Dancing the Dream: Poems and Reflections

by Michael Jackson

The pop superstar presents a collection of twenty inspirational poems and twenty essays that discuss such issues as world hunger, homeless children, and the need for world peace.

Genres: Poetry, Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Short Stories, Spirituality, African American

149 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Michael Joseph Jackson, often referred to as The King of Pop or MJ is an American musician and entertainer.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

The seventh child of the Jackson family, Michael Jackson debuted on the professional music scene at the age of eleven as a member of the Jackson 5, and went on to become a pop icon as a solo artist. His successful career and controversial, enigmatic personal life have been a part of pop culture for almost four decades. Jackson has dominated pop music since the late 1970s, becoming the first black entertainer to amass a strong cross-over following on MTV with his revolutionary transformation of the music video as an art form and as a promotional tool. The popularity of videos aired on MTV such as "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" created a tremendous synergy that helped to put the relatively young channel "on the map" and Jackson continued to be a dominant figure on MTV with videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream". Jackson also popularized physically-complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk, that have redefined mainstream dance and entertainment. His distinctive style, dance moves, and vocals have influenced a whole generation of hip hop, pop, and R&B artists.

He has been cited as the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by Guinness World Records, and holds the record for the best-selling album ever, Thriller, among 7 more guinness world records.

Michael Jackson has received thirteen Grammy Awards (eight on a single night in 1984) and two of his solo albums have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Jackson has charted thirteen #1 singles in the United States, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era. In November 2006, the World Music Awards announced that Jackson had sold over 750 million units worldwide and given $300 million to charity, making Jackson one of the best-selling music artists and one of the most philanthropic performers of the 20th and 21st century. However, Jackson's controversial appearance and actions have damaged his reputation in the eyes of some of the public and album sales have been in decline since the mid 1990s.

From 1988 to 2005, Jackson lived on his Neverland Ranch property, where he built an amusement park and private zoo that was frequently attended by disadvantaged and terminally ill children. Rumors of sleepover parties received both negative media coverage and public attention after it was revealed that children had slept in his bed or bedroom. This first came to light when he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993. Michael Jackson's relationship with children was brought into the spotlight again in 2003 when the TV documentary Living with Michael Jackson was broadcast. This resulted in Jackson being tried, and later acquitted, of more child molestation allegations and several other charges in 2005. After this, Jackson went on hiatus, traveling to countries such as Bahrain, before starting work on new material in Ireland. In early 2008, he released Thriller 25 (a special edition of the "Thriller" album), which was a commercial success selling nearly 1.5 million copies worldwide in seven weeks.

Reviews

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In some cases to understand a person, it is best to read their writing. This is definitely true of Dancing the Dream. I think no book could better represent Michael Jackson's inner world than this one. No better book indeed, than one written in his own words, by his own hand. The content contained within is beautiful and mesmerizing and inspirational. He is a true genius in every sense of the word.

[Coen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on my spare time, whenever I need some encouragement or inspiration, or simply a dose of love. Michael's words are magic and they never fail to lift me up.

[Darren Shoneye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing The Dream by Michael Jackson is the most divine, beatific collection of poetry that I have ever read. This book is perfect for reading to children because the poetry is caring, powerful and perennial. Some of my favourite poems are Planet Earth and Child Of Innocence.

Child Of Innocence speaks about the purity and exclusive nature of childhood. It really places emphasis on the significance of enjoying the blissfulness of youth, and the importance of letting children be children. This poem would be thoroughly enjoyed by EYFS as the words are very easy to understand, and it flows very poetically. It really touches your heart because the passion comes through in the words, and you feel as though the poem is speaking to you personally. It is extremely amiable, and I think this is important when getting children to try and write their own poetry; try and move people in some way, or get them to feel something. There are a number of poems to choose from, and each of them are equally positive about life and the world that we live in. I read a lovely review of this book which said, "Every single work is filled with the joy of life and is a true inspiration."

Another one of my favourite poems in this book is Planet Earth. Planet Earth speaks about the universe as a special place that is our home. One would assume that we all like to treat our home with care, and respect, and we should therefore adopt this attitude to the universe. Years and years from now we want humankind to be able to enjoy the beauties that we have enjoyed, here on earth. If we want this to happen then we need to start caring a little bit more about the world.

There is an ongoing theme of care and emotion and it really inspires anyone that has a heart. I remember when I read this collection of poetry that it really inspired me to write some poetry. If I can be inspired to try my hand at poetry, then I am sure many other young people could also be inspired. I have enclosed a poem that I wrote, which was truly inspired by Dancing The Dream and the elicitation that sometimes it is good to celebrate what is different, because ultimately, the world would be a boring place if we were all the same. It speaks about being a ‘misfit’ and my renunciation of any kind of animosity that one may experience for being different. The message is that ignorance tends to be manifested in those that lack knowledge, and if you have knowledge, then you have the upper hand to these shallow minded people.

