A very powerful statement by Patti Davis in Newsweek. On a sad note; the passing of Christopher Reeves, Ms. Davis speaks about the cause he championed these past few years and what it means to others.
MSNBC - The Life He Left Behind
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Monday, October 11, 2004
Post Card Poem Exchange
As I posted earlier, I am exchanging Post Card Poems with Ivy this month. Writing One each Tuesday in October. This is really a great idea. Ivy is doing this with several others. It forces you to create something quickly on a time-table and get it off to another (which can be a bit humbling) and then of course the excitement to seeing something the created under the same kinds of circumstances.
Wow... Ivy's Five Minute Call took me deep into the persona of a woman's soul.
Wow... Ivy's Five Minute Call took me deep into the persona of a woman's soul.
Breaking Silence
Ah, I have been a quiet one over the weekend. At least on blogland.
Hosted the Northland Writers group at our home one Sunday, so I was mostly busy getting ready for that ( an a thank you to my family for the help) and I am happy to say it went well.
The only disappointment was that I was up and down quite a bit and as a result didn't get to hear everyone or at least all that they wrote.
My cousin Jon and my wife's step-mother joined us. They have been doing some writing. Jon poetry and Janet is taking a creative writing class. I hope we didn't scare them... Too much!
Scot entertained them with a couple of his "God series" poems. Theology will never be the same.
Chris shared something he created from Pat's workshop... taking liberties with her instructions and moving a bit further into the realm of creativity. It was interesting because it was a short piece and Chris is such a prolific writer... (he is just beginning to learn that you can do something complete in less than 75,000 words. Ok, I am stretching it a bit, but he is an excellent writer and he can get into some marathon writing stretches.
Sheila didn't read. She is still weeping from her Germany piece. She killed the baby and didn't see it coming. Emotional writing but wow!!! I truly expect her to do something with this piece. It needs to be published.
I missed most of Ann and Don's readings - heavy sigh. Jon and Janet were bold enough to read in front of us. Some first timers aren't... Jon did two poems... and Janet did a couple pieces which were along the lines of journal entries or life memories. I think she really could do a lot with them.
Missi arrived late as usual. (smile) She was, however not the latest. She beat Don! Missi brought some children's poetry that she had been working on. I think this may be a real strong genre for her. I've heard other things she did in the past that were inspired by her four year old son. She also cracked me up with a poem that was a take off on a Toy advertisement. Sometimes she can write stuff that reminds me so of Billy Collins.
I did just two readings.... Poems I have posted here this past week.
Next week we are back at the college for more formal writers workshop. Work without the food and social amenities.
Hosted the Northland Writers group at our home one Sunday, so I was mostly busy getting ready for that ( an a thank you to my family for the help) and I am happy to say it went well.
The only disappointment was that I was up and down quite a bit and as a result didn't get to hear everyone or at least all that they wrote.
My cousin Jon and my wife's step-mother joined us. They have been doing some writing. Jon poetry and Janet is taking a creative writing class. I hope we didn't scare them... Too much!
Scot entertained them with a couple of his "God series" poems. Theology will never be the same.
Chris shared something he created from Pat's workshop... taking liberties with her instructions and moving a bit further into the realm of creativity. It was interesting because it was a short piece and Chris is such a prolific writer... (he is just beginning to learn that you can do something complete in less than 75,000 words. Ok, I am stretching it a bit, but he is an excellent writer and he can get into some marathon writing stretches.
Sheila didn't read. She is still weeping from her Germany piece. She killed the baby and didn't see it coming. Emotional writing but wow!!! I truly expect her to do something with this piece. It needs to be published.
I missed most of Ann and Don's readings - heavy sigh. Jon and Janet were bold enough to read in front of us. Some first timers aren't... Jon did two poems... and Janet did a couple pieces which were along the lines of journal entries or life memories. I think she really could do a lot with them.
Missi arrived late as usual. (smile) She was, however not the latest. She beat Don! Missi brought some children's poetry that she had been working on. I think this may be a real strong genre for her. I've heard other things she did in the past that were inspired by her four year old son. She also cracked me up with a poem that was a take off on a Toy advertisement. Sometimes she can write stuff that reminds me so of Billy Collins.
