Jimmy Jazz Features at Palabra!

PALABRA
an evening of poetry hosted by Ted Washington

Featured reader is Jimmy Jazz
Jimmy Jazz is a writer from San Diego. He has authoredThe Sub, House of the Unwed Mother & The Cadillac Tramps. His latest work, The Book of Books, was called a “masterpiece” by Los Angeles Poet Rich Ferguson.

Chiapas 45

by Jimmy Jazz

I am the oppressor and the oppressed
but don’t ever call me repressor or repressed because
I believe in speaking freely and do so.

I am the oppressor and the oppressed
living in a crazy mixed up stone soup of poverty and affluence.
I have things that I don’t need which is the definition of filthy rich,
yet most of my clothes are hand-me-downs
yet the furniture I sit on has been handed DOWn

I am the oppressor and the oppressed
I see so many folks around me without the things they need to be
H-A-P-P-Y (And I hear their babies cry for want)
I leave worn clothes and
applied appliances and
played-with toys on the sidewalk and
think that I am doing my part.

I spent a day among normal folks recently and
realized I no longer speak their language and
they seem to me like filler, or fog,
like that styrofoam popcorn inside the great cardboard box of the earth

Down in San Diego we’ve got a 14 million dollar fence
(me foolish enough to do away with borders)
Mr. styrofoam-popcorn-soul America got a 14 million dollar fence!
The poets and the peace activists got one too
Until we dig a hole, or
provide a safe house for the weary

I’m not afraid to lose the little bit I have! yet
regret that I don’t have the juevos
to be the good coyote in the new underground railroad
bringing the slaves of circumstance to the pursuit of happiness
I am the oppressor and the oppressed
I stuff my face at the buffet // I don’t leave a big mess for the busboy
I sleep comfortably in hotel beds // I clean up for the maid
I spend all day lollygagging on the fresh cut grass // I know who cut it
I drink until I get drunk // I cannot rationalize that
I fuck shit up // because shit needs to be fucked up.

After the featured reading we will have an open mic for anyone who wants to read. Everyone is welcome to come and share a poem, song lyrics, reading or a short story or just bring your ears for listening and enjoy the evening. Original poetry is always appreciated. Everyone needs some place to speak their minds and Palabra is that place. We are an inclusive and supportive group that aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, positive environment, so all talent levels are welcome.

Doors open at 6:30pm and Poetry starts at 7:00pm sharp! We will have a sign-up sheet available at the counter. Each poet will speak for 3-5 minutes each so that everyone who wants to read can have a chance! Palabra poetry night will be every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Thursday April 12th
Doors open at 6:30pm
Starts at 7:00pm

La Bodega Gallery
2196 Logan Ave. SD 92113