Photo credit: Taniesha Byrd
CHARLOTTE, N.C – The inspiring poetry book becoming more human: words from the soul by Charlotte-based writer Jon Davis is the first of many works of art that will motivate, encourage, and touch every reader who turns the front cover.
Davis is currently one of Charlotte’s most altruistic residents and writers. The poet, artist, and community builder captured the heart, eyes, and ears at his latest poetry reading and book release at the The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters in Plaza Midwood.
In what seemed like a blink of an eye, the published poet went from being an eager 10-year-old writing contest nominee to a passionate and spiritually guided writer.
‘Maybe I am a poet’
In 2020, Davis followed a spiritual calling to write more after reading the Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. Following his spiritual awakening, Davis found himself reading in an intimate meditation concert as pianist Beate Perrey played the piano alongside his words.
During the reading, Davis says he read the last poem in his book titled “i see you” which is one of the first poems he ever wrote.
“It is about really seeing someone and their full humanity,” says Davis.
After the reading, Beate smiled, looked at Davis and said, “Jon, you are a poet.”
Davis goes on to say, “I was confused at first because no one had ever called me that but from then on I couldn’t shake her words. It just took me a while to step into what she saw in me.”
Davis stands out from other artists in many ways but one in particular is the homage he pays to the words he writes. He literally writes letters to words, meaning he writes letters that are interpretive of what he thinks about certain words. For instance, he wrote to the word “silence.”
“It was after the murder of George Floyd, and I realized that my silence on social justice causes could slow down progress and the work I cared about,” states Davis. “So I wrote a letter to “silence” asking for greater discernment as sometimes I do need to be silent and create space for people closest to problems to speak. But I also asked “silence” to never quiet my own heart and what I care about. That at times I wanted “silence” to know I would be speaking up for things that mattered to me and to just be prepared.”
Therefore, Davis usually starts his process with a word he is grappling with so he can figure out how he can reinvent his relationship with its meaning. In becoming more human readers will find letters Davis writes to “Imagination,” “Surrender,” “Fear,” “Humanity,” and several others. He starts with Dear “insert word” and then writes exactly what he feels without stopping until he decides to sign his name with a salutation.
Davis began to understand his purpose and connection to words as he created work that cultivates love and harmonious connection between humans. He often refers to the work ‘Ubuntu’ which translates to “a person is a person through other persons.”
“This word truly means the world to me, for me it means, I can’t be fully human until you are too and the better you are…the better I will be. It means if you are oppressed or silenced, I am too because I am actually a part of you. So if I oppress you, I oppress me. Most of the book centers around this idea of “becoming more human” hence the title,” says Davis.
In the early stages of his journey to becoming a published poet, Davis befriended photographer and businesswoman Camille Hughes. She quickly saw the light, skills, and potential Davis possessed. Her constant praise and push to make sure Davis was working to his fullest potential served as a motivator for him to get his works published.
“I definitely wouldn’t have this book out without her unwavering support. I think we all need a “Camille” in our lives.”
Alongside friendship, Davis values community and connection in all respects of life and includes these values in his work process.
becoming more human is tangible proof that human connection is essential. The poetry book includes inspiration from Davis’ peers, close family, and friends along with illustrations from young humans he’s grown to know and love.
The poetry book features two high school students, Anabelle Hammons (14) and Maurizio Tognarelli (18), who contributed to the 27 pieces of sketch art in the book. Local artist Shane Manier was a third contributor.
Davis’ launch party encompassed the very essence of his book – a warm aura, music, hor d’oeuvres, laughter, and most importantly human connection.
Davis recited a select few poems, highlighting the inspiration and goals for each word spoken from his book.
The show closed with a special toast and warm words from Hughes, along with an exchange of laughter and love between guests attending the event.
“I think the essence of writing for me is creating what I see and want to see in the world. So I hope to always be writing,” says Davis.
“I have another 100 or so handwritten poems so hopefully another book at some point. I have also written a children’s book about kids standing up for each other across different cultures. I try to remind myself remember to be consistent and stick with my practice. I am less concerned by the outputs like books, etc. but just want to be in the process of writing. This interview is a big step in that direction,” says Davis.“One last thing…I hope anyone reading this article puts their own writing out there. As writers, it is easy to “delay” what we have to say because it can feel like no one is waiting on it.But if you read this far, I want you to know I am waiting to see your writing and what you have to say. As Camille would say, keep going!!!”
becoming more human continues to be the book no one knew they needed and will quickly become a favorite read. becoming more human is available for purchase HERE.
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