Vocal Expressions

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Kathryn Shay and it won’t be the last. So, let’s meet Special Agent in Charge Nick Marino who is assigned to the Presidential Protective Detail of the president of the United States, James Monroe Manwaring. The president wants Nick to go to Catasaga to protect his sister, Isabelle who has been getting threatening notes and could be in grave danger. Nick’s not happy about this babysitting assignment and would rather be in the “kill zone.” When Nick meets Isabelle, the widowed mother of six years old twin boys, Jamie and Ryan, she is cold towards him and appears not to take seriously the danger she and her children are in. Nick is leery of Isabelle’s friends especially the men who are taking an interest in her (the boys’ teacher – Trey Hanover, the local police sergeant – Burke Olsen and the doctorate student – Oliver Wilson).  Nevertheless, while Nick is protecting Isabelle their attraction heats up after Isabelle runs into his room in a

Poet’s Bio: Carolyn L. Robinson knew early on where her talents and interests lay and has been performing on stage as well as writing since the age of twelve.   Carolyn has published eight poetry books to date in addition to having her poetry published in several anthologies as well.   She is committed to keeping the arts alive in the communities around Baltimore.   She recently started an open mic out of her home.   It is called CJ’s Place and has already had some amazing artists come through and bless the mic.       She is developing a new writing workshop focused primarily on the key artists associated with the Harlem Renaissance. She is also continuing to grow her open mic and may be looking at expanding it to a commercial property soon.  You can find her on social media on FB under All That Drama Productions as well as Carolyn L. Robinson/Author or on IG @lovepoet18. She currently lives in Baltimore, MD.   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet? Carolyn L. Robin

Poet’s Bio: Claire Dorsey studied acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She has worked as an actress for almost 20 years Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, originating roles in Pearl Cleage's  Late Bus to Mecca  at the Judith Anderson Theater and Diana Son's  Stealing Fire  at SoHo Rep. She appeared in an episode of the TV show  The Wire . She worked as an artist-in-residence in NYC public schools and performed her poetry at venues throughout the city.  She collaborated with NYC photographer Kwasi Noire to self-publish a volume of poetry entitled  Rhythms of a Life . Her work appears in volumes 1 and 2 of The Fire Inside: Collected Stories and Poems from Zora’s Den . Claire works as a proofreader and copy editor and is the mother of one amazing daughter.  Readers can learn more about Claire and her work at: Facebook: Claire Dorsey Instagram: kleyrmoon  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet? Claire Dorsey: I am one of nine children. I was nicknamed Idy (

Poet’s Bio: Kyoko Heshiimu is a poet and visual artist.   She has exhibited her artwork in several galleries in NYC. In 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 she received artist grants from SIArts and showcased her artwork both in person and online. She considers herself an activist, tackling subjects in both her artwork and poetry on topics associated with women's struggles and the challenges African Americans face from living in a racially divisive society. She received her BFA from Pratt Institute where she majored in painting and received her MSEd from The College of Staten Island – certified in both childhood and early childhood education, after which she taught at The Children's Aid Society.  She has performed spoken word at various venues around NYC since 2007. Her poem, “Port-Au-Prince,” about the devastation from the earthquake in 2010, was published in Staten Island’s local magazine, The Shamboree in 2011. In 2012, WBAI 95.5's Midnight Ravers broadcast her poem, “The Color