Happy 3rd Saturday of 2016! Please enjoy today's post.
The road turns as does the picture
Every choice, a nuance
Every moment, a fractal
The picture
Will never again
Be what it was before
Now is now
Always new
Staying in the past is like
Asking your wings
Dry and strong
To fold up
Hold up
While you figure out
What you're trying to be
Reflection is good sometimes
But you've got flying to do
Hills
Valleys
Mountains
Water fountains
Dancing with the air
Every beat of the heart
Of the wing
Creates a new thing
And the old will never be
Again
With words, songs, and prayers,
Tiffany V
Hi I'm Tiffany Vakilian and this is Transformative Language Arts in Practice. I am enthralled by TLA and the way it affects my life. I write, I sing, I praise, I create, etc. I am an artist and a womanist, well read and a little nutty because of it. I support artists on their journey to and celebration of wholeness-- be it mental, physical, social, financial or - most importantly - spiritual. These are my findings as I search for truth and freedom via word.
Showing posts with label Transformative Language Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transformative Language Arts. Show all posts
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Or You Won't & You Won't
Happy Saturday Post!
You'll do the work
And reap the lesson
Or you won't & you won't
Perhaps I'm just guessing
I'll go through the fire
And celebrate getting through
Or I won't & I won't
And my growth won't prove
You'll walk the walk
And earn the respect
Or you won't & you won't
Poignantly reflect
I'll push myself
And lose or gain "it"
Or I won't & I won't
No point in complaining
This year (for me) is about saying less, but letting my actions speak more. I don't want the #socmed accolades. I want the glory of 2016 to be stronger relationships (old and new) and personal moments that make me glow inside.
You'll do the work
And reap the lesson
Or you won't & you won't
Perhaps I'm just guessing
I'll go through the fire
And celebrate getting through
Or I won't & I won't
And my growth won't prove
You'll walk the walk
And earn the respect
Or you won't & you won't
Poignantly reflect
I'll push myself
And lose or gain "it"
Or I won't & I won't
No point in complaining
This year (for me) is about saying less, but letting my actions speak more. I don't want the #socmed accolades. I want the glory of 2016 to be stronger relationships (old and new) and personal moments that make me glow inside.
With words, song & prayer,
Tiffany V
Tiffany V
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| Yours Truly, Summer 2011 © Tiffany V. |
Friday, January 1, 2016
Consider the Dragonfly
Happy New Year!
In lieu of a Saturday Post, here is a New Years promise, kept and keeping.
In lieu of a Saturday Post, here is a New Years promise, kept and keeping.
You rarely
hear dragonflies
Coming or going
Resting or moving
Not unless they are very close
Intimately close
Their song
Scary as the portents of
a new year
a new choice
a new life
a new choice
a new life
Amazing
And
unapologetic
For being
Quiet OR beautiful
They don't talk mess about
how bam is their glam
No need for marketing
They don't puff up
They just show up
fly
be beautiful
As they
are
Don't need a billboard
to label them
beautiful
Their wings
Don't need
a million
Social media fans
Don't need merch buying followers
to increase their value
or premium
make them relevant
make them stronger
Don't need to be anywhere
Because they are
In front
On the sides
Behind
Beneath
Holding it up
Holding it down
Loud as the truth is scary
With barely any sound at all
They are free
to be heard
or ignored
Have you ever?
Let's do
the dang thing. It's 2016.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
2015's Last Few
Looking forward by looking back, Happy Saturday Post to you!
2015 Can Go
This was the hardest year
I've overcome
In my life so far
I learned some things
About myself
I learned some things
About others
I have to own
Mine
I have defend
My own
Soul
Pruning
Training
Shining
So
Sometimes
I have to ask for help
Asking for clarification is ok too
But sometimes
things just won't get clear
Control is for certain
Times and places
my personal space
the peace of my home
the people I let affect my choices
Some things
I will never understand
Some people
Will flip the script
Mid-sentence
It's my job to live
The nobility I claim
And the learning does not stop
Not until
My last breath
Still breathing
Yep
With words, song and prayer,
Tiffany V
2015 Can Go
I've overcome
In my life so far
I learned some things
About myself
I learned some things
About others
I have to own
Mine
I have defend
My own
Soul
Pruning
Training
Shining
So
Sometimes
I have to ask for help
Asking for clarification is ok too
But sometimes
things just won't get clear
Control is for certain
Times and places
my personal space
the peace of my home
the people I let affect my choices
Some things
I will never understand
Some people
Will flip the script
Mid-sentence
It's my job to live
The nobility I claim
And the learning does not stop
Not until
My last breath
Still breathing
Yep
My biggest lesson of this year -
forgiveness and peace.
