April is National Poetry Month–Mikaylah Simone, April 30
By APOOO • Apr 30th, 2008 • Category: April is National Poetry Month •
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Biography: The precision and elegance of a poets words can make readers pause to appreciate their own perceptions or examine their feelings. This can surely be said of one new poet Mikaylah Simone. Mikaylah is an emerging African-American poet whose simple, yet visceral, style brings poetry back to its basics as a social art through her affirmation of cultural identity and personal redemption. Leaving her Texas beginnings, New York soon became the ideal stage for her “one-woman show” of life. From the “Lone Star” (unfashionably dressed in black skin), to the “Big Apple” where black is “vogue” on the Harlem runway. Mikaylah’s poetry communicates consciousness and passion out of her strong desire to transform thoughts and experiences into art.
About the Book ‘My Manufactured English’:Mikaylah Simone displays her liberating experimental form in her debut book of poetry “My Manufactured English.” Her provocative poetic style embraces cultural identity as she intermingles Swahili roots with modern issues in pieces such as “Belly Full” and “Consciousness” along with ancestral platforms found in “Sankofa” and “Maji.” This premiere work includes chapters of penetrating poetry concerning varying themes and layered meanings of politics, religion, violence, community and the complexity of love; all revealing the fresh insight of this authors journey that is honest, sad, comical and true. In the spirit of the artist community, Mikaylah’s last chapter includes the contributed cameo appearance work of Blue (The Great Persuader/New York based poet) along with two additional new poets on the horizon Troi Miller and Dayna Smith.
Why Did I Write This Book: Multiple layers of emotions and moments in life, frozen in time within the confines of pages–I could only write so much before the pile of notebook papers on my bottom shelf started collecting dust. I wanted to talk about the difficult issues that cause passion and anger in most while creating enlightenment for others; looking at what we have become and what we are becoming. After knowing the truth, can you really hide behind ignorance and look at yourself in the mirror the same? Most would ask me ‘Why not start with something small like a poet’s Chap Book?’ Ugggh–NO! If I do nothing else &this should stand the test of time, when I leave this earth&this should still be here. The only consistent thing is change, I willingly embrace that and if my thoughts and convictions ‘piss-off’ a few people, then I celebrate the fact that I’ve brought fourth emotion in callus hearts.
CLICK HERE to listen to Mikaylah’s works.
Visit Mikaylah on the Web: http://www.myspace.com/mikaylahsimone
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