Tribute To Detroit Poetry

This poem pays respect to many Detroit poets and venues ...

In Detroit

we're Blessed

by the ability

to enjoy the poetic scenery

 

People sleep on us

like we're not

the Motown MotorCity

with a rich and historic history

 

Respect our vintage power

when Hudsons and Downtown

was a serious stomping ground

for attracting US Dollars

 

We may not have the economical pull

of New York

or the tourist attraction of Chicago

but we aren't ravaged

like a third world country either

We have history

We have creativity.

 

We sip

on Knowledge at Nandi's Cafe

giving us ideas of a revolution

learning

as we teach our children

instead of hindering them

We watch them play

then show them our way

through the Artist Village

embracing the Sweet Epiphany of Nommo excuses

because of our Boundless Expressions.

There's no Rhyme N Reason on how to Free Your Soul

as we stroll the mean streets

walking the grit and grime

of an all-purpose grind from Our Spirit.

 

We hear spit and are quick to represent

with a certain type of Brass-ness

Jaded by others who tried to write us off long ago

Detroit has power

energy

possibility

 

We don't fall victim to being victims

We soar as Eagles at being survivors

leaving our debris of greatness that others despise

but secretly follow

We beat the death sentence

Gavin's gavel of Judgment

handed down on us as we Flaco'ver to Belle Isle

to re-capture the Clarity of our youth

and pay homage to the infamous

Giant

Slide

 

We play Lexicon with the MexicOns

spreading our culture

as we learn about other heritages in our pursuit of freaking another piece

We remain unsung

as we wear our Kevlar

to protect our Fragile hearts from being labeled

losers

when our Poeticlifeline gives us the breath

to Puff Puff pass up all 3 lanes

on the Freeway

 

My LuckyLefty pens Twin poetic hits

to defend our voices as I remain

Soltreu

to my integrity and let

GOD

continue to show the way

 

As the LiteShineth

making our way Luminus

SashaSpeaks

to the Jah

Gaius

and GOD in us to EttaFly our souls

while FaraMoans create the atmosphere

of The Oracle's DivineLyricist while I find out what

Afi Avi really means

 

In Detroit

We're Blessed to be Poetically Inklined

as Piecemakers

with yells and Whispers of peace

with our pens,

voices,

and OneMic, Write?

 

Miami got Rick;

we got Mike Ross

They bask in the sun

We head Back To Da Basement for fun

 

We celebrate the iArts

in D'ssence of Detroit Bleu winters

OR ElectricIndigo's fall OR Spring and Summer's brief emergence

while admiring each other's gift

Hustling to earn Kash for our craft

to eat with elegance at the Whitney

because we're all famous and Fluent

in this language of art

We are the Blessed ones in a city written off

as Lost Roses

When in Truth We

Reign

as One Single Rose

from a BeautifulThought

like the Phoenix and bow to each other's greatness

always

ready to Holla Who Dunnit?

Lowe Dunnit

Detroit comedy

before we get our laugh on

 

Detroit has an explosive MzArtistic community

We're constantly building

Disregarding rumors that we've drowned

in the Detroit River Our Art Will take us to that next plateau

 

Detroit is a mighty force to be reckoned with

We wear Black Ties to show our respect

and pride for our place

near the Thumb

Knowing individually

We're quite adequate

Collectively

we

K J

B B M C

R

The Cre8tive One

I thank and love my city

and these powerful artists for showing me how it's done

ONE

Author's Note

If you are familiar with Detroit poets, you would REALLY appreciate this piece

Reviews

[Emily]

I don't know hardly anything about Detroit poets, but this poem makes me wanna find out! Such a strong, unique piece!

[SoltreuSolPar]

Awesome,Emily!!! Since yesterday, I have added to it. LOL This is one of those pieces I keep adding to but really have to put a cap on it. LOL I love my city and our artists and poetry venues. I have learned so much from them all!!!

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. I was raised and born in Detroit. I live in Clinton Twp. now. I liked the praise for the old city. Powerful and good poetry for the old city. Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[SoltreuSolPar]

oh wow!! Thank you, Coyote!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.