Showing posts with label Darrell Herbert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darrell Herbert. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

#WedNightPoetry: "Tongue Piercing" by Darrell Herbert





"Tongue Piercing"

Flawed human beings
You are now who I am
burn bright
She burned brighter and was a true genius -therefore perhaps her brighter flame went out first
She was always volatile and vulnerable and sad
and there was no way he was the right type of man to heal her
so sad -for them both -a car crash looking for somewhere to happen
It should all be laid to rest with them

She's dead.
The silence demands the obvious conclusion

Neither party is here to confirm, deny, defend, reflect or shed light on the situation

The relationship between therapist and client must be private and protected
in death as it is in life
Otherwise how can people allow themselves to be entirely open
honest and vulnerable in therapy when they know the details could be disclosed after their death?

Surely that would render therapy far less


poem by Darrell Herbert

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Join the Blacktopia Facebook group and meet great people and engage in interesting conversations


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ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT, BRAND, SERVICE WITH BLACKTOPIA!  E-mail us at BlacktopiaBusiness@Gmail.com for more information.
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Sunshine BlackRose Publications LLC is a publishing company established in 2015 and made for the independent writer.  We have reasonable prices and offer exceptional quality work.  We have a wide range of services from publishing, editing, book cover designs, self-publishing consultations to marketing.  

If you are a writer that wants to maintain all rights to your work, and have it stand out in the sea of self-published and independent authors then SBR Publications is certainly for you.

https://www.sunshinebrpublications.com

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Blacktopian Shantelle "Elle" McLin releases a book of poetry titled Beyond Nursery Rhymes: Real Life Tales.  Blacktopia is proud to feature her new book release!

Synopsis
Between the covers of this book, you will find a pilgrimage. For the author, ‘Elle’ McLin, in describing her past as a painful one, would be trite and dismissive. It is through enormous turmoil that she found herself; slowly healing, then breaking free of victimhood. She later awakens to new found hope. A victim of sexual abuse; the reality of her writing conveys to the reader, that the true assault was the violation of her soul. The aftermath was a skewed self-perception, which created a pattern of self-deprecation and bitter angst. This is a glimpse into the heart of a woman who became terrified of love, yet desired to be loved; a dichotomy. So skillfully written, Elle has masterfully conveyed her deepest, blood-raw emotions in this exquisite collection of prose. It will be an emotional journey you take with her, feeling each inference, innuendo, and breath. It is a tale of inner strength, fortification and a woman reinvented. The author has discovered self-love; the key was never outside of herself. A victory for this very brave, strong woman. Walk this pilgrimage with ‘Elle'. You will find seeds enough to plant within yourself! Powerful and evocative - not to be missed. Brenda-Lee Ranta – Author of Myriad of Perceptions & Allegories



PURCHASE THE BOOK AT THIS DIRECT LINK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945791306/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=produ0f7-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945791306&linkId=42529e967919574ea5663a23db80e295

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

#TalentTuesday "Less Shade" poem by Darrell Herbert the Artivist

"Less Shade"

Sometimes we can't always accept reality for what it is
So we create illusions like fantasies or dreams that help us cope with our disbelief
However at some point, we have to return to the real world in order to truly identify
The difference between the actual truth and what we believe to be the truth
Ignorance can be blissful if the truth is painful
But knowledge is the true key to happiness in this world
- Darrell Herbert 



_________________________________________________
Join the Blacktopia Facebook group and meet great people and engage in interesting conversations


_________________________________________________________
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT, BRAND, SERVICE WITH BLACKTOPIA!  E-mail us at BlacktopiaBusiness@Gmail.com for more information.
____________________________________



Sunshine BlackRose Publications LLC is a publishing company established in 2015 and made for the independent writer.  We have reasonable prices and offer exceptional quality work.  We have a wide range of services from publishing, editing, book cover designs, self-publishing consultations to marketing.  

