Poetry and Illustrations by Fundi
“Moving On The Road To A Man-Song Sanctuary” is one man’s poetic journey through the emotionally chaotic trials linked inextricably to a “so-called” paradise--paradoxically filled with tempestuous social worlds. Embedded upon the path of a central visionary theme, while navigating beyond volatile issues and their damaging potential, is a major, daunting task: To salvage, maintain and still fully realize the joys that fuel the richness found within struggling life and a challenged love.
A gifted writer and artist with an impassioned background as an educator, Fundi utilizes multifaceted dynamics to illuminate key aspects of often neglected, misunderstood human experiences. Fundi’s fine illustrations also give magical accentuation to a compelling text. The vibrant stage of African-American culture, a freshly embraced Buddhist philosophy and overdue painful acknowledgement of an “inherent” homoerotic nature fuels a topical crossroads that has the means to be truly explosive.
Yet, it is here that the perspective of this author’s visual eye demonstrates an ability to make its "word magic" dance across the page. Fundi does have the uncanny ability to harness what could be considered discomforting truths within the currents of palpable streams that yield a compelling and lyrical flow.
And at times the reader may just kick-back and enjoy a soulful serenade of various people, places and things.
When exploring this book’s contents readers will undoubtedly discern the revelation given by one man’s alternative perspective on the healthy uncelebrated possibilities residing in the potentials of "caring men." Sounded is a resounding call for men themselves to further the task of pushing expanded improvement across the spectrum of a stagnant but definitive “men’s” community.
Whatever the background, gender or social persuasion, one thing is for sure: A hardy stash containing unexpected jewels awaits a lofty traveler after captured unequivocally “Moving On The Road To A Man-Song Sanctuary.”
Fundi was first published in the fall and early winter of 1986 with two essays that appeared in the San Diego “Update” newspaper.
In early 1987 Fundi was hired as a graphic artist and writer for “The Scene.” Subsequently as theatre and book reviews were published his national reporting skills were honed and he began covering news topics from coast to coast “on site.”
In February 1988 Fundi began writing, doing graphics and illustration for the “San Diego Gay Times.” Movie reviews were thus added to a growing list of writing topics as he continued national coverage of news items. A yearlong groundbreaking self illustrated weekly column also debuted: “Recalling The Steps To An Ancient Dance,” a fictionalized tale based on researched historical facts, traced the spread of an African ethnic community’s homoerotically supportive mores through a young man captured into the system of North American slavery.
It was here that Fundi also became the first openly gay African-American man published in regional Southern California, spanning the regions from San Diego to Palm Springs, and to the Los Angeles/Inland Empire/Coastal Cities areas.
November 1989 found Fundi writing news articles, reviews and essays for the “Gay And Lesbian Nation.” Shortly therein a second yearlong weekly column, also self illustrated, began: “Unsung Channels” offered an intimate, resourceful, “myth shattering” discussion with men on multiple issues impacting the emotional/sexual dynamics that shape conventional perspectives on the Western male’s approach to life.
In 1991 the national debut of Los Angeles based “Alternative” magazine gave Fundi prominent space when it issued a featured position for his provocative movie review of the film, “Boys In The Hood.”
The Demise Of
Pristine terrain
turning tart and structurally bitter,
vacant fatherhood
sets petrifaction
running through the throng,
but swing it way-down-low for me
this time Big-Daddy
just like the notion in that
good sweet chariot song.
Pound asunder
those defective bumps and cobbles
that has risen on such
sanctimonious roads,
now’s the time to shave
a clear and decent pathway
where a heavy child can dump
that dangerous load.
Stretch it wide your lofty vision
Rainbow Daddy
for you know the countless lads
who could be prone,
this illusion of indifference
as part fixer
draws temptation that cuts
smack dab to the bone.
Come flaunt the seeds
that trains its troops
towards mass protection,
human sacrifice for privilege
must be banned,
when we own the proper cause
to heal the future
then females might restore
their treasured trust
in man.
A chasm’s spirit seeks
the god-like fruit
young forthright papa,
a hungry gap seeks plentiful pride
that’s emotionally strong,
status-quo
rides ill-fated comfort
that will soon come a knockin’
but opportunities list
tells repeat desertion
don’t try to come home.
On this
Father’s Day
it’s the fine tuned lovin,’
not a broken heart’s drummin,’
that will glide, oh so
restlessly long.
