The Traveling Poet

Runaway American - Tribute song for the Arizona immigration law by racist sherrif joe

2010-05-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

VIDEO TO THE SONG:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM0hOLIeLBY

It's 2010 and as much as we try to cover it up, different groups of non-whites have been targeted over the past couple of decades. First, it was towards African-Americans. Then towards the Middle East. And now they're planting those seeds of judgment against all Hispanics. Why is it always non-whites that get targeted?
What IF the tea party was made up of all Hispanics? Or what if it was thousands of dark skinned men walking down the streets with guns?

Tim Wise nailed it on the head in his blog:

"Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.

Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington."

Believe it or not, all of these things are tied in together. We have a Black President, many are racist towards anyone who is from the Middle East, and we are now waging a war on Hispanics. I believe that people have forgotten how recent it was when racism was socially acceptable. People who were on the roof with Martin Luther King are still alive! Those events happened only a few decades ago.

So were we being naive by thinking that racism has gone away? Of course it hasn't. Instead, we buried it inside of ourselves in order to be politically correct. But until we change the ideologies that are rooted deep inside of us from our ancestors flawed way of thinking, we can never expand into seeing each other as one race. The good thing is that our children are growing up more open minded than our parents. There are 1000's of human rights organizations popping up each year, and there truly is a worldwide movement of peace and global acceptance on the rise. However, we must be willing to stand up against injustices (in a peaceful way), to let the 'powers that be' know that their time is now done. They are no longer welcome in the new world that we are creating. A world that is based on love, global understanding, and worldwide peace.

CALI CRUISING!