If you are a writer that wants to maintain all rights to your work, and have it stand out in the sea of self-published and independent authors then SBR Publications is certainly for you.

https://www.sunshinebrpublications.com

________________________________________________________________



Blacktopian Shantelle "Elle" McLin releases a book of poetry titled Beyond Nursery Rhymes: Real Life Tales.  Blacktopia is proud to feature her new book release!

Synopsis
Between the covers of this book, you will find a pilgrimage. For the author, ‘Elle’ McLin, in describing her past as a painful one, would be trite and dismissive. It is through enormous turmoil that she found herself; slowly healing, then breaking free of victimhood. She later awakens to new found hope. A victim of sexual abuse; the reality of her writing conveys to the reader, that the true assault was the violation of her soul. The aftermath was a skewed self-perception, which created a pattern of self-deprecation and bitter angst. This is a glimpse into the heart of a woman who became terrified of love, yet desired to be loved; a dichotomy. So skillfully written, Elle has masterfully conveyed her deepest, blood-raw emotions in this exquisite collection of prose. It will be an emotional journey you take with her, feeling each inference, innuendo, and breath. It is a tale of inner strength, fortification and a woman reinvented. The author has discovered self-love; the key was never outside of herself. A victory for this very brave, strong woman. Walk this pilgrimage with ‘Elle'. You will find seeds enough to plant within yourself! Powerful and evocative - not to be missed. Brenda-Lee Ranta – Author of Myriad of Perceptions & Allegories



PURCHASE THE BOOK AT THIS DIRECT LINK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945791306/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=produ0f7-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945791306&linkId=42529e967919574ea5663a23db80e295
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RENEWED INSPIRATION MISSION
Renewed Inspiration's mission is to provide serenity for at-risk teenage girls overcoming environmental, academic, and social challenges. Renewed Inspiration utilizes small group development to create a space for at-risk teenage girls to experience renewal in self-esteem, community engagement, and future aspirations.
RENEWED INSPIRATION VISION
Renewed Inspiration's vision is to help disadvantaged young women achieve their full potential by empowering and inspiring them through beneficial resources in hopes of shattering generational cycles.
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Monday, August 21, 2017

#MCM (Monday's CLASSY Man): Darrell Herbert The Artivist






















Today's #MCM (Monday's CLASSY Man) Salute goes to Darrell Herbert the Artivist.  Darrell Herbert is a poet and a self described "Artivist" (that's a cross between an activist and an artist).

Darrell is an award winning poet who has had his poetry featured in many publications.


"My latest achievements include being a recipient of the NY Literary Magazine's "5 Star Writer Award." My poem "Perfect Form" was published in PPP Ezine, Dissident Voice, and Excavation. My poem "Cantus Firmus" was published in Scarlet Leaf Review, Rejected Lit, Anti-Heroin Chic, and Excavation." - Darrell Herbert


INDEED INDEED


Darrell Herbert was recently featured on a episode of "Welcome to the Cuntry" with Barbara the Cuntry Cleaning Lady.  You can listen to it here at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/PodcastsOnDemand

Blacktopia is also proud to have Darrell Herbert as a member of it's growing community.  

THANK YOU DARRELL




_____________________________________
Join the Blacktopia Facebook group and meet great people and engage in interesting conversations


_________________________________________________________
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT, BRAND, SERVICE WITH BLACKTOPIA!  E-mail us at BlacktopiaBusiness@Gmail.com for more information.
____________________________________


Blacktopian Shantelle "Elle" McLin releases a book of poetry titled Beyond Nursery Rhymes: Real Life Tales.  Blacktopia is proud to feature her new book release!

