For All We Know: In Memory of David Blair & Taylor Siluwe-Speaking Their Names....

I've found myself thinking of the lyrics to the Donny Hathaway song, "For All We Know..." after hearing about the transition of Poet, Spoken Word Artist, & Musician Blair (David Blair) and Author & Blogger Taylor Siluwe.



I first met Blair soon after moving to the bay area. He was here from Detroit featuring at a local spoken word spot. I had never heard of him before but I was blown away by his performance. He was only here for a few days but we managed to sneak in a lunch and have time to talk. Blair is one of those performers that tours constantly so I always assumed our paths would cross again. He was a gifted performer and I love the tone of his voice. I could listen to him read the phone book. Here's a sample of some of his work:



I'm know he will be missed by many other performers and people who grew to know him. Very gentle and warm spirit.



A few weeks ago I woke to read several posts on facebook and other places that Author & Blogger Taylor Siluwe had transitioned. I had never met him but we spoke through messages and IM chats about meeting once I finally made my long planned & hoped for trip to New York. He was one of the first to join the fan page for my book and also sent an encouraging note in support of me getting it published. I loved his blog and his work it was so organic and seemed to come from a place of really trying to inform people. I loved that the way he wrote wasn't just to humor himself or show how smart or talented he was.



I'm the youngest of 10 and had a brother & sister die as well as a niece that I never expected. It just never literally entered the realm of possibility that we would not all grow old together. I'm really understanding how eternal life is not some notion we were taught in traditional religion about heaven or something "over there" but it's like the ancestors told us to speak the names of those we have met in this life so their lives live on....

Both these guys will be missed by many and like I said it really has got me thinking,

For all we know
We may never meet again
Before you go
Make this moment sweet again

We won't say goodnight
Until the last minute
I'll hold out my hand
And my heart will be in it

For all we know
This may only be a dream
We come and we go
Like the ripples of a stream

So love me, love me tonight
tomorrow was made for some
tomorrow may never come
For all we know...........

Reflection, Renewal, & Laughter....

Last week I attended, "The Fellowship" Convention in Las Vegas, NV. The Fellowship is a conglomerate of open & affirming churches lead by my Pastor, Bishop Yvette Flunder.

I've attended many workshops, conferences, conventions, & convocations over my life and I've learned to use them as a place of renewal for me. I really needed it I've had a series of disappointments from people not following through on things that they've promised or that we've spoken about. I won't go into detail because honestly I am still bitter about some of it and I don't like being that way. It's something I'm definitely working on. I don't want my look on life to be skewered by hanging my hopes on another person's actions but it is at least for me disappointing & upsetting when people don't do what they said they would do and then avoid contact with you because they haven't especially when you consider those people to be friends/people you love. I have learned it's important to return phone calls, e-mails, and messages. Even if the answer is no and will cause disappointment it's better to know it than to leave things in limbo.

Music has always been a balm for me and during my time at The Fellowship in Las Vegas I got a chance to participate with the National Mass Choir. This is always a highlight for me because there is just something so special about people from different churches coming together to form a choir. Usually you get people who are dedicated to the Music Ministry so there is an extra level of energy. The music for the nightly services was phenomenal! Even Mother Shirley Miller, the partner of Bishop Flunder said she thought it was the best the National Choir has sounded since the beginning of The Fellowship.

One highlight was a tribute to Sylvester by Martha Wash, B. Slade (formerly Tonex), Gene Viale, Bishop Flunder, and the incomparable Charlene Moore who is the National Minister of Music for The Fellowship. Both Martha & Charlene sang background for Sylvester and Bishop Flunder was one of the Associate Pastors at Love Center when he attended services there. Here is a wonderful rendition of one of his most famous songs, "You Are My Friend" by these amazing vocalists:



I saw this video first on facebook and it just made me smile and filled with such joy. This kid is so excited that he's met his first pair of husbands. It's like he found money or something!! Then just as a kid would do let's them know he's going to play ping pong and invites them!

Feel The "Touch..." For 20% Off....

ACT FAST!-This offer is only available until this Friday July 15. You can get 20% off

Go to: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/tombombayboopublishing
and use code: BIG305 at check out



“Touch…Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica & Sensuality” by Jair, the Literary Masturbator is a friendly reminder that living and loving is possible. Jair touches us in many ways weaving familiar sounds and sharing intimate stories (real or imagined) to help unify his theme. These poems touch you physically, spiritually and mentally. One of my favorite poems is “When I Look into His Eyes…”

Much like Etheridge Knight’s “Ilu, the Talking Drum”, Jair’s “When I Look into His Eyes…” is filled with sound devices, specifically alliteration and repetition, which help fuse the poem. For example, the speaker states he drowns in “sweet soulful syncopation” (5). A few lines further the speaker describes the sound from a flute as “feather falling freely” (12). In addition, we hear a rhythmic repetitive rumbling of a drum beating with the repetition of the words “Africa” and “drum”. The sounds of life (drumming and heart beating) in and under the poem summon us because they are familiar. Similarly, the refrain used “When I look into his eyes” is a tool that brings us full circle from Africa to America and back again.

