Poetic License

Sometimes the process of telling story warrants a bit of poetic license. The reader decides what each image means to her/him. Below is a poem I wrote after a strong emotion came over me. What thoughts/feelings come up for you?


Edible Flowers for Dessert
Above the frosty sunset
Of contrast
and undertone
Concrete river
20 minutes before
The Bay
Still on the surface
but moving underneath
flowing over earth
pulling sand toward fire

by darice jones 2/20/08
© 2008

Writing Your Own Story

About a year ago I moved into positive light and meditation toward a vision of bringing together collaborators to and build a community based organization to produce, promote and preserve the African Griot storytelling tradition. I wrote down my visions in The Sacred Journey planner and journal -- a wonderful tool that allowed me to stay focused and refective on the large vision. Within that vision I embarked on the process of producing the first story in that effort by making my first film. I did not know the who and I realize now that I did not know much of the how, but I knew that I was in a critical moment to elevating my life and fulfilling my path of sparking and participating in collectivity.

I am amazed every moment at how far and wide this effort has come. I am blown away by the generosity and love just floating out there waiting for willing partners. I am moved by the commitment and strength of the people who have joined with me and who can see the larger vision.

Since the days when I moved past my fear, past my insecurity, past my doubt and unsureness about resources and decided instead to embrace and envision abundance without limits we have successfully created a collaborative that is growing every day. We started a small Black Film Library with free check out for Bay Area residents. We have partnered with several organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally around Black storytelling. We have connected with thousands of people about the making of this first film, and we're due to complete production by May this year. We have successfully promoted the work of other artists and will begin offering no and low cost courses this year. We built a partnership with the City's film office and will begin a Black Family Film Night in July.

I envisioned these things and so many more which I am now sure will become reality. And it is the joining together of people who love our community that makes it so. I continue to write affirmations and goals so that I can see where I am headed while giving thanks for where I am and have been.

In 2007 I wrote my own life story, free from past constraints and beholden only to my imagination. In 2008, I intend to do it again, allowing myself to be even more wild about what is possible. I encourage all my brothers and sisters to do the same. Imagination and daily work toward your vision can only make your life better and more free. And you deserve to be free my loves, we all do!

Much Love,

Your Soul Sista