though the door was closed i heard you call a possiblity where there had been none so i allowed my heart to open once again received the new possibility of life
i am blessed, born to bear made to create new minds to taste culture, new hearts to pump Boricua blood, new lungs to breathe in experience and exhale greatness
for the first time it rose up in me the longing for blushing cheeks, big round eyes beneath palm frond lashes thick and dark like his, his molten brown eyes, begged a daughter though i was past ever imagining there would be a you the possibility poured in the night we felt your spirit in the air above our bodies glowing warm bubbling with electric, the air rolled laughter washed us in waves of amazement "do you feel that?," he asked, "thats what she'll be made of"
she. a little girl. my days had been filled with blues and greens i'd never asked anything more than "healthy" for the growing life inside of me but before we could even arrived at the moment, while you were still just spirit in each us i prayed, and for the first time i allowed myself to wish for painting toenails under tutus for pink and lavender kisses for bows and ribbons, for dolls
and someone to wear my lipstick and pearls
so we spoke her into life we knew her like we knew our love "when the time is right... she will be..." little Starr
i dreamt of her petite hand in mine shiny shoes prancing down the street tea dates conversations with my future soft fluffy shimmering golden brown curls between my fingers a voice singing twinkle twinkle
a little girl papi's princess mama's little friend nuyorican reina radiating ponceña sabor barefoot cacique baby floating julia de burgos dreams and fania lullabies
i would sew you dresses made of flower petals paint the walls of our home with your handprints teach you to recite what's in your soul be my partner, my mirror image my little girl
guitarrita in tender soft little hand bells on ankles as she calls up the africana in her shaking her spirit as the drum dances to her beat
he fed you to me with all the other dreams i keep in a book under my pillow
bombita verdadera la unica en mi vida eres tu and you are nothing but a poem
Last week we had the pleasure of performing at Long Island University for the The 8th annual Letras Con Sazón brought to you by Capicu Poetry in association with the Xi Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Incorporada and the Psi Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
We served up our own taste of Nuyorico as Bomba y Plena poems with about our culture and perspective. Plena's 5 Borough Death Punch, Nuyorico & Rockin to the Greatest set the pace for the evening. Speaking of the Nuyorican struggle, what the city has to offer, nostalgia for the island, the contrast between where we're from & where we're at and the poisonous pop culture machine and human condition in light of societies disregard for what truly matters, he killed it. Deep stuff!
Flaco's poetry is theatrical, take you to another place. He embodies the spirit of Hector Lavoe when he's belting our "Aguanile" and tells of of his journey as the amalgam or salsa, reggae, rock and puerto rican protest music.
Machete Mvmnt played bomba and spit El David poetics with remarkable lyrical flair. We closed the show with a warm familial bomba dance session in which Plena, Flaco & talented dancers Selina "60 Sadie" Rose & Silmarie Nuñez shut the place down with an impromptu showing of Boricua cultura that I will never forget. Pa'lante, mi gente!
Flaco Navaja is a singer, poet, actor, who is born and raised in the Bronx. He sings in both Spanish and English and has toured with various groups across the globe.
Recent singing engagements: YERBABUENA, New York City’s premier Boricua Roots Music group (Lead vocalist since 2001) THE NICKY MARRERO ALL STARS (Lead vocalist, 2004) THE LATIN JAZZ COALITION (Back-up vocalist, 2000-2004)
Navaja’s original style of poetry combines singing, beat-boxing, and spoken word. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase; “All That! Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz” at the famous Nuyorican Poets' Cafe. He has performed at national and international venues and events. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award winning Russell Simmons' DEF POETRY JAM and he has appeared on four episodes of the HBO series. He is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect and a comedian with the Nuyorican Rule troupe.
Theatrical credits: “THE SEVEN” by Will Power at New York Theater Workshop “SLANGUAGE” by Universes, at Flint Theater in Vermont, Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and New York Theater Workshop “TEA” by Ben Snider at PS 122 “MOMMA'S BOYZ” by Candido Tirado at Repertorio Español, PS 122 “NOW AND THEN” by Michael J Garcez at La Tea
Navaja is a member of Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in several films. His film acting credits include: "FIGHTING" Directed by Dito Montiel, starring Terrance Howard and Channing Tatum(2008) "Shine On" Directed by Agustin (2008) "A KISS OF CHAOS" Directed by Ricardo Thompson “THE GIRL IN THE PARK” Directed by David Auburn, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kate Bosworth (2007) “PRIDE AND GLORY” Directed by Gavin O’Connor, starring Edward Norton (2007) “SANCTIFIED” Directed by Val Lik (2006) “ON THE OUTS” Directed by Michael Scholnik & Lorie Silverbush (2004) Nominated for two IFC Spirit Awards
Facebook. Some people jumped in early, some only after even their grandmothers finally got a page. In many ways it's the glue that holds families and communities together even if people don't like to admit it, it's an important part of our lives. We cheer each other through births, new jobs and opportunities; support each other through deaths, losses and the blues. We find roomates, jobs and sometimes even spouses there! Our Facebook fam is pretty tight. In a lot of ways, we're closer to our Facebook friends than we are to our actual relatives. Who do you see more? Us or your second cousins? Exactly. When Lisa "La Boricua Goddess" posted that her annual Labor Day picnic was on the horizon many people became excited, me included. I haven't been out and about for some time and there was no way I was going to miss it.
