I Remember When... (Mama Nostalgia)

I Remember when...
I was barely 4.
And mama was on the phone a lot
by the window sill
with me playing on
the living room floor;
her talking to neighbors,
my aunties and uncles
bout daily rigormarole/gossip...
how daddy shoulda been around more
and when he went out in the morn
for groceries, not coming in till
ten at night
when the store was just around the corner... :-<

5 Years later...

I remember when...
I was about 9.
Used to take the bus with mama.
Running errands and visiting family friends around town;
while riding,
her with knitting needle and yawn...
when it came to crocheting...
no one could put it down better!!

3 Years later...

I remember when...
I was bout 12.
While playing B-ball with a friend after school
one afternoon in Jr. High,
outside on the court till it got dark.
Wasn't till he went home
I realized my 1/2 fair bus pass...
didn't have the other half for the bus.
So it got colder.
So cold, had to call mama
to come get me because
the piss was being frozen out of me.

1 Year later...

I remember when...
at 13 y/o, there was a time I wouldn't eat much.
Had a reverse tape worm appetite,
ribs were elbowing my stomach in a hunger fit...
But you knew what was to come from this neglect.
Side effect, I could barely walk around.
You brought me to the nearest ER
to get treated for severe dehydration...
giving me a wake up call just couldn't ignore;
And lesson learned, you saved me.

As I contined to grow,
older and wiser,
so did you.
Heeded your iodine advice and peroxide warnings;
preventing mental and emotional wounds you saw coming miles away.
Got my GED off the strength you believed in me
to be a better man in the making.

My point, for going down this lane of unlocked memories...
is to give thanks and show, no,
scrape the iceberg of cold winter nights(No HEAT),
sleeping on couch cushions as pillows, only peanut butter and jelly,
a loaf of bread to eat,
broke fridge but never let me go hungry love in return!

This piece is the peace in my heart!
With your caribbean blood in my veins keeping it pumping.
The footprints of your legacy in the flesh
that will carry this mama nostalgia to your future decendants;
Discipline them with the aura of your tongue!
I shall never forget, the times you've still say,
"Life ain't a bell of roses"
I understand that better now a days as a man.
Because if it was...
You would be the Mother nature of all gardens,
to learn, grow from...
THIS society needs!

© ”Honest Abe” Abraham Benjamin (Copyright 2012)

New shows, 1st Chamber release in Dec., First BK feat. of 2011 and New Video

Peace, Whats up my people...?

I hope today was as blessed for you as well. And as rejuvenating and the lord is shining his light,

on you as you as we embark on this new day pushing deeper into Winter season.

Its still SCORPIO SEASON IN FULL BLOOM!!

Thank you again as a continued/new supporter of me, my work and this movement.

And that today brings you new, satisfying blessings ahead.

WHATS BEEN HAPPENING...

An new place for poets and promoters alike has been created by internationally known poet/author/musician Ainsley Burrows at poetryexchange.ning.com Where you can link up with other poets/promoters and end up booking a show for your self anywhere in the world. I've recently joined it. And for the first time anywhere have, for the most part, my entire artist resume along with an updated bio. (poetryexchange.ning.com/Honestabe)

Oh. and if you aren't a part of my only and official facebook group, please join.

www.facebook.com/group.php

My Amazon wishlist is still available for belated b-day gifts you may wanna still get me. Just saying. Lol.

Abe's Wish list

Also, I decided recently to get a vimeo account (free one) which I'll most likely be uploading old and new vids as well as an alternate to/from my youtube account/channel. Here is the link below for future reference.

http://www.vimeo.com/honestabe

There are two big shows going down for me this month

Saturday, Nov. 20th

I'll be part of a 12 hr. fundraising event/Mic-a-thon.

Raising $$ to keep Sistas on the Rise (a Community space that helps young and teenage mothers and mothers to be get and stay on there feet, life wise. Also, has a weekly Saturday Open mic during evening hours); Open to continue its mission. go to soulsweetsanctuary.com/ and/or www.sistasontherise.com/Home.shtml FMI.

And check for more info on the event in my show schedule below.

