Picture has been removed due to a few people who were not kind enough to ask me for permission to use this photo or give me credit on there blog for my photo. : (
I have been incredibly blessed to meet the beautiful and talented, Nikki Giovanni. She has been a favorite poet of mine, since my mother would read her poetry to me as a child and I would dance and twirl to the words.
The activist in Ms. Giovanni, led the way for myself and so many others. I kind of love that.
Professor Giovanni was kind enough to spend some time with me. We had this set up for a while now but, I didn't know if it would become a reality. Thanks to b*girl for the encouragement. ; )
She was patient with me, as I gently and nervously photographed her. She was kind to me, as I allowed each one of her words saturate me. She brought tears to my eyes, laughter to my mouth.
I am grateful.
A Poem Of Friendship
We are not lovers
because of the love
we make
but the love
we have
We are not friends
because of the laughs
we spend
but the tears
we save
I don't want to be near you
for the thoughts we share
but the words we never have
to speak
I will never miss you
because of what we do
but what we are
together
Nikki Giovanni
22 ladlefuls of love:
This is absolutely beautiful! I am so happy that you got to spend some time with someone who inspires you so much. Both of you are great women!
what a perfect poem of friendship this is!! it describes what i cherish in my closest and oldest friendships. you are being brave! listen to me cheering you onward :)
You were so genuine. You always are. Put it on your list of "done in 09" I could feel the love.
Lori* Thank you sweetie!
RB* I am trying to be! : )
Brandon* : ) Happy tears. xxoo
Wow!
Spending time with Nikki Giovanni? Let alone, getting a chance to photograph her?
Priceless, my dear.
What a wonderful opportunity - so happy for you!
This is awesome! She is a legend!
look how warm her eyes are toward your camera. she was comfortable i bet.
"I don't want to be near you
for the thoughts we share
but the words we never have
to speak"
Oh, how beautiful!
Beautiful...
what a sweet smile
what a highlight
for you !!
Oh Christina - how fantastic! First of all, gorgeous photo. And second, I have admired her poetry for years! How thrilling that you not only got to spend time with her, but photograph her. I'm so happy for you. xo
i don't know where my comment went but i had to come back and leave another. this is such a sweet post. nikki giovanni was a strong reassuring voice during the v.tech incident. she brought comfort and hope. this must have been such a journey for you to her. i often see you quote her or lay her poetry here. i love reading your honey.
there is just something about the way she is looking at you. you must be a warm and inviting person. i am 71 years old and i paint everyday but first i photograph what i will paint. there is a relaxed feeling in this picture, no eye stress or smile strain. i bet you are a very inviting person. isn't her new book wonderful. you had reminded me to get bicycles.
Wonderful photo of a wonderful poet...how beautiful the poem is...what a special time for poet and photographer. Thank your for sharing this.
You're a lucky girl!! Good image, good words, good day! Thanks for sharing the poem, I haven't read nearly enough of her work and will look for it on my next library visit. smooches
Wow
Oh, Christina. Oh.
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you. Nikki Giovanni is a marvelous woman. How thrilling that you met her. And. That she met you. You, too, are a marvelous woman.
This poem is perfection!
Wow!
Christina...she's SO gorgeous and i love love that poem...
(am going to copy it in my special little notebook)
how lucky and great to meet her!
Simple and efficient. Great!
What an incredible and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to meet someone whose gifts have touched your life is one thing, but to be able to share a bit of your passion with them too is even more amazing.
Your photograph is beautiful but it is the story itself that is priceless. Congratulations.
I forgot to tell you that after you wrote this post a few months ago my mom came for a visit and told me she heard an interview and reading with Nikki Giovanni. We went looking for Bicycles but it was sold out! So now I'm going to order it. Funny isn't it how different areas in your life will point you in the same direction. :)
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