Synopsis
Between the covers of this book, you will find a pilgrimage. For the author, ‘Elle’ McLin, in describing her past as a painful one, would be trite and dismissive. It is through enormous turmoil that she found herself; slowly healing, then breaking free of victimhood. She later awakens to new found hope. A victim of sexual abuse; the reality of her writing conveys to the reader, that the true assault was the violation of her soul. The aftermath was a skewed self-perception, which created a pattern of self-deprecation and bitter angst. This is a glimpse into the heart of a woman who became terrified of love, yet desired to be loved; a dichotomy. So skillfully written, Elle has masterfully conveyed her deepest, blood-raw emotions in this exquisite collection of prose. It will be an emotional journey you take with her, feeling each inference, innuendo, and breath. It is a tale of inner strength, fortification and a woman reinvented. The author has discovered self-love; the key was never outside of herself. A victory for this very brave, strong woman. Walk this pilgrimage with ‘Elle'. You will find seeds enough to plant within yourself! Powerful and evocative - not to be missed. Brenda-Lee Ranta – Author of Myriad of Perceptions & Allegories



PURCHASE THE BOOK AT THIS DIRECT LINK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945791306/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=produ0f7-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945791306&linkId=42529e967919574ea5663a23db80e295
________________________________________________________________


RENEWED INSPIRATION MISSION
Renewed Inspiration's mission is to provide serenity for at-risk teenage girls overcoming environmental, academic, and social challenges. Renewed Inspiration utilizes small group development to create a space for at-risk teenage girls to experience renewal in self-esteem, community engagement, and future aspirations.
RENEWED INSPIRATION VISION
Renewed Inspiration's vision is to help disadvantaged young women achieve their full potential by empowering and inspiring them through beneficial resources in hopes of shattering generational cycles.
__________________________________________

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

#WedNightPoerty: Century Teenagers (by Darrell Herbert the Artivist)

Century Teenagers (by Darrell Herbert)
 
In terms of literary interpretation, we should beware of too many sweeping autobiographical assumptions
The bible says it was Noah, so this is Noah
She haunts me with both beauty and tragedy, what a wonder of a woman
I'm sometimes as equally as cheerful
Was sensitive and wise than became suicidal
Your picture hangs in my halls, you are still an inspiration to many
I think shooting yourself is ignoring everything sacred, important, or valuable
It takes guts to stay positive, being negative is the easiest thing in the world
So much hate on century teenagers
Like good writing still exists
Do you honestly believe all teenage girls are air-headed idiots?
So ashamed that fans are so misogynistic and dismissive of young women
A tortured soul, far beyond his years, scratching from the inside out to find his place, his voice in this world
He was poised and utterly insane in all the same right
To compare him to anything or anyone is simply ridiculous- he was the definition of unique
Was a unique talent, but also a normal young person with problems and insecurities common to today's teenage girls?
Also, I think there are many young writers whose talents far exceed hashtags and one hundred and forty characters
Let's not label all teens as lazy and illiterate
I don't think it has much to do with what others think or say
I think it has to do with how loud it is in our own head
If it Is an insult, I find it quite ironic, coming from the generations who raised teenager girls and got paid from their insecurities
How about a millennial to see great literature as a reflection of his generation
It is pain from the beginning
If you feel isolated and rejected for some reason or another, be it a realistic understanding of other people's views on you, or because of something distorted inside your head
If you feel that what people think of you makes you want to die, and find yourself unable to change yourself, or the situation, it is the only defense left to keep you somehow alive without falling apart
To think that you just don't care
The day you become too cruelly faced with the fact that you do care, but nobody cares, that your basic social and emotional needs just remain terrifically unfulfilled and you can find no way to save yourself or contact with others
 
It is often as a result of some kind of trauma that people develop mental disorders
It is very common that people retreat from social life after being seriously violated, abused or neglected
They probably were not born thinking they just don't care
Something happened to them, or in some cases, it is more like that nothing good happened and nobody was there for them when something should have been done
Tells clearly about a traumatized and dissociating child
Seems to me not only have suffered of just mental illness, there has been something in life that drove so out of balance
Sometimes it's not that you choose not to care and want to break that necessary trait, but some experiences are just too much for your nervous system to handle, and when it becomes too overwhelming and devastating for your mind, it kind of autonomously shuts off in order to protect you from getting hurt again
After that, you may feel just empty, unable to care of have feelings like normal people
It is actually quite different, it is about conflict, isolation, and an intelligent girl, which experiences some bewildering feelings and makes her fall in her abyss


