When all else fails, poetry makes it make sense.
Day 19- National Poetry Month
Reply
Tag Archives: Poetry
Day 18- National Poetry Month
This poem by Sam Walter Foss brings back so many memories of my college days. Oh college days! š
House by the Side of the Road
There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat
Nor hurl the cynic’s ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish – so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat,
Or hurl the cynic’s ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
https://allpoetry.com/The-House-By-The-Side-Of-The-Road
Share this:
Meet Me at Half of Pi
Day 13
Although I missed Pi Day last month, here is my Pi Day poem for National Poetry Month. The Poem starts off, āMeet me at half of piā¦ā
Share this:
Omen
Itās day 12 of celebrating poetry and I have another reason why poetry is so amazing. Years ago I was going through a break up which had the ability to deter me from my purpose and lead me down a rabbit hole of anger and depression. After months of feeling vulnerable and slighted, I decided to poetically express a dream I had. The dream and the poem allowed me to release my hurt and give it to GOD because GOD knows we cannot do it alone. To this day I appreciate what I went through to get to where I am today because I am where I need to be and for me and my daughter.
Enjoy this poem called Omen
Share this:
Day 10- National Poetry Month
Lauryn Hill has always been my favorite singer, rapper, and poet. Like Mos Def stated, she needs no introduction. Check out her poem on motives and thoughts.
Share this:
Day 8- National Poetry Month
Poetry still pumps profusely through my veins. This right here is why. Erykah Badu is one of the best to ever do it. Her poetry and songs are amazing. This poem was the inspiration to one of my poems I will post soon.
Share this:
Day 7- National Poetry Month
Hey peeps!
Itās Friday! I am definitely a living for the weekend individual. This is when I can do what I love the most (Write) and have fun with my daughter.
Itās Day 7-
of National Poetry Month. This poem comes from my second book of poetry, My Poetic Soul Unleashed. Itās short, sweet, and to the point. A poem called Inspired. #NationalPoetryMonth #poetry #poem
Share this:
Day 6: National Poetry Month
Day 6
I love poetry and often found this as the easiest way to express myself in my early to late 20s. So hereās to National Poetry Month. A poem called I Am.
Share this:
Day 5- National Poetry Month
Book Pricing List
Good afternoon sunshines,
Iāve had a few people reach out to me about prices for my books, so I created this book pricing list for paperback books if bought directly from me. Please note these prices do not include shipping.
Message me if you have questions.
Share this:
National Poetry Month Day 4
Hey yāall
Itās day four of National Poetry Month and I am behind on my daily poetry postings of my favorite poems. That is absolutely ok in my eyes. I hope you love the poem below by Langston Hughes.
Harlem
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a soreā
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar overā
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Share this:
In Honor of National Poetry Month
This April is National Poetry Month. In honor of this month, I am re-releasing my first poetry book in hardback and a new book cover.
Grab the paperback edition here
Check out Facebook reel about the upcoming release below:
https://fb.watch/iMJCt3CwfP/?mibextid=cr9u03
Share this:
Georgie Eat Your Peas
Introducing Georgie Eat Your Peas. Georgie was a jubilant soul, who didnāt like to eat his peas. He prayed to God almost every night, when he got on his knees.
Georgie Eat Your Peas is a social, poetic, interactive, innovative Childrenās Book Duo. It is called a Childrenās Book Duo because it is a one-of-a-kind book that is also paired with another book. The book is paired with Gracie Eat Your Peas. These books allow children to experience a book with a different main characters who is female or male.
Pre-order a copy here
Share this:
The Woman King / G.I. Jane of Childrenās Books
When I think about Football Fumblina, I think about being different, being enough, and going against the grain. I have yet to see The Woman King; however that is exactly how I imagine her to be.
My daughterās father is from Cotonou, Benin. When we were in a relationship together, he was ecstatic about his countryās history. One story he told me was of the all-female warriors who protected his country. They were fierce, skillful, and courageous. For generations, their stories were and are still being passed down to people of his country. Definitely stories worth listening to. Fast forward to today, The Woman King is based on the all-female warriors he told me about many years ago. As stated from the Smithsonian Magazine āAt its height in the 1840s, the West African kingdom of Dahomey boasted an army so fierce that its enemies spoke of its āprodigious bravery.ā This 6,000-strong force, known as the Agojie, raided villages under cover of darkness, took captives and slashed off resistersā heads to return to their king as trophies of war. Through these actions, the Agoije established Dahomeyās preeminence over neighboring kingdoms and became known by European visitors as āAmazonsā due to their similarities to the warrior women of Greek myth.ā
In thinking about the movie G.I. Jane, Demi Mooreās character represented women being different, enough, and going against the grain. She was challenged, made to feel inadequate, and tormented. Most of which, can be found in the Childrenās Book, Football Fumblina.
