Stats:
- LOCATION:Baltimore, MD.
- TENURE: 9 years-10 years
- PROJECTS: The spoken word plays Goodfellas, Penniless, and Usual Suspects. We also released 2 cds, Circle Circle Dot Dot and The Water Margin, as well as a book entitled Speech Impediments. Respectfully published by the one and only Myisha Cherry.
Presently we are preparing for a Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Tour. But we are working on a new cd titled “Reset” and I am also working on another collection
of literature called “Psalm of David”
- WEBSITES: www.the5thl.com, myspace.com/the5thl
1. What is your mission statement as writers?
The 5th L is always provoking constructive thinking by encouraging artistic
expression using words to inspire the planet and redirect the negative.
2. Being a writer/performer can be a discouraging journey. Describe a moment, where you said it’s all worth it?
Native Son: There are always moments. Especially when I’m feeling at my worst. But there are alwso moments when I feel like it’s all worth it. For example, one day a woman tracked me down and wrote me a letter about how I saved her daughter’s life. She said that her daughter saw me at 5 seasons performing after she ran away from home for about 2 weeks. She was underage at the time, and somehow she got into 5 seasons “to go clubbing.” Anyway, the little girl said that after she saw me perform, she went back home and apologized to her mother, began doing well in school, and said that I inspired her to want to get her life back on track. She remains in contact with me until this very day. And she’s doing excellent.
The Dri Fish: I get Discouraged only when I look at my career as a full time writer/performer and I still can’t put money away for a rainy day. Other than that I love performing and when inspired I love to write so its always worth it.
3. If you weren’t working in the arts, what do you think you’ll be doing?
Native Son: If I wasn’t in the arts…let’s see…I’d probably pursue my career as a trash man or a classroom teacher.
The Dri-Fish: Fire fighter, saving little cats in trees, and walking into blazing houses professionally.
4. What is the Key to becoming a better writer?
Native Son: Reading. Writing. Observing. Listening, Always.
The Dri-Fish: Wanting to be better is always a start.
5. Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
Native Son: Sittin’ on Fo-fo’s. lol. Naw…I plan to open up a sanctuarium for up and coming artists. I also would like to practice my playwriting skills and write novels.
The Dri-Fish: reminiscing on what was done the decade before
Artists Work
My Dreams Lately: by Native Son
See Work ▼
as of late
I’ve dreamed of
many sunsets
myself, standing upon a plank
an old dock of smoked wood and russet iron
watching the smoldering sphere
stretch itself flat across the mundane face
of the cool evening river, calmly palming
a lone rowboat drifting homeward bound.
a small cabin
leers in the distance;
its windows
like two blinking eyes
with golden flames jumping behind;
the chimney
pumping out remnants
of a seasoned love
baking inside.
a crackling fire
a hot skillet
melting butter over a bowl of grits
a couple cattle graze millet
what could this mean?
this dream that reoccurs
these visions ever so vivid
then blurs into nothingness. darkness.
when I open my eyes
lying in bed
my room coated by the smooth black
listening to the crickets
blend in with the silence
and the four breathing walls that surround
slowly backing away
ever so quietly
trying not to wake me.
but yet I do lay awake
thinking about the meaning
of things less important
and why this dream
brings me such peace
and comfort like its my real home
and here, alone
in the emptiness, where the walls have finally
hid themselves from me completely
is the real nightmare and I’m afraid.
but this place of consonance
dream of sunset
drawing me closer
like the finishing touch
on a masterpiece
is perplexing me
because I’ve always liked
sunrise better;
it seems to oppose death
reset time
honoring another opportunity
to stage the perfect day
the symbol of mercy,
forgiveness augmented
but a sun setting-to me-
means another life has ended
but what could it mean? this dream
I mean, it is so beautiful
when autumn leaves fall-hmm…
I guess death isn’t so bad
after all
Untitled: by Native Son
See Work ▼
this piece was inspired during a workshop with my students…and I was talking to them about life and reality…and how you can’t expect sympathy. It’s called checkmate:
in the game of life
there are many choices,
chances, dances…
but only one reality
every move you make
could be your very last
opponents are waiting
without apprehension
for your mistake–
waiting patiently
to meet you
at the next square
to devour you whole
without looking back,
they continue to move
forward–>
and side step over you
like knights over fallen pawns
sometimes, you play yourself
but who cares?
the high ranks of society
pray vehemently
for your castle to crumble
under the diabolical pressure
of their political thumbs–>
in the game of life
your win
is solely dependent
on your strategy
and will to live…
so think hard–>but not too long
question reality–>but not the value
of your existence,
be cautious–>but not afraid,
even when it seems
you’re backed into a frozen corner
where time is of the essence
and freedom appears futile
like a checkmate
spoken clearly
over the bullhorn of death
deep into the archive of your soul
and the devil gently bends across the board
to whispers softly
with a faint grin,
your move,
my friend
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