A night of poetry reading and spoken word at Busboys and Poets: Perhaps the best night I've had in this city, and I held my breath for most of it. We went for moral support, and Mark was fabulous. Novice? I think not. But the other contenders left me speechless. The tension made my toes curl and I've come to think poems come alive in the author's throat, because along with words came out accusations and confessions and revelations. I could barely walk home I felt so lightheaded. And here is Tasha Jones, who I cannot even begin to introduce...


State of the Union
by: Tasha Jones

I have walked in the valley of shadows and death
I have prayed for the redemption of those I adore
while I bleed, while I feed, while I attain
I have cursed what opposes with bitter breath
I have consistently aimed for better and more
while I drink, while I sink, while I refrain

I have given everything I could of the nothing I possess
I have battled to take every offered gift back
while I pine, while I whine, while I complain
I have clung to every forgiveness without seeking redress
I have waged every possible war without making an attack
while I scream, while I dream, while I abstain

I have poured my life into every choice I've been given
I have flowed freely through the reality that escapes me
while I grasp, while I pass, while I extend
I have endeavored to draw more out of life and living
I have promised to be both sister and enemy to the sea
while I grow, while I flow, while I contend

I have longed for a redemption that hasn't yet come
I have ceaselessly been a reckless pawn of my heart
while I rave, while I pave, while I intend
I have been less to most, but more than enough to some
I have decided that it's far too passive to wait for a start
while I lie, while I try, while I wait for the end