Jessica Wilson of Los Angeles possesses an enthusiasm for poetry that is as genuine as it is infectious. As host of several readings across Los Angeles, she has featured some of the most prolific poets in the city. Writer’s Row takes place each 2nd Wednesday of the month at the beautiful Last Bookstore in downtown LA. From 7:30-10pm, which Wilson developed as an answer to the lack of representation for the written art form at Downtown LA’s monthly Art Walk. The Last Bookstore is an amazing venue with an artsy aesthetic and Jessica has proved to be a very generous host. In addition to her accomplishments with Writer’s Row, she also founded Los Angeles Poet’s Society and the SoapBox Poets, which meets at the Green Carrot Coffee House in North Hollywood, the last Sunday of each month from 4-6pm, this week featuring Rick Lupert, author of Sinzibuckwud! & host of Cobalt Poets. In Addition, she has helped organize Poetrypalooza going on right now and has jumped onboard as an organizer for 100 Thousand Poets For Change a global effort by poets to share and read their poetry in hopes for change and unity.
Jessica Wilson is a fine writer with a unique perspective whose voice is provocative, imaginative and moving. Much of her work is inspired by poets such as Maurya Simon, Jim Morrison, Edgar Allan Poe, Allen Ginsberg, Federico Garcia Lorca to mention a few. Jessica describes quality poetry as having a lyrical arrangement of visions, poetry that reveals itself through the senses and allows the reader a journey into the soul of the poet who scribed it.
Besides feeling a sense of fulfillment from writing Wilson enjoys using tools such as analysis, observation and melody to help her tap into her poetic muse. Jessica finds nature most inspiring and reveals that while pain is also a motivation for her poetry, it is often difficult for her to tread the waters of rawness pain creates. Those who had the opportunity to hear her read Mimic were able to view this first hand. Jessica read this moving piece on August 10 at Writer’s Row - In Celebration of Women Writers, and was visibly moved emotionally, as was the audience. When reading Mimic, a beautiful tribute poem written for her aunt, Jessica showed a soft vulnerability which is something many poets lack when reading to an audience. Mimic is a poem Jessica reveals as one she has kept hidden/sacred for some time, but luckily for readers, it will be published along with her other poems To Heather and Dark Muse in the upcoming anthology IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN available in 2012 through Sherman Oaks Publisher, Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House. Excerpt below:
Mimic
“…I can see your crinkled nose
laughing
at my puzzlement.
Wondering
why I haven’t figured
out your riddle by now.
“Why do you search
for me above you,
when I’m right
inside you?
Sharing the same face
and the same name.”
Jessica Wilson © 2011
Jessica has been a strong relentless voice and advocate for poetry despite the many nay-sayers and those who proclaim “Poetry is dead…” To them she proclaims that poetry is alive and strong here in Los Angeles. There are many groups keeping the poetry scene alive today. In short…Poetry isn’t dead, it’s only dead if we kill it and you would have to be dead yourself not to feel the pulse of poetry in society today.
Please take a moment to enjoy some poetry by Jessica Wilson (Click on the poem titles to be rerouted to view her poems paired with art.)
Fertile panties hit the ground.
The groin runs red, feverish
with hallucination...
drill me.
drill me.
Bodies stare together, un-jointed.
Howling.
Jessica Wilson © 2011
Fantasy Parisian Natural Habitat – Villa Savoye at Poissy-sur-Seine
Le Corbusier, your 5 points of living
within the machine.
This modern deity constructed out of pure stone,
heaven awaits. Your pillars
leave little room
for one to catch your eye. The monk on the mountain --
mighty, throbbing below a felt cloth. Swishing above tips
of skin, the mountain topples.
Windows are ribboned, made to surround
strips of oblong bodies, who’s demeanor magnifies one's appeal
of voyeurism.
And your rooftop garden
allows no meager passerby, the chance.
Wright’s Falling Water, a seductive rival,
during your time.
Sex on a stone.
Jessica Wilson © 2011
Differences and Dust -1
a woman
thrown onto paved roads
catches a ride in the backseat.
she’s comfortable there. likes the way her hair blows around;
always in her eyes.
she’s comfortable there.
paved roads are much calmer than dirt roads,
less things to cling to you when you’re in the backseat.
no dirt clinging to your shoe
or sandal.
no bodies to shout to your eyes
or at your feet.
backseat rides are comfortable.
you ride empty,
so the whole seat is to yourself.
nothing on your lap,
just the wind whipping around your eyes
and a smile inside the whole time you’re humming,
“California here I come.”
Jessica Wilson © 2011
Comments