Plena and I went to an early afternoon rehearsal for his part of our birthday tribute for Algarin that was as fun as could be! I'm so proud of how amazingly talented my love is. Plena really tore it up with something fun and as is his usual way, very unique. Ya'll not ready! ;)
Then we hustled off to Orchard Beach in a gypsy cab trying to charge us pretty much what it would cost to get to the airport! We both started in and he relented to charging a decent amount of money. The NERVE! Literally highway robbery. Hmmmph!
Upon arrival we were struck by how truly beautiful the day was. Here we were all awaiting Hurricane Earl's wrath and the day was mild and beautiful. It was sunny, but not beaming, and there was a delicious breeze. Con besitos y abrazos Bomba y Plena joined the fray finding ourselves amidst our poetry family and friends. I was so excited to see my girls! I immediately saw our hostess, la bella, Lisa "La Boricua Goddess" busy as a honey bee & mis adoraciones, author and host of the fabulous "La Loba" poetry series, Vanessa Martir and activist poet "Simply Rob" Vassilarakis . I was so glad we'd been able to make it out to the last outdoor "Wepa!" of the summer. Here we could chill with the homies from Brooklyn, a powerful boricua couple making moves with us, the ubiquitous MC Papo Swiggity, host of our afore mentioned 9/11 tribute & the brilliant Olalana Sasu (we just call her Sue), his better half como se dice. They're the bomb and she had on a Jack Skellington t-shirt to prove it. Georgie Acevedo made sure that we were all comfy and that no one was thirsty - Peach Schnapps & ginger ale? Yes please! The talented sisters & I had a refreshing convo about business, poetry, the state of our community. We welcomed Nia Siacara Andino back home from the motherland after a nice vacay in Spain. A wonderful surprise! Miguel Algarín, next weekend's special guest of honor was "in the house" relaxing and sharing words with the people who have come to see him as a mentor and friend. All the while Sandra Guzman, our highly esteemed and much loved archivist snapped away, even lying down in the grass and sand to get the perfect shot.
Georgie & Goddess! Vaya, Boricua!
Papo Swiggity and the Master, Algarín
"La Loba" Vanessa Martir, Sue "Skellington" & Sandra Guzman of 2DreamArtists.com
Us! Bomba y Plena relaxing in the sun, listening to our talented friends. Must've been a deep poem!
La Boricua Goddess, Lisa. You did good, babes!
The much anticipated entertainment began with poetry and the rhythms of Machete Movement and Certified Master Drummer Juan Cartagena of Segunda Quimbamba.
NeNe Ali spits like no other 12 year old I've ever seen
Members of Grito - True Poetess, Tito Luna and Simply Rob tearing our ears and hearts openVanessa "La Loba" Martir acknowledging love for her mother Yemaya
El Chulito Carlito - Carlos Manuel Rivera sharing a poem "del pelo alisado"
Roberto Plena Irizarry schooling people with the piece "Rockin' to the Greatest"
Lyrical poet Blaze A Page reps The Babble[O]nianz
Once Blaze A Page of the The Babble[O]nianz graced the grass we were ready to run to hustle "Simply" to his next event when "SURPRISE!!!" Once everyone had their say, Goddess and Simply got down to the tambores while we sang a flavorful version of "Happy Birthday" for him accompanied by the Machete Movement! It was awesome!
VAYA! Happy Birthday, Simply!
There were over a 100 of us at the picnic! The music, poetry and the sense of community was thick. She was excited and knew it would be fun but once people started getting amped Goddess was overwhelmed by the love and response. She wanted so much to please us all, to make it wonderful for us and she did. We are thankful to our beloved chula for bringing us together and look forward to the next one and the next one and the next one. Y seguimos pa'lante!
We, Bomba y Plena, were honored to sit with Puerto Rican poet, writer & co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Miguel Algarín in his home where we spoke about his life, his writing, our culture and what the future holds for us as individuals & Nuyorican poets.
