Life Lessons and Lyrical Translations of My Soul

A collection of poems written and inspired by various life experiences from artist, poet, performer, thought leader, advocate and truth-teller Kiah Morris. From the Preface: "Friends, this collection of poems is my first foray into publishing my work. These poems are poignant, dark, funny, inspirational and deeply personal. Non-traditional, sometimes prose-like. Not all are appropriate for all audiences and some may trigger deep emotions. Included are poems about my heartbreaks, my triumphs and the ups and downs of my life. Sharing these stories and my art is an incredibly vulnerable act, and well worth it. I hope that you will enjoy this collection, and perhaps be inspired to create your own."Originally from Chicago, Kiah Morris lives in Bennington, Vermont on the southwestern end of the Green Mountain State where she served in the general assembly as a State Representative from 2014-2016 and 2016-2018. She is the first African-American and person of color elected from Bennington County and the second African-American woman to be elected to the legislature in Vermont history. In that capacity, she served on the House Judiciary Committee and Vermont Judicial Nominating Board and is co-chair of the tripartisan Legislative Women's Caucus. Her story of success and struggle have been covered in over four dozen media outlets including CNN, The Huffington Post, New York Times, Washington Post, The Hill, Essence Magazine, Canadian Broadcasting Company, BBC Radio and Vice MediaShe provides consultative services, workshops and presentations on issues of diversity, equity and leadership for organizations across the globe. She serves on the Board of United Children's Services, is a Sisters on the Planet Ambassador for Oxfam America, Leader with Rights and Democracy Vermont and is on the advisory councils for Emerge Vermont and Black Lives Matter Vermont.Kiah also holds an accomplished artistic career as an actress of stage, film and television, spoken word performance, as a singer, dancer and arts manager. As an arts advocate with a passion for community-based art, she has produced numerous special events, concerts and art exhibits during her career. Her work focuses on amplification of voice of the oppressed, issues of human rights and social justice.Praise for Life Lessons and Lyrical Translations of My Soul: "Kiah's poetry unburdens the reader from a rose-colored façade to show how realness and intimacy are places from which we can thrive. This collection is the perfect starting place to experience Kiah's seemingly limitless energy as it tours us through love in all its forms and encourages us to dance in the light." - Shane Lukas, author of Assaults on the Marathon, Blood for Wings, and Every Ineloquency