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

#WedNightPoetry: "Charger" by Darrell Herbert the Artivist

"Charger" by Darrell Herbert the Artivist

Girl, let me pick you up in the whip
Like a girl who does it all, and I know she does some tricks, that's her gift
Sending that late night text, that's that call that I miss
Rolling down memory lane as we reminisce

Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Going hard, but she want me to go harder
Let me lay you down before the party
Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Like a smart girl, but this girl is much smarter
Let me lay you down before the party

Girl, let me pick you up by your house
Like a girl who goes out, all you got to do is give me a shout, if you know what that's about
Like a girl who makes me laugh, so you better not pout  
Pop it for me on the couch, her services require tout

Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Going hard, but she want me to go harder
Let me lay you down before the party
Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Like a smart girl, but this girl is much smarter
Let me lay you down before the party

Girl, let me pick you up without your friends
Did you get the text that I sent?
If you read it, are you reading it again?
Before it's all said and done, things were done if it was meant

Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Going hard, but she want me to go harder
Let me lay you down before the party
Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Like a smart girl, but this girl is much smarter
Let me lay you down before the party
Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Going hard, but she want me to go harder
Let me lay you down before the party
Girl, give me my charger
Let me shut it down before the party
Like a smart girl, but this girl is much smarter
Let me lay you down before the party




Wednesday, October 19, 2016

#WedNightPoetry: "Lonely Child" (by Darrell Herbert)

"Lonely Child"

When I'm with her, you and me babe, you already know
When I'm with her, a subtle voice asked me if I want to let go
Girl, I'm lonely child
Girl, we're not lonely here, we need a room
When I'm with her, that subtle voice changed into such a familiar soul

Darrell, I know you love her and you waited on her since you were eighteen years old
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want a relationship to grow

When I'm with her, you and me babe, you already know
I want something that can't be done in this tiny space, that's when you toss to sleep on your pillows  
Girl, I'm lonely child
Girl, we're not lonely here, it's almost noon
When I'm with her, that subtle voice changed into such an unfamiliar tone

Darrell, I know you love her and you waited on her since you were eighteen years old
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want a relationship to grow
Darrell, I know you love her and you always thought of her as beautiful 
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want to be faithful
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want life to be simple

When I'm with her, you and me babe, her hand is what I want to hold
When I was eighteen I dated this one girl who I thought of as absolutely impeccable
Girl, I'm lonely child
Girl, we're not lonely here, sweep expectations off using your broom
When I'm with her, that subtle voice made me call her on my cell phone 

Darrell, I know you love her and you waited on her since you were eighteen years old
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want a relationship to grow
Darrell, I know you love her and you always thought of her as beautiful 
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want to be faithful
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want life to be simple

When I'm with her, you and me babe, no echoes of a powerful moan
When she was nineteen her grades were so great that she actually graduated on the honor role 
Girl, I'm lonely child
Girl, we're not lonely here, now all we need here is a bride and a groom
When I'm with her, that subtle voice flowed into her river of gold 

Darrell, I know you love her and you waited on her since you were eighteen years old
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want a relationship to grow
Darrell, I know you love her and you always thought of her as beautiful 
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want to be faithful
Darrell, I know you love her and you just want life to be simple

I'm never hiding the girl that I love, I just hope she knows that I truly love her and care
I'm never hiding the girl that I love, she's so sophisticated and fair
I'm never hiding the girl that I love, her brown eyes are as gorgeous as her angelic hair 
I'm never hiding the girl that I love, it's us against the other pair
I'm never hiding the girl that I love, that's when we stop and stare


A poem by Darrell Herbert the Artivist



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

#WedNightPoetry: "Urinalism" by Darrell Herbert

Urinalism by Darrell Herbert

Urinalism

Left arm stung with polarizing I.V., but P.L.M.S. is forcing me to twitch my left arm vigorously as I attempt to sleep
How do you expect me to believe he's white when my heart is cold and black?
Sometimes I just wish I could die from heart cancer instead of having Grover's heart attack 

