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Burris of the Universe

I have met someone new. His name is Jim Burris, but he enjoys being called Burris of the Universe. BOTU, as his signature reads, is a Vietnam veteran, a cook at a local bar, a pony-tail wearing philosopher of sorts, and a poet. Mainly he's a poet. He writes what comes to mind, avoiding politics but speaking up as he is inspired. BOTU's limitation, if you can call it that, is a lack of audience and occasionally lack of incentive. So, I have offered my blog as temporary incentive until he gets his own site. Once a week I will post a new Burris of the Universe poem, fresh from the source and unedited.

My wholesome little spot on the blogosphere seems to be known for its light approach to the world--some of you even think you need to wipe your feet or remove your hat when you stop by. I never want anyone to feel that way when they visit, but that seems to be the feel Just Sayin' projects. With that in mind, don't be shocked if my new Poet in Residence doesn't quite fit what you have come to expect from Just Sayin'. I am excited about what might appear as this experiment evolves. Here is the first installment--it came about when a mutual friend noted the dark tone of most of BOTU's poetry. He wrote this in response:

Upbeatnik Poetry?

I truely look for the
goodness that makes it
worth waking up—
last week I got to
read shady poetry to
unsuspecting moms to
read poetry while the
young girls danced while
my favorite band jazzed while
Kyle and Jason arted—
I felt safe in the hand of the
goddess of color and sound and the
special minutes of mother's day.


If you care to comment on Burris' poetry, I will be happy to pass your input on to him.

Comments

Sassy Sundry said…
Robyn, I for one have never felt the need to wipe my feet when I come here. I think it's why I like your blog so much. You're just you.

I love the idea of injecting a little shady into the lives of unsuspecting moms on mother's day. Poetry makes us remember our base desires---the base that made mothers mothers in the first place.

Bring on Burris of the Universe!
dive said…
He sounds cool, Robyn.

I also love the thought of you chatting up an old beatnik in a shady bar. Hee hee.
Scout said…
Sassy, insightful point connecting base desires and motherhood. I like that. I'll pass it on.

Dive, hey! How do you know I met the guy in a bar, not to mention shady? How do you know I didn't meat him at a church meeting or something?
dive said…
Hee hee. Just wishful thinking I suppose.
I've always felt that stopping in at Just Sayin' is a bit like afternoon tea...sharing...but no one would mind if I asked for a shot of bourbon.

Would certainly love to hear/read much more from BOTU -- Lovely poetry, with a philosophical bent. A deep gift there.
Anonymous said…
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed making art that day, that Mother's Day. It's not easy being Burris. He has to work at it. He won't even let me buy him a bike.

Kyle
Scout said…
kyle, I am still waiting for the second installment from him--even left a note at the coffee shop. I hope Burris will write more.
Marnie Watson said…
Hey, if you're still in touch with Jim, I would love to get find out how to get back in touch - he's an OLD OLD friend and I've been trying to hunt him down forever!
Unknown said…
I, too, am an old acquaintance of Mr. Burris. My name is Heath and I met him through a mutual friend, long past, named Brady's Cafe'. Tonight I was caused to remember two very profound things that he once said to me that are apparently rattling around my brain after almost 15 years. I would very much like to get in touch with him again.
Anonymous said…
I have known James for the past 40 years of my life, Old Friends From Wakefield Quebec where I met Him the first time at Le Chantier.
I Spoke with James a fiew Months ago and I must say James never changed in those 40 years and i for one am not surprised!...James is James.
Next time you see Botu ask him to tell you the story about Stop sign the Spider.
Anonymous said…
Robyn,
I met Jim Burris )Burris of the Universe) in 1977 (I think) in Sweetwater Texas a great cook and unique individual ... even back then... (he lived in an abandoned warehouse... and walked everywhere then as well... sending continuum energies for you and him...
Anonymous said…
You wrote a poem for me many years ago in rascals and then we hung out with Danny ball, and pottsy..... Upstairs......I want to publish your previous and have you create a new one

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