Poetry Feature in Berlin

Berlin was a spur-of-the-moment addition to my Europe trip. After putting some "feelers" out in the poetry community, Marc Marcel, a fellow poet, gave me a list of contacts in Amsterdam and Germany. Since it was the holidays and only two weeks notice, I knew that I would have little to no chance of finding a show, let alone a paid feature. Yet and still, I resolved that I would still pay for my own travel as an investment in to getting my craft out internationally. I have been so blessed over the years to receive college and open mic features that I was comfortable in stepping out on faith in hopes of building connections and future opportunities.

Soon after I sent a few e-mails out in to the stratosphere, a poet and organizer from Berlin named Gaby (pronounced Gabby just like my sister's) responded and said that she would set up a show especially for me if I was able to make it. The date of 1/6/12 coincided with my travel itinerary so I accepted the offer. Gaby also offers Berlin tours so, when I arrived, I went on a brief visit to the Berlin wall. I was also able to view impressive street art and get a brief history on the Bohemian history of Berlin and its popularity as a haven for artists of all walks of life. On the tour, Gaby took me by my performance venue for later on that night, the Bethanien House. The building used to be a massive hospital that was eventually converted to an art space for Berlin's many painters, actors, and performance artists. I knew, at that moment, that I was right in step with fate and God's plan because there, in front of the building, spray-painted on a massive rock was, "Abu Dhabi to Berlin"! I couldn't believe my own eyes. It was a refreshing message to me because I once doubted why I even came to Berlin.

Although the show was small with only about 25 to 30 in attendance, the crowd was very receptive and supportive of my work. I also had a feeling of confirmation when I met down-to-earth poets from all over the world. We conversed and connected immediately. MC Jabber, a dope poet from Scotland has traveled around the UK and made a name for himself. Ben Porter Lewis, a poet from the states, mentioned names of poets he knew personally from the U.S. There had to be about one degree of separation because we knew a lot of the same poets. He mentioned great poets like Jason Carney and Mac Dennis, poets that I know as well. He also is well-versed in the National Poetry Slam community, a family of which I am well-versed as well.

Although, my stay was only a day and a half, I quickly became connected to Berlin and definitely would like to visit again. I was invited back to spend even more time once the weather warmed up and people weren't away for the holidays. A maxim shared with me by my father holds true. "If a man doesn't work, he won't eat. This doesn't always mean that you will get paid for your work. Sometimes, you have to get out there and show people, volunteer your services, and show people that you deserve to get paid." Otherwise, they will never know you existed. Here's to putting my name out in the atmosphere. I can already feel it resonating in the stratosphere. You'll be the first to know what comes of it!