Here he shares with us his memories on the opening of the cafe, his writing and feelings about Plena's brilliant idea a night honoring Algarín, The "69 Years Young" Birthday Tribute on September 11th. There will be a room full of legends and spectacular artists filling the Nuyorican that night. Our fabulous host Hosted by Papo "Swiggity" Santiago of Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase will guide us through a night flowing with words from Miguel Algarin, Caridad De La Luz (La Bruja), Simply Rob (Grito de Poetas), Maria Isa, yours truly Bomba y Plena. Since the creation of the event we've been please to add on some special surprise performances by musicians & legendary poets. You'll have to be there to find out who!
Watch the video, share it and please, join us! It will be a night to remember.
On September 11th a well known, dynamic assemblage of accomplished Nuyorican poets will gather to honor one of our living legends.
Our honoree is a Puerto Rican poet, writer, retired Rutgers University professor of English and co-founder of the most famous poetry hub in the United States, our home away from home, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of one of our own, Miguel Algarín.
With performances by-
Caridad De La Luz (La Bruja)
Simply Rob
Maria Isa
Jani Bomba Rose
Roberto Plena Irizarry
Hosted by Papo "Swiggity" Santiago of Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase
There will be music, surprise performances and two cakes! Bienvenido!
$12 at the door
Brought to you by Bomba y Plena of MusingsAndScribbles.com
Sponsored by Latinos NYC
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Algarín was born in Puerto Rico and was educated and raised in a culturally-minded household. The love for all things involving culture always prevailed in his family. He received his primary and secondary education in New York and later went on to college. He developed a love and understanding of the works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare's antique tales were the force which motivated Algarin to strive to oneday have a place of his own where he could tell the story of where he lives. Eventually, Algarín became a Professor of Shakespeare, Creative Writing and United States Ethnic Literature at Rutgers University.
In 1973, Algarín's Lower East Side, Manhattan living room was being used as a gathering place for poets and artists. By 1975, there were so many poets and artists gathering and reciting their works in the apartment, that Algarín decided to look for a more comfortable location. After hosting the poets until 5am teaching at 8am became rather difficult.
Algarín rented a space on East 6th Street and named it the Nuyorican (New York-Puerto Rican) Poets Cafe. In 1980, Algarín purchased a building on East 3rd Street to expand the cafe. The Cafe is now a non-profit organization that offers programs which include poetry and prose readings, theatrical and musical performances, and visual arts exhibits.
It is where we breathe our souls in sounds inspired by language. It where we bare our pasts, present and future. The newest and the most seasoned are welcome. It is where many of us find out who we are. Here we will honor his life and thank him for the gift and inspiration he has given us.
Poetry for the People - Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
GEMS was recently brought to my attention by the independent film "Girls are Not For Sale". The film was disturbing, poignant at times, and left with a burden of responsibility. Please watch it if you are event a bit curious, it's worth the time. Rachel Lloyd, a survivor of the commercial sex trade, is doing all she can to spread the message of rehabilitation for these young women and saves lives. I'd like to contribute by doing something amongst our own. Whatever can be done to stop these people from selling the pride, soft tissue and honor of these girls who were barely more than children when they began on the track. This is not just happening in Bangkok people, this is happening a few miles down the road from us! American children are being bought and sold like meat. It's up to us to be the spokespeople for those in need when the celebrities are too busy to do so. Each of us has the power to help. Girls who are brainwashed by pimps are being arrested and tried for the adult crime of prostitution at the age of 14 or 15 rather than being returned to their parents and rehabbed. GEMS is helping get them off the track, into schools, helping them find gainful employment and live safer lives. Please message me and let me know if you're interested in performing at the event. At the very least please help me spread the word, you've been tagged bc I trust your conscientious spirit. Poetry for the People will dedicate a few hours of time to raise money and awareness of the situation threatening these young girl's lives.
After several months of us having a fantastic time recording footage together and continuously bursting with creative fits, Plena produced a provocative piece of film and placed it in my hands like a fresh newborn. Plena meshed images of me in various locations, played with sources of light and shadow and gave the piece a sense of movement by depicting travel by car, train, foot and most importantly, the pen. Set to penetrating music by Ray Barretto and a lofty guitar piece he wrote for me called Y.A.I.A.I.S.T.B., I was immediately struck by the combination of nostalgia & longing coupled with pride & strength that he inspired. The push to succeed as an individual and as a people struck me and inspired the piece Soñamos y Lucharemos. We would share it at the Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase which was also billed as a birthday celebration for Co-founder George "Urban Jibaro" Torres', feature Lemon Andersen and me! YAY! Good times! The event itself felt as if it was destined. Curtains up for Bomba y Plena.
