Prescott spoken-word artist Jeff Daverman has a mission. “Our work in this life is to contribute to the collective conscience by doing the individual internal work it takes to gain wisdom and grow in mindfulness.” As both artist and activist, he strives to share his message with others. “When the internal work is the focus, the individual grows wiser, and thus the collective grows wiser.”
In addition to poetry, Jeff is a visual and graphic artist. He finds that different media present unique challenges, but also have much in common. “In all my creative endeavors I seek to convey an authentic expression, as closely aligned to truth and the nature of reality as I can.” Poetry challenges him to approach art from innovative perspectives. “Poetry gives me a way to stretch my creativity and apply entirely different processes. Using language, cadence, rhythm, rhyme and metaphors to paint a lyrical picture is a great complement to my visual art.”
Spoken-word poetry has its roots in oral traditions. It also requires the performer to have a good memory. “Mastering a poem well enough to recite it on stage pushes my comfort zone and helps me redefine what I am capable of creatively. Using succinct language to express ideas that have depth is a beautiful challenge.” Jeff feels honored to join other artists who express themselves through spoken-word poetry. “I love the courageous souls who step into the arena to dare greatly and become vulnerable in hopes of sparking connection.”
Political and social justice struggles are often themes in Jeff’s poetry. “The work of being an activist and the work of being an artist help me plug into a cause greater than myself, and present opportunities to put my beliefs into action alongside kindred spirits in a like-minded community.”
Recently Jeff performed the following poem, “From the Front Lines of the Nonviolent Revolution,” at the Prescott Courthouse in front of an appreciative crowd. Unlike other poems he’s written, this poem came easily. “It just flowed out of me, as though the universe was giving me this message to present to the world. I had tapped into a creative expression that instantly became alive in me.” He is pleased that the poem has received such positive acclaim. “This poem represents who I am and what I believe about as well as any single work of art I’ve ever created, so collaborating with the universe on such a high frequency alone feels mighty successful. The fact that it has struck an emotional chord with some of the folks who have heard me recite it is a pretty sweet bonus.”
When discussing the poem, he says, “This poem is a reminder that the struggle always begins within the heart of each individual working to better themselves and the world around them.” For Jeff, change starts from within, then grows to connect with the larger community. “Acting from a foundation based in love and applying a consciousness that considers the wellbeing of others and the planet we share is how we best contribute to the true revolution; the evolution of consciousness.”
From the Front Lines of the Nonviolent Revolution
(a reminder)
In every moment, GRATITUDE
Forget the farce and platitudes
Align instead your attitude
To all vibrations positive
Rejecting fear, and pledge to live
A life whose wealth is what you give,
A heart whose health… imperative
May wisdom guide the narrative
Through all this present lucid dreaming
The universe not so gently screaming,
“Appreciation, Consideration, Empathy and Compassion
These are the things you do not have to ration!”
Transcendent egos called to action
The law of love is gaining traction
Heed the call, oh Mortal Conduit!
Feel the flow and know to roll with it
Feed the soul, let go the bullshit
Cut those ties and recognize the lies
The illusion of separateness
Is but a disguise
When you see through
that what’s true has been defaced
Negativity displaced, the need for violence erased
And when there is space to ponder grace
Yourself reflected in another one’s face…
Yourself reflected in another one’s face
The place to embrace simultaneously
To agree to see common humanity
To share the same air and dare to be
Inspired by the mystery
Beyond him or her or them or me
In order to be free we already hold the key
Applying awareness on the conscious frontier
With a deep understanding that love is greater than fear
Empowering voices and subsequent choices
This guidance is strident and abundantly clear!
With no reservations, this revelation’s
A distinguished creation of reciprocation
Shout it out, I’ll say it to every nation,
“Your behavior is your best illustration.”
By being the light in the night of unknowing
With hope as the scope of consciousness glowing
Harvesting love from the seeds that we sow,
Nonviolent Revolution continues to grow
Nonviolent Revolution continues to grow
Nonviolent Revolution continues to grow!
This poem is dedicated to Nonviolent Revolutionaries past and present.
Dee Cohen is a Prescott poet and photographer. deecohen@cox.net.
