Poet, filmmaker, DJ, music enthusiast, sojourner; James Berkowitz is readying his second book of poetry, "The Angels are Watching" for print while busily booking readings all over the country. We chose Glendale's Brand library in the embrace of big pine trees and songs of rare birds as our meeting place. James, a slender, black-haired, fair skinned vibrant man in his late thirties speaks gently, yet passionately. He is in no hurry, as his deep honey-brown eyes drink the plush green nature.

Q: You are a real mix of races and religions.
A: Yes. I am a world citizen. I have French, Russian, Turkish, S. African, Italian, and Jewish blood in me.

Q: But you were born in the U.S. and grew up here.
A: I was born in Boston, Massachusetts during a tumultuous time of social unrest. Racist slogans and swastikas were painted on homes and businesses; windows were stoned. Although it is a rapidly expanding city, ethnic sectioning and segregation still prevail. Incidents of racism and bigotry are not uncommon.

Q: What was your family's reaction to this situation?
A: I was sent to a private school. My mother used to tell me to 'walk away' from trouble and my father used to tell me to fight back and not come home a 'bloody mess'. This had a profound effect on my learning to resolve conflict.

Q: I would assume one acquires a thick skin under such circumstances. You are a poet who comes from the wells of the soul and shares with others. What particular experience changed your path?
A: College was a huge savior. Going into the city and meeting people from other parts of the world opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and being. I enjoy learning. I was always eager, eager to learn. It is a positive emotion. With poetry, I am celebrating musings from different parts of the world and bringing them into life's experiences.

Q: Two of your poems are in a French Anti-War documentary...
A: Yes, the film is still in production.

Q:You also have poems printed in Indian papers...
A: The Indo-American Times printed one of my poems. I've also appeared on a number of cable shows.

Q: Your media experience goes back to your college days...
A: I have always been an advocate of independent arts and culture. The underground music scene in Boston was at its peak and I enjoyed bringing the excitement to people via the two TV and two radio shows we produced.

Q: Where is this big enthusiasm for music coming from?
A: Every Friday, we used to dance after dinner. Family and friends would go into the den and dance for hours. My parents were good dancers. My 85 year old grandmother is a dance teacher that still has the moves. There was always music in our house: Jazz, Big Band, Rock, Blues, and Soul. Having a natural sense for rhythm contributes to my poetry.

Q: You also play various instruments...
A: I play guitar and can sit at a drum kit and keep it going. I've composed music to the short poems of Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, and others.

Q: Why did you decide to study film at UCLA?
A: It is an interesting story. My mother died of a rare type of cancer. I had written a poem called "Circle of love" for her eulogy. When I read it in the chapel, everyone was so moved that they wanted copies of the poem. I had always written poetry but sent it to a secret admirer. Never felt the need to share it with others. About a year or so later, I had a dream of my mother. She was crying. Then I saw images of a place I've never been, with palm trees, ocean, and sun. I woke up drenched; thought I was having a heart attack. I interpreted the dream as a message from my mother telling me to go to that place of sun. I arrived in LA four days after the dream. I loved films and with the creative fire from within, film appeared to be the way to go. When the opportunity presented itself, I embraced it with delight. I wrote and directed short films. Currently, I am in the process of writing a full length screenplay.

Q: And about the spiritual you...
A: I continue to study Eastern Philosophy and remain open for the journey. In my daily practice, I infuse chanting, Buddhist and Judaic prayers, meditation, and various forms of yoga. After all, it is ONE EARTH, ONE PEOPLE, ONE LOVE.