THE PAGES OF MY BOOK AREN'T FINISHED YET.THE INK IS RED/WET/DRIPPING IN THE MARGINS.I CLOSE THE BOOK BUT THE WORDS STILL COME OUT AND PEOPLE STILL READ MY STORY.
Welcome to Rising Daughter On The Edge Of A Dream.I have learned so much since I began this page years ago.I have been to the peaks of happiness and the depths of sadness, but within that time I have learned myself in and out and that is clarity that will be with me for the rest of my life.I know who I am with no question and I know that those who know me are very lucky and those who choose to dismiss me are missing out on a rare and special person.

To brag a little I spent the majority of my college career doing open mics and holding both the Secretary and Vice-President positions in Harambee which is a community service and poetry organization.I loved being involved and I want to thank past,current and future members for allowing my to have an outlet to express myself.I also spent a semester editing UHURU magazine and while it was a chanllenge there is nothing that would make me give up that experience.I also was a featured poet with Textured Language Productions and I want to thank them for allowing me an opportunity to share my work with more people.Writing is my source of joy so enjoy yourself as I add more and more of my writing to my site.Click on the links to read some of my work.There are now three Lyrical Palaces showcasing my views on life.Please read all three.The galleries have been updated as of 6/4/2003 and most pieces can be heard at one of my performances.Check back for updates.The Lyrical Palace I, Lyrical Palace II, Lyrical Palace III

Well before we dive any deeper into who I am, let me tell you about me.I am a 24 year old female who graduated from Kent State University.I majored in Sociology.I am a current student atYoungstown State University working toward another B.A. in Social Work.Until August 2003 I was a Money Management Facilitator at Rural Opportunities Inc through Americorps VISTA.

I am the oldest of two daughters.My little sister Evona is 12 years old.For pics of me take a look at the gallery.As for what I like to do, I like to write and recite poetry,collect music, drive and dance when the mood hits me.I am a shy person by nature but once you get to know me its a whole 'nother story.Here is a list of the folks who have broken through the shyness and made me act off the wall.They areThe Chosen Few.Lets see..... Things that I love are:Black men because y'all are beautiful, cold water, hard pears, baths and scented lotions, drives down long stretches of road, strong hugs, kisses on the forehead, jazz and sunlight.Things I hate are as follows: blonde hair on black men and women,pants sagging down too far, liars, gold teeth, pork, clowns, police.I am a hip hop fan and I fancy myself as a "dirty sock girl", read Urban Romance by Nelson George to find out about that.Thanks for listening and make sure u keep checking back for updates.

Athena's Favorite CDs
1)My Favorite Things by John Coltrane
2)Reflection Eternal by Talib Kweli
3)Do Ya Want More by The Roots
4)Let's Get Free by Dead Prez
5)Acoustic Soul by India Arie
6)How I Do by Res
7)Love Jones Soundtrack
8)Juslisen by Musiq
9)Reachin' by Digable Planets
10)Denials Delusions Decisions by Jaguar Wright
11)My Life by Mary J Blige
12)Russian Lullaby by John Coltrane
13)Remember to Breathe by Rebekah
14.)Quality by Talib Kweli
15.)Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
16.)A Love Story-Vivian Green

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Email: jaibaby@hotmail.com