Without them,
I am a fool and lyin' to myself.
Tiffany V
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Hearing the Voice of the Heart
Wishing you all the Happiest of Holidays, here's a Saturday Post!
I hate that man like the very gates of death who says one thing but hides another in his heart. - The Iliad
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks... - The Bible
The holiday season is a great time to consider the rain and the symbol of cleansing that comes with it. Let's consider expelling the poison that may be within us. Let's consider that we all are fragile in the snow with no cover. Let's consider we often pretend to be Hercules, when really we are Tiny Tim without the crutch.
"...She has them believing that poor old ape with the twisted foot is a satyr. Illusions, deceptions, mirages!" - The Last Unicorn
Considering the idea of authenticity, it makes me wonder how many people don't know what is actually in their own hearts. And because they don't investigate, they act contrary to their own soul on a detrimentally regular basis.
I was that person, I worked for and with that person. I dated that person. Once I punched that person in the gut - but I was nine, and have learned telling someone the truth can be WAY more fulfilling (or devastating) that physical violence.
This morning as I was preparing this post, I received an email from someone in high school. He wasn't my favorite person. But he said he saw in me a beautiful soul. I thought that (at that time in my life) I couldn't be my own self. I had to wear the multi-socks, the cross gear-- be this thing that really couldn't explain me or be explained by me. I, like him, did stupid things in that time, but don't we all?
His regret for who he was makes me think that he, sometime in the not too recent past, saw his heart (or maybe I'm just being an artistic chick about it). Referring to the first two quotes, my point is whether your heart is hidden by your performance of self or worn on your sleeve, it will speak. Will I hear it in the midst of my spinning? Will you listen when it says something? Will we do the work?
Peter Beagle via Schmendrick the magician said, "It is a rare man who is taken for what he truly is." I use to think he said, "It is a rare man mistaken for who he truly is." I don't know whose phrase I like better, haha.
Your cross is not mine to bear. Neither is mine yours. Love, when true, can hurt like the deepest torture dungeon in hell. It can also put gold in your wings and bear you up to the stars. It takes bravery to engage and begin. So (in my best Samuel L. Jackson voice) the question remains -
"What's in your [heart]?
I'm such a goofball.
Merry Christmas,
Tiffany V
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| Pme and Qme in conversation |
Be sure to order your copies before Christmas so your friends can get their gifts on time!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Death & I Are Feuding
Merry Christmas y'all, here's a Saturday Post!
I have to find my way
With fear and trembling
It's hard to walk in the light
There's so much shadow and shade
In the valley of the shadow
Death and I are feuding
It came for me
Tried to shame my body
My life
My home
My love
I have to find my way
Looking to the Light
It's hard to walk in this way
Slivers and scales on my eyes
In the valley of the shadow
Death and I are feuding
It came for me
Tried to take my children
My dreams
My hope
My heart
I have to find my way
With fear and trembling
It's hard to walk in the light
There's so much shadow and shade
In the valley of the shadow
Death and I are feuding
It came for me
Tried to shame my body
My life
My home
My love
I have to find my way
Looking to the Light
It's hard to walk in this way
Slivers and scales on my eyes
In the valley of the shadow
Death and I are feuding
It came for me
Tried to take my children
My dreams
My hope
My heart
This is not the desert
This is just the dark
It's hard to look for light
The hands that guide can't find me
Death and I are feuding
Here in a healing heart
But I keep on fighting
For life
For legacy
For glory
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
TiMo
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| Yours Truly, Summer 2011 © Tiffany Monique |
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Exposed Nerves
Happy Saturday to ya! Here is a Saturday Post!
