Poet’s Bio: Poet Brenda Bunting, she/her is the author of Poems of Love and Violence In Between Life and Death (1st and 2nd editions). She is an award-winning orator whose work has appeared in numerous publications online and in print. She hosts poetry events and has been the featured poet at live events, virtually, on television, and blog radio.
Brenda is a poetry workshop facilitator and spoken word artist who
advocates for racial, social, and environmental justice. Brenda has a BA in
English and is completing her Master of Teaching at NYU. She is a literary
leader of Prince Georges County Maryland, a life member of the Kentucky State
Poetry Society and certified Life Coach. Brenda is working to complete her next
books of poetry. Check out her artist page on Facebook at FreeThinker Poet
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you
to be a poet?
Brenda Bunting: I started writing poetry when I was 12 years old, over 40 years
ago. Poetry provided the creative cloak I needed to try to comprehend what was
happening in my life and to try to make sense of the world without actually
having to write about it in black and white. I needed color.
DL: Do you have any reflections about
life in general?
BB: We live our lives inside our minds
and hearts. Make them tender sacred spaces where few are allowed. Be kind to
yourself and true but in a compassionate way. Make the truth your friend and be
real. That is how to grow and glow.
DL: What tips would you give to aspiring
poets?
BB: Believe
you are a poet and believe in your poetry. If you truly are a poet, poetry will
never leave you even if audiences do. Cultivate your voice and find who you are
speaking for. The populous needs poets so we will always be here as long as
people are. Art is life.
DL: If you could describe yourself
in three words, what would they be?
BB: I AM EVOLUTION.
DL: In celebration of National
Poetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?
MMS: Sure, I
would like to share the following two poems:
A Voice Ascending: Dedicated to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Every line is
crafted for justice and the effect is set in stone.
How many
moans of soundless women? How many
shrill screams of young girls,
forced into
roles by foul judgments cry out for victory this day?
Every
movement of your life brought you to this appointment.
But the
beasts crawled out of their dens, crawled out of their chambers for the
feasting.
They tore
into the heart of a black woman. Their threatening shuddering of rhetorical
grand standing was shaken to nothing in the face of such composure. Even though
she stood alone she knew so many stood with her- in prayer- in solidarity- in
quiet utterances- sending our deepest love, encouraged by her courage, inspired
by her strength. She is not their meal,
not measly food for the taking.
Her words
weighed heavy. They were drawn from the burden of black she was sentenced to
but proudly carried. Never ashamed of the beautiful brown hue the reflection of
earth mother we are planted firm in her keeping. Black but comely, poised yet
incredibly gracious, the arms of ancient mothers hugged you Sister Ketanji in
their loving embrace. While you sat in the fire of angry men their burning rage
coldly repugnant perhaps at their day of judgment you will preside at their
trial.
Here at this
historic Supreme Court nomination, 232 years later of judging the souls of
black folks, finally a black woman sits in the seat of judgment. Not lightly in
the highest court of the land, not lightly soon to be listening to the most
impactful cases in our country. Her words are not resting feathers but full of
strength and steel. Powerfully emotive elegant of speech she ascends to the
halls of justice. Open the doors and let her in to this place of stagnating
quagmire that has become thick with political debauchery. Remove the chokehold
chains as this black swan takes flight. The 116th Associate Justice of the
United States of the American Supreme Court
Rest easier
Sister Harriet, our black Moses who brought it to the court full of white faces
and was denied the financial benefits she deserved after serving as a spy and
soldier for this country.
Smile wider
Sister Fannie Lou Hamer who brought it to the court being denied the right to
vote and had to stand before white faces, but she won.
Cheer and
rejoice Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, Mary Louise Smith, and Claudette
Colvin who brought to the court Montgomery Alabama bus segregation unfair
practices and had to stand before white faces, but they won.
There are
countless other cases - of known and unknown black women and their faces - who
shone with hope as they mounted their offense or defense against the unjust and
corrupt. But now one sits up high on the other side.
This is not a
momentary win. We will always lock step with Sister Ketanji Brown Judge
Jackson. Because we know how to soothe from the constant wounding from our skin
color stigma. We have tasted the bitterness with you and let it pass through
our entire system out to the wasteland. We will always gather around you Sister
Ketanji Brown Judge Jackson because we know how to forgive as the ancestors
taught us to find the love reserves in the wellsprings of God that live in our
souls. We shall not be moved. We shall not turn away from the blinding truth of
the horrible sentences endured for generations. April 7th two thousand and
twenty-two it was made a little better.
As she stood
with the President and Vice President behind her, she gave accolades not to
herself but to others who were by her side. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson didn’t
say I made it. She talked about her family, this country, our ancestors her
Sherpa, mentors, and guides. She said, "But we made it. All of us. All of
us." Yes, you did make it. A flourishing beauty on the right side of
justice right past the firing squad and the aim takers standing on the shoulders
of giants to soar in the sweet winds of victory.
When I
think of Skin Color…
I sat like stone waiting for water to move me.
But nothing seems to move black labeled skin.
I sat with it rejecting the weight forced upon me.
I am a Mighty Lover.
The trees enjoyed my approach.
They understood the crown I wore for they too had
one.
There was nothing strange or unnatural about me.
I was beautiful to them and I felt their accepting
embrace,
As our air intermingled.
I am part of the natural world. A most vibrant
creation.
No appearance disturbing, language inferior,
Or movements abnormal to nature’s chorus.
They understood the beat of my journey.
A Womb Walker full of promise and seed.
I bring forth mightily like some baring children,
Like all others baring fruit of the soul.
I do not require alteration.
My strength rises from the nurturing compassion of
my heart.
I blow kisses to the sun that touched my skin in
bronze fashion.
With hands and feet peeping undersides of white.
When I think of skin color there we are,
Reflecting in soils of earth. From the black rich
and fertile,
To the ruddy red clay to the golden yellow deserts
and the, Immaculate white sands.
The beauty and diversity,
Of colorful flowers springing forth in their
seasons,
Dwell in meadows harmonious.
I hear their contented singing.
As I am walking barefoot in careful fashion.
Wild they grow in thoughtful patterns for each
expression.
“Won’t you follow me?” They are asking,
"Won't you follow me?"
DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will
enjoy getting to know you and your work.
BB: Thank you for thinking of me and providing this platform for literary artists. You do good work!
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