Here is the poem I wrote:

Child Of Euphoria

Who is this child? People failed to understand him
Some thought him stupid, some thought him dim
There is a strange sparkle in his eye that catches your attention
Anyone who sees, will never fail to mention
He inspires and eats you whole
He wants your un-sheltered soul
This child is definitely peculiar, they said
Eventually the news began to spread
That when he rises and he glows
Nobody knows
His inner strength gives him power
Defiant as a tower
His invincible mind conquers all
His hope will not fall
Don't try to steal his shine
For this is what makes him so divine
Think of him every day
For this is the only way
You can imitate the epitome of man
So do what you can
For he is the one we must obey
Don't let your mind sway
For you must radiate goodness and love
That special thing, lining the sky above

How can a pair of eyes be so innocent and pure?
They must be god sent for sure
If you don't care for him, he cares not for you
For he cuts, bruises, and bleeds too
Remember him in everything you see
For he is all you want to be
Look at him and stare
It makes your soul bare
Unless you absorb his passion
But do this with compassion
For he was not always this strong
His life was once all wrong
So don't rain on his parade
Instead let your sadness fade
Open up your mind
And look what you find
Something new and exclusive
Make your physical self allusive

United we stand, united we fall
The Magical child is inside us all
He rattles and bangs to break free
Like a desperate plea
So release the child now
Don't raise a brow
Listen to what he has to say
Don't let your mind go astray

Mysterious, enchanting, and magical is thee
And who is he?
He is everyone that wants to embody their spirit
For this is something we all inherit
But for some of us it gets lost
And our morality tossed

Look at his gaze
It never fails to amaze
He is truly heaven sent
Now is the time for us to repent
Find your inner child's heart
And from it, never depart
For it will immortalise your youth
This is the eternal truth
Spoken for the wise ears only
The happy, sad, and lonely

[Kalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is purity.

There's part of me--the style-savvy, street-smart part--that itches to grin wryly and drop a smug comment about the literature in this book, or lack thereof.

But I can't.

I can't narrow myself to judging a message by its shape, after I read, am reminded, about "Wings without Me." After I look at the eyes of a baby seal, through these eyes, back at myself, at all of life--that cannot be killed, even as someone kills someone else. After I see yet another reason, piece of the puzzle, why elephants yielded to us humans. After a wise little girl makes me smile without judgment.

Michael, you burned in so many ways. I still see you.

And--yesyesyes--you were entirely right about the "I You We": we see ourselves.

Thank you.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael is a creative genius and a VERY VERY LOVING PERSON. Rest in peace dear Michael, you are the king of our hearts... those who can feel your light will always love and remember you... heal the world ))) you are still doing it, Mike! Lots of LOVE and GRATITUDE...R.I.P MJ is The Sweetest, The Nicest Man Who Ever Walked On This ' Earth The love he has for the children, and everyone is just amazing! You'll always be remembered Michael, RIP! AND NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE YOUR PLACE NOT NO ONE IN THIS WORLD GOD MADE YOU ONE OF A KIND....AND YOU ARE HIS CHILD To Know His Music You Must Understand There Is LOTS OF MEANING IN HIS MUSIC LIKE I SAID ,Michael is a creative genius and a VERY VERY LOVING PERSON. THAT LOVED EVERYONE THAT THROUGH HIS MUSIC HE TELL US!BUT YOU HAVE TO Understand THE MEANINGS OF HIS MUSIC,MJ paid a heavy price for just being who he was, a simple man with extraordinary talent trying to bring some joy in the world. Hatred is a killer and it must be stopped,Michael is a creative genius and a VERY VERY LOVING PERSON. Rest in peace dear Michael, you are the king of our hearts... those who can feel your light will always love and remember you... heal the world ))) you are still doing it, Mike! Lots of LOVE and GRATITUDE...R.I.P MJ is The Sweetest, The Nicest Man Who Ever Walked On This ' Earth The love he has for the children, and everyone is just amazing! You'll always be remembered Michael, RIP! AND NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE YOUR PLACE NOT NO ONE IN THIS WORLD GOD MADE YOU ONE OF A KIND....AND YOU ARE HIS CHILD JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I GODBLESS YOU MJ God New His Plan When He Created You MJ GODBLESS YOU MJ

