the louderARTS Project

Photo courtesy of the artist

Abena Koomson

“Gold becomes constantly more and more beautiful the more blows the jeweler inflicts upon it.”
-Rumi

In 1996 I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and have been deeply involved in arts and education since then. For many years I have enjoyed the benefit of being surrounded by a supportive, sacred circle of individuals. From the Actors Stock Company where I am Managing Director, to my work with students with learning disabilities at the Winston Preparatory School, to my participation as a member of louderARTS Project, I spend most of my time creating and absorbing art. Writing has been a way to chronicle this journey as well as examine the constant conflict of my spirit. I have found many instruments of expression: teaching, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, bass guitar, oil pastels, digital photography, knitting, dance and most of all my voice. The production of sound through subtle movements of the body, working in unison, is the metaphor for what I experience as a relationship with a higher power.

abena at louderARTS dot com

Blacksmith Orchestra
(A poem inspired by Romans 12:9-16)

Come to the meeting place. Bring your harmony. Let it pound.
Our love should break the barriers of sick living down with the sledgehammers of right-with-goodness.

Though touch fragiles us, let us practice face-to-face, arm-in-arm, kiss-to-kiss love.
Lift your sister upon your shoulders until her face touches the sky.

Keep the crazy spinning flowing in God's healing whirlpool.
Sledgehammer raw hope into sheets of faith ready for assembly.

Though we may not make it to tomorrow, Today, let us practice face-to-face, arm-in-arm, kiss-to-kiss love.
Let brother be the bridge that leans over your flowing waters. Flow continually,

a waterflow that opens at the mouth of God, feeding him all your fervor and trembling;
waves will reflect back into you and guide your ships to still waters.

Come to the meeting place. Bring your harmony. Let it pound.
Our love should break the barriers of sick living down with the sledgehammers of right-with-goodness.

Make love cakes and place them on hungry tongues.
Ring the feast bell often.

Smile at those who won’t smile back, for your smile is their dawning day
and who knows but that they may wake up on the right side of the bed this morning.

Rise when their sun rises, sleep when their sun sleeps.
Let the sound of you ring into me.

Come to the meeting place. Bring your harmony. Let it pound.
Remember how small your hands are compared to the Blacksmith who hammered your frame into being.

Willingly be welded with other precious metals, so that we stand instead of lying in pieces on the floor.
Do not suppose that you will be anything but junkplay if you stay alone as a rod or sheet of metal.

Come to the meeting place. Bring your harmony. Let it pound. Let us break the barriers of sick living down with the sledgehammers of a love chorus.

© Abena Koomson

back to loudPOETS index