Dehd Set ‘Poetry’ in Motion on Lovestruck Lead Single “Mood Ring”

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Surefire Chicago rock trio Dehd are back with their fifth album, Poetry, coming May 10 on Fat Possum Records, and they’ve released the starry-eyed single “Mood Ring” as a first preview of the record. Dehd took songwriting on the road after the success of their acclaimed fourth full-length Blue Skies, leaving the Windy City in search of inspiration for the …

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Double Space is the Place | New Compilation Celebrates the Intergalactic Verse of Sun Ra

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When tracking the enigmatic creative life of Sun Ra, it truly depends on which orbit you traverse. Over the course of his 79 years on this planet, Sun Ra worked with blues artist Wynonie Harris and big band Fletcher Henderson, later to and rub shoulders with esoteric-roots rockers NRBQ and guitar-throttlers Sonic Youth. Sun Ra released more than 100 albums …

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Aja Monet’s Debut Album Fuses Art and Advocacy, Poet and Performer

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In Black American folklore, music and poetry share the same soul. The poets of the Black Arts movement, particularly Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde and Amiri Baraka, were in touch with jazz as if it were of the same coterie, and they opened the door for the more music-driven spoken-word artists of the 1970s — Gil Scott-Heron, The Last …

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“Marginalized” by Joe O’Hearn

Marginalized by Joe O’Hearn The fringes welcome loners our mumblings churn out works of art crafted in seclusion, where no one ever recites them. Being laughed at reaches my heart stretched to my ankles, my mind recoils I didn’t make myself yet here I am. It stands to reason fitting in is required, my thoughts simply trampled shelter me like …

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“Atlas” by Alfred Johnson III

Atlas by Alfred Johnson III Sacrifice so much in order to protect my masculinity It takes precedence over my humanity… My sanity tilts on its axis The weight of the world robs me of my balance A man that is deeply saddened I have found a brother in the shamed titan Atlas Appearances are getting harder to maintain The sun …

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“IT AIN’T OVER TIL IT’S OVER” by Ray Holmes

IT AIN’T OVER TIL IT’S OVER by Ray Holmes DON’T YOU LEAVE THE STADIUM YET TEAMMATE IT AIN’T OVER TIL IT’S OVER. THERE IS STILL TIME ON THAT CLOCK SO LET THE GAME PLAY ON. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE BEHIND DON’T MEAN THAT IT IS ALL DONE. THERE ARE STILL PLAYS TO BE MADE PASSES TO BE COMPLETED AND THIS …

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“How It’s Unmade” by Clark Ogier

Artist: Clark Ogier Genre: Poetry Bio: I graduated from UNF in 2011 and spent two years in China teaching English and injuring myself. I currently work in production at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and I like to write things. Piece: How It’s Unmade Piece Description: Ironically wrote this collection watching How It’s Made while my relationship fell apart. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ …

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“Once” by Joe O’Hearn

Once, Seven Different Ways by Joe O’Hearn Once, a fear pierced him, in the middle of a meadow not unlike a pierced Sun Dancer rope-tied to the forked Cottonwood centered in the Lakota heartbeat grounds. Once, a wind brushed him, a song of long ago clear as hollow bird-bone whistles, guardedly jilted from beneath a dogwood flower—smells and sounds stormed …

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“Old Things” by Charlotte Kolb

Old Things by Charlotte Kolb I love old things, old pots, old shoes, old houses. The stories they might tell get my heart to thumping, giving my imagination a road to follow. Who loved it then threw it away for the new? Somebody’s hands were here before me. Somebody’s life happened under my feet. I try to hear the voices …

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“GARDEN SPAGHETTI HOUSE” by Lucy Cortese

GARDEN SPAGHETTI HOUSE by Lucy Cortese Sepia-colored images on the wrinkled photo dissolve the faded smiles and blurred features of my parents proud Italian immigrants standing in front of their new establishment first-time restaurant owners Garden Spaghetti House the sign above their heads in bold letters Garden literal translation for Giardino a word that stumbles and mumbles euphemism bastardization of …

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“Letter to My Father” by Alfred Johnson III

Letter to My Father by Alfred Johnson III No effort was contributed on your end to establish our bond You missed being the first to hold me in your arms Never thanked God for blessing you with your one and only son Never got to experience the poignant moment of me crawling in between you and my mom Regardless, you’ll …

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“A Poem Titled; Truth, Art & Physics” by Stephen Mason

