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Princess Bethea
Poet & Spoken Word Artist Age: 28 Washington, DC |
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This talented young spoken word artist of Washington, DC reflects peace and tranquility in her stanzas, which gives the title of her book, "free love.", an even deeper meaning. Princess shared her words this summer at the Rooted Stand Open Mic Summer Series on the rooftop of the DC loft and recently toured with The Revival as apart of the Cereus Arts Co. Here Princess shares with Underground Tree Projects her journey to present day, the motivation and inspiring factors behind her literature, and what being "rooted" truly means to her.
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What inspired you to write/complete your book "free love."?
I recognize the circle of inspiration. I am inspired to write poetry from some "thing" that affects me and it is an obligation I think to express that--be it positive or negative. Maybe it inspires someone else, maybe not...I'm not in control of that. I do what I'm called to do and I let God handle the rest.
What is the premise of your book?
My book is a collection of my poetry. The title "free love." comes from my passion of Love and Freedom in all forms and definitions. These are both very huge ideas for us as humans, but they are also both so integral to our existence every day with every breath. I separated the poems into seasons because the seasons in nature are the perfect proof of the stages of Life: Growth and Death. Blooming and Falling. It's quite beautiful. These seasons occur in relationships, in governments, in basically every single aspect of Creation. And the goodness or the bitterness of those seasons in Life are directly effected by Freedom and Love. This is what I try to capture with my poetry in "free love."
Is this the first book you have ever written, if not please share?
This is an interesting question because I actually tried to write a book about 5-6 years ago. It was too early. So yes, this is my first book.
What motivates you to keep writing, reading your words, etc?
I keep writing because it works for me. I think when you choose do something that you don't have to do, there is a personal benefit in the simpleness of following your own heart. I feel on purpose when I write a poem. Sometimes I don't share it or even read it again, but just the feeling of completion is enough. I keep reading to audiences because there is power in spoken word -- without a doubt there is power. I like what hearing my poetry does for someone. It's like they feel the same completion I felt when I finished writing it.
What quotes/sayings do you admire and/or live by?
There are few.
First, "For it is in giving that we receive," by St. Francis of Assisi.
Second, "If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive," by Audre Lorde.
Third, "Surely goodness and mercy are following me," by David from the Bible.
Fourth, "God is Love." from the Bible. Okay, I'll quit....
What do you feel it means to be a rooted artist?
I believe being a rooted artist means knowing, expressing and celebrating your art source. For me, staying grounded to my spiritual connection personally and staying grounded to the ideas of family, community, love, justice, freedom and so on in my art expression. I believe that's how you grow and bloom... you gotta be rooted.
Find Princess on Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter
Download her poetry book Free Love
EDITED BY DEMEI VAUGHAN-ANDERSON
