| From Whence The Inspiration Comes...... L. Monique is a poet/spoken word artist/ producer and founder of Smokin' Spoken Wordz Productions (poetry collective). She has lived in New York all her life. A long time lover of the Big Apple’s fast pace and diversity, she’s now a resident of New York’s tranquil Sullivan County Catskill’s area and winner of The Vault's 2000 'Cutting Edge Artist' & their 2005 'Youth Community Arts' Award. As a free-lance writer, she has had articles published in community newspapers, magazines and journals. The poetry of this 'Hottest Poets Slam Winner' & Nuyorican Poets Cafe featured artist has appeared in many of the same, including numerous Newsletters, Anthologies, Internet Boards & E-Zines. She is the author of 3 self published volumes of poetry ("Women & Children...First", "What Butches Are For..." & "Solstice" - her most intimate release). Her poetic talents can easily be categorized into 5 separate genres. Destined to enlighten and entertain, L. Monique tackles hard hitting issues (ie; AIDS Awareness, Racial & Social Injustice, Lesbian Erotica, Cultural Themes & more), through verse. Current projects include both public and private poetry readings (showcases, slams & pride events) the producing, directing and hosting of landmark poetry venues and as always........ article writing upon demand. |
| Meet The Teacher |
| i'm trying to Rebuild Our Nation that's why I lent my ears to the woman I know tries to play on my fears i’m trying to Rebuild Our Nation that’s why I checked that young girl, sitin’ on the bus unable to a utter a word without a cuss and her homeboy too, who said, “Hey Bitch!” as she turned, smiled and began to switch picking up both baby and book bag I stopped my self - unable to breath - feeling my face begin to sag Because, I know I can’t save the world but i’m trying to Rebuild Our Nation I want my sons to Love Life, without hesitation No male bashing here - as a mother of two sons my job is clear and I do it, with determination, love and fear i’m trying to Rebuild Our Nation and I’m Learning and Teaching how to get beyond being brought over here - drowning our babies out of fear packed in a can - oppressed by the man living in projects - looking for welfare checks - feeling like rejects cause i’m so tired of singing those songs, of empires long gone i’m trying to Rebuild Our Nation and get past it, all this frustration of Sisters, Lovers, Strangers, Brothers candidly utilizing the ‘N Word’ with tones of endearment our Ancestors never heard yet as we batter ourselves and loose precious esteem I’m focusing on a whole new theme and I Need You to Help Me Rebuild Our Nation HELP ME - L. Monique 3/97 |
| I am the thinker that creates the thoughts that create the things. - Dr. Johnnie Coleman |
| THE FEMME I am invisible - do you see me even in the fullest reddest lips in my long flowing skirts - outlining my hips I am invisible - I have no sign no membership card all I’ve got is hurting feet and aching knees - time honored gifts wrapped in adversity they were given to me by all those hours of marching on City Halls and endless days of begging uncle Sam for God given rights to simply be invisible - I am can you feel me - in your arms I’ll forever be running until the dawn gliding on the faintest breeze beneath these tired feet denying the sunrises, which set on shunning I am invisible by your side, in your face......... in front of you do you see me - I see you Miss-trusting me; Miss-representing me; Ms-reading me for behind my eyes beats the soul.............of A Femme L. Monique '98 |
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| Order SOLSTICE - or any of L. Monique's books by email today . |
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| <~~~ click to read this article In the almost 5 yrs L. Monique has been in Sullivan County over 12 articles have been written about her and her many groundbreaking efforts in the Performing Arts. |
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