peace and blessings,

 this was taken from my friend and fellow STL poet http://www.raquita.blogspot.com blog in response to HER rant about Def Poetry. it was written by http://www.basseyworld.com  

  I actually agree with a huge portion of what you posted. It's late and my computer is acting up so I can't say too much. What I will say is that a lot of people behind DPJ are trying to do what's best for poetry. But with all things, presented to the masses for entertainment, they have to make many, many concessions to people who do not have the best interest of poetry or the poets at heart. Stan Lathan the director of DPJ is an amazing man who is trying to do right by poetry. But HBO won't sign a show of unknowns. And there's no audience for straight poets. It's entertainment, there has to be an audience and folks have been fighting to keep things moving in the proper direction. I won't name names as to who isn't. But it's not as black and white (literally) as it appears.

Also, five years ago when I was approached by DPJ, I was concerned about "selling out" and "commercializing" my work. My father told me, "Why should't you get paid for doing what you enjoy? And why shouldn't you be compensated? You wouldn't ask a painter to paint your house 'for the love.'" and he had a great point. And I realized that people who change who they are for commercial success would do it anyway. Those who will stay true to themselves and the work should be the ones pushing to be heard because those voices are just as important as the ones that scream and rant for the sake of it.

It's a choice. I choose not to do commercials for products I don't use. I don't drink soda. I don't drink liquor. Shit, I can't drive anymore. But I will do a voice over for a PSA on something that I believe in. There's a way to pick your battles and win the ones you didnt' pick too.

Word to just 'cuase you own a pen don't make you a poet. Preach that.

Thanks for the shout out and link.

take care,
Bassey.

PS> I guess I did have more than I thought to say. 

AND I MUST SAY THAT I AGREE AND TO SOME DEGREE FEEL WHAT THE SISTER SAYS....ITS JUST TOO BAD WE CANT HAVE THE POETRY STRAIGHT, WITHOUT ALL THE BULLSHYT!!

AS ALWAYS IN PARTING.....I SAY TO YOU:

ONELOVE