Dangling: This poem was inspired by the photo I took (iPhone 13 Pro Max) of one of the lead dancers after the opening night of a modern ballet by Carlo Calma titled ‘Diyosa’ an adaptation of  Philippine Mythology’s gods and goddesses alive in nature. 

Dangling a poem by James Navé

When you dangle, do you barely belong or dangle 
larger-than-life? "May I have this dance?"  Magic words 
to shy people in large rooms who officially say they want 
you to ignore them, but like snowdrops on steady gaze days, 
I'll bet shy people love to dance. Can we open our wings 
in the longing mist? Listen, do you hear the sea off 
the Irish coast? There are no cracks in the third position. 
The night belongs to those blue dreams sky danglers know 
in the moments when twists and spins become long
and lines make circles in the laughing air. 



From the Program 

"Carlo Calma’s 'Diyosa' is a full- length contemporary ballet adaptation of Philippine Mythology’s gods and goddesses alive in nature. This Ballet Philippines' world premiere is a story about fantasy set in a dreamy, mythical world but rooted in strong Filipino culture and heritage and even a bit of Pinoy humor. To be relevant with the times and to empower future generations, (generations a hundred years from now, in fact), the ethos of sustainability will be a focus, sending a clear message about climate change and its effects on the world. Fun and entertaining, with eclectic god characters, it will fuse fashion, art, music, and architecture with the magicalpower of dance.”

Dangling: A poem by James Navé

On Good Friday, April 7, 2023, the spoken word community was shaken by the sudden loss of Danny Solis, the vibrant poet and trailblazer of the spoken word community, who died in his sleep at 60. Danny's razor-sharp insights into poetry, culture, and art were respected by all who knew him.
 
I met Danny in 1992 during the National Poetry Slam Championships in Boston. Danny was on the winning Boston team that year. My first memory of Danny is watching him start a Poetry Slam performance from the back of the room before walking up on stage, his loud booming voice completely encompassing the auditorium. 

Danny and I got to know each other during the week of the national Poetry Slam championships. A few weeks later, my creative partners and I invited Danny to join Poetry Alive!, an Asheville-based educational theater company that fielded teams of poets to tour the country performing traditional poems in dramatic spoken-word fashion for students. Thus Danny moved to Asheville. 

Not only did Danny do a terrific job with Poetry Alive! he energized the entire Poetry Slam scene in Asheville, along with Allan Wolf, Lee Lancaster, and Ginger West. Remember, this was in the early 90s; the spoken-word movement was gaining momentum, and Danny was inventing and experimenting with performance poetry across the theatrical spectrum. 

Danny thought big. For example, his significant contributions elevated Asheville to one of the top locations in the early spoken word poetry scene. The Asheville Poetry Slam Team won the 1995 National Poetry Slam championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Danny Solis, Kim Lane, Ted Vacca, and Pat Storm. 

Danny's insatiable drive for poetic community building led him from Asheville to Albuquerque, Austin, and beyond, where he cultivated thriving spoken word scenes in each location. His unique ability to foster creativity and connection allowed him to make an indelible mark on each community he touched. A national poet with local sensibilities, Danny's creative process always began like this: one table, one piece of paper, one pencil, and one poem.  

 Danny Solis's legacy will continue to inspire and unite poets and dreamers for future generations. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the countless lives he touched with his words and vision. Happy trails, Danny Solis.

In Memoriam: The Poetics Of Living with poet and novelist Danny Solis

James Navé here. Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. In this captivating episode, we dive into the world of spoken word, poetry, and the early days of the Poetry Slam with Ray McNiece, the Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and a true legend of the Poetry Slam scene. Join us as Ray shares exclusive stories from the inception of the Poetry Slam and reminisces about his journey in the vibrant national poetry scene, which includes helping to build the Asheville poetry community into a national force. 

Not just a poet, Ray McNiece is also a gifted educator, singer-songwriter, and actor. Discover how his powerful stage presence captivates audiences, leading to standing ovations and solidifying his status as a Slam Poetry icon. Ray's multi-faceted career includes founding his educational company, Page to Stage Productions, consulting for Word Forward in Singapore, and performing in renowned theaters.

From sharing a keynote address with Robert Bly at the First Coast Writers Conference to touring Italy with Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Ray's passion for poetry knows no bounds. Tune in to Twice 5 Miles Radio and immerse yourself in the creative world of Ray McNiece, a true master of the spoken word.

Enjoy the show

The American Poetry Slam with Ray McNiece,  Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. James Navé here. I'm thrilled to have filmmaker Walon Green as my guest in this episode. Walon reflects on the environmental changes since his Oscar-winning documentary, The Hellstorm Chronicle, was released in 1972. He emphasizes the battle between humans and insects that has lasted for millennia, pointing out that insects seem to be winning. Walon warns that if we don't alter our ways, humanity could face extinction sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, Walon highlights that we have the means to live in harmony with the planet if we choose to do so. The conversation starts with Walon discussing his passion for the natural world, including his love for falcons. Enjoy the show!

The Hellstorm Chronicle: A Battle Between Insects and Human with Academy Award winner Walon Green

Provocative Conversations from Twice 5 Miles Radio is a podcast devoted to candid, often surprising exchanges with artists, thinkers, and cultural instigators who speak from the core. Each episode dives beneath the surface to explore the stories and questions that shape our lives.

I’m James Navé—poet, storyteller, educator, and longtime creative collaborator. With an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and decades of teaching experience across the globe, I help writers and performers tap into their authentic voices through public speaking, creative writing, and the Imaginative Storm method, which I co-developed with Allegra Huston.

My most recent book, 100 Days: A Poetic Memoir After Cancer (3: A Taos Press), documents a hundred days of healing and poetic reckoning. I’m also co-author of Write What You Don’t Know and How to Read for an Audience—practical guides for anyone seeking to speak and write with more truth and power.

I’ve directed festivals, hosted literary salons, taught with Julia Cameron, and memorized over 600 poems. I still believe in the power of a well-told story, the light through stained glass, and the open road with nothing but a podcast and a windshield full of stars.

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