A Poem Titled; Truth, Art & Physics by Stephen Mason Truth The episodic nature of dramatic interpersonal relationship undoubtedly recourses fluid like in effort to coalesce with society’s interpretation of truth. To bear witness is to feel the effect; to determine the factor, is the in-sensitized value of the analytical natures of the event as it features itself. For in …

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“Color Wheel” by Dennis Negrin

Color Wheel by Dennis Negrin I.) Blue Here’s to the lady in the mint blue veil that hangs loosely and to the right Just left of 19th century eroticism The bourbon lady! The perennial conservative! a slightly aged fantasy. Hiding polka dots She walks like something forever new. Always fresh like paint tasting like fruit looking like that special vintage …

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“Message To My Grandchild” by Lucy Cortese

Message To My Grandchild by Lucy Cortese An infinite canvas arrived the day of your birth blank, white, awaiting the artistry of your hands Incorporate the primary colors of your pallet genetics, place of birth, ancestral heritage Add to these the secondary pastels of growing up education, experiences, interactions with others Blend and pour a lifetime of multicolor hues character, …

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“S.Cat” by Amy R. Todorsky

S.Cat by Amy R. Todorsky I opened the box; the cat was never alive. Physics is messy. [divider/] Artist: Amy R. Todorsky Genre: Poetry Bio: I have been a FL resident for the past 20 years. My hobbies include reading, writing poetry, and making jewelry. My husband and I are “sustainers” with WJCT. We like to attend events that support …

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“The Genius in Germanics” by Robert Hunt

The Genius in Germanics by Robert Hunt TRAVESTY. THIS WHOLE WHIMSICAL TOWN IS FALLING ILL         TO THE WASTEFUL WORDS OF SOME FLUSH FACED FINAGLER. HIS STRATEGICALLY STRIPED TIE AND SENSIBLE SPORT COAT SUBMIT THESE PIPS         TO GARGLE THEIR ENCROACHING DROOL AT THE MERE MENTION         OF HIS APPROACHING CHISELED CHIN. HIS INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS BOOK AND ALL ITS CONTENTS LEAD MEN …

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“A Storm of Hearts” by Robert Grinsell

A Storm of Hearts by Robert Grinsell A storm of hearts breezes through. Tempestuous, yet honest, There is no room for error,   Or second guesses…   Or apologies. Time has been wasted trying to figure out the Whys,   How Comes, What Ifs, or Who Elses. There is no point on recollecting what has transpired, But rather… we are at   What Now? …

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“Along the River Anslawell” by Jonathan Moore

Along the River Anslawell by Jonathan Moore Each day upon the shores is born, A carnival like New Year’s morn, There with glad joy and happiness, There have I strolled and I confess, Let the bright sights wash over me, And clear the ambiguity That clouds some days in frost and ice If such a semblance can suffice. The bees …

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“Early Onset” by Jeff Feller

Early Onset by Jeff Feller I can remember the sky But I cannot remember the blue I can remember the cry But I cannot remember the hew I can remember a taste But I cannot remember the food I can remember in love But I cannot remember with you [divider/] Artist: Jeff Feller Genre: Poetry Bio: I am a poetry …

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“The Battle” by Melinda McDonnell

That Lady Friend of Mine by Melinda McDonnell You may be at war on a battlefield but, the worst fight Is the one going on in my chest. It hurts my heart to know you are afraid even doing what you love and what you love can cause you such great pain I’ll never forget your blue eyes, shining under …

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“The Water’s Edge” by Kimberly Carter

The Water’s Edge by Kimberly Carter Measure not your worth by wealth or fame. Life’s accomplishments are like footsteps in the sand. Even the deepest impression is destined to succumb to the inevitable tide. Shells of creativity, achievement and enlightenment tumble at your feet, waiting to be discovered. These treasured gifts from God are not intended to be horded. They …

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“That Lady Friend of Mine” by Nadia Della Penta

That Lady Friend of Mine by Nadia Della Penta A compliment you gave her on a watch, a scarf “Here take it, it’s yours. Glad you like it” Out stretched hand and sunshine bright smile “How are you? Your husband, your child?” Genuine concern, right from her heart Never a word to criticize For each and every one a good …

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“La Bella Italia” by Lucy Cortese

