TYREE BARNETTE AKA “TRUTH” I’m a 23-year-old native of Raleigh, NC. I’ve been writing poetry for well over a decade. I was most recently part of a poetry troupe in Raleigh that performed once a week in a unique location: a McDonald’s located close to my job. I’ve been heating up the mic there since September 2005. My love for writing poetry started in the fifth grade when I penned an early, unrhymed poem called “Summer”. I kept up my writing and I rewrote the original "Summer" poem as "Dear Summer". That was poem is now available in my book. I also won the 2005 Underground Poet Society’s annual poetry contest. My winning poem, entitled "A Young Interpretation of Today's Society", can be read online at www.theunps.com/contest_winners. I’m also a member of the Untamed Tongues online poetry group. I use my poetry to express thoughts about today’s society, love, loss, growing up, religion and other topics that come to mind. When you read or listen to my material, you’ll find that I won’t compromise or censor myself. Everything is straight from the heart. Raw and unaltered. That’s why I’m "Truth" because that’s what I want to portray in my writing. When I’m not working on my next anthology, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and performing, and promoting my work. I can be reached at two web addresses: Truth_spokenword@yahoo.com or SpeakTruth22@hotmail.com. Also, feel free to add me on myspace. My profile can be found at www.myspace.com/poorighteousteacher. Thanks, God bless and live richly!

-2005 Winner of theunps.com's Annual Poetry Contest

-Member of the Untamed Tongues