In Football Fumblina, she could have been a ballerina, but she chose an alternative; football. From ballet shoes to fumbles and tumbles, Fumblina shows the world why she loves being herself and playing a game she does not always win. This game is just like life, sometimes you have to fall to learn how to stand up on your own and go after your dreams. She knows all about falling and working hard so she will be able to change her outcome. Do you have a little Football Fumblina, Woman King, or G.I. Jane in you?
Football Fumblina is a poetry book that is similar to a nursey rhyme, which allows listeners to hear the words and join in on all the fun.
We all need some encouragement and positivity every now and then. Football Fumblina provides just that. She helps people understand that obtaining a goal is a process. The first step in the process is to attempt to achieve a specific goal. Whenever we do this, there are usually two outcomes; you either achieve it or you don’t. However, she wants you to know that not achieving a goal does not mean you lost, it just means you have to try a little harder and perhaps try a different approach.
Football Fumblina wants you to know that you are special, kind, smart, loving, joyful, caring, beautiful, helpful, and funny. You are all the things you imagined yourself to be and more. Claim your positive affirmation for the day and how you will look at life. It not only helps you with interacting with other people, but it is also always a great self-esteem builder
Making a decision can be tough sometimes
In life, sometimes decisions have to be made; will I work on my skills of becoming a ballerina or will I try to compete in a sport that test my skills, agility, and ability to think fast? For children, this information of “what I want to do or become in the future” may be challenging to comprehend at an early age. This book aims at opening the line of communication with children to identify those jobs such as coding, engineering, or other specific jobs may not be so far out of their reach.
Why should you purchase this book? Because you may know someone or you may be just like Fumblina. It may not be regarding football, but maybe wrestling, day trading, or some type of field that is recognized as a male dominated field. Grab your copy here
Share this:
Goal Achieved
This month, I had the pleasure of selling 18 books, which exceeds my monthly goal by three books. This is 19 days before the deadline. I am beyond ecstatic. I am also hopeful, thankful, and grateful. Feel free to purchase a book for yourself, kids, friend, or loved one.
Books are sold here: Target, Amazon.com, Apple, The Book Loft, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, BAM, Gramercy Books, Indie BookStore, Hudson Booksellers, Powellās and more. Click links to visit pages.
Share this:
Welcome October
Itās a new month! Welcome October. Iām looking forward to this month and continuing with my monthly sales goal. Last month, I tasked myself with selling 15 books a month until the end of December. I only sold 11 books last month. Not quite 15, but I still feel like I have accomplished something. This month, I would like to sell 15 books. So tell your friends and family they still have time to support this effort. I would love it if 15 of my friends purchase a book and gift it to yourself or someone who could benefit from reading more.
Ask me how you can help!
Share this:
4 More Books Left
On September 20th, I started a challenge to sell 15 books a month, until December. This means that my goal is to sell 60 books by the end of December. I have almost reached my September goal. I just need to sell four more books.
Feel free to help me by reposting, sharing, liking, and buying a book.
Share this:
Looking for Reviewers
This may be for you or someone you know. We are looking for 2- 4 reviewers to give honest reviews. Reviewers must enjoy Childrenās books, poetry, journals, or suspense books. Reviewers will be given free books and an opportunity to post their reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords.
Message me for details
Share this:
Poem: I Am
Many moons ago, I published my first book of poetry called Poetic Outlets. I put my heart and soul in this book. Check out one of my favorite poems.
I Am
I am versatile
When I talk
I donāt have to talk really loud
I can talk softly
However, my voice can be heard for many miles
I donāt have to put on a show
Like the girls on Girls Gone Wild
Like Luther Vandross
I only have to worry about
The Here and Now
I am calm
My personality soothes the raging heart
As calm as the Red Sea
That many centuries ago
Moses parted
So tranquil that
I have people amazed before I even start
I am powerful
The knowledge that I withhold is deadly
Some of my words
Are capable of beheading me
I embrace my heritage
For many are unable to see
The past, the pain
Which lead them to be
I am woman
I am versatile, calm, powerful and sweet
I bring the unity
For which you seek
I am a great listener
For I know you have a story to tell
I am courteous
And I mediate well
I know you know me
For there is one in every family
However this is the only time
You really took a look at me
Share this:
Sell 15 Books a Month
My goal from now until the end of December is to sell 15 books a month. This means for the next 4 months, I plan to sell 60 books total.
How can you help? Tell your momma, daddy, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles I have the book just for them. Buy a book or two; keep one, while donating the other one to a friend or local charity. Buy a book a month through my subscription service and get a new book shipped to you each month. Purchase 2 Childrenās Book Box sets for your local elementary school. Gift one of my books to your alma mater. Message me for details.
Share this:
Welcome Ron Cunningham to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
Welcome Ron “Buster” Cunningham to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. He is a newcomer to the title published author. Although Unwrapped Gifts is his first book publication, his writings span 37 years, beginning with poetry. His haikus and sonnets won middle school writing contests, and his talent would eventually progress him into a lyricist, writing both R&B and Hip-Hop. Ron, or Buster to some of us, would rekindle his youthful passion for poetry, engaging in community readings and developing a passion for the spoken word. His desire to write expanded further into script writing for the NuTalkNow podcast. From here, his writing creativity would further grow into ideas like the NuLeague for Freedom, which was his rendition of our freedom fighters as superheroes with superpowers fighting for freedom in both modern and historical contexts.
ļæ¼Buster, or Ron to some of us, has been grooming his various artistic gifts for years. Musically he was a member of Greenhouse Effect, PipeDown, and the Prophetionals. He also partnered to create Weightless Recordings and would eventually create GyeNyame/God Only Recordings, where he was either a featured lyricist on albums or collaborated with others to bring musical art to its fruition.
āI no longer fear the responsibility of my purpose. I love helping others, which allows me to live in my optimum self. So, when I wrote Unwrapped Gifts, I found my freedom. I found confidence in my authentic self, which is a sense of liberation that is euphoric ā borderline indescribable. More importantly, I now know that this euphoria is something that belongs to you also. Therefore, I encourage you to Unwrap your own Giftsand LIVE!ā
Synopsis of Unwrapped Gifts: Have you ever asked yourself, āWhat can I give to make this world a better place?ā Your answer may lie within the talent or gift you possess. You may not know what that talent is yet, or maybe you do. If your goal is to leave a legacy by sharing your talent or gift then you should read Unwrapped Gifts to help guide you through the journey while overcoming pitfalls such as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and distractions. We all need a boost to remind us of our capabilities of doing great things in life. A wake-up call is necessary to cue our urgency in this lifetime. It is critical to know how we impact others and ourselves when we share our gifts and when we do not. You are not too young or old. You can conquer your fears, excuses, and unforeseen challenges. You are good enough to share the gifts inside you; read why!
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Share this:
Meet the authors of the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
We are less than a month away from the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. This is the first literary festival that will be held at Otterbein University with hopes of making it an annual event. We will have the following genres: Love, Self-Help, Christian, Movie Musicals, Suspense, 80ās rock, Poetry, and Childrenās Books
Join us on Saturday, September 17th for book readings, raffles, and more. Canāt wait to meet you.
Share this:
Special Book Festival Discount
In August and September, I will be attending a couple of book festivals. If you happen to attend one of those events, ask me how to get 20% 10 or more books. I am also willing to offer this discount for a variation of kids lit, poetry, and other books as well. We can call this a special mix and match book festival discount.
Feel free to tweet, message, or leave a message on my IG page about this discount and how to get it.
Share this:
Books the Family Can Enjoy Each Month
Are you looking for books you and the family can enjoy each month? Check out some of my works for you and the family. This selection includes Childrenās, Self-Help, Poetry, Thiller, Journal, and Romance/Thriller.
January- All in Together Girl (World Peace)
All in Together Girls is a childrenās book that displays and discusses two cousins who play a childhood jump rope game. The cousins take you on a journey to family, friends, and fun. This books allows children to learn the names of each month and experience the activities and weather associated with those months. Shay and Jaye will have you ready to take out your Double Dutch rope and sing with them in their journey down memory lane.
February- Good Morning Amira (Black History Month)
Start the day with Amira as she completes her morning routine with some help from her mother. This toddler is full of life as she wakes up in the morning to start her routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and washing her hands.
March- The New Face of Disabilities (National Disabilities Month)
The face of those with a disability is ever changing, making it more and more challenging to determine who has a disability and who does not. Wouldnāt it be a perfect world if everyone was equipped with the right tools to assist those with a disability? Well, why not try to make it an almost perfect world? Melica Niccole provides you with helpful tools to assist you work with this population.
April- Poetic Outlets (Poetry Month)
When it comes to writing books, Melica Niccole knows how to take you on an emotional roller-coaster by poetically entering your spirit and releasing emotions that have longed to be set free. She knows the consequences of holding onto things for so long that a choice has to be made. Her choice was to liberate her feelings with an objective of becoming one with herself. She has been through so much in life that she wants to share her world because itās all about the lessons you learn and the opportunities you take. Just know that with great success comes great failure and you must continuously push toward a dream and keep your Eyes on the Prize. Melica is a dream big, reach for the stars type of person. She gives special thanks to her mother and father for encouraging her throughout life and always believing in her. In reading Poetic Outlets, you will witness her transition as a writer, which is astounding. The shift will be seen when she discusses depression, society, love, and attributes of a woman. It can honestly be said that this book has a bit of everything in it that draws you deeper and deeper into the authorās thought process.
May- Renaissance of the Psyche (Memorial Day)
Melica Niccoleās fourth book of poetry. In this work, she returns to what she loves about writing and producing poetic flows with passion, love, and dreamy-realism. She pays homage to poets of the past and present in āRespectā and āLong Live the Poetā, takes you on a journey to āLoveās Utopiaā and keeps you on edge with āOmenā. You will feel the passion in her heart with every word that you read and every page that you turn. This book is about releasing your soul into the universe by doing what you love and giving life your all. Are you doing what you love?
June- PJās World (Juneteenth)
PJās World is a childrenās book about family, adventure, and fun. Join PJ as he talks Hip-Hop with his cousin, drives a train as a conductor, and becomes a dancer at the dance studio of a world renowned Choreographer. Come and explore with him and be a part of his adventures.
July- Jacob: In the Mind of a Mad Man (Disability Independence Day)
The sequel to Dead Wrong. This book is about the thought process of a mentally unstable individual who could snap at any given moment and he only has one thing to blame; love. How will his love interest respond to his unwarranted advances? What happened in Dead Wrong to make Jacob flip the script? The only way to understand him is to think like him. Now, letās go deep inside the mind of a mad man.
August- The Wanderlusts (Womenās Equality Day)
The Wanderlusts love to travel. They also love meeting new people, art, taking pictures, helping others, reading, and exploring the world.
September- Football Fumblina (Football Season)
Football Fumblina could have been a ballerina. From ballet shoes to fumbles and tumbles, Fumblina shows the world why she loves being herself and playing a game she does not always win. This game is just like life, sometimes you have to fall to learn how to stand up on your own and go after your dreams. She knows all about falling and working hard so she will be able to change her outcome. Do you have a little Football Fumblina in you?
This poetry book is similar to a nursey rhyme, which allows listeners to hear the words and join in on all the fun.
October- Dead Wrong (Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Tasha Marie Smith is a smart, goal-oriented woman looking for fun, excitement, and a little money on the side. She is dedicated in making a few extra dollars, while working as a Community Health Prevention Specialist and going to school for her Masterās. Life couldnāt get any better than this. Well, that is until her life takes a 180 degree turn down the wrong direction. She only has one person to blame for the decision thatās herself. How did success lead her here? The price of success comes with a high price, which often times can be everlasting. Is Tasha willing to pay the price of success? Whatever she decides, the decision will leave her body limp with frustration, shock, betrayal, and deceit. Tasha Marie Smith is dead wrong. She will admit her wrongness or feel the burdens of it.
November- My Poetic Soul Unleashed (World Kindness Day)
My Poetic Soul Unleashed is Melica Niccoleās second book of poetry. Melica felt that it was time that she unleashed her soul in the form of poetic words and allow people to witness her talented aura on paper. So many times in life, people tend to see the things that are on the surface without digging beneath the exterior and revealing a diamond in the rough. Itās time to stop recovering items from the surface and start digging for more than the obvious.
December- Event Planning and Task (Universal Human Rights Month)
This Event Planning and Task Management Journal was created for the sole purpose of helping students, innovators, event planners, and new individuals to the field with creating a plan to assist them with developing programs/events. These programs can be developed for the community, higher education environments, financial institutions, and other areas as needed or wanted.
This is just a few of my works to help you make reading a part of your daily activities. Reading is just as important as eating health and exercising. You are actually exercising your brain by reading new, fun, and challenging material. So join the movement and Read to Lead and Write to Enlight
Share this:
22 Books and Counting
This year I released book number 22. My first book was published in 2010. You could say I published about 2 books a year. Of course there was a year or two that I went without publishing a book; however, I made up for it.
I am grateful that I have been able to continue to write and publish these literary works. Reading and writing has been a part of my life as far as I can remember. When I was around 8 years old, my aunt kept my sister and her children involved in reading and writing programs. We participated in Columbus Metropolitan Libraryās reading program each year. We also often participated in another program, which we could read off our fines. Let me tell you, thatās one of the most powerful tools ever when it comes to literacy and helping kids to love reading. I absolutely love reading and writing.
Feel free to check out my 22 titles below:
- Dead Wrong- Romance/Thriller
- Poetic Outlets- Poetry
- All in Together Girl- Childrenās
- My Poetic Soul Unleashed- Poetry
- Jacob: In the Mind of a Mad Man- Thriller
- The New Face of Disabilities- Self-help
- Journey to the Truth- Poetry
- The Book of Quotes- Quotes
- Sisters of the Shield- Fiction
- Mount Vernon Avenue- Creative Nonfiction
- PJās World- Childrenās
- Naturals: The Paper People- Childrenās
- Diversify Is Us- Young Adult
- Intimate Lies- Creative Non-fiction
- The Alphabet Monster- Childrenās
- Renaissance of the Psyche- Poetry
- From 500 to Well Over 700: How to Save Big and Increase Your- Self-Help
- The Wanderlusts- Childrenās
- Good Morning Amira- Childrenās
- Tested- Dystopian
- Football Fumblina- Childrenās
- Event Planning and Task Management Journal – Journal
Visit my shop to identify where to grab a copy.
Share this:
Healing Through Poetry/Writing
This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of participating in Otterbein Universityās first Black Alumni Panel as a participant in the National African American Read-In Event.
āNational African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.ā People all over the country hold similar events to pay homage to black authors and literature.
The event was well developed and I was asked a lot of thought provoking questions. The Moderator of the event was Margaret Koehler, Professor & Department Chair of English at Otterbein. One question asked was āWhat has been the role of writing for you both in healing?ā This question allowed me to think about my past trauma and how writing played a role in the process of healing. Believe it or not, writing changed my life from being scared of public speaking to thrusting myself into the writing environment, which often consisted of performances, poetry readings, book festivals, and more. Writing gave me the ability to express myself with no restrictions. It gave me the ability to use free verse to navigate words, expressions, life, feelings, and all that good stuff. It also gave me the strength to speak up for myself and what I wanted.
Until my mid twenties, I had been a victim of a past traumatic experience that occurred when I was 13. This āThingā was ruling my life and making decisions for me. It was making me doubt myself and my abilities. I made a conscious decision to take control of my life and what I wanted. I decided to write about this experience in my second book of poetry. This allowed me to free my mind, worries, and leave the incident right there in my book.
Poetry and writing has healing power. Just think about Maya Angelou writing about her experiences in I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Zora Neale Hurston in Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Lauryn Hill in the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Writing about painful experiences does not always make it better. It just provides clarity, understanding, and helps the individual cope with unfortunate circumstances a little better.
Ways in which I started the process of healing was through my four books of poetry. Below, I list each of my poetry books the order in which they were released. Poetic Outlets shows my Transition as a writer from very simple to playful and thought provoking. My Poetic Soul Unleashed is a continuation of my transition as a writer, word play, inspiration, and love for my craft. Journey to The Truth is about tackling those hard to discuss conversations such as When God Is To Blame, love, and being a dark skin woman. Renaissance of the Psyche is about getting back to what I love and showing the world the new me. Itās about giving respect to the past in Respect and a Tribute to Nina Simone and bringing to light wrongs made right in The Omen.
Check out my 4 books of poetry below.
Melica Niccole 