A couple of weeks ago I was talking to Vagabond, 2Leaf Press’ resident filmmaker and graphic artist, and told him that Abiodun Oyewole’s video, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, is the best video he’s ever done, which says a lot because Vagabond has done hundreds of fine films (check out his work on Vimeo). Surprisingly, he actually concurred, a rarity since Vagabond is such a perfectionist and is often his own worse critic.
As we move into a holiday season filled with protests about policy brutality, this cultural juxtaposition was clearly revealed when I recently revisited Abiodun’s video. What comes to mind is the tinsel and the billy clubs. Uniformed Santa Clauses and the Police rising from the ashes towards the beauty of hope. Yes, I can see the beauty of hope when I watch the protestors. There is something beautiful about people from all backgrounds coming together for a “human” cause. Amid the debris of hate and preconceived notions that can and continues to kill people, the human masses are making a last stand. They reminded me of sixties-era protest singer Phil Ochs, who once said, “In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty.” Abiodun’s magnificent poem “Something Beautiful” coupled with Vagabond’s vision, resonates.
When we were looking at the rough cut, Vagabond told me, “I wanted to do something subtle, because the words are so powerful, I didn’t feel the need to interfere. I want people to listen, to really listen to Abiodun’s words.” Vagabond had the courage, as he often does, to use film to open both heart and mind to the goodness of the people despite the odds, and in ways that no lecture or admonition ever could.
The video has received such traction that when Abiodun does readings or goes on speaking engagements, he receives requests to read “Something Beautiful.” He is utterly surprised because the poem was written years ago, so in his mind it’s an old poem, but at the same time, he is elated because readers are learning about Abiodun Oyewole “the poet,” as opposed to “The Last Poet,” which by the way, is an affiliation he is very proud of. But what’s exciting is that people are becoming hip to the depth of Abiodun’s sensitivity and an intellectual vision and wit that goes beyond the work he’s been primarily known for when he first emerged during the Black Arts Movement and became one of The Last Poets. As publisher, it’s exciting to witness this transformation, which just goes to show the power of the written word. The fact that Abiodun’s words were captured on film has made them even more powerfully potent.
There’s really not much more I can say about this video except to encourage you, my dear readers and poet aficionados, to check it out — the video speaks for itself. With all the chaos that’s going on in our lives these days, please take four minutes to “exhale,” look at the video, think of something beautiful, and then pass it along.
Happy Holidays
Gabrielle David
