God Showed me I could make a difference with my writing.
Back in 2008, I attended the Black Writer's Conference.
My first book, A Man in Transition, had not yet reached my house, and all I had was the proof copy. However, I took the trip to Tampa, FL, to learn, network and to see if I had what it took to be in this literary game. Now many told me "don't write poetry it doesn't sell." Well, I have always been hard headed.
To fast forward, I began networking and making connections. Well while standing in the lobby wide-eyed and happy to just be a part of things; a statuesque young lady came over to speak to me. This lovely young lady was slightly taller than me. Not sure if she had on heels. Didn't matter. I am six foot and a half inch tall. Well, one of the first things I noticed is her beauty. She came over holding a bookmark and said a friend of mine at the table where she bought said come over and talk to me. I was a little confused, but I am open to speaking to anyone. It’s just part of my character.
The young ladies name was Patricia Haley. I remember her name since she was one of the presenters of one of the daily seminars. After speaking to her, she mentioned the bookmark hit a nerve with her. Now forgive me if I get it wrong since it’s been a few years. The marker said, "To be the butterfly you can be, you have to let go of the caterpillar you were" If I am wrong I am sorry to whoever wrote the mark. Patricia said often she feels like the caterpillar. I wanted to cheer her up. This lovely intelligent woman sounds so negative about herself when others would kill to be where she is at and with the looks she has. A photographer stopped by and asked to take our pictures, she refused and said "I don't take pictures. I take bad pictures" I said impossible. You took terrible pictures there is no way you’re going to know how the image is going to come out. Well, we took the photo, and it was great.
Now let me tell you this. I was a happily married man. However, if I wasn't married and if Ms. Haley was single, I would have wanted to get to know her better the way a gentleman should. Later that evening around one am or so, I saw everyone coming and going in and our off the hotel. I was not in a partying mood, so I sat in the lobby with my notebook. My spirit was buzzing from the conversation I had earlier with Patricia. Why did this wonderfully talented woman feel this way about herself? What is missing or not getting through? She is here to help educate others, and she doubts in some area within herself. Well like most poets, when the feeling won't leave its time to create. To create is what I did. I sat and decided what words would fit this feeling I have inside of me. A few hours later I had a poem I felt Patricia would like. I had planned on reading at the poetry contest they were going to have the next day. Upon getting up in the morning, I thought it would be wrong to read a piece for someone about them without their permission. Even though these were my words, they were based on another’s pain and our conversation. You have to be fair. That afternoon I told Patricia I have something for you to listen too. This is where two lives changed. The Lord is indeed great since I tribute all my gifts to Him. She asked "Am I am going to need a tissue" There was another author I had met the day before standing in tow who wanted to hear what I was going to lay down. Well, let me say this, this was the first time I merely wrote a poem for a stranger to be read to them. As I began to understand the emotion inside me pulled on the feelings inside Patricia. The tears which came down her cheek were singing to my soul. I never expected such a display. To this day I get emotional thinking about it because it was validation I can be a real professional writer. As well as I can use my writing to help another person. Patricia whipped her tears and gave me a hug. I signed my poem for her and gave it to her as a gift. I then looked over at the fellow author, and she was in tears from the emotional moment shared by my muse and me.
Well, I can home to finish out the summer and lost contact with Patricia. Once I started extending my Facebook journey the time for the 2009 conference came around, and I was unable to make it. In searching for information, I came across Patricia’s profile and sent her an add request. She said she was excited to hear from and then she explained how my poem changed her life. I looked at her photo album, and here she had pictures all over with one of the biggest smiles you could see on a person. My heart was filled with joy to see this transformation (BTW this is the name of the poem). She told me to read her note from last year written a few weeks later after the conference. At the bottom of this entry are Patricia Haley’s words towards my poem. It is an honor. To this day I don't take what I write lately or am, I scared to offer my words. I have seen the power of honesty with the feelings inside of me. I would say to any poet,
"Please don't shortchange yourself by writing and hiding your talent. Share your words with as many as you can because you never know who you can and will touch with your words. You see "A Man in Transition" wasn't even for sale and here I was shown I had a future as a writer. Father in heaven I thank you for allowing me to meet my sister Patricia Haley who I pray never goes back to being that caterpillar but remains the sensual, intellectual, beautiful butterfly. Meeting you changed my life. GOD BLESS
Here are the words of Ms. Haley on my word... Stop by her page if you want to say hello or to do business with here.
Written by Patricia Haley on Facebook page in 2008
""This poem was written just for yours truly. It was based on six degrees of separation, and one singular conversation, that was communicated from one person to another. It started with me finding a wonderful bookmark at the Black Writers Reunion Conference, and I believed that the bookmark was specially made just for a girl like me. A conversation started, and from that, the birth of a poem. This was written by an incredibly talented person named KL.""
Transformation.
The caterpillar moves into position.
The Time reaches near, his end is the beginning.
How does he feel on the brink of oblivion?
We share the same existence as that caterpillar.
The vices, baggage, issues we carry come from the weight of contemplation.
If we are to conceive the newness which is to be our future, we can not
resist the impending death of right now.
The womb is spun as the caterpillar assumes the position.
The cycle begins, and magic has abounded.
Movement stills and the Creator whispers sleep.
We step forward to address our internal bondage.
The cocoon is slowly closing, we ask openly "am I really ready for
this?"
Deep inside, the Great One sends a word "Leave that weight with me."
“SIDEBAR: THIS IS WHERE I DISSOLVE INTO A POOL OF TEARS, BUT IF YOU TELL ANYONE,
I WILL DENY IT, UP TO AND INCLUDING
IN A COURT OF LAW."
The butterfly springs forth with only the memories of its previous life.
He must face the world as the new creature he has become.
With each stroke of its wings, the change is complete.
It is time for the world to see the new you.
No wings as the butterfly, but a soul cleansed of the blockage.
With your head held high, chest pressed to the sun, arms raised, you are transformed
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This poem and other poems I've written can be found in Word Play 1: Words are our Canvas published by Bravin Publishing. Also from Bravin Publishing, you'll see my first book was also poetry "A Man in Transition," and if you're a poetry fan, you might want to check out WordPlay 2: The Foundation of Soul.
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