So last week on Mondays With Mike, our favorite Aussie shared a beautiful poem penned to (and for) his muse, @MissLJay20.
Today, Mike gives us the details on why he celebrates Black Women in poetry (and is inspired by his Muse):
Why I Celebrate Black Women In Poetry
All artists need a Muse, a source of inspiration, something which sets their spirits aflame, ignites their senses. Something to make them feel that if they don’t attempt to honour that beauty and majesty their soul will burst from trying to keep it all in.
It may seem strange but it’s just the way my Muse works. I don’t think I am alone in feeling like this. I think it’s the soul of all creativity.
Why Black Women In Particular?
So what is it that makes me filled with inspiration to write poetry for Black Women? Why Black Women in particular? Because my Muse moves when I see Black Women, when I hear them, when I appreciate them on all levels, I am always entranced.
I have to celebrate Black Women; my Muse guides my hands in doing so, and I love being able to communicate what I feel in what I write. If I wish to write and write well, I need my source of inspiration, and my Muse requires her due, which I am more than willing to give.
Luckily this has been easy of late. My Muse is beautiful, gives me so much inspiration to write, so much passion and energy that sometimes I don’t know if I will ever be able to pay it back in kind. I try my best and I am forever grateful for the gifts bestowed.
And Now, My Heart Is Open
I once thought that I should guard myself closely, be closed off and wary, worried of possible heartaches and troubles, but I am now looking more and more towards being open-hearted and looking for the possible in all things, to be thankful in finding it, and rejoicing in the happiness of it.
I won’t question why I should be so lucky so I don’t spoil it, but instead be gracious, thankful and appreciative in having received it, and trying my best to honour the gift I have been given.
And that is what has inspired my latest poem, and I hope it conveys that as best as can be said.
Cheers!
We have to say, @MissLJay20 is a beautiful Black Woman – and Mike is blessed to have her as his Muse!
Join in the Fray: Who or what inspires YOU?
Got a question for Mike? Send it to us via inbox on The Swirl World’s Facebook page or by email to ASwirlGirl@TheSwirlWorld.com.
Follow Mike on Twitter @500and50 read his blog at 500and50.com, or message him on his 500and50 Facebook page.
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Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved.
TheSwirlWorld says
Mike, it’s our pleasure! Keep the poems and insights coming. We appreciate you!
Michael Miocevich says
Thank you so much Michelle for giving me a place to share these ideas and experiences, I really do appreciate everything you do for Swirl couples, and I love this site endlessly! Thank you once again!
Mike