Also, I'll be making my 2nd feature appearance at the legendary Nuyorican Poets cafe, Nov. 27th. 9 months after my first back in February of this year. Features also include, Paz, The Werdsman, (Poet, L.I., NY/Brooklyn), and D the Schizophrenic (Poet, Newark, NJ) If you can make the trek or if your in town at the time, your attendance and support would be great!! :o)

For directions go to nuyorican.org

Dec. 12th (Sunday)

Write Hand Ent. Presents:

Mid-Winter Nights Dream (Erotic Poetry Event)

Feat. Performance.

Follow link FMI bellow:

www.facebook.com/event.php

1ST CHAMBER RELEASE

My book,(Unlocked thoughts of a Prophet's Temple) if you were unaware, will be "unlocked" soon. In parts anyway. I've decided due to $$ limitations currently, that I'll be releasing my 5 chapter chapbook, for now, with each chapter as separated books themselves. The first one slated to be ready by early/mid Dec. at the latest. And will be subtitled: "Humble Beginnings". If your also not aware what my book will be about, basically is, : a look into my trials and tribulations as a said, "Prophet/soothsayer" with affirmations, passages and poems to express them in a creative understanding form. Over almost the past 3 decades and mainly the past half decade of things I went through.

Finally, I know my BK heads have been waiting, patiently. So....My next and First feature in BK in a while will be in the New year. February 2nd, 2011! :-D And I do plan to get loose with this tongue! Lol! The details are below in show schedule of the link to my reverbnation page.

http://www.reverbnation.com/dtruthspeaks

And yes. I'm currently working out details and making arrangements to make it down to ATL, PHILLY, BALTIMORE, MA, CA, TX, NC & SC as well as other areas included on the west coast, and further North and South east, within the next few weeks and months. (Trying to set up a tour heading into and by early next year at the latest)



Pass my events on to a friend in the area who can make it too.
Lemme know whats up. get back at me anytime.
Bring your positivity, inspirational presence and I'll bring the truth with me. ;o)

Peace, productivity & prosperity. Stay blessed & elevated. B-)


PS: And as for my album, which I'm aware that many are anxious to drop. Will be getting it in some more time in the studio real, real soon. So that I can be ready in time for l8r this Winter. With prod. by MC and producer Chris Phoenix. And Producer/singer-song writer Omni Blaze. Still touching base with the guest stars that will be on it. And believe me when I tell ya...we bout to make some magic happen on wax. Trust. Be ready for "Brooklyn's Lost Son" coming to venue, :) and a retailer near you. B-)

As soon as I confirm some new gigs I'm working out, the show schedule will be a bit heavier then it is right now.

Bare with me my people.

Here is a live performance I did back on the night of my reborn day. In a spot called, Kenny's Castaways in Lower Manhattan, NYC. Backed by a live band. Enjoy!

-Honest Abe

RL Tha Gifted Album now available on CD baby

Peace my people. Just thought I'd let you know, I did an album review a few months back, for a fellow artist in words & Knowledge named RL tha Gifted 1's: Ambassador. I posted it in my blog as a special posting. This is my first critic on another artist album. If you guys dig it and want me to do more, I may consider making Tuesdays my an album review day for artist of not just spoken word poetry. But for other genres too. Lemme know.

http://honestabe4u.blogspot.com/2010/05/honest-thoughts-special-edition.html (The album review)

And if you wanna cop the album online, its officially available now at

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/RLthaGifted1 (for $10 Mp3 download)

The Abstract Messiah, his previous release is also available for sale there.

Back 2 Brooklyn Saturday and what else that has been going on.

First things first, Just a heads up, that this Saturday, July 10th. I make my return feat. at a Brooklyn Venue( in general/period) Which is rare for me. A new spot to me, which I look forward to gracing the mic and stage for a good cause.

More words for Haiti (Fundraising event)

Brooklyn Exposure

1401 Bedford ave. (Bet. St. Marks pl & Prospect Pl.)

Brooklyn, NY

Time: 3pm-8pm (Doors open @ 2:30pm)

Cover: $5 Donations

As for what else has been gong on....