Around
Going around
Making their rounds
Like the tide
Like the seasons
Visitors
Not residents
Emotions
In motion
Let them come
Let them go
Appreciate them
Make room for them
Share them
Evict them
Welcome them again
With Words, Song & Prayer,
Tiffany V
Exposed Nerves
There are a lot of feelingsAround
Going around
Making their rounds
Like the tide
Like the seasons
Visitors
Not residents
Emotions
In motion
Let them come
Let them go
Appreciate them
Make room for them
Share them
Evict them
Welcome them again
"Crush them darts and keep it movin'!" - Mom
"What you are learning is preparing you for where you are going." - Pastor's wife
"We need to get our nails did!" - Kristy O.
"Chocolate don't play." - Seddy Bear
"I'll cry for you." - Cece
"Ennnnnnnnh..." - Hubs
(Tiffanyzed to protect the... innocent?)
BTW, new logo and website coming... stay tuned! And don't forget to pick up a copy of
Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties - makes a great Christmas gift!
Tiffany V
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Body Fiction 3
Happy Saturday Post - I'm thankful for the life I've been given, and the stories I've been asked to post between now and the end of the year. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile...
We argue over ownership
Kingdoms via bodies and lips
It's lonely in the space of justified anger
How dare he prove and show my lack
In this way emotions can not linger
I was untethered 'til he pulled me back
His loving acceptance a lighthouse at sea
Returning home, not yet free
He massages my foot like he's invoking a shaman's spell
As if my deformation is his most prized possession
His thumbs are the lovers of my arches, ankles, heels
The somehow lost wholeness he calls to attention
And I can march to the tune of his love
My limp is a hitch kick on hold
He asks me to waltz knowing I won't really do well
As if my lacking dancer is somehow in session
He takes my wrists- holding smoke and steel
Touch whispers fly while my soul screams broken
From here to heaven I don't dare fly
His caress dreams that I try
Meanwhile...
***
Six Separate Thoughts - Part III
My scars are my best friend and painfully we show
He waits- a gentleman with outstretched hand
On display broken, seething bloody glow
My pride is a garment of sifting sand
He stands to the side while I flail about
For the storm to peter out
He laughs at my rage when I move as if solo
The lines within which I am free court cliffs
His correction abrupt when I push past where to go
Under my shoulder he helps my misstepsWe argue over ownership
Kingdoms via bodies and lips
It's lonely in the space of justified anger
How dare he prove and show my lack
In this way emotions can not linger
I was untethered 'til he pulled me back
His loving acceptance a lighthouse at sea
Returning home, not yet free
He massages my foot like he's invoking a shaman's spell
As if my deformation is his most prized possession
His thumbs are the lovers of my arches, ankles, heels
The somehow lost wholeness he calls to attention
And I can march to the tune of his love
My limp is a hitch kick on hold
He asks me to waltz knowing I won't really do well
As if my lacking dancer is somehow in session
He takes my wrists- holding smoke and steel
Touch whispers fly while my soul screams broken
From here to heaven I don't dare fly
His caress dreams that I try
***
With words, song & prayer,
Tiffany Vakilian
Tiffany Vakilian
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© 2015 Highlight Video Productions
|
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Body Fiction 1
To keep a promise, here's a bit of a different Saturday Post!
***
Six Separate Thoughts - Part 1
The shoes were pinched. They
were jewel encrusted, heeled, and satin underneath her petticoat, but they were
pinched. No wiggle room; certainly no air. Still, they were just too pretty to
remain hidden under a dress encircling three feet round. Shoes of such beauty
should be seen. Unfortunately for the young lady, ankles in this era should
not.
Foolish intrigues amongst these powerful
families annoy me, with gilded goblets and gossip, but I’m the part that makes
the magic, and she paid with her toe.
In this guise, no one cares
about me unless I hurt, fall off, or need painting. Foot hygiene bordering on
the manic is the rage in London these days, so painting isn’t big here yet. It
will be. Perhaps I’ll be put to use again. A new body, part of a new woman, a
new time, a new future, a new past.
As soon as the deed is done, I’m
leaving.
The slide-roll-slide friction of
her gait was something akin to a rude massage. The relief when she sat down
felt decadent, like butter on toasted bread. Unfortunately it was not too long
before she was asked to dance by our conquest, ending my respite with an
extended hand.
