“Reclaimin’ Space: The Cost of Closing Eyes” is written by Rock Island, Illinois native Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.” Barnes performed at the 2022 Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers at the Huss Project, where he will return to perform in July.
Category Archive: Poetry
“The Black and White of Faith” is written by Rock Island Illinois native Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.” Barnes performed at the 2022 Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers at the Huss Project.
In this poem Watershed Voice columnist Aundrea Sayrie answers the age old question, when is it OK for white folks to use the “N-word?”
Disclaimer: This poem features strong language, and subject matter that may make some uncomfortable. Reader discretion advised.
A poem by Torrey Brown titled “June 19th, 1865” about Juneteenth: Freedom Day.
Alek and Doug return from yet another involuntary hiatus to chat with Rock Island, Illinois native and Creative Aubrey “Aubs.” Barnes. The trio talks about Aubrey’s latest published work “it is Written. it is Good.”, their hip-hop and rap influences, mental health, education, open mics, rap battles, and antiracism.
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie celebrates the work of Shel Silverstein, and laments the banning of books at the expense of art and expression. “At times art is shocking, sometimes commemorative, sometimes controversial, still other times uncomfortable. That is the point of art.”
WSV’s Madison “Mocha” Hunter shares a powerful piece she penned titled “Fannie Lou Hamer: Appropriating Nikki Giovanni’s Rosa Parks.”
In this piece, WSV’s Debbie Allen digs into the feelings and emotions that inspire her work, and offers a poem she penned titled “The Brilliance of Her Art.”
In honor of National Poetry Month, WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie shares a poem she hasn’t finished and maybe never will.
The following poem was submitted by a Weekly Witness for Peace participant at the conclusion of the *culture is not optional event series held at The Huss Project in Three Rivers.
This week is Banned Book Week, and both Lowry’s Books and More and the Three Rivers Public Library (TRPL) are recognizing its significance. Banned Books Week serves to bring attention to the cause of fighting censorship.
“All Lives Matter” is a poem written by Three Rivers native Torrey Brown about the hypocrisy of detractors of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A poem titled “Learning to Fly” by Nancy A. Boyd.
“Sacred Space” is an excerpt from “Breathe” a chapbook by Aundrea Sayrie.
“Please excuse my blackness, I was born this way. My hair naturally curls, and the bass in my voice ain’t going away. Please excuse my blackness, I just want to buy a cigar. I’m not trying to steal anything, you are taking this too far.”
Torrey Brown expresses his frustration with systemic racism and hypocrisy in his latest poem “Just my thoughts.”
“There is an uproar in the streets for Ahmaud Arbery. Outcry turned into rejoicing as justice is now being sought. His killers admitted to ending his life in February, yet until yesterday they were free of charges, living their best lives.”
“Assault on the alphabets” written by Three Rivers native and poet Torrey Brown.