Wait, that's rape, does that mean you will urinate on my faith?   
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean Jesus really fell from grace?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean Heaven is an actual place?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean your anger issues will suffocate my rage?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean I'm someone I love or hate?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean I'll commit suicide on my birthday?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
With this rope my body will hang from left to right, with this belt my body will swing from side to side

Of course you would think that I was a dying orphan, four kids, and one ending that has blood on my hat
Cut off my wings like they did to that tortured angel who was never given his wings back
Heaven sent Hell's gates to resurrect my Ulcer plaque 
And rumor has it that you heard of me
Who do I call when I have flashbacks of insecurities?
Scorpion vice, insert the spikes into my lifeless eyes
Don't make me expose your bullshit and my bullcrap
Sometimes I just wish I could die from lung cancer instead of having Mahalia's heart attack 

Wait, that's rape, does that mean you will urinate on my faith?   
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean Jesus really fell from grace?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean Heaven is an actual place?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean your anger issues will suffocate my rage?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean I'm someone I love or hate?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
Wait, that's rape, does that mean I'll commit suicide on my birthday?
And walking on fire means that I will eventually die
With this rope I'll hang from left to right, with this belt my body will swing from side to side


Monday, September 12, 2016

#MCM (Monday's CLASSY Man): Poet Darrell Herbert



Today's #MCM (Monday's CLASSY Man) Award goes to the poet Darrell Herbert also known as The Artivist.  Darrell Herbert is an amazing songwriter and poet and he will also be a guest on Blacktopia Presents Round Table Talk Radio on Sept. 13th Tuesday at 9:00 PM EST with hosts Barbara the Cuntry Cleaning Lady, Some Guy Named Jay and Ms. Marie Jones.

You can click the link to listen OR call (516) 387-1219 to stream from your phone.  
Press 1 to get into the queue to join the discussion when we start to take calls.


Darrell Herbert we are glad to have you as a member of the future of Black Society, BLACKTOPIA.





Wednesday, August 31, 2016

#WedNightPoetry: Version Weird Random (by Darrell Herbert)

#WedNightPoetry

NEW POEM BY DARRELL HERBERT

Version Weird Random 

What's the meaning of being in love if you don't love anything?
What's the meaning of giving a fuck if you don't fuck with anything?
What's the meaning of being a crab if you'll just drag down everything?
What's the meaning of being in love if you are just a crab?

And the papers will paint my crocodile tears in today's front page of yesterday
I'm just an introvert in need of friends, in addition to that I don't want to be famous or want the fame
I'm just an introvert who could never vent because I had no trust in those who raped 
I'm just an introvert who's truly scared
What are trends, what are trends?
What are friends?

Stabbed me until I bleed it out, forced the cigarette into where she reads
Put the boiling spoon on my sincerity, and shoved the cock into where she pees
For anyone who feels like crap, for anyone who feels self-hate
For anyone who feels like no one actually gave a crap, for anyone who has been the victim of self-harm or rape

Wait, why are you talking about self-harm and rape?
Uplift your generation through grace, better watch what you say
Fuck you, because this kind of shit is happening every second of every single day





#WedNightPoetry: Rare Acid Loser (by Darrell Herbert)

Rare Acid Loser

Lazy, lazy
Psychologically crazy, but in reality, spacey
Vomiting blood, lungs grazey
Chipped tooth, birth marks shady 
Starfish sex, birth defects

Doctor, can you please pump it?
By pump it, I mean my stomach
Like an infant getting fed with acid
A loser who's less attractive
Cum stains found all over the mattress
Lynch my tears
Piss on my grief
Oddly enough, I'll tie her ropes across my knees
I'll even tie them all, helping hands used my helpless feet
Medicine, Benzedrine
Lack luster, cocksucker






Thursday, August 25, 2016

Featured poet Darrell Herbert will be a guest on Blacktopia Round Table Talk Radio



Blacktopian featured poet Darrell Herbert will be a guest on Blacktopia Presents Round Table Talk Radio on Tuesday Sept. 13th with hosts Barbara the Cuntry Cleaning Lady, Some Guy Named Jay and Ms. Marie Jones.  The show airs 9:00 PM EST.  Dial the number on the flyer to tune in!  