His booming voice pushed through the air like thunderclap. Roberto Plena Irizarry delivered a piece about the struggle and plight of women in a misogynistic patriarchal society. He pounds the audience with the question, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a cancerous breast?" Thus begins our most official debut as one of the rare poetry couples in the scene. Enter Bomba y Plena.
Upon the fist few pops of percussion, my voice rang out deep and confident that it would lend itself to what he had created. Two minds, one spirit. Each scene was created with love. That in itself guarantees impact. It's moody and mobilizing effects on the crowd were evident by the reception with which our presentation received. People wore proud smiles, jawed dropped, they nodded their heads in solidarity, shouted and rushed us with hugs, accolades, some with tears in their eyes. Amidst all of the positive feedback from friends and peers the words "unique, powerful, moving, touching, different, amazing, beautiful" soaked into my skin. We embraced feeling the moment stamped in the timeline of spoken word history. It was a milestone for us for many reasons.
As fabulous as that moment had been it was now time to get to the anxiously awaited feature, our beloved Spit King, Lemon Andersen. In October we'd seen County of Kings, shared the script which we were ecstatically privy to as I'd been blessed with it by his press people as a poetry blogger; we watched his YouTube clips in an effort to absorb some of his awesomeness by osmosis, by learning through observation. We talked about that evening for months savoring one of the shining memories we'd shared in our first few weeks together. Lemon was part undoubtedly part of the Bomba y Plena landscape. And now here we sat perpendicular to Lemon, underneath his words, sitting with my feet literally on the stage. I could feel every bounce, step, his rhythm along with the rumble of his voice bounced through me. Plena recorded every sound, movement and nuance. It was glorious art penetrating the fabric of our lives and relationship.
We floated back to the Bronx recollecting out first experience with Lemon, watching his play captivated by every word. Now we'd opened for him at the showcase where Plena had first seen me on a night that I was the featured artist. Plena and I had stepped out to try something new together successfully. And elated we mused, "It's only the beginning."
we are
somos
soy
descendants of the hopeful and the practical whose
dreams tacked down the uneven path for who we are today
leaving all that they knew to follow a dream into the unknown
from barro to concrete
children of the the juanitas, marias y jaimes
left to stand in stead for their honor
crushed by an opportunistic system that then pointed at them
as an example of inferiority and cultural failure
we are
somos
soy
those who stomp statistics
break cycles
rework identity
live outloud
because we write
we write scrawling while blazing new paths
from the bx, to manhattang, to the bk, out into queens and alllllll the way to staten island,
we are more than enough
we are
somos
soy
the fruition of the hard work of the the piraguero, the frutero, the seamstress half blind yet peering into the future
told to give up while reaching out with yearning hands and hearts
lucharemos
hasta en la luna
we live out our dreams
no longer allowing ourselves to be seen as an invisible mass
allowing self love to wash away the doubt
taking 10 steps forward
each one taking position
using all of the best in us that our heritage has to offer
because we are all
soñamos
a renaissance is upon us
we live in a spirit of unity that pushes past all who come against us
we hold onto to one another
grab on tight in familial faith and love
raise each other up in the spirit of progress
~y lucharemos
juntos
our voices harmonize
invincible
powered by the silent primal screams of our elders
we are those who rise up on behalf of those
who took 5 steps forward and were pushed 3 steps back
we dance 10 steps forward
we are the vanguard
with every generation separated from patria we lose words
but are blessed with a new identity
a language birthed in Nuyorico
shouted out into the world
y con eso
vamos pa'lante
sin pena
Special thanks to Papo "Swiggity" Santiago and George "Urban Jibaro" Torres for giving us the green light and embracing us as Capicu fam.
To watch the footage of Lemon's performance for that night visit our YouTube Channel: BombaPlena
It was a beautiful night in Nuyorico last Friday in Brooklyn. As Bomba y Plena we shared our first film short "Soñamos y Lucharemos" at the Capicu Cultural & Poetry Showcase. We opened for Lemon Andersen, Tony award winning poet & author of County of Kings.
Plena produced a audio/visual video art piece that inspired hope, cultural pride, the vigorous urge to mobilize my people to improve our future to honor our past. Our collaboration of video and live spoken word provided a unique experience and is just the beginning... Stay tuned to the Bomba y Plena YouTube Channel.
Thank you, Viv for this lovingly made composition of the Bomba y Plena journey. Your support gives us strength and adds to the positivty and creativity that inspires us. It's only just begun.
Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 1:30AM 