2009-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

June 5th – 12th – Santa Monica/Barbara/L.A./Bay
WOW. What a week! It sometimes feels like these moments are impossible to capture on film or in a poem or in a book, but I will try my best. But note; That life is ultimately meant to be EXPERIENCED and not read about or watched on television.
So after I left Santa Barbara, I went to L.A. I had intentions of staying with my friend Danny, but wanted to visit Jazz’s parents first. Once I arrived, they somehow convinced me to spend the night. I looked at it as a good opportunity to hang out with Jazz’s younger brother, who has a very curious mind about life and is going through what I remember going through at his age. I took him out to Da Poetry Lounge with me. For those of you who don’t know, Da Poetry Lounge, is one of the biggest weekly open mics in the entire country. We actually showed up 90 minutes early and there already was a line. Everybody was really nice outside and telling us about the local poetry scene.
So the doors opened up, and the poets rushed to sign up on the list. I was told that not everybody gets to read each week, so I was fortunate to be able to do so. The night was packed with talent, beauty, and many stories, including a schizophrenic homeless crack addict who just recovered over his addiction. The hosts were also very entertaining and that’s what really kept the night going. It was a beautiful mix of poetry and comedy to balance out the emotional highs and lows that words can sometimes do to us. I went up there and performed my Alphabet Poem. It went pretty good. The host said that he had no clue what I said the last 2 lines because I was talking so fast and then the DJ played a Sean Paul record poking fun  The Alphabet Poem is really just an ode to the lyrical hiphop side of my poetry. And even though there are messages in the poem, I know that most people won’t fully grasp the lyrics unless they got the album and listened to it a few times. But it’s a crowd pleaser so I like to perform it here and there. Jazz’s brother was surprisingly having a good time. He thought that poetry wasn’t his scene, but he truly enjoyed himself and that was awesome to see. We then got home at 2 a.m., and his parents were up making tea for me. I felt so bad! But I guess it’s a cultural thing when they have guests over. The next day, me and Armen played guitar hero, watched some videos, and I worked on fixing his computer. His mom came home and it was time to say Goodbye. They flooded me with fruits and vegetables! I was slightly embarrassed from receiving this abundance of gifts. Ironically, that ended up being a point of discussion later on in the week.
Why is it that people sometimes can’t receive? Especially people who give. When you block somebody from giving, you’re taking away somebody’s right to receive. Because you receive IN giving. So when somebody offers you something. Be humble. Kind. And don’t take advantage. But also learn to accept openly as a universal gift. It’s all circular!
So then I was heading to an open mic, but Danny said that he couldn’t make it because there was this church event going on. So I digged for more information like an archaeologist. I found out that it was a spiritual open church and I felt called to join him. So I made the drive and reunited with a poet that I met in Phoenix. It’s crazy, because when we met 4 years ago in Phoenix, it was just at one show. We somehow stayed in touch here and there over the years. At the time, I wasn’t even close to being on a spiritual path. I would’ve never guessed that 4 years later, I’d be staying at his place in Cali going to a spiritual church and completely connecting. It’s amazing how life works. You have no clue when you’ll run into people again and what stages in their lives they’ll be. People are never who they were when you left them. And thank God for that. Even if it goes from beautiful to ugly, instead of ugly to beautiful, it is the CHANGE that is the beauty. The continuous cycle of evolution is what creates this experience of expanding and collapsing, which is necessary for the heart to beat life into our spirits.
So when I got there, I saw there were 100’s of cars.
Danny suggested that I bring my ‘You Are Beautiful’ cards, so I decided to go up to each car and put one of those cards in the windshield. They probably are expecting it to be a business card, and then they read YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. (and hopefully smile!) So I did that for about half hour and then joined Danny in the church right when it started. I found out that it was Michael Beckwith’s Agape Ministry! NO WAY!
It’s so ironic, because he was JUST on Oprah that day and Jazz was just telling me about him.
I was blown away by all the different races, genders, and kinds of people that were there. It was like a melting kaleidoscope of beautiful light beings. They asked ‘Is anybody here for the first time? ‘ If so, Please stand up!’. So Danny makes sure I stand up, and the entire building of perhaps 400 people just FLOOD you with love. It was so intense and so beautiful. Michael Beckwith and his choir are truly channelers of the divine spirit. Within 5 minutes of witnessing the universal love, I leaned over to Danny, and said “Uh oh. Religion is in trouble.”
I’m starting to believe that Religion was important because it was part of our evolutionary process. It was created out of mental survival and that everlasting quest to expand. It was then manipulated into having a base of fear. And now, as humanity expands its consciousness, we must honor all that it has done (good and bad) and continue to expand our consciousness. I got slightly emotional thinking about how beautiful it would be if places like Agape were staple holds in each city, instead of the fear-driven religious-based churches that have billions of dollars. Ahhh. ..
