Redemption Songs
A Trilogy of Poetry
by
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Harlem Sunset Poem every autumn evening just around dinner time nestled in the neighborhood where a nickel costs a dime the setting november sun trades places with the downtown skyline there’s nothing like a harlem sunset in late november an incandescent changing of the color guard that never fails to line these sugar coated hills with shadow as well as light its flavor is rich and sweet like a whooping plate full of sylvia’s crispy chicken and waffles or the freshly brewed iced tea that washes it down these lazily stretching rays reflected on my window pane reflect the blend of colors in harlem reflect the blend of colors in me there’s nothing like a harlem sunset in late november a block of maroon rooftops softly kiss a copper toned cloud its color is rich and deep like otis redding spinning a heartfelt line that seeps into your very pores and i never mind watching the twilight fade away while sitting on the dock of any bay wasting time wasting time there’s nothing like a harlem sunset in late november like a slowly dying candle flame the orange embers blend into a pale blue palette crackling yellowed leaves line a street so twisting and narrow that even cab drivers have trouble navigating where do all the leaves come from in a neighborhood with such few trees? there’s nothing quite like a harlem sunset in late november
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About the Book
This comprehensive collection of jazz inspired poetry is contemporary in its celebration of free verse, yet draws upon the spirit of ages past. This music inspired spiritual verse stands up to the test of time. The poems in this book pay hommage the masters like Rumi, Zen poet Ikkyu, and even Kahlil Gibran, yet still celebrates the contemporary swing of Baldwin, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Amiri Baraka. This poetry is Neo-Classic
About the Author
Julian Thomas graduated from Northwestern University with a double major in theatre and philosophy. This poet, actor, playwright and musician was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His work is a vivid record of the life of a young artist and of the distinct imprint of beat poetry upon the twenty-first century. From poetry cafes to campus corner lounges, Julian has performed and recited these volumes to a decade's worth of Americans young and old from all walks of life. Read this book aloud. Julian's investigations of youth, love, college, the blues, heritage, spirituality, and of course politics, combine with a flare for rhythm and passion that is as structured as it is free. The poetry of Julian Thomas spans the jazzy, soul filled roots of this Tulsa native's Greenwood heritage, mixed with the spit fire wit of the urban cities' modern pace. Vibrant with passion, yet as thoughtful as a Zen monk, these poetry collections are truly the voice of a tumultuous and ever changing generation.