I just finished doing an online interview last night. Which I updated everyone on my progress of recent projects, where I stand on how I see the future of spoken word and such. Click the link below if you wish to listen. (My interview starts around the 60 min. mark/9pm when I called in.)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/agsupreme/2010/07/08/supreme-entertainment

Other than that, still been looking for new employment. Which I need to drag my feet less on and get on the good foot about asap. Looking towards having my own spot around early-mid 2011. So I gotta a lot of work to put in for that to happen. I'm on a mission to extinct any debt and financial woes plaguing me, with no time to waste. So, I'm not going to continue to describe how, but like Nike...just do it! None the less, while thats a work in progress...I'll make sure to keep everyone abreast of other dealings as I go along. Giving you the best of me into the new year ahead.

Peace, positivity and prosperity to you.

-"Honest" Abraham Benjamin

http://www.reverbnation.com/dtruthspeaks

http://www.facebook.com/dtruthspeaks

http://www.twitter.com/t_izhonestabe

http://www.myspace.com/honestabeizdtruth

Its the FINAL COUNTDOWN!! R U eady...?

Its the final countdown to poet Rock (Brooklyn)!! Tomorrow night, Jan. 26th 113 Franklin st. Green point Brooklyn. its show time! Are you gone rep and show up to support your lost son BK...? I'm gone set it off in the only way I know how...honestly. ;) Also feat. Heavy Pennies, Coole High, The 1shante and Tracie Josephine. I'll hope to see many familiar faces as well as much more new ones. Lets Rock Brooklyn!!! Buyaka!Buyaka! BUH BUH! BUH! BUH! BUH! Lol. My bad. Thats just the Crown heights in me coming out. ;)

My brunch at Abigail brooklyn

Jus got in 4rm a relaxing walk. Got sum lotion, so m'ass won't be ashy & some new toothbrushes. Stopped by nice spot called Abigail's 4 brunch. Its at 807 Classon avenue bet. St. Johns place & Lincoln place here in Brooklyn. When I walked in the first person I talked to, by accident/coincidence, turned out to be the owner! His name is James. Go check the spot out! Wednesday nights are also Open mic nite. 8pm-10pm. No cover as far as I know. But if you got the time, stroll in and find out.
www.abigailbrooklyn.com

Some Unlocked thoughts....and revolations

Peace my TCM people, This quick blast is with no particular big announcement in mind. But Just let know my current thoughts at this very moment. A lots been on my mind lately. But I'll be brief here to take up as lil of your time as possible. My writing and certain aspect of my life have been in question as of late. As well of my actions concerned with issues I'm far overdue to address in my personal life outside venues and off stage. Know, that none of these questions have been brought up by anyone besides yours truly. Like Why..? Or Why haven't I..? I know I'm being mad vague. But My soon to be finished book, "Unlocked Thoughts of a Prophet's Temple" Has been making my mind vibrate bout concerns I shouldn't and can't ignore bout myself going into this new decade with. Most you will hopefully understand and take what you will from my book. (which is turning to more than just your average poetry book) Till That time comes, I will make my return to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Slam poetry scene. Wednesday, December 23 2009 to compete. (after a over 5 month absence) If any more shows before hand are added I'll keep everyone posted. I may even make some sporadic appearances here and there. And as always for any more info about shows coming up or to just holla get at me with email associated with the group . Also visit these sites: http://myspace.com/honestabeizdtruth http://www.reverbnation.com/dtruthspeaks http://www.honestabe4u.blogspot.com http://www.youtube.com/abestube Dtruth has spoken....thank you for listening. -Honest Abe

Dtruth Finally speaks...in Brooklyn!!

Well, Its been a little while. But its finally within less than 24 hrs. away!! If you didn't know, since beginning my performance stint in poetry/spoken word 3 yrs. ago. I've performed many times over the tristate metro area. Featured in almost every borough....except Brooklyn. Now I've performed numerous time in BK over the years. But the long awaited chance was answered when The Perch cafe(in Park slope) reached out to me for an opportunity to their feature for Nov. 10th installment of the Literary reading series.