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

این کتاب تشکیل شده است از 46 نوشته و سروده ی زیبا و لطیف از پژواک اندیشه های هنرمند بی مانند مایکل جکسون؛
"سیاره ی زمین، خانه ی من، مکان من، خلاف قاعده ای بی ثبات در دریای فضا، سیاره ی زمین آیا تنها با غباری از ابر شناوری، آیا حباب کوچکی هستی در مرز نابودی، تکه فلزی در مرز زنگ زدن، ذره ای از ماده در خلائی بی فکر، سفینه ی فضایی تنها، سیاره ای وسیع، سرد همچو صخره ای بی رنگ یکپارچه شده با قطره ای چسب..سیاره ی زمین آرام و نیلگون با تمام قلبم دوستت دارم"..
...you've just forgotten, just lost the clue
Inside your heart sits a Seer
Between his thoughts, he can hear
A melody simple but wondrously clear
The music of life, so precious, so dear
If you could for one moment know
This spark of creation, this exquisite glow
You would come and dance with me
Kindle this fire so we could see
All the children of the Earth
Wave their magic and give new birth
To a world of freedom with no pain
A world of joy, much more sane

Deep inside, you know it's true
Just find that child, it's hiding in you.

[NON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete review

There are manifold ways to approach Dancing the Dream and whichever way one chooses, it'll work just fine. He created it in a straightforward manner that it's fitting for all ages starting from a child that would revel in the enchanting parables or the several pictures to the adult who'd find enough riddles to solve the intricacies behind his words. Also, it's suitable for people from all backgrounds as he's connecting all of us together with his universal tolerance through the healing powers of love and unity.

Dancing the Dream is filled with Jackson's sagacity, he touches the fundamentals of the soul experience. Jackson is not merely giving out an advice; he's proposing the issue, the solution, and the outcome. He differentiates between self-image and self-actualization in “Innocence”. Pride (which is the opposite of self-esteem) “turns life into a struggle” (p. 58) because one would be too preoccupied with facades rather than actual fulfillment and too indulgent in projecting this or that instead of directing that energy into a more creative center. He goes on to indicate the efficacy of self-love and self-acceptance in “Courage” & “Trust”. Jackson says that real bravery is nothing like what we see in motion pictures, that kind of heroism “seems hollow” (p. 63). Being courageous is when we know who we really are – this means recognizing our strengths as well as our weaknesses. When we understand what we want and we're honest with ourselves, we feel more contented with who we are therefore we get to be “more open to other people [page 60]”. Courage is in trusting oneself; it's in accepting oneself as what it is and not what it supposed to be. Self-discovery is the first step towards self-improvement and that can be achieved through self-motivation. “No force of nature can break your will to self-motivate,” Jackson sings in History.

“In accepting yourself completely, trust becomes complete. There is no longer any separation between people, because there is no longer any separation inside. In the space where fear used to live, love is allowed to grow.” -Michael Jackson (p. 60)

There's something so powerful in Jackson's language and his dealings with it. He does not conceal vulnerability nor his sensitivity; he celebrates them; he channels them into a positive force that ignites him. Every being, every culture, every religion.... heck every moment are recognized as sacred and that's the path he's walking us through to reach the luminous depth of the Self. “When all life is seen as divine, everyone grows wings,” he acknowledges (p. 13). Jackson is repeatedly dissolving all boundaries because despite what we've been told, “You and I were never separated it's just an illusion” (p. 139).

It's interesting the way he speaks out for the children (“Ryan White”) and he speaks directly to them (“Children of the World”); he speaks out for the globe (“Mother Earth”) and in other poems he speaks so passionately to her (“Planet Earth”). Actually, the consistency of his message is what made it synonym with him. He truly cared about matters that were constantly taken for granted or were entirely forgotten. He sought to spark people's awareness about these neglected topics, including the children which he dedicated his entire life to speak up for them.

“Our children are the most beautiful, most sweet, most treasured of our creations. And yet, every minute, at least 28 children die. Today our children are at risk of being killed by diseases and by the violence of war, abuse and neglect. have few rights and no one to speak for them. They have no voice in the world. God and nature has blessed me with a voice. Now I want to use it to help children speak for themselves. I have founded the Heal the World Foundation to be the voice for the voiceless: the children.” -Michael Jackson, 1992.

Michael Jackson's enduring love of all species of animals is an example to follow. While the media were busy making fun out of this aspect of him, he continued to advocate for the endangered animals and spoke out against animal cruelty on countless occasions - Dancing the Dream included. He deeply cared for their condition in a world that's filled with selective compassion he blanketed every being with empathy and love. This part shone so brightly in every piece he presented here (“So The Elephants March,” “Look Again, Baby Seal”).

“Those problems aren't ‘out there,’ not really. I feel them inside of me.” -Michael Jackson (p. 143)

Dancing the Dream is not suggesting you to take one gulp of the divine and to stop after that, it urges to keep on unfolding until one is awakened. Gratefulness pours out of Jackson's words like a waterfall and he attempts to kindle that sense of appreciation in his readers. Dancing the Dream gets you in touch with your inner light (“I Searched For My Star,” “Are You Listening”), reconnects you with your surroundings (“Once We Were There,” “Heaven is Here,” “Quantum Leap”) and encourages you to re-embrace the child within (“On Children of the World,” “Magical Child Part 1 & Part 2”).... as one reads on an ambitious question pops up: what is truly my purpose here?

All in all, one does not simply read Dancing the Dream; it's an empirical knowledge that is meant to embolden the readers into making an effective change that begins from the inside. “Stop existing and start living,” (p. 38) he states affirmatively. In some reflections he's letting us borrow his eyes to see the world through them; at time we're experiencing love at its best form and at other times we are witnessing prophecies that are so relevant today. Perhaps the wisest move was for Jackson to close this spiritual experience by stating that “the dream continues”.

“This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real.” -Jalaluddin Rumi

Despite being so often overlooked Dancing the Dream reveals so much of Jackson's soul with its collection of 46 entries and profuse illustrations (a combination of 100 colored photographs and drawings) that adds to its vitality in understanding Michael Jackson because it's the book he thought captured his core better than his 1988 autobiography.

“It was more autobiographical than Moonwalk, which I did with Mrs. Onassis. It wasn't full of gossip and scandal and all that trash that people write so I don't think people paid much attention to it, but it came from my heart.” -Michael Jackson (simulchat, 1995)

Although, Dancing the Dream in its entirety is a spiritual nourishment, academics and researchers should find enough intellectual materials to decipher Michael Jackson as a human being, as an artist and as a humanitarian from his own words. Instead of leaning on hearsay, we should define Michael Jackson based on his own words and actions as he left us a significant number of materials to use other than tabloid junks.

In the heartfelt introduction that was written by Elizabeth Taylor she declares, “I adore Michael Jackson” ... And I couldn't find a better statement to close this review with.

More books by Michael Jackson:
1- Moonwalk(Autobiography)
2- Moonwalker: The Storybook Original Story by Michael Jackson
3- My World: The Official Photobook

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in sometime that I sat down and read in its entirety in just a few hrs. Another beautiful book by Michael Jackson himself. This contains pictures, paintings, poems, and person writings. The writings and illustrations are beautiful by the true and beautiful genius himself. He wanted to make and positive impact and that he did. This is a must for any fan.This is 2nd ever book...

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am DEEPLY DEEPLY DEEPLY saddened over the loss of Michael Jackson. His music, videos, etc.. brought me a lot of joy. I remember reading this book years ago and loved it. The poetry is so beautiful. RIP MJ. Your music and icon status will live on forever!!

[Sarah Cummins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad/Sickening

[Selena Richie · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.I.P. Michael Jackson.
You will truly be missed.
Muchos Amore'




Michael Jackson Comments

[Sade1910 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book..highly recommended...=D

[Jeanettedianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written by a true genius...all about his thoughts about nature, short stories, and poems. Gives you a rare glimpse as to how such a talented man thought.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most intimate emotions of Michael, the most beautiful photos. One of the best books ever for those who love Michael.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection. I had the time of my life reading this thoroughly.
Michael was the calmest, most compassionate and understanding person ever. His words will live forever in my heart.

[Tatiana Belovska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is the beginning, where's the end
Time's arrow, so difficult to bend

[Linh Ngo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beyond expectation. Michael Jackson's poems and reflections regarding his personal view of the world around. Most of the poems and reflections are about love, trust, faith, children and planet Earth. He is definitely one of the finest people that ever walk the planet. Michael, you will be in my heart and soul forever.

[CJ Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful, the way this man's mind worked was so beyond beautiful

[AlAli · Rating 3 out of 5]

highly recommended

[Katrina Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, beautiful writings. Poetry, lyrics and essays that will make you think, and rethink. I loved it and have read it more than once. It's also nice because it can just be flipped though rather than read cover to cover if you are in that kind of mood.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learn Michael jackson was born aug 29 1958 and june 25 2009.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mj was trying to save kids.

[Kerriann hogan]

I can't wait to read this book. He was and always will be the BEST! I love you MJ!!!!

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like him or not one thing that is very true about Michael Jackson is that he was a very talented human being. I loved this collection of poems he wrote.... Very touching!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most amazing book i've ever read

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful soul.

[Isabel Rebelo da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am a big fan of Michael jackson and this books tells a lot about his charcter and dreams.

[Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting poetry. I am not into poetry but I liked this.

[StarszBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a treat to read Michael's writings. One essay in particular, "Angel of Light" brought me to tears. It resonated with me to say the least.

[♡*WithLove, Reesie*♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words that show the heart of the person of Michael jackson, not just the artist. The deep empathy he had for Animals, nature & stars in the sky, people, the respect he showed them, being in tuned with them and himself. Amazing! Makes your heart grow and ache at the same time.

Enjoyed Elizabeth Taylor's forward. It showed her own awe of Michael as a person and an artist.

Thank you Michael for sharing your intimate words with world.