So afterwards, we went home and slept. The next day, Danny took me to Venice Beach. I can’t believe I didn’t go. It was so awesome!! So many different kinds of people. Right when I showed up, I witnessed street performers dancing for a crowd and manifesting money by being social and entertaining. I then saw a group of rainbow kids sitting down, looking like they were having a rough financial day, so I decided I’d donate to them. I looked at some of their stones and then found this beautiful Peace symbol. I gave them $ 7 for it. It was one of the first donations they received all day. I decided to actually engage with them. Something we rarely do. We ended up hanging out on the grass with them for half hour, just talking. They told us about the rainbow gathering. They allowed us to interview them. Some covered their faces. But each one of their stories was amazing. This one girl came from a materialistic family in Phoenix and decided to do this while she’s young and just survive off the minimum. She’s actually planning on going to college in just a few months. Who would’ve figured walking by her, right? Well, Danny mentioned that later on in the evening, how he would respect kids like that, but never sat down and heard their stories, and after we did, we saw how ‘normal’ and kind they all were. We spit some poetry. Gave each other a hug. And went our own ways. We then walked down the boardwalk and had lunch. While we were sitting down this partly-hidden alley, there was a beautiful woman playing beautiful music. A small-shop owner with her pet dog who seemed content with life. I went up to her and gave her a You are Beautiful card just for being.
We then kept walking and these 2 females lost their hackey-sack. So I picked it up and gave it back to them. And of COURSE, took that as an opportunity to sneak in ANOTHER ‘You are Beautiful’ card. She smiled and then told me ‘Wow. I thought this was a ‘Jesus loves you’ card (because there are clouds in the background.). She then thanked me and told me she was having a terrible day and that random act of kindness changed that. I thought to myself “OMG. IT’S WORKING!’. Such a simple idea. And it’s no means ‘my’ idea. But I know we can all do this. We all SHOULD do this!
We continued on. Saw a bunch of people rapping. So we jumped in. I had a fun time remembering my past life in this life.
And that sums it up. Venice Beach was amazing. Eclectic. Artistic. And beautiful. Danny said he’s been there many times but has never experienced it like that. I felt that we truly became part of the culture instead of just tourists of it, and I felt like a true traveler , just adapting to each situation.
We then went home and headed to A Mic and Dim Lights (the second largest open mic in L.A.).
I went up there and performed Heart and completely blacked out. The crowd gave a lot of love. I connected with many people. Gave out CD’s. And build some friendships. Danny went up and performed as well (which he hasn’t’ done in years) and I was SOO happy to see him on the stage again. A poet belongs behind a mic. Period.
We then ended up freestyling the entire car ride back. And I felt a sense of true happiness beaming off the both of us. We’re both hiphop artists, poets, lyricists, and we belong in a space to create. It seemed almost nostalgic since we both have been gone from our core element for a while.
I then woke up the next morning and headed out. It was tough saying bye to Danny. He ended up giving me a book as a going away gift along with some clothes. I truly feel like I found a long-lost brother in him and the connection ran deep. I hope to reconnect with him after this trip. A beautiful soul brother indeed.
I then was ready for my first ‘ride-share’ experience!
I’ve never done ride-share, but wanted help with gas. So it was a 37 year old male and a 24 year old female. We were set to meet at 11 a.m. on June 12th at Whole Foods. While I was outside waiting for them, I saw a homeless man who asked for money. I pulled out a bill and it was a $5. I pulled out another one and it was another $5. So I thought I was meant to give him $5, so I did. He jolted with excitement and had to do a double-take. I guess they don’t normally get that much. I saw genuine gratitude in his eyes. Gratitude that most people can never show because of the abundance of things we have but don’t appreciate. I sat with him and we exchanged stories. He got emotional once he found out what I was doing and how old I was. He stood up and I stood up. He then looked me in the eyes and said “The older you get, the more you realize the less you know.” We hugged. Both smiled. And we both continued on our journey. Perhaps he’s an older version of me reminding the young version of him to be careful on the path. Or perhaps, he was just another leaf blowing in the wind on the outskirts of society. Either or, his reminder was deeply appreciated.
So the 2 people I picked up ended up being AWESOME. Me and the guy had some good conversations about philosophy and spirituality at the beginning while the female slept, and then when he fell asleep, she woke up, and me and her had the best musical connection. That’s all that was needed! We have every song in common and we were just jamming out to some Beatle renditions from Across the Universe the entire car ride. It was a great first ride-share and I’m now more comfortable doing things like that. Then I arrived in San Fran……….To Be Continued…

