“Poetry is sustenance for the soul.” J. Berkowitz
James Berkowitz, author of The Angels are Watching and Canteen Trumpets at Noon has spread his seeds of poetic wisdom from New York to Los Angeles. Inspired by the interconnectedness of all living things and forms of life with a reverence for nature and physics James’ work has a musical quality, both soulful and expressive. His body of work is a deep ocean of inspiration for readers which pleas for oneness, hope and compassion. Poems such as A Saint In The City, One Language Called Harmony & Reaching For The Light Of Day both in title and content aspire to bring mankind together in a universal pulse or kinship.
Inspired by visionary writers such as Blake, Whitman, Ginsberg and Rilke to name a few, Berkowitz is captured by writers who possess the ability to connect with all who are open to receiving the wisdom offered within their collection of work. He is also inspired by the experimental language and rhythm these writers create with their unique poetic voice and style.
James describes himself as a writer, like a moth drawn to light. “Language is the music for which I dance with words, step by step with a rhythm that delves deeper into the inner voice of the soul extending through thought, heart and hands, using creative tools from pen to paper, from keyboard to screen.” Poetry is the communication of the soul reaching out to all who are open to the emotion and enlightenment available for the taking.
When James is not pressing pen to parchment, he enjoys both city life and the solitude of nature. He clearly finds his muse just about everywhere, whether it is enjoying yoga, cooking, art or culture, much of these influences can be found within his poetry.
As an advocate for the poetry movement James recently hosted the live poetry reading from the rooftop of Venice Breeze Suites celebrating the 1st Anniversary of The Venice Art Crawl with wine and cheese, proving once again poetry is alive and strong in modern society.
A SAINT IN THE CITY
Unnoticed, he travels the sidewalks
and alleyways sharing leftover food
and pocket change to those in despair
standing on corners, living out of shopping
carts, and shuffling to keep warm.
No recognition, accolades, or media
worthy story attention is given
but the action takes place.
He dries the tears and wipes the dirt
from faces with restaurant napkins;
consoling the unfortunate without
therapist prices.
This unknown person carries on
with charitable work sacred to those
who receive.
The dire streets are his place of
worship for those forgotten.
No titles or distinction are necessary,
and a mere thank you is suffice.
Many will never know of his
whereabouts but he exists.
He is the evolution of endless time,
the Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed
and all thoughts of greatness
beyond the human eye and brain.
He is the saint in the city,
cloaked in a robe of heart and compassion.
A saint in the city,
amongst you and me and me and you
and everyone we know.
A saint in the city,
walking in love and light.
James Berkowitz © 2011
ONE LANGUAGE CALLED HARMONY
One language called harmony
transcended the borders of native speaking tongues
and carried a melodious tune around the globe
One heart pulsed harmony
carrying a beat in life long rhythm
transcending the drum of the soul
One language called harmony
Harmony called a language of one
A language of one
A language of the heart
The heart of a language called one
James Berkowitz © 2011
REACHING FOR THE LIGHT OF DAY
Lost in a song
Sweet echo of your voice
A parade in the streets
Reaching for the light
Dream paced footsteps
on a boulevard of fashion
Flickering under a street lamp
the parking meter flashes
A tidal wave of thoughts
dancing under a worn cap
as faces pass by
reaching for the light
Brothers and sisters worldwide
were reaching for the light
A stranger passed by
reaching for the light
Reaching for the light of day
Brave hearts yield love
read the human marquee sign
A parade in the streets
Reaching for the light
Siren screams fade
with closing bar room doors
People disappear
returning to their homes
Some to a bed of grass
Some to a mattress on a bed
Some to a cold pavement
where angry blood has shed
One match burned dimly
inside a sidewalk crack
when the stranger reappeared
to bring life back
Reaching for the light
Reaching for the light of day
James Berkowitz © 2011
More poetry by James Berkowitz can be found on his website www.jamesberkowitz.com & his work was recently added to www.EdgarAllanPoet.com, a Sherman Oaks based small press publishing house and international poetry archive where viewers can read his bio, visit his links and enjoy poetry by James paired with art, as well as work by a number of local and international poets and writers. His page can be found on the following link: James Berkowitz
In addition, to being a strong and dedicated voice in the poetry community, you can visit him on his YouTube channel to listen to spoken word performances at
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