house of jaz
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Reflection[Internal]:: Feature at Bohemian Caverns
July 10.11
::One of my friends rocking my #hoj buttons with FREESTYLE! This Way (Levi Stephens) painting in the background::
I know I haven’t posted in a while. I’d like to avoid using any cliches that refer to me being “on my grind” or “making moves”, but I have been in a state of reflection. I must admit, I’m still high from my show at Bohemian Caverns. It felt awesome to have my family front row center, to hear chants of my friends and colleagues, to be able to share my heart with everyone in the form of spoken word, and to have my art as the backdrop.
It still baffles me how I’ve been able to conjure words to articulate the mumbles of my heart; it baffles me even more to know that I (a “part-time poet”) know enough people who WANT to hear my words and see my work. To everyone who traveled to see me and cheered me on in spirit, THANK YOU and STAY TUNED!
Save the Date:: 06.29.11 DC Haps: Wednesday Night Verses feat. Jazz the Poet (That’s Me!)
June 6.11
It’s been a year since my last big poetry feature and I’m really excited about this one. Last year, a dear friend gave me an opportunity to share my voice. She allowed me, a relatively unknown poet to have a platform to share and express my words and my heart and it felt good. I’ve grown a lot since then; I’ve tuned into who I am as a creative and am continuing to cultivate my crafts.
This year, I’m proud to say that I’ve written a few more pieces (I’ve also developed their sound), and I’ve done the occasional live painting. All of this will be on display on June 29, 2011 at my Wednesday night “get-right”. Check the flyer for deets. Hope you can make it.
**FINGERS CROSSED** I’m hoping to have prints of the featured paintings for sale. I will keep you posted.
*Besos*
National Poetry + [Jaz]z Appreciation Month
April 8.11
The month of April is National Poetry AND Jazz (the genre, not yours truly) appreciation month. It’s only right that I dedicate most if not ALL of the remaining posts for the month to both art forms (with of course a touch of art). If you have something you’d like to have posted, please send your poem, song, or video for review to hojdmv@gmail.com.
Constant Change
August 31.10
You kissed my lips
as if you intended to stay—
so I asked no questions (as if I didn’t know your name).
Somehow, I got comfortable in the thought of us,
and made myself at home.
I took off my cool,
made you a plate,
and we conversed about the universe.
You made me feel wise,
let me boast of my knowledge,
stroked my hair,
kissed my cheek,
and held me with reassurance.
I flaunted you around and introduced you to my friends.
You were my new thing—my good thing,
“not like the others” thing,
my constant…thing (as if I didn’t know your name)
My chest filled with pride simply because you stood by my side.
Until one day, I closed my eyes,
let my guard down, and you were gone.
I cried (as if I didn’t know your name).
Because you were my new thing—my good thing,
“not like the others” thing,
my constant…thing.
I wiped my eyes,
learned to smile, and realized that you will always be those things
To me and everyone else.
Until the next time.
Jazminia C. Griffith © 2010
All Rights Reserved.
Artist at He[art]:: Poet Through Experience:: [Music]lover Since Birth
July 23.10
Art inspired by music inspiring words. I love when this happens. The song featured can be found here.
::Dreamer::
His eyes sing lullabies to my heart
Sending me to sleep under trees birthed in due time
His smile echoes symphonies of sunshine
He is a beautiful song
I hummed him before we met
I sing along with my ears
He wipes away old tears
I listen to his touch
And dance in the memory
We store secrets in our lips
And tell them with a kiss
Never saying a word for they’ll be revealed
Lips sealed
Wounds healed
Time is bound whenever he’s around
Each minute is a gift
Wrapped in prayers
Tied with trying times
Says my ribbons add character
That scars are expected when being perfected (for him)
Kisses my forehead
Rubs the back of my neck
Tells me to keep dreaming
To keep humming
To keep loving
Until the sun sets.
Jazminia C. Griffith © 2010
All Rights Reserved.
[Poet] Through Experience:: Untitled
June 28.10
The freedom of being brought me opportunities that
Knocked me into a position of self-fulfilled prophecy
Dreamed of days like this when I’d reminisce no more
Of the things that proved unworthy to store
In the recesses—
I press play
Throw away rewind
And remind myself that all things happened
Because they were written
And now I’m smitten with the possibilities
No more delaying what should already be
I
am
after
all
[f r e e]
Jazminia C. Griffith © 2010
All Rights Reserved.
Jazz the Poet Performs: Ode to Happiness[2.0]
May 17.10 — 3 Comments
Here’s another video from my feature at Bohemian Caverns. If you like what you hear, hit me up!
05.05.10 DC Haps: Wednesday Night Verses feat. Jazz the Poet (That’s Me!)
May 2.10
Reminisce…
After graduating from JMU, I found myself living on the out-skirts of Richmond, VA missing the familiar ritual of attending/hosting an open mic night. That was until two dear friends of mine introduced me to the DOPENESS that is a little restaurant called Tropical Soul. Every Tuesday night, they’d host an event called Tuesday Night Verses. It immediately felt like home. Fresh art, a live band, food that had a West Indian/Southern Comfort feel, and a warm hostess who tied it all together. When I relocated to the DMV, I was excited for the new chapter in my life, but sad I would miss out on something that I loved so much.
Fast Forward
Like a long-lost love, I was reunited with the spirit of Verses. They started coming to D.C. for the Wednesday night spot. I’ve been given the opportunity to share my words in the form of the poetry feature this Wedesday, May 5th. If you’d like to hear some organic flowing, and little tinging (talk + singing) and some honesty, I invite you to come check me out! Did I mention this will be my FIRST gig?! Check the flyer for details.
*Besos*
HAIKU: Dew You
March 8.10 — 2 Comments
I know Spring is near—
Sweet new possibilities
Flirt with my daydreams.
Jazminia C. Griffith © 2010
All Rights Reserved.
JUST BECAUSE: Feelin’ Good
March 3.10
Sometimes
you
don’t
need
a reason
to
be
happy.
Sometimes
you
wake
up
and
you
just
are.
[embrace] it.
