"Mahala" by Sona Smith

{Note: I attempted to start a poetry blog titled Rhyme Revival in June. The goal was to highlight global poets who used lyrics, Hip Hop, art or written words as the medium. After much thought and aggravation with not getting adequate submissions, I decided to post them on HD, where I will continue to highlight beautiful artisans. Enjoy.}

Mahala [In Loving Memory of My Mentor, Noby Myles-Townsend]

From her womb the earth is nourished
As her voice calms the cries of the world
Her heart speaks of tenderness and
Through her eyes all dreams begin
Carrying the past, nurturing the present,
and in consistent Prayer for the future…
Power holds her right hand

As gentleness grasps her left.
She is wise, with infinite wisdom
She is strength, but yet she is weak,
She is life, but has to die
Her laughter is full of tears
Her confidence sometimes insecure
Her love has no limits,

her care, no boundaries
Her strength and dignity

Can not be defined
For she is woman

She is Black

Humanity born through her
Awaken to your power

Mahala…

Copyright Sona Smith ©2009

About Sona Smith:

Bismillah (In the name of Allah),
I am lover of art, life, and growth.
I express myself through words and movement.
Often misunderstood, I thrive on building meaningful relationships with meaningful people.

Contact: simplysona@gmail.com

Latest Tattoo Courtesy of Miya Bailey

Body art is an expression of individuality. Tattoos are a representation of who we are in the moment, paying permanent homage to our own beliefs, values and thoughts.

I've been tattooed five times. I have two (West African) Adinkra symbols, the Eye of Horus, a dripping star symbolizing success on my forearm and a gorgeous Dove on my chest (my latest piece).

Sometime in 2007, I set my eyes on the artwork of Miya Bailey, owner of the City of Ink, amazing fine artist and phenomenally dope tattooist. Up until I got familiar with Miya and other City of Ink artists, I wasn't completely aware of the artistry that went into creating body art. I wasn't privy to "freehand" tattooing or viewing my temple as a canvas for someone else.

After admiring Miya's work for two plus years, I was ready to be adorned with one of his originals. The Dove on the left is his work and I am absolutely in love with the piece. As many people know, the Dove is a messenger of peace. The Dove is generally accompanied by the Olive Branch, a symbol of peace. I decided to pair my Dove with the Adinkra symbol on my chest, Nyame Dua, which means "tree of God" (a symbol of God's presence and protection). The execution here is amazing and the colors are vibrant. Miya's art melted unto my temple like I was born with it.

I am so appreciative of the time, creativity, energy and care that Miya gave me on my visit. It would have been negligent to not blog about my experience at the City if Ink. Thank you bro!

Freelance Project. RE: Troy Davis Teach-In

I had the honor of linking with a great organization: Campaign to End the Death Penalty. They have been heavily involved in the movements to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, and more recently, Troy Anthony Davis. Both men have served on Death Row in spite of overwhelming evidence they didn't commit the crimes they're being punished for. I'm glad I was able to use my skills as a writer to help contribute a press release for the cause. Save the date and if you can make it, I'd love to see you there! BTW, the flyer was designed by mr. soul.

KENNESAW, GA – September 14, 2009 – The Campaign to End the Death Penalty will continue in the spirit of influencing change with a Teach-In for Troy at Kennesaw State University on Monday, September 21, 2009. The CEDP will co-sponsor the event with the Cobb County chapter of Amnesty International and Atlanta’s FTP Movement in an effort to bring awareness to Davis’ new hearing. The groups are hoping to continue the momentum of the Free Troy Movement.

Troy Davis was sentenced in 1991 for the 1989 murder of Savannah police officer, Mark MacPhail, and in spite of overwhelming evidence proving his innocence, Davis has remained on Death Row. However, with a private law firm, a bevy of support and grassroots pressure from the CEDP and other groups with an interest on judicial fairness, Davis stands to see the day that justice prevails.

The September 21st Teach-In for Troy will be ushered in by a Free Troy! Rally & Concert featuring socio-political performers. Along with an informational lecture given by a member of CEDP, Troy Davis will be answering questions via speaker and his sister, Martina Davis-Correia, will be available via computer giving insight on her brother’s case and the death penalty as a means of punishment.

On August 17, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the federal court in Savannah to hear Davis' innocence claim. The trial had been delayed because of the abusive interpretation of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, which attempts to limit Death Row prisoners to one set of appeals in federal court. Although it could be several months before the Georgia Death Row inmate gets a court hearing on his claims of innocence, organizations near and far have been vocal about the injustices that surrounded the initial case.

The Free Troy! Rally & Concert will begin at 4:30pm, with the Teach-In beginning promptly at 7pm in room 1021 of the Social Science Building of KSU. Both events are open to the public and parking is free at the university after 7pm. Community residents of Kennesaw and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend.

The diverse group pulling together to make this event a success includes the many groups from the KSU community, including the Sociology Honor Students Program, African Diaspora Department and Students Association, Socialist Party Students Association, CEDP Student Association, the Political Science Department as well as the Department of First Year Programs. All student organizations have been invited to participate and CEDP is eagerly waiting for others to step up for this important cause.

Guest Poet on 'Black Woman Lost & Found'

Today, I'm featured on my poetic sister's blog, Black Woman Lost & Found. I'm certainly a fan of her work and blessed that she respects mine.

Check the intro and go on to support her literary efforts.

My guest poet for today is a very awesome woman and author by the name of Ain. We are mutual fans of each other. She has featured me a few times on her blogs and I could not wait for the opportunity to extend the invitation to her.

Read the rest.

Minor Updates from a Formerly Missing Blogger.

I haven't blogged in over three weeks. Fortunately, I can say that even while internet-less for the past two of those blogless weeks, I've been productive. I've been consistently working on the revision of my first novel, A Teaspoon of Fiction, making a literary transition from chick-lit to mainstream fiction with some experimental elements. I've also been brainstorming, writing and editing pieces for my second collection of poetry, tentatively titled [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core Pt. 2. Aside from personal writing projects and continuing my freelance work with organizations such as The United Sisters Mentoring Program, I've teamed up with my friend and passionate photographer, TT Coles. We'll be creating a wonderful collab of photos and poetry in respect to the wide topic of Hip Hop. I wish I could let you all in on more but my creative conscience has sworn me to secrecy.

That's it in a nutshell. I'll be back to blogging regularly soon. I'm sure I've been missed.

Ciao!