True Life: I was a Love Jones extra
The other day I cringed when someone mentioned going to a poetry reading. I took a pause and reflected on the scoffing I’d just let loose. I then thought to myself…self, when did our love for poetry die. It was then that I had a montage type flash back about my rise and fall as a boho/love jones extra.
Initially I’d gotten into poetry back in 96/97. I use to do a few events on campus where i’d recite some of my poems. I was also an English major so it was only natural that it was my segue way into the bohemian life style.
I’d cut all my hair off back in 95 because it was so damaged, I wasnt taking care of it. I’d always go to local hip hop nights and poetry venues before I cut my hair but it wasn’t until immediately after I cut my hair that the natural dudes and back pack rappers took to me. Owwwww. lol. I thought this short hair thing isn’t so bad..more dudes liked it more than i thought.
Many Saturday’s I’d go to Larry Stewart’s with my girls to hear poetry and we’d have a ball. Genuinely enjoying wine and people’s words. We’d go to other spots in Baltimore and eventually my love for poetry grew. Like i really enjoyed it.
Around that time I grew my locs and felt that no other style of dress was no more deserving than hippie chic…thus my boho era began. I mean i did it all. Crochet, tie dye, and plenty are denim. I also did platforms with everything. I’d frequent the Organic Soul Tuesdays and 5 season on Wednesdays. I think I was on my way to OD’ing..
I noticed that I’d try to get to 5 seasons later and later just to partake in the after party from poetry. A few times when poetry was still on at 1230am i’d sit begrudgingly with friends as we loudly laughed over top of the poets who were on. douchey, i know.
When 5 seasons changed locations that was the end of my love affair with poetry. It went from being inspiring to a vent sessions for baby mama’s who were done wrong , baby daddy’s coping pleas and Lothario poets doing punanay poems.
I left and haven’t been back since. Now when i hear poetry reading I think of patchouli poisoning.
I really can’t imagine you in crochet. That’s a life time before I knew you I guess. You still my big sis.
I used to be the biggest poetry fiend. All the way back from high school, college, and up to the early 2000’s. But like you said somewhere along the line all the sisters were mad, and all the dudes where trying to be Darius from Love Jones. I’m just wondering why all the damn poems had to be about sex?! That ish got old real quick!