***excerpt from the book Peek A Boo: My Thoughts, My Life, My Soul by Ra'Mone Marquis coming soon on March 8, 2023***
I celebrate the arts because my livelihood tells me that I have no choice
It is the arts that healed me
An unclear vision was written and made plan
From rocky roads to swimming seas and climbing mountains
It is the arts that raised me
It is the arts that continue to sustain me
Rather the poetry of Proverbs
Or the hymns of olden days
The arts have given me strength, faith, and ever-growing peace
The arts? A privilege to humbly celebrate
It’s the boom like an 808
An emphatic 8 count
Fiya 16 bars
Glass shattering high notes
Or the efficient flows creating breathtaking heaven on a blank canvas
I relish in the artistic tap of Savion Glover and Gregory Hines
Their strength and infectious presence; uplifted a world of souls undeniable to any color barrier
I was a young boy the first time I heard Ella Fitzgerald
Her syncopated staccato melodies gave me joy while her soul elevated me
When Sammy Davis Jr. transferred into Bojangles
My eyes were at attention
From soul to soul
I saw a creation of God
Moving as if the audience was his disciples, the stage was his sea; he moved effortlessly as if he walked on water
It’s the boom like an 808
An emphatic 8 count
Fiya 16 bars
Glass shattering high notes
Or the efficient flows creating breathtaking heaven on a blank canvas
I celebrate art and its diversity
Poetic lyrics of Tupac opened my horizons to truth…to a world other than my own - yet relatable
Rather I Rocked This Way with Run DMC
Pushed It with Salt N Pepa
Understood a Hard Knock Life through Jay Z
Or learned some Country Grammar from Nelly
Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye taught me about getting me some Sexual Healing so I could experience a Love TKO
When Anita Baker taught me about Sweet Love she soothed my soul like milk and honey
Chills…enchantment…in awe was what I felt
When Whitney went from telling me who she wanted to dance with to who she was saving all her love for
From her telling me why I needed to Exhale to her telling me who she turns to when the melody fades
From the cotton fields through Jim Crow…to a country led by Trump
I celebrate the arts of the gospel
Kirk Franklin spoke to my future when I learned that there was Something About That Name Jesus
Shirley Ceasar helped me to remember that I’m Next In Line For A Miracle
When depression visited me and anger seduced me
When loneliness crowded me and darkness blinded me
I was reminded of where the Center of My Joy existed
And when I neglected myself, disappointed God, and ignored that still small voice
I was re-assured that I may fall down but I can always get back up
You see I celebrate the arts not because of its existence but because of its power
Because of its cause and effect
You see…..
If it wasn’t for the arts I probably would’ve taken more pills that day…
Yep that’s bout right
If it wasn’t for the arts I probably would’ve walked around that corner that night
If it wasn’t for the arts I probably would’ve signed my name on that document
Or got in that car and sat right in that back see right behind the driver
If it wasn’t for the arts I wouldn’t have accepted the love or the help
‘Cause Lord knows I don’t trust most people
Like the prodigal son – it brought myself back to where I belonged
If it wasn’t for the arts I wouldn’t have peace and confidence unlike ever before
There’s a joy and happiness that I just can’t explain
It was the arts that put my eyes back on the prize
The arts… had re-introduced me to me
It’s the boom like an 808
An emphatic 8 count
Fiya 16 bars
Glass shattering high notes
Or the efficient flows creating breathtaking heaven on a blank canvas
I celebrate the arts because it helped me appreciate and respect the man in the mirror
So rather I want To Be Real
Set it off
Remember that it’s just like Candy
Be drunk in love
Stay away from the cleanup woman
Or be feenin’ like Jodeci
I celebrate the arts because without it….
I Never Would’ve Made It!
~Dedicated to the Melbourne/Palm Bay
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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