If I had a neck, I would have
rolled it in preparation for the grand performance. Sensation ceased. A
cinnamon and pepper spark inside my soul began flickering tiny fire, and while
wrapped in perfect etiquette, I sent my yeasty dream up his spine, into the
crook of the neck with the gentlest kiss of a single fingertip sensation, behind
and then into his ear; felt more than heard.
“Mine.”
I returned bodily to the discomfort
within her squish-pull-point lope about the ballroom. The sheerest curtain of
frenzy fell around them, as if they were the only two in the room. A passionate
air current ribbon wove tendrils around their never-touching wrists. The most
accidental graze between the backs of hands, scandalous despite the gloves,
began a storm of flipping fans, adding air to the fire. I claim full credit as
the arsonist.
They’ll be married by Michaelmas,
and her child will have a last name of good standing, within the same bloodline
no less.
Time to go.
It actually works in her favor.
It will hurt when I take my leave, and she’ll most certainly stumble. Perhaps
there will be a fall, and the dutiful if not suddenly attentive fiancé-to-be will
save her publicly. She’ll have a lock of her hair in his coat pocket before the
end of the night.
It is a shame about the shoes
though.
***
For Seddybear - This was fun!
TiMo V
Saturday, October 31, 2015
One the Eve of our First Anniversary
Happy Saturday to you! Here's your Saturday Post!
To my other, in honor of his significance
She carries the moon in her womb
And the words in her wrist
And the skin of her mothers on her elbows and knees
She has her dream
Come true
And deferred
And he loves her
In the clouds
And on the ground
And under the ground
She carries the song in her heart
Which is still healing
She carries the sass in her hips
Which are still in pain
She considers her star shining
And fallen
And he loves her
In the sky
And in the resting mist
And in the bog
They don't understand the love
And they understand it all too well
They don't get to dance that way
Not all of them
But we love
For love is stronger
Than the burning heat of the sun
And the reflected light of the moon
And to the place of death
She carries the moon
And he walks with her
And He carries them both sometimes
With blood and gore and tears
With or without footprint
For sometimes
They fly together
And they stand still together
And they rest together
With words, song and prayer
TiMo V
To my other, in honor of his significance
She carries the moon in her womb
And the words in her wrist
And the skin of her mothers on her elbows and knees
She has her dream
Come true
And deferred
And he loves her
In the clouds
And on the ground
And under the ground
She carries the song in her heart
Which is still healing
She carries the sass in her hips
Which are still in pain
She considers her star shining
And fallen
And he loves her
In the sky
And in the resting mist
And in the bog
They don't understand the love
And they understand it all too well
They don't get to dance that way
Not all of them
But we love
For love is stronger
Than the burning heat of the sun
And the reflected light of the moon
And to the place of death
She carries the moon
And he walks with her
And He carries them both sometimes
With blood and gore and tears
With or without footprint
For sometimes
They fly together
And they stand still together
And they rest together
With words, song and prayer
TiMo V
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Springs of Joy
Just because it's hot
Just because it's not
Just because I'm here
I'll share springs of joy
Not because my stores are full
Not because my hopes are empty
Not because it's Wednesday
I'll share springs of joy
Autumn and Summer duke it out
Winter and Spring watch for their turn
The holidays come and go like candy
And I'll share springs of joy
Just because I'm here
Just because you're here too
Just because it's there
I'll share springs of joy
With words, song & prayer
TiMo
Just because it's not
Just because I'm here
I'll share springs of joy
Not because my stores are full
Not because my hopes are empty
Not because it's Wednesday
I'll share springs of joy
Autumn and Summer duke it out
Winter and Spring watch for their turn
The holidays come and go like candy
And I'll share springs of joy
Just because I'm here
Just because you're here too
Just because it's there
I'll share springs of joy
With words, song & prayer
TiMo
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| It makes me smile... |
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Choosing
On Bonnie and Dan's Wedding Day - Here's a Saturday Post!
For Boba and Darth
I choose to nerd out
Get the word out
And I am not ashamed
I will sing and cry with joy
No plots or ploys
Only love to blame
I choose my friends who love me
Who envelope me
In their gracious arms
And while we sing the Star Wars main theme
She marries the man of her dreams
Right there on the front lawn
Love you, Bonnie - Congratulations!