After a week or so of back n forth emails about the specifics, it was finalized a few weeks back. So as of tomorrow evening, from 7pm-8:30pm w/open mic following me; Dtruth will set you free @ The Perch!! Feel free to come through and experience me in a way and type of openness you could never get the chance to see again. If you've never seen one of my performances in Brooklyn b4...this may be the best one yet!! :-)

So if you will please check the flyer below and come through with a friend or two to hear me bless you the a gift that God gave me. B-)

Oh yea. and don't forget to check my interview on BTR this afternoon @ 5pm-7pm.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/desarray-A call in # 347-326-9584

Rebirth, Reevaluation &Responsibility

As many may know by now I recently celebrated my 26th yr. of existence this past Tuesday,on Oct.27th. Now 4 yrs closer to not being considered a "Youth" anymore. So through the past couple of days I've felt the love and rejoice of me reaching the milestone of being one more young black man to live past 25. This to me is a gift & a blessing.

Me @ home after a night out at Soule restaurant in BK on my B-day


me & Tuan X(banger singer/poet)@ Soule Restaurant in BK on B-day



me & Fesah Rollins(MC) also @ Soule Restaurant on B-day





I've been pondering the past few days bout the direction my life is heading. Do I continue to take this passion I have for the art of spoken word on a professional level like so many have asked...or do I the unconscious decision to keep it as a side thing to pursue other avenues...? I guess in a way without realizing it, after 3 yrs now of traveling the tristate area and such, in a way I have. But while pursuing this God given gift to make it everything that it could and should be in my eyes...I can't ignore and be blinded to the fact that I have other responsibilities that call my attention.

Lord knows I'm one of many that have bills to pay. And a responsibility to myself and family to finish college. I've come too far, too long and going through enough sleepless nights and struggle, as well as my parents, not get a degree. And unfortunately in society, in todays society period, your not qualified to get through any barriers or considered "intelligent" if you don't have a college degree in something. Though I do plan to and will earn one or two, a college degree doesn't define me. I understand its a social basic tool of survival. Especially in todays recession plagued nation.


Due to the nudge of some of the Lords soldiers allowing me to discover one of my purposes of deliver his life saving "WORDS" in the form of poetry & prose. However, feel there is more I have yet to discover and embrace as far as gifts are concerned. As of what...I'm gone need a sign to make that clear. I'm still one of Gods greatest works of poetry thats not ready to put end to with a period. Like I've mentioned many times before, I'm on a road to redemption. So until I finally hit that cross roads leading to my final destination and divine purpose...I'm gone keep it moving as the spoken soldier in me has done.

Last show of my 3 day stint of shows in Brooklyn.

Peace my people,


Been busy with my work in progress life as of late. But still have made time to go out and perform/network. So...I just wanted to post this for the people who either didn't know or couldn't make it to the last show of mine in BK.(@ Fulton Park on Aug. 22nd) Here is what you missed. And I hope you can make it to future ones. I rarely perform in BK so when I do its extra special for me. Enjoy the video and watch out for updates and info on current & future projects ahead.

Thoughts on the block party Murder in Crown Hts BK neighborhood

I just wanted to get more peoples thoughts on the block party murder of a young brotha in his own car, that went down @ Washington ave & st. Johns pl in Brooklyn. I mean, why does have to be proven the statistics right; that every time there is party or even full of "Minorities"....Something tragic has to go down b4, during or after....? It kinda hit close to home...literally. I only live a few blocks from where it went down. Things like this hit me like a foot in the chest sometimes even though it doesn't dir. affect me. The fact is that it went down in my neighbor hood, touches me on some level. Mostly cause I hate to see crimes like this go unsolved. See, I roll BK hard!! So when I hear bout any young brotha, especially under 21 y/o get gunned down by another....its sad. because they kill someones brother, son, cousin, uncle, nephew...letting another black mother lose part of their heart. Below is the embedded video of the report via Ch. 7 (thanks Jive for hipping me to it) and the link if you can't see it. (Link) http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=6923293 Being the artist that I am, I've already started reflecting someones pain through my work in hopes to open some eyes and minds.

(Untitled & unfinished at the moment. But thought these lines were warranted.)

"Instead of a gun I'd rather dry the acid rain of pain leaking from a lost mother's eyes from losing her son to gun violence....using my words as the tissue to calm the storm behind those clouded windows of sorrow...." -Honest Abe Give me your thoughts and what you think can be helpful ways in preventing this type of violence, including the obvious.