Spirit Rising - Poetic Reflections
Available for $12.00 (online special)
Spirit Rising is a collection of 22 poems that shares the experiences Helen Tinsley has had and lessons she has learned while trying to stay grounded "in spirit."
Prologue …my evolutionary journey to this place
Reading has always been my comfort…a special means of transporting me through time and space to new horizons…a way of finding relaxation…a solace when dealing with a difficult issue or challenge…a pat on the back when I found words that validated my experiences and a place to seek answers to the myriad of questions that constantly enter my mind. I became a lover of books at a very young age and easily became one in my imagination with the characters of the books I read. I envisioned myself living the lives I read about, experiencing their stories and dealing with their realities. It was a way for me to visualize characters and life experiences that differed from my own.
Writing, on the other hand stimulated a far different aspect of my creativity. It was a vehicle and a tool for releasing feelings, thoughts, ideas and dreams. Writing was a way for me to think “out-loud” about my journey on this planet and reflect back on where I had been, what the lessons were and the next steps I needed to take.
On my journey thus far, I have spent many years in relationships that brought tears and joy and raised my children —4 Black children — an Empress and 3 Warriors. The experiences I encountered while trying to safeguard my children in a world that threatens their very existence, in conjunction with my mission of instilling in them the knowledge of self and the truth of our history, along with the fight for their education — left me choked beyond words many days and nights. The battles I have fought and uncharted waters I have crossed, as a Black female educator fighting for the survival of Black and inner city children (whose very essence is being extinguished in public schools by the people in power), forced me to write to keep my sanity. Those were the timeswhen my struggles and challenges were expressed via black lines in my journal — the only safe place I could turn to that couldhouse the constant thoughts crowding my mind. I had to release them to make room for new ideas with positive solutions and affirming energy. My journal was the place to express my experiences and plans in standard literary language… sentences…questions…and outlines.
However, my poetry became my true freedom…and thus a necessary staple on my journey. My poetry is…was…and will always be a way to release fragments of my mind in free flowing form without the need to follow any grammatical rules, conventions or requirements.
I am a divine work in progress, and I am happy to share parts of my journey with you through poetry. May the Creator bless these words to reach your mind and touch your heart and soul.
In spirit, Helen
2008
Prologue …my evolutionary journey to this place
Reading has always been my comfort…a special means of transporting me through time and space to new horizons…a way of finding relaxation…a solace when dealing with a difficult issue or challenge…a pat on the back when I found words that validated my experiences and a place to seek answers to the myriad of questions that constantly enter my mind. I became a lover of books at a very young age and easily became one in my imagination with the characters of the books I read. I envisioned myself living the lives I read about, experiencing their stories and dealing with their realities. It was a way for me to visualize characters and life experiences that differed from my own.
Writing, on the other hand stimulated a far different aspect of my creativity. It was a vehicle and a tool for releasing feelings, thoughts, ideas and dreams. Writing was a way for me to think “out-loud” about my journey on this planet and reflect back on where I had been, what the lessons were and the next steps I needed to take.
On my journey thus far, I have spent many years in relationships that brought tears and joy and raised my children —4 Black children — an Empress and 3 Warriors. The experiences I encountered while trying to safeguard my children in a world that threatens their very existence, in conjunction with my mission of instilling in them the knowledge of self and the truth of our history, along with the fight for their education — left me choked beyond words many days and nights. The battles I have fought and uncharted waters I have crossed, as a Black female educator fighting for the survival of Black and inner city children (whose very essence is being extinguished in public schools by the people in power), forced me to write to keep my sanity. Those were the timeswhen my struggles and challenges were expressed via black lines in my journal — the only safe place I could turn to that couldhouse the constant thoughts crowding my mind. I had to release them to make room for new ideas with positive solutions and affirming energy. My journal was the place to express my experiences and plans in standard literary language… sentences…questions…and outlines.
However, my poetry became my true freedom…and thus a necessary staple on my journey. My poetry is…was…and will always be a way to release fragments of my mind in free flowing form without the need to follow any grammatical rules, conventions or requirements.
I am a divine work in progress, and I am happy to share parts of my journey with you through poetry. May the Creator bless these words to reach your mind and touch your heart and soul.
In spirit, Helen
2008
Spirit Rising
Online Special $12.00
Oceanside
gazing at the magnificent mother
with her wide array of temperaments
i recognize her greatness, bow at her power
& i am humbled by the divinity she displays
her gentle waves with white crested tops
breaking softly at water’s edge
bringing forth the Creator’s gifts
brilliant shells full of life
glistening rocks polished smooth
add calmness to my heart and soul.
inhaling your sweet yet salty essence
i bear witness to the duality
the bitter & the sweet
the masculine & the feminine
the yin & the yang
the duality that results in polarity
the perfect balance
that exists in all of Creation.
the endless ebb and flow
sun rising & sun setting
In the beginning there was darkness & God said let us make light.
Adapted from the Holy Bible - Genesis; Chapter 1
with her wide array of temperaments
i recognize her greatness, bow at her power
& i am humbled by the divinity she displays
her gentle waves with white crested tops
breaking softly at water’s edge
bringing forth the Creator’s gifts
brilliant shells full of life
glistening rocks polished smooth
add calmness to my heart and soul.
inhaling your sweet yet salty essence
i bear witness to the duality
the bitter & the sweet
the masculine & the feminine
the yin & the yang
the duality that results in polarity
the perfect balance
that exists in all of Creation.
the endless ebb and flow
sun rising & sun setting
In the beginning there was darkness & God said let us make light.
Adapted from the Holy Bible - Genesis; Chapter 1
About the Author: Helen Tinsley
Helen Tinsley is a former Public School Teacher and Administrator. She is currently employed as an Education Program Development Specialist by the New Jersey State Department of Education. She is passionate about ensuring that children of color and inner city children receive an education that will empower them with the necessary skills and tools to make quality life choices.
Helen is a multi-dimensional artist and her works include literary works (poetry, essays and children's books), customized collages and ornamental picture frames. Spirit Rising - Poetic Reflections is a collection of poetry that shares the experiences she has had and lessons she has learned, while trying to stay grounded "in spirit." Helen earned dual master's degrees from Bank Street College of Education in New York City in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Educational Administration. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa and is the mother of four adult children and four granchildren.
Helen is a multi-dimensional artist and her works include literary works (poetry, essays and children's books), customized collages and ornamental picture frames. Spirit Rising - Poetic Reflections is a collection of poetry that shares the experiences she has had and lessons she has learned, while trying to stay grounded "in spirit." Helen earned dual master's degrees from Bank Street College of Education in New York City in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Educational Administration. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa and is the mother of four adult children and four granchildren.