In the quiet moments of our sometimes tumultuous lives, when words seem to escape us, poetry finds its voice. Welcome to Poebae, a sanctuary where emotions are stitched and seemed into verses and stories finding solace in the exploration of one's soul. Here, at the core of this poetic journey, we celebrate the power of words to heal, to inspire, and to connect us all in a time where we need it most.
Poebae is more than just a poetry blog—it's a reflection of the quilt of emotions and experiences that form our lives. Whether you're a lifelong lover of poetry or someone who finds comfort in words during challenging times, Poebae is a place for you, especially during challenging times. With each poem and post, we will delve into the depths of human life and experience, exploring the beauty of pain (which I know all about) and the subtle joys that can be uncovered in the most profound of sorrow.
At Poebae, I believe that poetry, like love, is a universal language; a bridge that connects souls traversing various cultures and backgrounds. As you navigate through my verses and, hopefully, some of yours too, you'll discover a world where every line is a rhythm. A heartbeat. And, like the electricity of the human pulse, it flows, radiating with life.
Journey of Words: Meet The Poet Behind Poebae
Hello, I’m Jalisa, the creator and storyteller behind Poebae. It’s worth noting that the concept of Poebae didn’t take on its true meaning until three years after I first thought of the word in 2019. This journey has been a long time in the making, as I’ve harbored this dream since 2009.
'If you don’t write this, you’ll never get this done.' This phrase became my guiding light, pushing me to share my gifts with the world.
I am pleased to welcome you to it, where poetry, music, and photography intertwine to form a patchwork of expression and emotion. My journey into poetry began with a deep passion that blossomed in my youth. I was three years old when my aunts taught me to look up words in the dictionary, igniting a love for language that keeps growing stronger.
In second grade, reading poems for Black History Month introduced me to the powerful and timeless words of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. This experience sparked a lifelong love affair with poetry. I mean, if Poetry was a person though 😜 Sorry, I got sidetracked.
By the age of 12, I penned my first official poems, “Life” and “Why?,” marking the beginning of my poetic journey. Though an adolescent, I found myself exploring the themes of life and death after losing my great aunt, Bessie, who was being cared for by my grandmother.
Despite facing trials and tribulations, I found solace and purpose in poetry. Through my studies and personal exploration, I uncovered that poetry is not just a passion—it is an essential part of my soul. AN. ESSENTIAL. PART. OF. MY. SOUL. Now, as I navigate the complexities of motherhood, depression, and personal growth, I turn to poetry and music to find meaning and connection.
Discovering Poebae: The Heartbeat of Poetry and Music
Poebae is a mosaic of words and melodies, where the rhythm of poetry meets the cadence of instrumentation. Where poems become songs. Here, you’ll find a collection of poems that traverse the landscapes of love, loss, hope, trauma and pain. Most of all, resilience. Each piece is purposefully placed to resonate with your innermost feelings and to inspire a deeper connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.
My poetry explores a range of themes, intimately inked with self-reflection that seeks to reach the echoes of societal introspection. Whether it’s the melancholy of the depths of depression or the reverberating breath of making it to another morning, Poebae captures the essence of every moment.
But Poebae is not just about words on a page. It’s also about the transformation of poetry into literal sound. My debut EP, "Moonshine," is a testament to how deeply words can resonate when they are given a voice and melody to move. I invite you to read and listen to how my poetry has evolved into music, creating a unique and immersive experience.
A Glimpse into My Soul: "Glory Hallelujah"
From my upcoming debut collection, here’s an excerpt from a poem that holds a special place in my heart:glory hallelujah
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away
glory hallelujah
I’ll fly
I’ll fly away
little girl sad.
little girl blue.
little girl crying.
summertime sorrow
in June searching
for the Jazzman’s
room.
summer breeze
so soft,
so cool.
queue the autotune.
humming,
reminiscing to feelings
mixed with satire,
shots of bourbon
with a hint of rum,
and sad tunes.
trying to sift
a bad mood
scrutinizing
and feeling screwed
screws loosened
yet again
by a spliff or two
so much left to do;
at least I thought there was.
this can’t be all my life was.
what
was
I
really?
times up. no more moves.
no longer a novice to pain, I discovered a calculated disdain for my very self; the great scapegoat’s shame. finest hour for an amateur’s game. when scissors cruised along my veins – the blade cold as it anesthetized the anguish I so longed to blame – but they couldn’t get through. not this time at least. if only there was a priest I could confess to. religion is just semantics anyway. or a hymn to chase it away the southern baptist way...
so much gloom
would think
I inherited
depression in
an heirloom.
"Glory Hallelujah" is a journey through the complexities of self-discovery and emotional turmoil of anxieties past. It captures the essence of feeling lost and searching for meaning, a theme that resonates deeply with my own experiences. This poem, like many others in my collection, reflects the raw and unfiltered emotions that have shaped my life and work.
Join the Journey: Explore, Listen, and Connect
Poebae is just the beginning of a beautiful odyssey into the world of poetry and music. I invite you to explore more of my work, listen to my debut EP, "Moonshine," and discover how words and melodies intertwine to tell stories of resilience and hope.
You can preorder my upcoming poetry collection, Jesus & Drugs: A collection of poetry, prose and lyric and immerse yourself in the verses that speak to the soul. Stay connected by subscribing to my newsletter for updates on new book and music releases, blog posts, and more. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok to join the community of poetry lovers and be part of this exciting adventure.
Together, we can build a space where words heal, inspire, and connect us all. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let this new season begin!
