MANSOUR Speaking the Language of Life & Love
MANSOUR Speaking the Language of Life & Love is a testament to the extraordinary life of Mansour, aka, the late Harold E. Nettles. In this collection of short poems, Mansour explores love, inspiration, transformation, and culture, and finds delight in nature and the cosmos. His striking brevity, honesty and depth offers much-needed courage, hope and grounding in these uncertain times. As his words live on through this first volume, Bonita LloydNettles, his widow and the editor, hopes that readers will catch a glimpse of his love and wisdom that drew his family, friends, community and the world to him.
Buy Now for $19.95MANSOUR, aka Harold E. Nettles (1948-2011) was a poet, vocalist, entrepreneur and educator. He was also the late co-founder of Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corporation. MANSOUR won several awards for his poetry and storytelling, or “literary expressions” as he liked to call them. One such award, which was particularly dear to him, was given for his work at the African American Museum on Long Island where he was born, raised and taught at his alma mater, Hempstead High School.
Sharing extraordinary wisdom to transform the lives of others was MANSOUR’s passion and purpose and the essence of who he was. As an example of his gift to transform, he inspired a young man with cerebral palsy to excel in high school and to become an entrepreneur. This young man successfully launched a trucking company with national contracts and used his business profits to invest in real estate in his community.
Desiring to explore the world, MANSOUR entered the Air Force in 1967 and received the rank of Sergeant E4 in the prestigious Air Police in London. After his honorable discharge in 1971, he graduated from SUNY Farmingdale with an associate degree and SUNY Utica with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
MANSOUR and his wife MAIMOUNA aka Bonita LloydNettles were pioneers in Harlem when they arrived over 30 years ago. Together, they spearheaded the development, restoration and revitalization that would impact the 2nd Harlem Renaissance. MANSOUR and MAIMOUNA organized tenant associations, block associatations, and created Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corporation that contributed to the creation of over $60 million in community wealth generated by home ownership and entrepreneurship.
Language of Life
I speak the language of life
My words enhance voices
Of total being
I sing with the birds
Nesting high in the trees
I talk to the wind
She answers with a breeze
I smile on the shore
Whose laughter waves her seas
I hum for the sun
Her response comes
Through bees
I speak the
Universal language of life
My mind delights in notions
Beyond sound
Beyond seeing
Simply
Beyond
“My poems, or ‘literary expressions’, as I prefer to describe, are purposeful and subtly encourage readers to bring forth their unique and transformative genius. They gently point a direction to those on their journey of life, and while on this journey, my work suggests to travel lightly and with levity – not taking oneself too seriously along life’s way.
Often described as proverbs, my poems have a striking brevity that ignites a slow-burning fire with a subtle yet enduring impact, and in a flash of spirit, my work is at once simplistic and profound, hidden and revealing. . . elusive and evident. This embracing of seemingly opposites results from my turning to my inner spirit – becoming a vessel that connects me with infinite spirit. This connection allows my work to touch all and transform through the unity of oneness of spirit and life experience.”
—MANSOUR
“As a Rapper and Hip Hop artist, I consider myself a poet, storyteller, and lyricist. That is why I was drawn to the book, MANSOUR Speaking the Language of Life & Love. I didn’t know MANSOUR personally but his poems inspired me to say ‘I got this!’ and to get into action.“
— Carl Granum
Rapper, Real Estate Investor, Author
“A lovely book of short, sweet poems to make you smile. A great daily read. Great for Valentines day gift!”
— Carolyn Johnson
“Spending quality time immersed in the energy of the words channeled through MANSOUR is to be awakened, affirmed, appreciated; transported through a journey of Love, unbridled and unabridged, totally freed to delight all the senses! Enjoy with BodyMindSpiritSoul!”
— Harriet Tubman Wright
Director of The Wright Resort, A BodyMindSpirit Wellness Center
“During the course of my life, Mansour was the closest thing I had to a father. One of his ‘fatherly duties’ would be to call me often and leave me with a ‘poem for the day’ whenever I was unavailable. Even today, when I listen to those messages and read his written poems, I am still able to feel his presence. I laugh to myself when I remember how his low, resonating, and authoritative voice would make me anxious to speak to him. Many of his poems demonstrate an unguarded openness and simply communicate valuable messages for people at every reading level. The sincerity of his poems have compelled me to have faith in the direction of my own life.”
— Ashura Bayyan
MANSOUR’s godson
“I personally knew MANSOUR as a friend and as a professional. He was very supportive when I became a mother of twins, and would often share words of encouragement. After one of our conversations, he gave me my African name. I admired seeing him with his wife MAIMOUNA, and could see their love for each other. I recommend this book for MANSOUR’S words of inspiration, for his adoration of women and his unique insight into life.“
— Beverly “Naila Jaha” Lydeatte, MPA
Nonprofit Administration Professional
“MANSOUR was a kind, generous and loving spirit beyond measure. He “adopted” my son and became his God Father in the real sense. MANSOUR gently but firmly helped guide my son to Manhood. All that MANSOUR was is far beyond the profound words he put to paper.“
— Sandra Lovelady
Retired Educator
Real Estate Investor
CEO, The Wilmurr Group LLC.
Publisher : Bonita LloydNettles; 1st edition (August 2, 2016)
Price : $19.95
Language : English
Paperback : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 1517144981
ISBN-13 : 978-1517144982
Item Weight : 9.3 ounces
Dimensions : 5 x 0.6 x 8 inches
