Tamara J. Madison

Soul Poetica

a poem must breathe,

feel, think, sing,

burst

the heavy clouds

of muddy silence

a poem carries a nickel bag

DNA- recorded steps-

Father and Mother’s helix duet

a poem lies, cheats, steals

and stills,

redeems itself

a poem shakes loose the noose,

jerks the knot,

blossoms the wilting tree

a poem forgets to remove its shoes,

steps on holy ground,

walks on stormy waters

prays, curses

praises

@ 2018, Tamara J. Madison

Story behind the poem: This poem was inspired by Poet M. Ayodele Heath during a workshop at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Participants were challenged to write a poem about poetry and its meaning and purpose. This has turned out to be one of my favorites over the years. Thank you, Ayodele!