Kindness is my strength

By Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Leg stretch-ku

We all got big thighs
track running and long distance
Tiger Balm on deck

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

For the love of my Jamaican daughter

The story was already written
words running out of my mouth
paralyzing punctuating pleasing
painless pain penetrates the mind
scattering from good cheer my dear
to choking back a bellow unexpected
don't touch me anywhere...back up man
you understand I'm a child...a girl child
requiring a special kind of love that will
author the rest of this story...glory...hallelujah!

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Take time to consider the little things...

Prefer Tea over Coffee

Apples over Pears

Chips over Nuts

Cabbage over Kale

Visits to the market are always swift

Prefer Hills over Valleys

Ocean Water over Pools

Sunrise over Sunset

Park Runs over the Track at the School

Relationship with nature is harmonious

Prefer Opera over Rock

Cards over Dominoes

Cookouts over Clubs

Film over Television

Important things to know 6 months in...

...everyone has a preference...

...pay attention so as not to waste the seconds to the minutes to the hours into forever

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

On your way to that safe place...

...the most important thing
you show up as you
shameless without the task
wearing the mask
all day long be strong
puppet cut your own strings
that command to take wings & fly
hovers over you...true
all knew you couldn't stay blue
forever and ever amen
when you sing your measure
the pleasure is all glory
that story will be told
chapters already written
no one is smitten it's Divine
fine line between craft and draft
what's done in the dark
spark depends on your internal light
spring forth...there's an oasis

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Black History Month-ku OR African Heritage-ku

This History Is
American History
African Black Me

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Moon-ku

Moonlight is lovely
Children of the night can see
Beyond the darkness

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Trusting Actors, Callbacks & Children - a Community of its own

There were 7 of us called back for the Commercial Mom role

each of us physically different but all old enough to have a 13 year old son

actually we were all old enough to have a 30 year old son...

teenage mothers we would've been...well, I'll speak for myself

we had already been notified to forget everything we did in the first audition

and be prepared to play when we go into the room, 

the directors want to have some fun...for you non-actors reading this...

play and fun in this case translates into improvisation...nothing kinky
So the lobby wait begins and there were several other call backs happening
a young guy comes in and announces that he has a callback for Dunkin Donuts
but he's working on the set around the corner and only has about 30 minutes
no requests just making a public service announcement to the lobby
then an older woman comes in and announces that she's on her lunch break
from a shoot down the street and really would like to be seen right away,
if possible, because she has to get back to the set...the audition monitor
took her name and said she would try to help but no promises
lastly, a lady who looked to be in her early twenties comes in
with a stroller made for twins with the twin boys inside
a baby on her back in one of those baby back-packs
I think that baby was a girl...she was wearing pink
and a toddler boy helping her push the stroller...
I couldn't wait to hear her announcement...
always a good feeling when in the company of winners
those who won the part and get to work around the corner
or down the street on the set...
waiting to hear this young mothers announcement
waiting and thinking about what bills I can pay when I book this commercial
then the lady announces that she has an audition next door that she has to
go in for in 10 minutes and asks if anyone would be willing to watch her
children while she does it...blank stare...blank stare...ok I volunteer
but I ask her if there was anyone next door who could watch them
she said no and that her children would be better behaved here
our lobby was full of adults and the one next door was full of children
I see...I think...ok...line um up right here next to me...
and the baby on the back,  I'll just hold her
great the young lady said and then rushed next door to her audition
here I am with 4 kids, very well behaved I must say
and they're looking at me and smiling...uh oh...
I'm next for my own audition
what to do with these little people...
ok listen up we're about to go into this audition
and no one can cry or talk or anything, ok?
The toddler boy nods his head and whispers ok
the other 3 just smile and then the audition monitor calls my name
I let the toddler boy help push the stroller into the room
since I only have one hand free...holding baby and all
I walk in the room and there are about 10 people inside and they
are immediately delighted in seeing these children...ice breaker...whew
but they have to be parked behind the camera...one of the producers
volunteers to hold the baby, the toddler stayed next to the stroller
I did my callback, played and improvised with the director and
left that room, with my four lucky charms
whose names I don't even know but feeling like a winner...
the children made my day and maybe next week
I'll be the one coming into the lobby
announcing I'm on the set a few blocks away
but I have a call back here today...
is it possible I can be seen early...my lunch break is over in 20 min....

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Wish List

I wish I could tell you the price for peace

we could pool our money together and buy it

spread it out on the bed, count it up and give it to the Trader

but we find ourselves standing in lines of disappointment 

appointed to our designated walk...don't run...those dogs don't have teeth

Wish I could tell you the benefits of forgiveness

we could have a party and invite all of our enemies

the friend-of-me is waiting by the phone that never rings

soundlessness does not translate into I'm sorry

'cause that fake smile hiding the frown only works on the weak

Wishing I could tell you that love conquers all

we could straight up walk into a strangers home 

start preparing dinner at high noon without gettin' shot

no questions asked, only a request to go light on the spices 

I wish us all peace, forgiveness and love...

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Elevator Talk or Late for Audition

"Common sense is not so common
but reading is definitely essential if you don't have it"
said the lady in the elevator
I think she's trying to make small talk
and I'm trying to run these lines in my head
"What's that you reading?" She asked
I hesitantly responded...Ralph's Live Naturally
my audition sides were hiding between the pages 
"Who is Ralph? She asked
now I'm laughing on the inside but casually tell her that
Ralph's is the grocery store around the corner on 3rd
"On 3rd?" She said it like she's never heard of such
Yes, 3rd Street, this is just a free kind of coupon magazine...
"Free! Ain't nothin' free honey, I can tell you that from experience"
not today lady
Well one day I'd love to hear all about it but I'm late for an appointment
thank God we finally made it to the 23rd floor
"Common sense ought to tell you to leave earlier to be on time"
see, that right there...reason #15 why I don't talk to strangers
You're absolutely right mam, Common sense should've told me that
Have a great day!

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Afterthought-ku

We always will grow
quality can be improved
don't be late next time

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

Storyteller-ku

The Storytellers
gathering around the mic
to wake-up your soul

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

2015 gone-ku

Last year residue
is trying to come with me
get ye behind me

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

The New Year Knowing

We don't get to know everything in advance
don't get to know that we know...that is
don't always get the answers to the why up front
not knowing up front doesn't mean
the answer doesn't exist somewhere out back or within
but when we do know or find out that we know and
that knowing disrupts everything we've accepted as true and
the discovery of a new reality is upon us...with this new reality
it will be imperative to break habits that no longer serve us...
old, current, could be habits...conscious and unconscious
re-record, shift the agenda, change the pattern
from yellow to green in an instant...then to red
make the stains disappear with a glance....ohhhhh
our attention is requested as we are provided with
the box of secrets that will enhance our lives and
allow us to enhance others...those who will never know

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman