The Writer's Megaphone introduces Spoken Word Artist Kristel Irby

Ms. Irby responded to my Facebook request for authors who wanted to participate in the Writer's Megaphone experience.  It has always been my belief that everyone aspires to and deserves to have the spotlight shined on them at one point in the lives, and I always believe in paying it forward.  If I am known for anything, I would like it to be that.

Ms. Irby has an interesting story to tell.  She is of mixed raced descent: half African American and half Jewish.  This woman has a lot to say...words that will flow freely from her like clear water cascading over the Niagara Falls.  I will feature her later in the week as she is the author of a book of poetry entitled, As Clear as Kristel.

Author Kristel Irby

For now, we will open up the mike and allow Kristel Irby to present a poem from her book.  The piece is entitled, Smokey.  This piece is about a friend of hers that she had lost to drugs, and then rediscovered again later in life.

Smokey

It only took one light that night

My temptation got the best of me

My destiny cloudy

Smokey

Like an ignited chimney

Tricking me as I lick and inhale

The poisons of the stick that I 

tripped out on

Laced with disgrace

And everything that is wrong

I sing the same old song

As so many

Individuals

Hum, Hum

Stuck with a bad habit

It's been too long

Lost in a line

With limited time

It's high is the past lives of

So many singers

So many entertainers

And now presently

Of so many we love

Who need to be saved

And now I hum with them

I hum a hit

Their misery plagues my brain

My life hasn't been the same

It only took one light

On one night

That led to a lifetime of a fight

~ J.L. Whitehead