Music is consistent throughout his poems and fittingly, Jair injects music into this poem to help tell his tale. Written with a fluid rhythm, the poem is like a song. My favorite line is “A voice calls out, rising above the mixture of sight and sound to create/ joy unbound…in this island found, in the oasis of your soul” (14-15). Their lovemaking is boundless, vulnerable and free.

My jaded ideas of serial monogamy and Knight’s imprisonment in many ways are isolating, however, the process of writing for Knight, Jair and me is a liberating experience. Jair’s book moved me. I was touched and reminded living and loving is possible.-Review by Dauwd Najimi II

Roux Artistry Hour!-Poets & Spoken Word Artists on Good Gumbo Radio!

It's no secret I am totally amazed and crazy about my friend lily (liketheflower) in the artist community it's sometimes hard to find people who support your work and are a friend as well. lily has ALWAYS been a strong supporter and sister to me and for that I am grateful. This Saturday she would like to feature YOU! YES YOU! on her radio show. Read below for the details....












Episode: EPISODE59 - 'Good Gumbo' Radio: Roux Artistry Hour
Join us this Saturday for the Roux Artistry Hour! Poets and SpokenWord artists sign up for the Open Mic session (5-7 minutes to recite and promote your work). email: lily@lilyliketheflower.com Visit http://www.lilyliketheflower.com to listen to past episodes of 'Good Gumbo Radio'. Follow on twitter @poeticgirlChild or @goodgumboradio



Good Gumbo' Radio covers an eclectic blend of relevant topics. Hosted by author/poet lily (like the flower), 'Good Gumbo' Radio combines straightforward talk and witty flavor to create hearty conversation! Join us every Saturday at 10a PT/ 1p ET.

Scheduled Time:

Date: Sat, June 18, 2011
Time: 01:00 PM EDT

How to participate:

Call in:

1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 80315 # (Call ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Facebook User? You can join this call directly from the TalkShoe Community Calling Facebook application www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=9051855207&sk=wall

Feel Mighty Real, A Soulful Salon, Feel The, "Touch..." For 20% Off!!

Join Bay Area Contributors Alan Miller, Stewart Shaw, Marvin K. White, & Myself As We Discuss Our Contributions To The New Book, "Mighty Real: An Anthology of African American Same Gender Loving Writing" as well as new works and other projects...












City of Refuge San Francisco Men's Department Presents
A Soulful Salon-An Afternoon of Spoken Word & Poetry
In Celebration of Juneteenth

Saturday June 18, 2011
2:00pm-5:00pm

Yvette A Flunder Center
1025 Howard Street (Entrance on Harriett Street)
San Francisco, Ca 94103
Admission: Free!!

Food Provided By Men's Department



From now until 11:59 Monday June 13, 2011 Get 20% a purchase of my new book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality" Use the promo code provided above and go to www.lulu.com/spotlight/tombombayboopublishing

Feel Mighty Real....

Join Bay Area contributors, Alan Miller, Stewart Shaw, Marvin White, & Jair as they share their work from the new anthology, "Mighty Real: An Anthology of African-American Same Gender Loving Writing edited by R. Bryant Smith and Darius Omar Williams.

You will hear also about their latest work and projects.

BLK Publisher Alan Bell To Speak On, "Remembering Our History"

BLK Magazine was instrumental in the process it took to affirm myself as a Same Gender Loving man. If you are in Los Angeles check out this event. Alan Bell is a visionary in my opinion. I'm glad he has a chance to share History



Alan Bell, founder of two historic gay publications, will speak
on “Remembering Our History: Making Sure the Future Knows What Came Before.”

His talk will focus on the role the media has in preserving history as well as the importance of preserving the media outlets themselves. The talk will take place Saturday, May 28, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the William Grant Still Arts Center

Bell was founder, publisher and editor of BLK, the nation’s first national monthly newsmagazine focused specifically on the black lesbian and gay community. BLK and its sister publications, Blackfire, Black Lace and Kuumba, ran from 1988 to 1994. Previously Bell had founded Gaysweek, New York City’s first lesbian and gay weekly newspaper.

“Remembering Our History” is part of “Images: Iconic to Insurgent & Devine to Decadent,”
an exhibition of Los Angeles black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical artifacts from 1940 to the present accompanied by lectures, panel discussions, literary performances and film screenings. “Images,” a presentation of the Black LGBT Project founded by C. Jerome Woods, runs through July 9, 2011. Admission is free.

The William Grant Still Arts Center is a facility of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Black LGBT Project is supported, in part, by the Mayme Clayton Library &
Museum and PASEO at the University of Southern California.

William Grant Still Arts Center
2520 W. Westview St
Los Angeles, CA 90016.