My friend, Byron A. Merriweather, of 20 years transitioned June 3, 2021 (from cancer) into a final freedom and an infinite light. In 2008, Byron had been assigned (at the Oxford House World Service Convention) to be the Ghana Outreach Services Representative to start an Oxford House in Ghana.  Byron used the "Oxford House Model" (a community-based approach to addiction treatment, which provides an independent, supportive, and sober living environment).    Byron did that and much more! Byron was living with his wife, two sons, one step-son and one step-daughter in Ghana (Africa) when he transitioned.  They will miss him, along with many others in America, Ghana and the world over—especially, his immediate family in Chicago, IL (USA); and his recovery community in Richmond, Virginia (USA).  I wrote two poems …. the second one is to his two sons – they are too young to understand it now, but someday will.___________CREDITS: j-so Poetry’s theme music is provided by JuJu Drum j-so Poetry’s Sound Engineer is Sherie Farmer The Great Jazz Artist Ahmad Jamal(an American pianist & one of the most influential musicians and bandleaders of all times), graciously granted permission for j-so Poetry to use his signature piece, Poinciana, for this program.  j-so poetry is equally appreciative of the permission granted by Mr. Steve Peake – Director of Indigenous People, a non-profit organization based out of England with a goal to highlight how happiness and well-being can be enhanced by participation in cultural activities, as exemplified by traditional African drumming, dancing and singing, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth – please visit their website:  www.indigenouspeople.org.uk  For copies of the poems you heard, you can visit the website:  getjsopoetry.com  If you would like to share comments with me, then you’re welcome to send an email to:  jomide@jsopoetry.com Don’t forget to share with your friends, subscribe and, until next time . . .Be Safe, Be Well, Be Kind to Yourself & Others.

These are the words that surfaced in Janis' spirit following the Biden-Harris victory--November 2020. Background music to poem was whatever was playing from Cox Music Choice Soundscapes during the recording.Acapella tune (He's Got The Whole World in His Hands) sung/altered by J. Omide.  Outgoing song, LOVE OVER HATE, written & performed by K'bana Blaq.

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe: The song following j-so's poem is BLACK TRASH--performed by the multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq. Black Trash can be purchased from amazon.comExcerpts from the song, NO MORE CHANCES from K'bana Blaq's album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC, is played in the intro.  This song is one of Blaq's numerous songs carried on amazon.com and K'Bana Blaq Music Band CampK’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. NOTE:  If you can see picture art, j-so Poetry is recognizing 2020's Recovery Month and using their beautiful banner to honor Celebrating Connections.

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe: Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings —EVERYDAY PEOPLE from his album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC--which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.com and https://kbanablaqmusic.bandcamp.com/album/death-to-mindless-music K'Bana Blaq Music Band CampK’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. The background music to Janis' poem, America The Beautiful, was found on YouTube.The original song "America the Beautiful" is an American patriotic song--the lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895.The performance you heard was by:Santa Monica High School Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble Kevin McKeown, Conductor The Eli & Edith Broad Stage March 26, 2014 Janis emailed Mr. McKeown on June 15, 2020 to request permission to use his band's performance but never received a reply.

Question Universal Consciousness. Defensive Walls replaced by Spiritual Walls. The intro, TIME WILL TELL, is submitted (with artist permission) and performed by Ju Ju Drum. The fade-out song, CHILL, is submitted (with artist permission) and performed by K’bana Blaq.

Thank you to Ju Ju Drum for this podcast-vibe:Ju Ju Drum collaborated with wife, Corey Garlic, and wrote and performed (as a gift) this special j-so Poetry podcast tune:  TIME WILL TELL © 2020 Ju Ju Drum MusicJu Ju is a professional musician living in Hampton Roads since 1988.  Born in Washington, DC, Ju Ju has shared the stage with many world-renown artists such as Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Chris Vadala (from Chuck Mangione), Najee, gospel legend Albertina Walker, James Brown, Ricky Smiley, Danny Glover, Jasmine Guy, Russell Simons, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tim Reid, and more.Hampton Road’s #1 Steel Drum Performer!   Ju Ju Drum performs solo steel drum performance of popular Calypso, Jazz, Latin, R&B, and Hip Hop tunes for parties, banquets, festivals, or concerts. Special requests are honored.Also, a music instructor, Ju Ju has over 75 students and teaches drums, bass guitar, percussion, vibes, keyboard, jazz, and music technology for recording and music production.  With over 30 years of musical experience, Ju Ju is able to entertain people of all ages, having played many styles of music while keeping up-to-date with the music of today.    But more than anything else, he is a wonderful husband, father and friend—a true gift to this world—and his vibes are needed more now than ever.  Much love.   _______________PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS of Assisi*Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace!  That where there is hatred, I may bring love.  That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.  That where there is discord, I may bring harmony.  That where there is error, I may bring truth.  That where there is doubt, I may bring faith.  That where there is despair, I may bring hope.  That where there are shadows, I may bring light.  That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.  Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort, than to be comforted.  To understand, than to be understood.  To love, than to be loved.  For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.  It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.  It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.*The original author is unknown.  In most of the published versions of the prayer, the text is abridged, paraphrased with an original copyright as early as 1912, in French.  The above version was borrowed from the book, 12 STEPS AND 12 TRADITIONS (Step 11). _______________________Until the next time . . . happy listening ... oh, and share with a friend …Stay safe & stay well, j-so