Keep checking back on Blacktopia for more updates on Darrell Herbert and his poetry!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Young poet Darrell Herbert inspired by Tupac Shakur



Tupac's messages and music continues to inspires the next generation of artists even decades after his death.  The young poet Darrell Herbert (The Artivist), recently named Tupac Shakur as one of his top five poets of all time in a recent interview with Black Vibes!  Read the entire interview on Black Vibes at this direct link
http://www.blackvibes.com/features/blogs/thegiantblast-darrell-herbert-poetry-poet-1421228/

Darrell Herbert is a deep poet with powerful and meaningful messages laced throughout the words of his poetic works of art.  Keep checking back here on Blacktopia to read more of his poems. 

#WedNightPoetry: Exit Hearing Declaration's Of (a poem by Darrell Herbert)

Exit Hearing Declaration's Of
Poem written by Darrell Herbert

Exit
She has way more chores
Is raping my vocal cords
Is painless
Hardcore

Exit
No encore
Sore throat
Is bloody gore

Exit
Let me out
Let me in
Tragic
Gigantic 
Organs, orgasms, organic 
Latex
No sex
And I
Never got to lick her pussy
But, her pussy is so wet 
Panties, underwear
Has white ashes and black hair
Pre-teens
Horny
Pre-birth
Know it all, how do you insert? 
Vomit
Acid
Is on filthy mattress

Exit
Kill-switch
And vinegar
For piss
Kanagawa Prefectures
Alcoholic mixtures 

Exit
I can't
Eat
Incurable
Painful 
Disease

Exit
Savviest 
And I am
Not the happiest
Person
And I am
Such a
Fucking burden
No life
Amitriptyline
Stranger 
Anger
.22, .32, .44 caliber 
Start end
Ephedrine
Imaginary
Girlfriend
Uncertain
Emotional
Emotions
Isolation
Frustration
Intimidation
Confrontation
Aspirated the vomitus, causing asphyxiation
Virgin
Curtains

Exit
No good
No breakfast
Morning wood

Exit
Am I safe?
Self-esteem is in her microwave 

Exit 
Hospital
Explanation  
Regurgitation
Tension headaches
Nasal
Anal
That fucking, bitch
Unresponsive
Toxic 
No attraction
Umbilical 
Minimal
Not attractive
Skinny
Ugly
Constant
Bitching
Helpless
Nonsense
Selfish 
Desperate
Paranoia 
Anoretic 
Goblin
Coffin


#WarmWed #WedNightPoetry Darrell Herbert the "Artivist"

 

For the remaining weeks in Aug. and the beginning of Sept., Blacktopian poet and self described "Artivist" (Activist / Artist) Darrell Herbert will share new and original poetry pieces with his new Blacktopian followers here on the Blacktopia website and Blacktopia Mobile App.

Keep checking back here for more updates!



Friday, August 12, 2016

Blacktopia Interview with Poet Darrell Herbert


Take a look at our exclusive interview with rising young talented poet Darrell Herbert.  Darrell Herbert talks to us here at Blacktopia about his poetry, inspirations, the awards he has been winning for his magnificent poetry and more!  Read all about it and explore the mind of this gifted young writer.  


Blacktopia:  Hey Darrell Herbert, how are you doing? Are you ready for this interview?
Darrell Herbert: I'm fine. I'm ready.


Blacktopia:  Could you tell the readers just a little about you before we start?
Darrell Herbert:  For the generation who often feels misunderstood, unheard, ignored, alienated, and/or suicidal, etc. I am a poet-songwriter, and an artivist. For those of you who are not aware of what an artivist is, it is basically a person who fuses artistic expression with activism.


Blacktopia:  How long have you been writing poetry, and what inspired you to want to start expressing yourself in this form?
Darrell Herbert: I have been writing poetry ever since my adolescence. More specifically when I was five, and my first of many writings was actually done on my wall. I remember just writing meaningful subject matter, and just getting lost in the illegible silence that came with the black marker. And experiences inspired me to start expressing myself in this form during that time period.


