Saul Williams

Saul Williams came to campus today. He is an extremely talented poet and spoken word artist. His talent is impossible to quantify, and his person radiates beauty, in and out. Here's what he had to say tonight:

On how students can change the world...
"Choose a profession that you truly profess to be. Nothing less than that."

On politics...
"The power of being beats the powers that be."

On power...
"Power is in vulnerability."

That last one I am adopting as my mantra.

Saul has books:
DEAD EMCEE SCROLLS
SHE
SAID THE SHOTGUN TO THE HEAD
THE SEVENTH OCTAVE

Saul has CDs:
Self-titled
Penny for a Thought

Saul even has a film:
SLAM

http://www.saulwilliams.com

i presented
my feminine side
with flowers

she cut the stems
and placed them gently
down my throat

and these tu lips
might soon eclipse
your brightest hopes
(She, page 11)

The following is written about his search and discover of the female deity.

most beloved,
i am certain of nothing more
than your existence
a thousand ants
crawling under a log
may find themselves exposed
in my childlike search
for you

i have spent lifetimes
in monasteries
and drum stretched
villages
in expectation
of this:
our
ecstatic dance

my kali flower
i am eternally destroyed
by your love
no longer
am i eligible
for any worker's
pension
(Said the Shotgun to the Head, pages 21-23)

If you are familiar with the goddess Kali in Hinduism, this poem really strikes you.