You found the droid you were looking for!
In transit
From Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties
On your mark, get set, GO
Where though
A pioneer through life's paths
A journey from here to eternity
A wanderer through the wonder of the simplest moments
I am in transit
I am not easily surprised, but life has a way of shutting me up
The more I learn, the more I see,the more I wish for simple songs and writing
The less I want to talk, the more I want to ask
What do you want to learn from your life?
What do you want to teach through your experiences?
What do you want your legacy to be?
Let's transit together and share the load
Let's converse about our wonder-wanders
And save each other time and trial
Learning to lean, learning to bow, learning to pray
As we travel from death to life
Let's enjoy the story
Show me your battle scars and I'll show you mine
From the past, when we were stupid
Yes, even five seconds ago
I am tired of my ears being tickled
We are moving from ignorance to wisdom
Through trial and text and a multitude of counsel
I want to go hard after life and excellence
So that when I am old my age will speak wisdom
I will tell my younger ones from experiences
And so I go, and I will bring stories in transit

Inspired by the phrase II
From Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties
"Danger is very real, but fear is a choice." - Will Smith, After Earth
I will say it
I will give no quarter to the lie
The bind
The one that says I must say less
Give less
Be less
Because it scares you
(and by the way, if you ain't "you", then don't take ownership)
I will give it
I will open my heart to the sunshine
The freedom
The joy
Even in a moment
(and by the way, if you've been there with me, cool)
I will feel it
I will wear the full armor
Not apologizing
Not compromising
Accepting everything that I am to you, with you, for you
(All the many "you's" out there)
I will choose
Choose life
Choose me
Choose faith in the promise
I will be the fearless one I once tried not to be because of you
(Though I thank you for the trip)
I will change
I am a shifting rhythm
In the poem of life
In the life of a poem
And I am not written by you
(Though I have been edited by "you" from time to time)
With words, song & prayer
TiMo V
Where though
A pioneer through life's paths
A journey from here to eternity
A wanderer through the wonder of the simplest moments
I am in transit
I am not easily surprised, but life has a way of shutting me up
The more I learn, the more I see,the more I wish for simple songs and writing
The less I want to talk, the more I want to ask
What do you want to learn from your life?
What do you want to teach through your experiences?
What do you want your legacy to be?
Let's transit together and share the load
Let's converse about our wonder-wanders
And save each other time and trial
Learning to lean, learning to bow, learning to pray
As we travel from death to life
Let's enjoy the story
Show me your battle scars and I'll show you mine
From the past, when we were stupid
Yes, even five seconds ago
I am tired of my ears being tickled
We are moving from ignorance to wisdom
Through trial and text and a multitude of counsel
I want to go hard after life and excellence
So that when I am old my age will speak wisdom
I will tell my younger ones from experiences
And so I go, and I will bring stories in transit

From Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties
"Danger is very real, but fear is a choice." - Will Smith, After Earth
I will say it
I will give no quarter to the lie
The bind
The one that says I must say less
Give less
Be less
Because it scares you
(and by the way, if you ain't "you", then don't take ownership)
I will give it
I will open my heart to the sunshine
The freedom
The joy
Even in a moment
(and by the way, if you've been there with me, cool)
I will feel it
I will wear the full armor
Not apologizing
Not compromising
Accepting everything that I am to you, with you, for you
(All the many "you's" out there)
I will choose
Choose life
Choose me
Choose faith in the promise
I will be the fearless one I once tried not to be because of you
(Though I thank you for the trip)
I will change
I am a shifting rhythm
In the poem of life
In the life of a poem
And I am not written by you
(Though I have been edited by "you" from time to time)
Choosing
On the off chance that you can change for the better
Choose to
On the off chance you can get the spirit and not the letter
Choose to
I sometimes have difficulty
Letting pain back in to hurt me
Forgiving is a daily duty
But I choose to
This one is not finished...
TiMo V
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Theme & Variations from UDPPBook
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| Poetry in the morning. How sweet it is.
© 2015 Tiffany Vakilian
|
Thinking about my Goddard peeps and the poetry that they inspired in me.