Welcome to CALI!

2009-06-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday- June 7th update: Lake Havasu, Mexico, Cali.

Santa Barbara.

This is one of my favorite cities. I came here when I first visited Jazz and fell in love with it. The entire college campus gets around on bicycles and it’s awesome to see 1000’s of bikes just zigging and zagging past each other.

I went from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu to Mexico to San Diego within 24 hours!

Lake Havasu was the first night I slept in my van. Perhaps what I’m actually doing didn’t hit me until this night. There were campgrounds available for $15 to park, but then the nice woman at the info-booth told me there is free public land a mile back. So I took the’ free ‘option- but not before I went to the campgrounds and collected some gemstones off the lake’s shore. I enjoyed some serenity by the water and prepared for my first night in my van. I drove it out in the dessert and was literally in the middle of nowhere away from all society.
I found a spot. Turned my van off. And on the first night……My first step out of the van…I step right next to a white snake. I jumped back in, but more out of conditioning, then fear. The snake didn’t attack or anything. It just slithered away calmly. I thought it was a bad omen, but later looked up, that a white snake symbolizes a ‘spiritual rebrith’. It’s funny how you look at something while you’re going through it compared to how you look at it in reflection. So I ended up driving my van to a different spot. I looked around and felt real comfortable in my situation. It’s kind of a toughie because sleeping in the middle of nowhere, leaves you with no resources or help in case of an emergency; But that’s completely fear-based. We live our entire lives robbing ourselves of being present with our lives based on a hypothetical unlikely situation. The human mind has an obsession with the unlikely to justify their fearful minds.
So I made myself comfortable in my van the best I could. I turned on my computer and watched a comedy to keep me in good spirits. I had trouble falling asleep though. I was woken up to what I thought was a human being next to my van, but figured out it was an animal brushing against the side of it. It was pretty hot but I stocked up on some water. I really had everything I needed, but my mind still had to become trained on how to rest and how to simply ‘be’. We struggle everyday with simply existing. Our thoughts create our prisons. Our thoughts create our keys. Everything is based on our perception of our experiences. I know I haven’t overcome my 25 years of conditioning yet, but I’ve taken the first step and feel content with how I handled my first night.

I then woke up and drove to Mexico to get my teeth fixed. I’m glad I did, because I had a bunch of cavities that would’ve became root canal jobs. I had an intuition to go but couldn’t really afford it. My Vegas trip is even more precious now. The amount I won is exactly what I needed to fix my teeth and do a little van work.

I then drove to San Diego to see an old friend of mine. She’s an amazing woman I met at the Raw Spirit Festival a year ago. She drove Jazz from Cali to Sedona that year. While I was there, I got a text message from a woman named Lani that I just met on Myspace a week ago. Come to find out, that Lani and Sabrina are actually friends. What a small world! Neither of us knew about our mutual friend when we first started talking. The synchronicities are amazing! Lani text me and told me I can stay at her place, as long as I’m okay with leaving in the morning, because she has work.
So I said Bye to Sabrina, which was surprisingly tougher than expected. We had a nice conversation, but our greatest exchange of words happened at the very end, when were completely silent and just standing there holding each other. With one final glance deep in each others eyes, I received her blessing and send her my love. We smile each other goodbye in silence and our individual journeys continued out.
So then I met up with Lani and we instantly connected. It was refreshing meeting someone my age who’s into spirituality but is still down to earth and can make really funny jokes  We just hung out all night getting into deep conversations, silly conversations, and just embracing each others presence.
So the next morning when I woke up as she was getting ready for work, she told me that I could just stay there while she’s at work. I was very grateful for this, but perhaps didn’t realize how much of a blessing it was until that afternoon. It was great that she was that comfortable with me and trusted her intuition. A young female living alone and inviting a ‘stranger’ guy to spend the night, let alone be in her apartment by himself, is definitely against the norm. But that’s the thing…Me and her weren’t strangers. When we saw each other and hugged, there was an instant memory of several past lives. Friends. Soulmates. Soul Family indeed! And being able to recognize those moments of beauty and trusting your soul’s intuition leads to beautiful possibilities.
So she went to work. I got a couple hours more of sleep in. Was able to shower. Shave. Catch up on emails. Relax. And was FULL of energy by the time she got back. After all the driving I did, I didn’t realize how exhausted I was and how bad I needed that re-charge.
So she came back from work. We went out near the beach and enjoyed a beautiful lunch. Sprayed some water on each other. Stuffed our faces. And then back home to say goodbye. We did a book exchange, which I LOVE doing. It’s about building knowledge with each other. We then said bye to each other, but I had this tickle in my heart that I’ll be seeing her again, so I just smiled as I drove off and kept it on my face during the rest of the day 
I then drove to Santa Monica where there was a poetry open mic at the International Youth Hostel! How perfect! After I performed there, I hit the boardwalk and hung out with the houseless ones. I took a box of food down there, fed them all, and just talked about life and tried giving them as much light as I can. I was planning n sleeping out there, but my other half was yearning for me. So I drove to Santa Barbara to be with her. I had to pull over every 15 minutes to close my eyes because I was THAT tired. But when I saw her, it was completely worth it.
The next day, I found out about an open mic happening. It was at Giovanni’s pizzeria. When I first showed up, there was 1 person there. But once it started, dozens of people showed up. They set up a DJ outside, and it was a complete back in the day hiphop barbeque setting. We were just all rapping and ciphering and spitting poetry out on the street. I had a complete blast. And then on my way out, I saw another hippie-fest out on the grass with jugglers and dancers. I got to perform at that event too.
Santa Barbara is funny like that. I never know of any events until I get here. Perhaps that’s what it’ll be like in each city. You can do as much research online, but most of the best spots are the underground hidden gems that you can only find by completely diving head first into each culture. A part of me wants to double this trip to 2 years instead of 1, so I can stay in each city for 2 weeks. I feel that’s the only way to truly deeply experience it. Anything less than that, and I’m judging an entire city and culture based on my extremely limited interaction with it.
But either or, I’ve had a blast so far. Reunited with some soulmates. Reconnected with my twinflame. Inspired. Got inspired. A beautiful circular exchange of energy.
I’m now off to L.A., San Fran, Mt. Shasta and then Oregon.
So many stories already. So much inspiration and love. And I feel more ready than I have ever been. It truly is the PEOPLE that provide the fuel for this trip. My faith in humanity grows stronger each day. And the great thing is, that this trip is JUST getting started. 
Love and light to you all

