Henry Jones is a keen observer of the human condition. Since his childhood, he has been on a lifelong voyage of introspection in which he expresses himself through poetry and art. As an international award-winning, visual artist, playwright and performance actor, Henry is committed to trying to understand the many nuances of the world that surrounds us.
“I have spent most of my life trying to express my inner self, while simultaneously trying to gain a better understanding of the outer world around me,” says Henry. “My journey has helped me understand my purpose in life.”
Henry’s icurriculum vitae contains a host of notable achievements, including having his work appear in a wide array of books, anthologies, films, journals, magazines and art exhibits, including NSIBIDI: The Markings and Movements of Ancient Africa (Cogdella Academic Publishing), Home, Heart and Heritage Quilt Exhibition (Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center) and Embracing Blackness: Diasporic Unions (Customs House Museum Press). Henry has also authored several books, including his most recent work Black Skillet Blues: Poetry without Cornbread (Beatlick Press).
Along with his numerous awards and accolades, Henry was named Hendersonville’s first poet laureate in 2021. Since then, he has devoted himself to furthering the creative arts at venues across the community, including Rock Castle, Monthaven, the Hendersonville Rotary Club, the Sumner County Family YMCA, the Hendersonville Library and the Steeple Players Theatre.
In commemoration of the season of thanksgiving and gratitude, Henry graciously composed a special poem for the readers of Hendersonville Lifestyle.
A SUN DAY FOR US
Sun rays fall on my face
shaded memories of sorrow
fade away into striated joy
pointing to you glowing
I see your glistening teeth
mouthing jokes and flirting
to create a smile on my face
as you turn my day around
our moment seems timeless
The Sun now in both of us
our hands full of warmth
as we walk away shining.