I've
heard it said
A
great many things about
Dynamic
duos
Complimentary
opposites
The
dance and not the battle
Heard
that last week
In
and out
Red
and blue
Blue
and grey
Yin
and yang
Yanantin
and masintin
Partners
in a samba
Can
they dance alone?
Can
I?
On
the dance floor called corpus callosum
The
moonlight and shadow
One
orb
The
storyteller and the administrative assistant
Breathing
Both
directions are necessary
For
life
Body
Hands
feet
Left
side right side
Seen
unseen
Wolf
wife
That’s
for Clarissa
Who
started this whole conversation
Without
even knowing I existed
Or
perhaps
It
was Tannen
She
said it is communication
That
can destruct meaning
Goffman's
impressions
Given
and given off
Gilligan’s
pleasure
Relationship
for relationships
And
all the stories in between
And
around
And
throughout
Can
they dance alone?
Can
I?
Thanks
Anne
For
your friend Kitty
Imaginary
and real
Realized
Shange's
choreo-poem
Embodiment?
The
dance of communication
Or
beauty
Or
therapy
A
mushroom, Alice
Eat
it
One
side makes you bigger
And
the other...
Otherizing
Let's
bring in Pme and Qme
Honne
and Tatamae
There
I am
In
the conversation
Of
duality
Recognizing
and engaging
Via
dual-expression
Write
it
Then
say it
No
Say
it
THEN
write it
One
feeds the other better in this way
This
way that way
Light
shadow
Felt
sense felt senses
Hearing
with ears
Our
words
Our
woman-self words
Can
they dance alone?
Can
I?
Front
self Pme
Meta-self
Qme
Winding
a winding road
To
knowing
To
gnowing
Knowing
and gnowing
Oracle
and Architect
Archetypes
Popular
culture
Myth
story
Can
they dance alone?
Can
I?
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The Great Duality
Happy Saturday to you! Here's your Saturday Post!
I dreamt this week that I was surrounded by deep water, but my living situation was a high hill with many buildings (think Minas Tirith in the Pacific). My view was sometimes from under the water, and sometimes from a middle place looking down. Family and certain friends were there, and I was teaching. I'm not yet at an age when grandchildren run about my legs, but I feel like it is always going to come down to that balance of duality; not undecided, but with singularity of purpose.
This fountain in me seems full
Grace
Truth
Christian
Pharisee
Family
Business
Pme
Qme
This journey is me feels forked
Heaven
Hell
Acceptance
Rejection
Paul
Peter
Joy
Dejection
I seek purification within and without
Heart
Life
Maturity
Childishness
Wings
Weights
Love
Indifference
I run this race to win
Get up
Go on
Learn
Unlearn
Build up
Take down
Win
Burn
The natural tendency is to choose one side
But I have
Can't you see
Hidden
In plain sight
Complicated
Simplicity
My shadows
Prove a light
When I lived on the East Coast, I told my older brother I was vacillating between staying and moving back to CA. He told me, "once you make the decision you'll have peace". It took about a year before I moved back, but from the point of choice, both options worked toward my goal. I was so scared for so long that people would beat me down for saying out loud the things I say, as if it were about me. I've been told this week, "Do you have any idea how strong you are; and how intimidating that is?" Would it were not so.
I'm human; cuts hurt. I am a phoenix too; only in Christ. I've been given a "talent", and I am duty-bound NOT to bury it, but to make it bear fruit. I was told by a pastor in Virginia, "you have kingdoms in you..." and that is one of the things that have driven me to write poetry, stories, emails, blog posts, dreams... It makes room, like an overfull vessel being emptied (and the relief is sublime).
It is not about me, no matter how I benefit.
With words, song and prayer
TiMo V
I dreamt this week that I was surrounded by deep water, but my living situation was a high hill with many buildings (think Minas Tirith in the Pacific). My view was sometimes from under the water, and sometimes from a middle place looking down. Family and certain friends were there, and I was teaching. I'm not yet at an age when grandchildren run about my legs, but I feel like it is always going to come down to that balance of duality; not undecided, but with singularity of purpose.
