2025 - Week 10 - A Tribute

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 10 - A Tribute
This podcast is a tribute to my favorite poet, Nikki Giovanni and my English teacher, Mrs. Maureen DeLoach from Albany High school in Albany, GA.

If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you.

In this episode, I'm doing something different, offering a tribute to my favorite poet, Nikki Giovanni and my English teacher Maureen DeLoach who really introduced me to poetry.

I believe it was in the 10th grade when my English teacher at Albany High School, Maureen DeLoach, had us write poetry. I believe she listens to my podcast, I know she follows me online. That class in English opened me up to a world of writing. So it really is a tribute to Mrs. DeLoach and to Nikki Giovanni.

My father, Moses Faison, was a librarian at the local branch on Lee Street in Albany, Georgia and also at Monroe High School. He was an avid reader. He mostly read non-fiction and I remember when he came home with a book of poetry called Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day, it was by Nikki Giovanni. I don't remember exactly when, I suspect it was when I got the assignment from Mrs. DeLoach to write a poem. And boy did I write. Poetry became my jam. I moved from poetry to short stories and then eventually I wrote my personal development book, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes years later in 1999.

I fell in love with poetry and read her works and so many others. That book sparked something inside me. Nikki Giovanni passed in December 2024 and when I asked for my divine download about the podcast this week, she was heavy on my mind for some reason.

In this tribute, I will share a few of my favorite poems from Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day.

Sharing this tribute to Mrs. DeLoach and Nikki, Giovanni was actually also a tool. Reading poetry can be calming and a stress reliever.

Thank you again, Mrs. DeLoach and Nikki, Giovanni for both of you, sharing your gifts with the world. Who are some of your favorite poets?

If you’d like to share your thoughts - [email protected] is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

The card I pulled for us today from my Relax, Listen and Trust Your Inner Guidance Card Deck

#8 QUESTION - What is one thing that will make me smile?

One thing that will make me smile is the life I get to live. I feel so grateful for my family, friends, the people that listen to this podcast and my other offerings. I am deeply grateful.

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