RockOm

American poet and lyricist Jimmy D. Robinson's works have earned him a sterling reputation in the world of publishing and music. Widely recognized as one of today's most prolific writers, Robinson's poems, musical stories, and lyrics reflect the hardships he has endured and the triumphs overcoming them. Penning his words with stark reality -- writing of the human condition -- loneliness, love, desperation, and hope, Robinson uses his craft to convey his celebration of life. For several years, Robinson's highly praised poetry books have been gifted to presenters and nominees at the Grammy Awards, the Radio Music Awards, the American Music Awards, and the Latin Grammy Awards. Robinson's book and music collection is often distributed to children in U.S. school systems as well as those in high crime areas, prisons and shelters. His works have been donated to many people as far as Africa and across the continent of South America.

Now, after the release of thirteen contemporary poetry books, Jimmy D. Robinson releases his fourteenth work entitled Rock the World. In his latest collection of modern poems, readers will be uplifted and filled with delight as the words and phrases reach out with a positive new world consciousness. Through Robinson's enlightening word artistry, he inspires gratitude and appreciation for the earth, which is so abundant and giving to all of its inhabitants.

"In Rock the World as in life, hope does spring eternal. As long as there is hope, there is life," states Robinson. "No matter how bad one's circumstance or station in life, hope is what sets us free. It is only through hope that we can rise above the pain and find love, music, and freedom."

Rock the World touches the reader's heart and encourages an appreciation of the human spirit. The rich poetic phrasing and deep awareness reflects the spirituality of Jimmy D. Robinson and his lust for life, happiness and love. The book's poems delve into the celebration of success. Rock the World heartens those with heavy burdens who must overcome great hardships. Following is an excerpt from Robinson's Rock the World poetry book:

There I Am
There I am
Everyday
There is a
Whisper
That follows
The sun
For every star
Life begins
Underneath the sky
Music begins
To take away
The loneliness
On top of
Every mountain
A soldier cries
For freedom
Today will
Today is.
Every dream
I hold
Shall stand
Higher
Than an angel
Whose smiles
Brighten this sand
There I am
Again
Again
Again

Rock the World will be included in The 2008 White Party VIP gift bag, which benefits AIDS patients in South Florida and will also be included in The 51st Annual GRAMMY(R) AWARDS gift bag. Thanks to Sarah J. O'Hair of Distinctive Assets this is the fourth year running where Jimmy D. Robinson's books of poetry have been part of the Grammy's and other related events. Rock the World is currently available at Barnes and Noble and will soon be found online everywhere books are sold including Amazon.com and BN.com. For more information please visit: http://www.jimmydrobinson.com and www.atlasbooks.com/jimmyland.

[by Jim Strzalkowski]

The following is a poem by Myra Brooks Welch which was circulated for years, often as an anonymous work. It has seen its way onto plaques and trinkets, quoted in sermons and even recorded (by Wayne Watson, others). Perhaps that's because for decades this simple story has touched people with its simple truth. Though you may have heard or read this before, experience it today anew with a fresh understanding. Here is "The Touch of the Master's Hand":

'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folk?" he cried.
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar ... now two ... only two ...
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three" ... but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
As he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars ... and who'll make it two?
Two...two thousand, and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once and three thousand twice ...
Three thousand and gone!" said he.

The people cheered, but some exclaimed
"We do not quite understand ...
What changed it's worth?" and the answer came:
" 'Twas the touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with soul out of tune
And battered and scarred by sin
Is auctioned cheap by the thoughtless crowd
Just like the old violin.

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul, and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the master's hand.

O Master! I am the tuneless one
Lay, lay Thy hand on me,
Transform me now, put a song in my heart
Of melody, Lord, to Thee!

[By Myra Brooks Welch]

"Love Said To Me"

Shahram Shiva

www.lovedrunk.com
www.rumi.net
www.myspace.com/rumilovedrunk

Rumi is the greatest exponent of the ecstatic intoxication of sacred love. Shahram Shiva, Rumi translator, performer and author, captures the essence of Rumi's message through his passionate performances. This union of spoken verse and music melds magic with love. RUMI: Lovedrunk CD blends the exotic and the meditative with hip grooves and inventive arrangements of Olivier Glissant and the deep, resonant and hypnotic voice of Shahram Shiva.

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