Welcome to Syllables Added. A playground for Kiwanda and a few of her poet friends.We hope you enjoy.
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Raised on a farm in southern Mississippi, Ivory learned to appreciate the beauty of nature from a firsthand view. Whether an early morning sunrise or the ever-changing seasons, he loved the deep, vivid colors and the fresh, clean smell after a spring shower. Having a grandfather who was a Baptist minister, he understands the role God plays in our everyday life. Although he has a mathematics background—once wanting to teach the art of problem solving to the next generation—his passion has long been writing. Having visited several countries, and lived in numerous states from New York to California, you could call him a wanderer. It is this wanderlust that has fueled his imagination—allowing him to write from the perspective of someone who has explored the world.
A community activist, with an eye for youth activities, Ivory believes that in order to keep kids on the right path, you must give them positive, meaningful activities to occupy their time—and mind—thus countering all the negative influences society hurls at them. Whatever their venue of self-expression, that’s what MUST be given. Ivory’s aim is to help provide that venue by establishing a community youth center to encourage and support their individuality. In so doing, he hopes to improve the social objectives of each child.
A few of the community action groups he has been involved in: the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); the African American Association, while a member of the United States Air Force; Network of Intel African Americans (NIAA)—an Intel Corporation employee group; Men of Action of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
The author holds an associate’s degree in mathematics, an associate’s in information systems management, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology.
He espoused a pride in heritage and land A toughness of love for family and man He spoke to the wrongness of societal norms Behavior whose stench causes others alarm Man’s inhumanity to man…yes, he challenged that, too Got caught up in the system because of his views
‘Twas exiled to a place in a far distant land Marooned. Absconded. Among thistles and sands A land time forgot…as it did not develop forward Its scenery wasn’t lush but harsh…morbid
In the midst of this mecca of barbs and thorns Where the weather was dreary. The landscape…forlorn And all that was hoped for was never to be Made himself at home. Content…in his misery
His accusers were loud. They stood quite tall Went spouting their filth to all who did call Though the accusations were false, it stirred, in some That “Justice for all” isn’t meant for everyone
When he heard of their (lies), he made his way home Desperate. Despair-filled. From his time all alone But tomorrow brought strength to time-weary bones A travel-birthed desire to right what was wrong
When, alas, he confronted that spiteful few He gave credence to right…but did what he had to
BIO: Ivory V. Ball
ReplyDeleteRaised on a farm in southern Mississippi, Ivory learned to appreciate the beauty of nature from a firsthand view. Whether an early morning sunrise or the ever-changing seasons, he loved the deep, vivid colors and the fresh, clean smell after a spring shower. Having a grandfather who was a Baptist minister, he understands the role God plays in our everyday life. Although he has a mathematics background—once wanting to teach the art of problem solving to the next generation—his passion has long been writing. Having visited several countries, and lived in numerous states from New York to California, you could call him a wanderer. It is this wanderlust that has fueled his imagination—allowing him to write from the perspective of someone who has explored the world.
A community activist, with an eye for youth activities, Ivory believes that in order to keep kids on the right path, you must give them positive, meaningful activities to occupy their time—and mind—thus countering all the negative influences society hurls at them. Whatever their venue of self-expression, that’s what MUST be given. Ivory’s aim is to help provide that venue by establishing a community youth center to encourage and support their individuality. In so doing, he hopes to improve the social objectives of each child.
A few of the community action groups he has been involved in: the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); the African American Association, while a member of the United States Air Force; Network of Intel African Americans (NIAA)—an Intel Corporation employee group; Men of Action of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
The author holds an associate’s degree in mathematics, an associate’s in information systems management, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology.
~ Exiled
ReplyDeleteHe espoused a pride in heritage and land
A toughness of love for family and man
He spoke to the wrongness of societal norms
Behavior whose stench causes others alarm
Man’s inhumanity to man…yes, he challenged that, too
Got caught up in the system because of his views
‘Twas exiled to a place in a far distant land
Marooned. Absconded. Among thistles and sands
A land time forgot…as it did not develop forward
Its scenery wasn’t lush but harsh…morbid
In the midst of this mecca of barbs and thorns
Where the weather was dreary. The landscape…forlorn
And all that was hoped for was never to be
Made himself at home. Content…in his misery
His accusers were loud. They stood quite tall
Went spouting their filth to all who did call
Though the accusations were false, it stirred, in some
That “Justice for all” isn’t meant for everyone
When he heard of their (lies), he made his way home
Desperate. Despair-filled. From his time all alone
But tomorrow brought strength to time-weary bones
A travel-birthed desire to right what was wrong
When, alas, he confronted that spiteful few
He gave credence to right…but did what he had to
Thank you, Mr. Ball, for allowing us to feature your work.
ReplyDelete