Thursday, February 21, 2008

Today I decided to write a poem

I woke up this morning in a sour mood. Grumpy. Sick. Feeling very hack-ish.
So, for my daily writing exercise, I decided to write a poem.

Poetry used to clog my bloodstream. All through high school and most of college blessed the world with notebooks full of poetry and songs. But for some reason, I stopped. And those notebooks are sittin’ in a box somewhere in my parents' basement I’m sure.

Anyway, here’s my thoughts and feelings from this morning. Well, at least how I felt at my core.


I used to write for me
Poem by Kris Kennedy

When was the last time I wrote from my heart
The last time I gave my brain the day off
And listened
With my eyes closed
When was it?
When was it last my heart lived on my sleeve
With conviction
And left to bleed
Like a declaration of independence from giving a damn
When was it?
‘Cause last I checked,
I’ve been working my rear to the bone.
Just check under my fingernails
The tree rings under my eyes
Or the limp in my heartbeat's syncopation
But what good is that?
What good is jumping
Still staring at the cliff behind me.
Not the clouds.
Not the sky.
Not the patchwork ground below me.
I ask, what good is that?


Sunday, February 17, 2008

It's a gray day in richmond

This town can be spooky at times.
Especially, at the end of winter.
Trees creep into the sky, naked and frail.
The sweet scented air tells of coming rains.
Maybe more. It is an interesting place.

Now, it's days like this that are the hardest.
The hardest to stay on task. The hardest
to get busy. The hardest
to sit down, shut up and write.

Today is extra special,
because I'm sick. Now don't take that as an excuse.
Instead, consider it another obstacle.
One that comes in mucus form.

Even on days like this, when it is hard
to get my mind wrapped around my chosen profession,
I can't help but be inspired by creativity.
People like Luke Sullivan.
If you’ve never heard him speak,
I suggest you read his book “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This”
or listen to the newest podcast from American Copywriter.

And no,
I'm not gonna go on some sort of rant about
how much he has inspired me to enter the industry.
(Although, he has.)
I'm just saying love what you do. And when
you can't remember why, keep tabs on people who love it, too.
They'll remind you why you're doing what you're doing.
Even if looking in the mirror doesn't help.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Commercial Holiday, everyone.

In honor of this gloriously dividing holiday,
to the have and have-nots of love, I give you this timely classic.

Enjoy.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Last night Lupe saved my life.

Last night, I decided I'd take a break from
the pressure cooker that is the Brandcenter.
And by break, I mean going to VCU's Homecoming.

Now after four hours of
ho-hum opening acts and dudes flipping on trick bicycles,
the show started.

What lasted a little more than an hour seemed like much more.
It was an escape. One that I was in dire need of.
Connecting to real music. To real stories.
To anything other than advertising.
And it was beautiful.

If you've never listened to Lupe Fiasco's music,
I highly recommend it. Examine every word,
not just his cadence and the beat. If it helps,
read them while he spits them.
Delve into what hip-hop means and what music should be.
Hell, you might even be surprised what you find out.
I guarantee it has nothing to do with Rims, Tims and video hoochies.

The Brandcenter has its good and its bad.
It makes the outside world disappear when life gets rough.
But, it also makes it disappear.
And its nights like last night that is a welcomed break.
And it reminded me why I love his music. It reminded me
why he's one of the greatest,
if not greatest musicians of our generation.