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Amar's avatar

Good morning, Jesse. I like your shirt.

I just found this video. I get lost on Substack and stumbled upon this. That’s no coinkydink.

Super amazing awesome video chat. It’s so nice to see your smiling eyes. You’re positively radiating. You remind me of my childhood friend, Cindy. We met on the playground at our hilltop schoolhouse. I recently found out it was closed last year. Eleven members of our family attended that school. My house, within waking distance, we played field games, rode bikes, ice skated in the flooded tennis courts. It was a school alive.

I’m like you with the rawness of poetry, secret journal capturing the mood of the moment.

I tried journaling, but felt unease at the format. I much prefer poetry and lyrics. Riddle me moments. Reels of the Rollie.

here’s a haiku I just wrote now inspired by your chat . . .

Smiling the sun shines

waking up the Day

A new beginning

🌞

“Blessed is his mind when he feels so crazed”

This lyric resonates with me. Spiritual pain. Body change. Taking it with grace. My spirit grows strong. A sapling in the wind. Holding on.

I enjoy you your songs. Your voice tender and natural like a seagull flying free.

Your story of how you found your instrument is magical. I believe your ukulele recognized a friend. The key is chi singing. A song blessing winged flying around the globe.

Hugs and happiness

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Zsuzsa Klemm's avatar

#replay

Thank you for this wonderful rich hour.

Beautiful songs! 🩷💥

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Hal Gill's avatar

Now this tune “Monster” — inspirational…and that word is insufficient to convey the depth it reaches within me. You know, I first saw you during the performance by your mother of “Dancing Barefoot” at the Lincoln Theater on U Street during her “M Train” book tour….you dropped in on piano kind of impromptu, it seemed. I was on the balcony.

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Hal Gill's avatar

I love that a post from your mother came through as I was watching this and that your father’s name graces your shirt. As you know, I’m using Substack to honor and curate my father’s legacy.

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Hal Gill's avatar

Just catching up with this! We are all together…and Siri correct tried to say that we are ethereal…I’m lighting a candle.

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Suzi Blalock's avatar

Jesse, I joined in the live video about half way thru then came back to watch from the beginning -

What a delight. Knowing that so many were with you at the same time - well, that creates it's

own special energy. Thoughtful and thought provoking. Thoroughly enjoyed the ukelele as it mixed so well with the timbre of your voice. You fit a lot into that hour. Thanks for the music and

the poetry and for providing a respite from the raging storm. Mind how you go, Jesse.

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Caroline Farrington's avatar

Dear Jesse, I loved watching this. Thank you so much it was beautiful and inspiring. ❤️

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Harmonica Mike Merrill's avatar

I always everyday look forward to your posts. I always equate that with starting the day off right. You are one of my favorite humans. Thank you for what you do. Peace!

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Mary Ann Brown's avatar

Hi Jesse. I watched and listened to your singing, playing your ukulele, story telling and poetry reading on Saturday and I was just entranced the whole time. You are such a generous hearted person. I loved that you were wearing your Dad’s honorary t-shirt from his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (posthumous) induction. Did you and Jackson accept the award for him? Both of your parents were and are such once in a lifetime people!! Talented Smiths. Musicians, artists, poets, singers, writers. Their best work was you and Jackson. ❤️❤️

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Sophie Buyers's avatar

Hello Jesse I loved this video, and I liked your song and ukulele playing, thank you, x

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David Picariello's avatar

Hola Sistah on your ukulele your comrade in arms and poetry Jameela Jamil is someone whose universal messianic compositions are always inspirational. luv davpi.

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David Picariello's avatar

Hola courageous Sistah....such glorious musique from the sacred instrument of the HAWAINS. Yours is the heart the disruptions in ISRAEL/PALESTINE need to absolve these unpeaceful actions.

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Le Presse Papier's avatar

🤍

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Rebecca Roze's avatar

I found this last poem so very beautiful and full. I’m crying a soft warm cry. Thank you!

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Paul Bendern's avatar

Jesse, how can I get your work? Your poems & music and stuff. Let me know. It's your new bf Paul.

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