April 7-13, 2005

artpicks

Spoken Like a True Poet

by Natalie Hope McDonald

Books

Spoken word is hotter than ever after the '90s boom of slams, festivals and Def Jam poetry. Philadelphia doesn't have to look any further than its own Bill Holmes. Holmes' work, rooted in the notion that poetry is an active form of writing, is a testament to the oral tradition that poems are meant to be recited rather than read. He's appearing locally to do just that.

His latest 96-page poetic, Straight from My Heart, follows up his self-published chapbook Illuminations and two spoken-word EPs, Asphyxiation and The Air I Breathe. With ties to spirituality, Straight From My Heart is a collection of poetry and essays inspired by his observations about self-love and black pride. "Every word I write is an extension of my breath, my heart and my soul that I want the world to share and to remember long after my life has come to an end," the author says. He also infuses his work with a self-described humor and new-age twist that is demonstrated in the poem "Sparkle": "I discover inspiration / in the comfort of your smile: / an amalgamation / of brilliance, diligence, and patience."

A literary alumnus of Essence and The Philadelphia Tribune, Holmes has also been featured in two poetry anthologies, including The Best Poems and Poets of 2002 and Mine Eyes Have Seen Into the Millennium, plus the compilation spoken-word CD Urban Assault, a lyrical collection about coming to terms with street life. He's also launched a publishing company, Universal Expressions, and is currently working on his first novel, One Love.

Bill Holmes appears Wed., April 13, 7 p.m., courtesy Moonstone Readings series, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600. www.robinsbookstore.com.