IT'S HERE! OPEN DOORS announces the publication of Wheeling & Healing: A Poetry Anthology Edited by OPEN DOORS Reality Poets. The Reality Poets invited residents of their long-term care facility, neighbors on Roosevelt Island, mentors and friends to contribute poems toward a message of realness, resilience and healing. Check out pics from our book launch below and connect with us to bring the Reality Poets to your community!
All images credit: Nkozi Tiewul
Wow! On March 11th, 2019, the Reality Poets performed at the iconic Bowery Poetry Club, rousing the packed house to their feet. After the event one members said, "I woke up feeling like a rock star." So to all who helped make this magical night possible, we want to say Thank You—for showing up, for lending your hearts, for sharing your voices, and most of all, for believing in us.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A LOOK behind the scenes at the OPEN DOORS Reality Poets workshopping and editing their work as well the work of the OPEN DOORS extended family.
A Look Inside:
Just Wondering
Suluk Johnson
Must we beg and cry for freedom
Must we always live oppressed
Should we work and toil for others
Till our bodies lay at rest
Should we drop all indication
That identify us black
Are we really beautiful people
Is that truth and concrete fact
Are we really even living
Being poor like being dead
And will we ever really make it
Through the bloodstained roads ahead
Should we fight like Roman soldiers
Armed with weapons made to kill
Should we leave the sword behind us
And rely on wits and will
Will our children be affected
In the many years to come
Will they live in decent housing
Or the same old city slums
Is it wrong to want for freedom
Which we have so long been denied
Should we keep accepting setbacks
Thus relinquishing our pride
Whatever choice we’re gonna make
We’ve got to sacrifice
Cause freedom just ain’t free no more
We got to pay a price
Just wondering