Blacktopia:  What inspires you to write in general?
Darrell Herbert: Just because someone is skinny, fat, or whatever, that does not mean what they have to say does not matter to the masses.  I particularly hate how people are criticized just because they do not fit into society, and their ideal of body image. I do not care about popularity. I do not care to be accepted by those who are extremely judgmental towards my individuality, or my artistry. In general, I typically gain inspiration from mysterious quotes, sayings, and even people. I love mysterious things. It makes me push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable as far as my writing goes, and another important thing about me is I need complete solitude when I am writing. I lock myself in a room and just write it all out. I let it all out in that locked room. 


Blacktopia:  What would you say are some of your favorite poems that you've written?
Darrell Herbert: Some of my favorite poems that I've written include "Double-Shift (Tickle Blue)", "P.U.R.P.L.E.S.T.R.E.A.K.S. (Oxy)," and "Darrell's Room." "Double-Shift (Tickle Blue)," describes how parental figures or guardians have to work double in order to provide for their children. "P.U.R.P.L.E.S.T.R.E.A.K.S. (Oxy)," is about overdosing on prescribed medication, prisoners, peer pressure, abandonment, and the ongoing battle of insecurities. "Darrell's Room," is pretty self-explanatory.


Blacktopia:  You have also written raps as well, do you have any songs recorded as a rapper or have you written for other artists?
Darrell Herbert:  I do actually have some songs recorded. I have written for other artists like Grace and Kyara.  


Blacktopia:  Do you perform any of your poetry anywhere, if so where?
Darrell Herbert: I perform my poetry in a lot of places. One of my favorite places to perform my poetry is in the Bronx with an artist collective called Live From Underground. I joined Live From Underground in 2015. On June 5, 2015 I performed for the first time at Live From Underground. I performed some lyrics I already knew by heart. They asked for an encore. Instead, I performed my poem "This Girl." 


Blacktopia:  In your own words, what is the difference between a poet and a spoken word artist, and which are you?
Darrell Herbert: I believe there's really not that much of a difference between a poet and a spoken word artist because they are both using their words to express themselves freely, but I am a poet.


Blacktopia:  You have won lots of awards and been recognized for your work, could you tell the readers a little about your awards?
Darrell Herbert: Well, my first published poem "Racism in America," earned me a national silver medal, and a gold key from the 2014 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. "Racism in America," was also taught in West Chester East High School. My poem was also annotated by the students, and I was actually given the chance to speak with them individually about what my poem meant to them and the impact it had. 


Blacktopia:  You have also had your poetry published in many different publications, could you tell us which ones?
Darrell Herbert: My poetry has been featured in a book called "Best Teen Writing of 2014." My poetry has also been featured in Writers- Black Artists Connected Blog, Yellow Chair Review, Poetic Treasures Magazine, Section 8 Magazine, Media Blast Press, as well as in HangTime Magazine and The Lemonade Stand Magazine three consecutive times respectively.


Blacktopia:  How would you describe your experience being a member of the Blacktopia movement?
Darrell Herbert: I would describe my experience being a member of the Blacktopia movement very pleasant. I feel very welcomed when I see other people with similar interest as me.


Blacktopia:  Is there anything else you would like to plug or mention?  Any shout outs?
Darrell Herbert: Shout out to the entire Live From Underground collective, and I would just like to say sensitivity is not a sign of weakness. Being different is the only difference. They're doing so much to destroy us. They want to see us silent and have us silenced. They control everything. Wandering into obscurity can make you feel lost, but feeling lost gives you the strength to rebel against what is considered normal. I am the creative-visionary. Drifting aimlessly. I love recognition. I just hate the attention that comes with it.

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Take a listen to hip hop recording artist Blakk North!  Blakk North has a lot of great messages in his music like on his lead single "Freedom" which talks about racism and police brutality in America.  Check him out at this direct link http://www.blakknorth.us and his official promo blog at http://www.blakknorth.blogspot.com