Artist: Lucy Cortese Genre: Poetry Bio: Lucy Giardino Cortese is a freelance writer and owner of Lucy’s Lines ‘N Lyrics. A graduate of UF, Lucy received her Masters Degree at UNF. She has been a teacher, district administrator, school principal and executive director in a career spanning four decades. Piece: La Bella Italia Piece Description: Following a recent trip to …

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“Dove on a Wall” by Robert Hesson

Dove on a Wall by Robert Hesson Is there a way to unpin these wings from the wall of their unwandering, to feather this mortar that holds them, to shed the caging leaves that enbrick them to this shimmering stone? Look, the wings are spread, there is the head, like seeing shapes among clouds— very like a dove, some might …

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“Glossed Over” by Ale’ta Turner

Artist: Ale’ta Turner Genre: Poetry Bio: I’m an aspiring fictional author, blogger and volunteer. Piece: Glossed Over Piece Description: Glossed Over captures a vulnerable moment of a woman, who shares something she’s insecure about. Web: Ale’ta Turner – Website Ale’ta Turner – Twitter

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“Curry Love” by Nancy Murrey-Settle

Curry Love by Nancy Murrey-Settle Medallions of zucchini stare up at me. Red strips of peppers lounge on a bed of jasmine rice. A saucy coconut milk whispers promises of satisfaction. I could be in love. A citrus sun rises over my plate as lemongrass tangos with lime. The flirtatious Thai basil that spent all summer in the backyard seducing …

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“Duty Calls” by Ale’ta Turner

Duty Calls by Ale’ta Turner She has hope drilled into her heart, rich oil deposited into the depths of her soul. He has half a mustard seed of faith— his life lies in the hands of many men. Both are weighed down by fatigue. He kisses her lipstick traces on a dirty envelope, runs his fingers across the perfume scented …

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“LIFT OFF” by G.J. P-H

LIFT OFF by G.J. P-H We knew this tyme would come… I knew before they told me. We knew this tyme would come… We talked about it BOLDLY! We knew this tyme would come… We said to each other I LOVE YOU! We knew this tyme would come… We said who’d be there to greet you. We knew this tyme …

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“WANT AD” by CJ Godwin

WANT AD by CJ Godwin Second class poet Seeking sanctuary From the heated mass of ignorance And high velocity intellect [divider/] Artist: CJ Godwin Genre: Poetry Bio: Besides her Master’s thesis in archaeology, C. J. Godwin has written for college journals, local papers, and community newsletters, and currently ghostwrites online media for a handful of local businesses. Most notably, she …

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“when we fall” by Clark Ogier

when we fall by Clark Ogier when trees die of old age, after years and years of trying to touch the sky, they buckle under their own weight. they split and fall to earth. when they can no longer escape the pull of earth’s gravity, they snap and shake the earth in one last cry for heaven. when we humans …

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“Hometown” by Sharon Scholl

Artist: Sharon Scholl Genre: Poetry Bio: Professor emerita from Jacksonville University where I taught Humanities and classes on Japan and Africa. I’m a working musician who gives away choral music on a free download website. I direct the choir for my Unitarian-Universalist Church and serve on the boards of several arts and education organizations. Otherwise, I’m your regulation Mom and …

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“Black Speck” by James Couch

Black Speck by James Couch The chill of an early autumn morning Ideal timing for a walk and clear my head Liquid crystal blue to all horizons Nothing spoils the sky’s perfection No, wait. One lone black speck Soaring at the limit of my vision Descends and grows larger Too big for a sparrow A buzzard drifting slow lazy circles …

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“l’horloge” by Laura Matejka

l’horloge by Laura Matejka Going swiftly moments fleeting Dragging on moments enduring Strolling by in slow motion An instant gone in a blur I watch your hand moving I watch your hand unmoving Never seeming to pass Then it has past [divider/] Artist: Laura Matejka Genre: Poetry Bio: I am a senior at the University of North Florida where I …

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“The Come Back” – Henri Papineau

THE Comeback A Poem by Henri Papineau      Only if you knew…           How many comebacks I could throw at you. Backed up in my memory…      I think of which one…      The one [comeback] for this special occasion?           It can be done…                Even though the words you say, make me want to run away. For I will not feed your hunger, to …

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“entropy” by Michelle Acker

entropy by Michelle Acker i. I am made of poetry as much as polypeptide chains. nothing is exclusive here–not mutually–we are all same and different, products of mutation, language, carbon, impulse, art– poetry claws through my veins and screeches in my throat, or else, when quieter, breathes down my neck, draws my attention to a folding shirt, the temperature of …