This fountain in me seems full
Grace
Truth
Christian
Pharisee
Family
Business
Pme
Qme
This journey is me feels forked
Heaven
Hell
Acceptance
Rejection
Paul
Peter
Joy
Dejection
I seek purification within and without
Heart
Life
Maturity
Childishness
Wings
Weights
Love
Indifference
I run this race to win
Get up
Go on
Learn
Unlearn
Build up
Take down
Win
Burn
The natural tendency is to choose one side
But I have
Can't you see
Hidden
In plain sight
Complicated
Simplicity
My shadows
Prove a light
When I lived on the East Coast, I told my older brother I was vacillating between staying and moving back to CA. He told me, "once you make the decision you'll have peace". It took about a year before I moved back, but from the point of choice, both options worked toward my goal. I was so scared for so long that people would beat me down for saying out loud the things I say, as if it were about me. I've been told this week, "Do you have any idea how strong you are; and how intimidating that is?" Would it were not so.
I'm human; cuts hurt. I am a phoenix too; only in Christ. I've been given a "talent", and I am duty-bound NOT to bury it, but to make it bear fruit. I was told by a pastor in Virginia, "you have kingdoms in you..." and that is one of the things that have driven me to write poetry, stories, emails, blog posts, dreams... It makes room, like an overfull vessel being emptied (and the relief is sublime).
It is not about me, no matter how I benefit.
With words, song and prayer
TiMo V
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Brown Round Things - For Somi
You India me
About my hair
I am not it
But you've tagged me
Calling me out
Sliding down my beloved ringlets
I'm it now
Finally home
After Celtic journeys
Those knots
Not my nots
My nots are no longer my knots
I am a yes now
I own it
I say it out loud
I am the black fae
Hidden from me
By my own self
Til
Recently
I
My own wicked stepsister
But now I've saved them
Save my brown round things
No longer for sale
I've apologized
And now I'm planting seeds
I stand hopeful
Cynical
With my sisters
And brothers
Us sistas and bruthas
Us Fae
Not African
Not American
But here nonetheless
And thanking you
For calling out
The brown round things
For sale
With words, song & prayer, TiMo
About my hair
I am not it
But you've tagged me
Calling me out
Sliding down my beloved ringlets
I'm it now
Finally home
After Celtic journeys
Those knots
Not my nots
My nots are no longer my knots
I am a yes now
I own it
I say it out loud
I am the black fae
Hidden from me
By my own self
Til
Recently
I
My own wicked stepsister
But now I've saved them
Save my brown round things
No longer for sale
I've apologized
And now I'm planting seeds
I stand hopeful
Cynical
With my sisters
And brothers
Us sistas and bruthas
Us Fae
Not African
Not American
But here nonetheless
And thanking you
For calling out
The brown round things
For sale
With words, song & prayer, TiMo
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Go After that Thing
For the singers battling their own voices - here is a Saturday Post!
Go hard after it
Go hard after it
Whatever it is
That one thing
Learn that lesson
Lose that weight
That one thing
For me
It has always been
To freely sing
But I am learning how
And I will now
Do that one thing
Sometimes too big
Out of control
A cannon ring
Sometimes weak
Cracked and raw
Songs in a sling
I've given it up
I've gotten it back
It's a trick on string
I scream notes
I cry music
Give it wings
I go hard
To learn and be
God-help-me-ing
My voice is mine
I'll die for it
My life to bring
My poetry - my alter
I leave it here
I'm promising
To use my voice
No matter the cost
For truth-telling
Go hard after it
With words, song & prayer,
For me
It has always been
To freely sing
But I am learning how
And I will now
Do that one thing
Sometimes too big
Out of control
A cannon ring
Sometimes weak
Cracked and raw
Songs in a sling
I've given it up
I've gotten it back
It's a trick on string
I scream notes
I cry music
Give it wings
I go hard
To learn and be
God-help-me-ing
My voice is mine
I'll die for it
My life to bring
My poetry - my alter
I leave it here
I'm promising
To use my voice
No matter the cost
For truth-telling
Go hard after it
Whatever it is
That one thing
Follow that dreamscape
Or escape the dream
Do that one thing
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
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| Yours Truly, Summer 2011 © Tiffany Monique |
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Brave Enough to Share
Workin' that work and sharing my Saturday Post! Enjoy!
My friend told me today that she and her husband sat together and read one of my poems. She said they cried together in the reading. I told her I just wanted to tell the truth. That's why I write.
