Double Lines

Double Lines...for these times is a collaborative poetic work crafted by two poets with distinctive perspectives. Each work, having the same title is infused with real - raw emotion, colorful drama, and strategy for rocketing forth through challenges of these present times. The issues of life through their individual lens will inspire and enlighten you. This dynamic duo is comprised of members of the same family, an Auntie and Nephew. They pair their truth to power by culminating various life experiences, present circumstances and issues into poetic fuel that bring humor, faith, love, and the spirit of the overcomer.

This work is a collaborative effort between my nephew and myself. Probably somewhere around 2007 my nephew and I began sharing poetry with one another. I always appreciated and really enjoyed his work. Back in 2017, after our conversation about psoriasis, a skin condition that I dealt with. He said, "Auntie you are God's pink leopard". He then followed it up with a poetic work, "The Pink Leopard", that truly inspired me to subsequently complete my version of "The Pink Leopard" the next day. The Pink Leopard is a very special work because for the first time I took courage and gave the skin issue (psoriasis) center stage. I talked about how I needed to embrace my skin, whatever state I was in, and I learned to view myself as a "The Pink Leopard". I imagined a pink leopard, powerful, rare and beautiful because of how different she is. Both versions, powerful and vulnerable left a great impression and beautiful memory of how when truth and power collide it can be so kingdom. In September of 2021 I reached out to my nephew to suggest that we do an entire work with same titles for each work and with our two different perspectives, one being female, and the other male. My nephew was delighted so we agreed to go forth with this new work. I then invited our niece (who is a singer/song writer and poet) to complete an "Onward" summary for our work. She too was delighted. So here you have it - Double Lines...for these times. We know you will have a take-away or two from our work - enjoy!!!

Tammy-T is a performing artist, singer/song writer, psalmist, and poet who has dedicated her life to serving others through her passion involving the arts. Her vocal performing career began at an early age when she joined the internationally acclaimed Singing Angels. Through the ensuing years, dance, music, and poetry allowed her the opportunity to share her many gifts, bringing joy and healing to others. Tammy-T received a music scholarship and continued her education at Cuyahoga Community College where she received an Associate of Arts degree. She later went on the earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cleveland State University. Tammy-T went on to become a Certified Music Practitioner, using her gift of song to bring comfort music to patients in hospital and hospice care centers. Tammy-T, a native of Cleveland, Ohio appeared as Miss November on a local radio stations calendar as well as a recording artist and background vocalist for local bands such as The Light of Day. Tammy offered her rendition of Free by Deniece Williams at Showtime at the world-famous Apollo Theatre and was well received by the audience there. Tammy-T self-published a book of poetry in 1998 entitled T's Pot of Poems, Volume I. This work included art from three local artist (one being her brother Terrence L Tarleton Sr., deceased who designed the cover) and many testimonials in support of her poetry. Tender Age Music is Tammy-T's latest project which is a music history, education and appreciation program for people of all ages. Tammy looks forward to a life filled with new opportunities as a speaker, youth advocate, and mentor, and spiritual leader for the kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.