Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Hey You....

I’d like to talk to you for a moment, to tell tales of a poet and a radio show. After returning home this evening, I sort. I separate. I define these feeling. analyze them for merit. So, the poem I wrote, Teachers, I presented it to them, as foretold, and humanity dwelled among every woman and every man as I said before, touching the core of the basic element of emotions within oceans of intellect and respect. You see I signed it a student, gave copies to the teachers. I didn’t want credit. Humanity was its own prize, reasons to push on, to live, to love, to understand, to learn...more than can be imagined. It belonged to us. Every student. And every teacher. But, shortly after, without my consent, the poem was read on a local radio show. Of course, they ended it as I did, from a student. It seems now what was intended for common good of all, has transformed into a selfish feeling. I think I am selfish. Finding myself thirsting for recognition, I ponder. And ponder. But I wind up here, kissing the feet of selfish feeling.

11 Comments:

Blogger westcoastmama said...

Ah, James....you worked so hard on that piece. You should have signed your name and penned the fact that you wrote it for all the students. You see, someone can now lay claim to your piece. You have a right to be selfish sometimes.

And, why didn't you call me if you need to talk? geez! artists....lol

12:20 AM  
Blogger Sir James Eric Watkins said...

I'm so wound up. They told me, after I left they praised it, went and broadcasted it on the radio. ) They were so proud. And now I feel so badly for feeling so fucking selfish. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

12:38 AM  
Blogger Sir James Eric Watkins said...

I just sent an email, requesting for a chance to reread it, myself (you know that it wasn't read the way I'd read it).

See. the tightness is gone from my chest. I knew I'd feel better just letting out. ahhhhhh....still confused though. I wonder if that was a good idea sending that mail. Now I'm making that circle again, thoughts leading to no where, second guessing. Yeah. I'm shutting up now.

Thanks Mary.

12:44 AM  
Blogger Sir James Eric Watkins said...

They can't steal it, can they? Hell, it was on this blog two weeks before I read at the college. Right?

Come on. Talk to me before I fly out to Cali.

12:57 AM  
Blogger dave said...

James you own the copyright having published it already. No need to worry there. Remember why you wrote it, not for you, who cares whether anyone else knows how great thou art, as long as you do. Always remain humble! Perhaps those words will endure ages having no name attached.

1:30 AM  
Blogger Sir James Eric Watkins said...

I'm sure of it, that I own the copyright. I know that. I guess I'm just overwelmed at how selfish I really am.

You're right Dave, And I know it. But I already sent that email. Fuck!

Meditate.

thanks dave.

1:35 AM  
Blogger westcoastmama said...

*hug* James, don't over think things. If it happens that they'd love for you to read it and ask you, then do it. Otherwise, remember that you wrote it as a tribute. Heh...you can fly out to Cali anytime. I don't think you could keep up with me! lol

11:54 PM  
Blogger fineartist said...

That hit my stomach pit with a thud James. Really.

Bottom line, it IS your work, you ended it as it was meant to be ended, and YET the name on the TOP of that piece should be James E Watkins.

When a person's work is showcased in any format, all effort should be made to acknowledge the person who made it.

And if someone were to now take your peom and slap his/her name on it, that would be plagiarism right?

You've been plagiarized, by the withholding of your name, I think.

A hard lesson learned.

I think I'm getting all clenched up...
xx, Lori

9:05 PM  
Blogger fineartist said...

And yeah, you have the modern day, computer age copyright, just as good as mailing it to yourself two weeks ago...keeping it in a sealed envelope and whipping it out in a court of law.

But

I understand all too well that feeling you had, I don't think of it as being selfish though, maybe I'm wrong.

See I understand how it is to not get credit for what you do. Especially when what you do is so deeply embedded within you. So much a part of you...and a labor of your spirit, soul, sweat and tears, and joy too. I know.

Sure Dave's right it's yours, you know it kicks axe and it was meant to touch people and it did, but I know.....

9:13 PM  
Blogger beckyboop said...

Damn it to hell! I would be feeling selfish too! Feel proud that your work was able to touch the emotions of so many people. I'm proud of you luv; very proud. You have to admit, it is one hell of an affirmation. See James, you rock. There's no denying it now.

Becky :)

9:48 PM  
Blogger Rain said...

We want to be recognized and remembered for our work, so that when we die, we don't die completely. Your are not selfish, only human. ummm I can't spell check this, so enjoy my bad spelling, my human flaw. I came by to link you finally, I meant to do it along time ago.

1:39 PM  

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