John Hensley's spoken word

By Barbara Ellington, Flair Co-ordinator

WHEN PERFORMANCE poet John Hensley's carefully modulated tones hit the ears of women at the recent Mind, Body and Soul retreat, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, they sat up and listened.

You see, 33-year-old Hensley uses the spoken word at several open mike platforms along the US west coast to spread his messages of love, hope, and peace.

Hensley who believes "I'm only as sick as my secrets," paints vivid pictures of scenes from life with his words.

Still, performance poetry is very much underground. "It is not mainstream, so we go through stuff in life, write it down and go to open mikes where we listen to others. Sometimes one good poet takes it a step further," noted Hensley who also performs in clubs.

Of Italian and Colombian parentage, Hensley abandoned the corporate rat race more than six years ago to pursue his passion. He dabbles in television and film acting, does some theatre and advertising commercials but performance poetry brings out his competitive spirit. While he is not making tons of money, Hensley said he was happy doing what he was doing and always remembered to count his blessings.

He teaches workshops at universities, colleges and juvenile halls. "I teach creative writing to the youngsters because I can relate to them and reach them at their level."

In a workshop setting, Hensley who thinks it's a blessing to be able to travel to beautiful places like Jamaica, told Flair there are no lies in the poetry. He said he was happy to be invited to share and thought it a great concept for women to get together like that. "It's a first time here and that's something that you all should continue

Though sceptical at first, his parents now come to see him perform. 'I tell her (his mother) to be proud of me, I'm happy doing what I'm doing, I'm wealthy, I just don't have a lot of money."

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