Las Vegas, NV

2009-06-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

BLOG UPDATE: LAS VEGAS, NV

So as you all know, I officially launched last week. The first city of the tour is now complete. It was a great trip. I got to perform at Ceasar's Palace at Poetry Nightclub! I am now on my way to California.

Vegas Review:

Ahhh... The sin city. I’m not quite sure what that means, but it’s obvious this area is built off of people with a certain mindset and that energy has remained. A city that turns people into flying insects that are mesmerized by the lights. Flying towards the electric shock of their temptations. A city where people lose money or make money. Lose themselves or find themselves. Many people come here and others hit it big. I stayed right in the middle. Didn't risk losing. But somehow found myself in a position to almost make enough money to fund the documentary.

So how did I almost turn $65 into $770,000?

The picture above was taken of me playing in the 2009 World Series of Poker covered by ESPN.

Well first, it’s important to note that I came here without any intention of playing poker. I use to play for many years, because I loved the combination of math, science, and psychology. The challenge of emotional control and mental discipline. However, since I let go of my job and am low on money, I obviously couldn’t risk losing what I had trying to win more. I honor the money I have now as a tool to promote poetry and provide gas and food on the road.

However, I ran into a friend who wanted to stake me (which means he puts up some of the money in exchange for a percentage of my winnings). So I entered a $65 tournament and won it. Then a $175. Then a $275. Then he put me in a $525. Before I knew it, I was up over a $1,000 and also won a seat into the 2009 World Series of Poker. All this without risking any of my own money. What a blessing and a good friend I had :)

It’s always been a dream of mine to eventually play in it, but I had NO clue it would happen now, when I was totally broke. It’s funny how life works.

So I survived for 15 grueling hours and out of 6,000 players who entered, I outlasted 5,600 of them. (That's 90% of the field.) I was slightly disappointed for about 5 minutes when I lost, since first place paid out $770,000!!! However, I took the little money that I won with a feeling that it’s exactly what I needed. And apparently, it was! Because on my way out of Vegas…..I ran into MORE van problems!

I had to pay quite a lot of $$$$ to fix my alternator. Yikes.

Everytime I say “Ok. My van is good to go.” Something new happens. But now I laugh it off.

When I turned $65 into a $1000 by pure manifestation, I knew it was because I was going to need it for something. And boom. Here it is. Today, I’ll be fixing my van and getting some dental work done and the universe found a way to provide for me just in time.

A couple of extra cool things happened.

1. I got to record in the studio with Princess Nubia

2. I sat at a table and this guy is like “What’s your name? Where are you from”. After I said, Apollo from Phoenix. He smiled at me, pulled out his cell phone, and started reading my phone number back to me! I was kinda freaked out . I later found out that he’s an A & R from Sony BMG and knew of me from years back. What a crazy coincidence we sat next to each other.

