The first time I posted poetry at AuthorsDen, in late December 2004, my only intent was to prevent my website, which I call THE BLACK SKYLARK Z-PED MUSIC PLAYER, from sitting empty.  Among the half dozen poems posted were For the Love of the Poet, Gratitudes of a Dozen Roses, and Sweet Brother Beat-Bop Daddy K.   

This being my first such venture on the Internet, I was stunned when the words “You’ve Got New Reviews” popped up on my den page. I thought, Really? What kind of reviews would those be and from whom?  Then I clicked on the words and discovered the voices of readers and fellow writers sharing their feedback on various works.  It was as if a more articulate version of the finger-snapping, mug-thumping, glass-clinking, and applause sometimes heard at open mics had found its way onto my computer screen. I smiled and dismissed the initial warm responses as gentle flukes.

However, two or three poems later I realized that joining Authors Den had not only come with tools for presenting my work in a format new to me, but also with a very discerning and extremely literate audience. Since experiencing this revelation, I have tried to be considerate of that audience’s tastes and sensibilities, which is why I am presenting this notice regarding the next poem I plan to post here, entitled TATTOO BLUES FOR MY LOVER THE JUNKIE. With the approach of National Poetry Month, I tend to challenge and stretch myself as a writer, so this will be the first “R” rated poem posted by me. I wanted to make readers aware of this before the poem is posted so those who think they may find it objectionable will know to avoid it. Moreover, I should point out that erotic aspects of the poem are only one reason for the "R" rating. Someone once said quite rightly that a true artist paints as much with shadows as he or she does with light, as much with horror as with beauty, and to be a true literary artist has always been my goal.

I would also like to take this time and space to thank the many readers and reviewers who have visited the site and often offered kind reviews of my work. I hope you will continue dropping in not only for the poetry and stories but for my new interview series, CREATIVE CONVERSATIN',  which made its debut with an interview featuring Essence Magazine poetry editor Angela Kinamore. The series will continue next week with a chat with jazz musician and concert poet Toussaint St. Negritude. The following month will feature a conversation with the founder of Daughters of Destiny, author and activist Miriam Center. In addition, I will also continue to include on the site excerpts from my novel, which shares its title with the site, THE BLACK SKYLARK Z-PED MUSIC PLAYER.

To one and all: thank you for dropping in and for also opening the doors to your own brilliant literary creations.

Aberjhani