Something Worth Sharing ...Motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, has emphasized, “I hope everybody understands how fear suppresses the immune system. Stress suppresses the immune system. This is not a time to be afraid or stressed.”Since the coronavirus outbreak, Iyanla has given powerful Daily tips on managing stress (via YouTube).One of my favorites was Day 10 ... check it out:Daily Anti-Viral Message Day 10:   https://youtu.be/R7k_jh-HEB4When you feel stressful (as we all have/do), I strongly encourage you to view any of Iyanla's daily YouTube videos--they have been most uplifting and meaningful for me.Until the next time . . .Stay safe & well, j-so _______________________Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe: Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings POUR ME OUT A BLESSING—from his album LOVE OVER HATE--which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.com     K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. _______________THE  SERENITY PRAYER* - (long-version):God, grant me the Serenityto accept the things I cannot change,the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the difference.Living one day at a time,enjoying one moment at a time;accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,taking as Jesus did this sinful world as it is,not as I would have it, trusting that you will makeall things right if I surrender to your will;so that I may be reasonably happy in this lifeand supremely happy with you in the next.--– *Original author unknown; however, in some research the poem is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, and also to an 18th century pietist, Friedrich Oetinger________________Happy Listening .... tell a friend!

Greetings,I am most grateful for THE SALVATION ARMY giving permission to the world community to share a beautifully written poem, In the Time of Pandemic, from their website:____________________________________________________As many churches around the world have closed their physical doors, we (The Salvation Army) are in the midst of reimagining what it looks like to stay spiritually connected in a time of COVID-19. We've made the beautiful words of Kitty O'Meara into a printable poster, Facebook Cover photo or picture you can share in a newsletter, on social media or print out for your home. Kitty O'Meara retains copyright over the words.IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC by Kitty O'Meara (inspired by Irene Vella)And the people stayed home.  And read books, and listened,  and rested, and exercised,  and made art, and played games,  and grew gardens full of fresh food,  and learned new ways of being,and were still. And listened more deeply.  Some meditated, some prayed,  some danced.  Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.And the people healed.  And, in the absence of people  living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.And when the danger passed,  and the people joined together again,  they grieved their losses,  and made new choices,  and dreamed new images,  and created new ways to live  and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.by Kitty O'Meara (inspired by Irene Vella) © 2020 IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC_______________THANK YOUs:Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings B BRAVE—which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.comK’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band. The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music with this platform.

JSO Poetry's Theme Music - Instrumental Title:  DAY IN THE LIFE © 2020 Ju Ju Drum MusicAppreciation to Performing Artist for writing, producing & providing background music:  Ju Ju DrumJu Ju Drum is a professional musician who lives in Hampton Roads.  He is from Washington, DC and has performed with many world renown artists such as Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, and other greats.  Ju Ju is a music instructor with over 75 students and teaches drums, bass guitar, percussion, vibes, keyboard, jazz, and music technology for recording and music production.  Solo steel drum performance of popular Calypso, Jazz, Latin, R&B, and Hip Hop tunes for parties, banquets, festivals, or concerts. Special requests are honored.With 31 years of musical experience, Ju Ju is able to entertain people of all ages, having played many styles of music while keeping up to date with the music of today.

Proud to be me. NOTE: The intro and trailer track name is TRAILRUNNER by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

Hope for America

Being thankful in spite of hard times.

j-so's Trailer - inviting listeners to check-out poetry by Janis Small Omide.About JSO POETRY'S Podcast's LOGO:I use the Dagara Wheel as my logo (with permission from Dr. Malidoma Patrice Somé--a West African workshop leader, primarily in the field of spirituality. He was born in a Dagara community in Dano, Burkina Faso.)  I was very moved by the beauty and meaning of the Dagara Wheel as Dr. Somé explained in his book, The Healing Wisdom of Africa, Tarcher/Putman.  While attending one of  Dr. Somé's workshops (in North Carolina-2005), I asked him if I could use the Dagara Wheel--that was used in his book--with my projects; and he graciously granted permission at such time.