3. I had family in Vegas who took good care of me. I got to hang out with my adorable cousins and I won tons of stuffed animals in the “claw” game. It is beatable!!!

Reflection: Wow. I now can say that I have Played in the WSOP. Met the Love of my Life. Got a record deal. Performed at the Billboard Awards. Traveled Around the Country doing what I love…and many more amazing things that have happened over the last couple of years.

I would say that it’s time to start drafting a new bucket list, because I’ve experienced everything I’ve ever wanted to and I am SOO happy and content with everything that has happened to me. I have such gratitude for all of these life experiences and they just keep coming!

Life on the road is more challenging then expected. Organizing my van especially! I feel like I have too much stuff to be honest. It's time to start unloading and reorganizing and learning how to truly live off of less.

Vegas conclusion:

I found myself almost getting stuck here in Vegas. The same way that Sedona has a way of sucking you in and spitting you out, so does Vegas, except with a complete opposite intention.

The material realm was attempting to hold me in, but I pushed through. I remain on a mission to complete the Bracelet of Light around the country. Every time I look in my rear view mirror while driving, I’m seeing a huge light blaring out the back of the van fired up!

I couldn’t imagine a more perfect beginning to my trip then Vegas. The ultimate city of temptation. Money. Power. Lust. The physical materialistic world.

It is areas like this that I most want to go into.

I, by no means, have mastered myself.

I, by no means, am above anybody on this frequency. I join them.I am them.

Same with the homeless. The lost. The addicts. All of them.

The only difference between all of us is simply what we know and how we choose to experience it.

What are the things that we had the opportunity to learn and who were we before we learned those life-changing principles of love and light?

Our free will is based on what we think is a choice, which is highly influenced by our environment.

I will pray for the lost souls of Vegas. And celebrate for the found smiles of the lights.

Now it’s time to move on from my first city and enter the amazing state of California.

I will give you an update on my Cali trip in about 3 weeks when I’m done.

I love you all and thank you for your support.

Apollo Poetry

www.TravelingPoet.com

P.S.

Excuse me. I have a public service announcement.

I'm not a crazy man and I have no political or religious agenda.

You don't know who I am and you don't need to.

The truth is that nobody in this room can see me, but you.

By the time this poem is over, you will remember what you once were.

Prior to this moment in time, your life was floating with a broken compass pointing you in every direction except inwards.

So maybe you will find the message.........in words.

Who were you before you became what you thought you were before?

What are you turning into after you become what you wanted to be now?

Has your life ever felt like a train? People coming in and out and not appreciating the ride?

Do you not see that YOU....are the conductor, conducting symphonies with trains of thoughts and mental metal orchestras

Has your life ever like a crowded street? Screaming..for somebody to hear you!

I am bleeding...for you to see me.

But words won't make you believe me.

I just might be...a fallen angel that gave you a moment of inspiration. Or it just might be...the other way around.

Because There is more to life than meets the third eye.

So QUESTION:

How old were you when you first put on a suit?

Well fighters put on spades

Lovers put on hearts

Cops put on clubs

Business owners put on diamonds.

America chose to shuffle the deck. Pick a card. Any card. Except the Get out of Jail for free one.

We need to imprison the minds of the youth.

Giving no love to our children with "work" - as an excuse.

But I challenge you now....To release that fear that you've been on holding to.

You cannot rock climb emotions, but can scale the walls of insanity.

WHO...ARE YOU...OUTSIDE of your body?

WHO..ARE YOU...OUTSIDE of this situation?

When was the last time you had a staring contest with reflections?

Do you not see how beautiful you are?

Do you ever....feel like your life is a drug addict...even though you never touch drugs.

The chemicals you're addicted to are the ones released from your brain.

Does life ever hold you down like a drowning victim?

Drowning in conviction.

Have you ever walked blindfolded through the labyrinth of misconceptions?

Trying to find the purpose of life before your last breath

I say the purpose of life, before you reach death,.. IS to give birth to yourself...

SO PUSH...PUSH....PUSH.

NOW LIVE