They even made a comment about My Violin of an Armpit. I am going to read it this evening.
I was interviewed by A Word With You Press for the Author Spotlight and I'd like to share that with you today.
My book launch party is in a few hours, and I'm so busy getting ready for it, I can't even be nervous about it. But those feelings will come. And I may write about them. Sometimes it hurts to tell what I'm seeing, doing, learning, or becoming. But that is the work. And I am humbled by the people who are brave enough to share their words with me. They inspire me to do more. So thank you all (song writers, poets, rappers, friends, etc.) for giving me the strength to tell my own story.
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
My friend told me today that she and her husband sat together and read one of my poems. She said they cried together in the reading. I told her I just wanted to tell the truth. That's why I write.
They even made a comment about My Violin of an Armpit. I am going to read it this evening.
I was interviewed by A Word With You Press for the Author Spotlight and I'd like to share that with you today.
My book launch party is in a few hours, and I'm so busy getting ready for it, I can't even be nervous about it. But those feelings will come. And I may write about them. Sometimes it hurts to tell what I'm seeing, doing, learning, or becoming. But that is the work. And I am humbled by the people who are brave enough to share their words with me. They inspire me to do more. So thank you all (song writers, poets, rappers, friends, etc.) for giving me the strength to tell my own story.
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
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| Yours Truly, Summer 2011 © Tiffany Monique |
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
AWWYP Author Spotlight- Tiffany Vakilian!!!
As part of our ongoing series interviewing writers , authors and poets in the AWwYP stable, we’d like to highlight Tiffany Vakilian. Read on about her practice of writing (and singing) and about what grounds finding your voice.
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
TiMo
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| Yours Truly, Summer 2011 © Tiffany Monique |
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Tiffany Vakilian Joins BookDaily.com
Vista, CA August 18, 2015 BookDaily.com
is pleased to announce that Tiffany Vakilian will be featured on the popular
book sampling site – joining the ranks of the most famous authors in the world.
As a featured author, the first poems of Vakilian's books are now available to thousands of readers to sample – free of charge. At BookDaily, book fans can browse, search and read first chapters from a selection of more than 80,000 titles.
Vakilian is currently promoting Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties a Black American book of Poetry published by A Word With You Press. Visit Vakilian’s website at www.tiffanyvakilian.com and their BookDaily page as well http://www.bookdaily.com/author/2389716/tiffany-vakilian.
Like many other authors, Vakilian is making use of the quick and easy tools BookDaily offers for writers to market their books.
Launched in May 2009, BookDaily has rapidly become the leading source of book samples by email. More than 10 million sample chapters have been distributed through BookDaily.com and through the site’s email subscriptions. The site is a division of ArcaMax Publishing, the leader in consumer news and entertainment by email.
As a featured author, the first poems of Vakilian's books are now available to thousands of readers to sample – free of charge. At BookDaily, book fans can browse, search and read first chapters from a selection of more than 80,000 titles.
Vakilian is currently promoting Ugly Drawers, Pretty Panties a Black American book of Poetry published by A Word With You Press. Visit Vakilian’s website at www.tiffanyvakilian.com and their BookDaily page as well http://www.bookdaily.com/author/2389716/tiffany-vakilian.
Like many other authors, Vakilian is making use of the quick and easy tools BookDaily offers for writers to market their books.
Launched in May 2009, BookDaily has rapidly become the leading source of book samples by email. More than 10 million sample chapters have been distributed through BookDaily.com and through the site’s email subscriptions. The site is a division of ArcaMax Publishing, the leader in consumer news and entertainment by email.
*** ***
***
For information about A Word With You Press,
please contact 760-500-5409. For media inquiries, please contact A Word With
You Press at Thorn@AWordWithYouPress.com.Saturday, August 8, 2015
Babysitting
Here is your Saturday post.
It is a sparkling afternoon, with traffic heavy yet moving along. I get the call on the way and before I hear the voice, I know. The day becomes a cracked glass flute...Read the rest here.
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
It is a sparkling afternoon, with traffic heavy yet moving along. I get the call on the way and before I hear the voice, I know. The day becomes a cracked glass flute...Read the rest here.
With words, song & prayer,
TiMo
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| Onward Looking
© Tiffany Monique February 2014
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