I did just two readings.... Poems I have posted here this past week.
Next week we are back at the college for more formal writers workshop. Work without the food and social amenities.
Friday, October 08, 2004
wwjd
what would Jesus do
with the burnt ends
of daily embellishments
minutes squandered in omission
social repudiation
over the tops of our noses
scornful of someone
distinctly less
to swell ourselves up
to make something aggrandized
but less
authentic
and sell out humanity
for the price
of a quick upper
what would Jesus do
with egocentric
nose thumbing pride
slurping the cream
and leaving sour
rings on the bottom
for forage
what would Jesus do
with our silly weapons
retained
while we restrain
or triturate anyone else
that poses a thought
of parity
what would Jesus do
with our self-righteousness
in the temple of the would
what would he do
with the burnt ends
of daily embellishments
minutes squandered in omission
social repudiation
over the tops of our noses
scornful of someone
distinctly less
to swell ourselves up
to make something aggrandized
but less
authentic
and sell out humanity
for the price
of a quick upper
what would Jesus do
with egocentric
nose thumbing pride
slurping the cream
and leaving sour
rings on the bottom
for forage
what would Jesus do
with our silly weapons
retained
while we restrain
or triturate anyone else
that poses a thought
of parity
what would Jesus do
with our self-righteousness
in the temple of the would
what would he do
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Take Notice
I declare
a state of intoxication
Exists by overdose
of regulations
from the commonwealth.
The proletariat hereby
restricts your ass from
penetration past this
point.
a state of intoxication
Exists by overdose
of regulations
from the commonwealth.
The proletariat hereby
restricts your ass from
penetration past this
point.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
It's All Here
the smell of October
damp leaves
the taste
of flying vermin
off course
crashing one’s mouth
the wreckage
spit upon the sidewalk
damp leaves
the taste
of flying vermin
off course
crashing one’s mouth
the wreckage
spit upon the sidewalk
It's Here!!!!!
Pat Berge - co-editor of Under The Telling Tree Anthology e-mailed me today to tell me of the arrival of the proof copies. I called her to see if she was a wired as the e-mail sounded. She was! Good thing she was inside because the sky could not have contained her.
I have three pieces in the anthology which will be available very soon!
I have three pieces in the anthology which will be available very soon!
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Barry & Bush
Barry, my faithfull Doxie heard a Village in Texas is missing an idiot. He felt obligated to return him to Crawford.
WTG Barry!
WTG Barry!
First Tuesday In October
It's Post Card Poem Tuesday. The first one to be precise.
I just sent off my first poem poet card to Ivy and I have to say, as it disappears at the post office and you turn and walk out the door it is a humbling experience.
Other people are going to read this.... A postman or two and of course another poet. Suddenly, you wish this were something you spent a week or more on, not a spontanious exercise in poetry. [Gulp!]
I just sent off my first poem poet card to Ivy and I have to say, as it disappears at the post office and you turn and walk out the door it is a humbling experience.
Other people are going to read this.... A postman or two and of course another poet. Suddenly, you wish this were something you spent a week or more on, not a spontanious exercise in poetry. [Gulp!]
Monday, October 04, 2004
Zing! I Knew that!
Don't you just hate it when people have to tell you something that you already know before you actually get with the program? Thanks Brian Campbell for your advice thought it is not exactly a new concept.
Yeah, you too Jilly for admonishing me to get off my butt! Just because it's the last quarter of the year, this is no time for a lassitude attitude! Geez!
So, after going through my stuff last night, I sent off two poems today and more forthcoming this week.
Yeah, you too Jilly for admonishing me to get off my butt! Just because it's the last quarter of the year, this is no time for a lassitude attitude! Geez!
So, after going through my stuff last night, I sent off two poems today and more forthcoming this week.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Naked? I Hardly Noticed
I was not going to comment on the debate. I'm not sure why... I just thought I'd let it stand on its own. After reading Greg's post today, I decided what the hell.
What most struck me about the President in the debate Thursday night was the arrogance of his posturing when John Kerry responded to the moderator. In more instances than not, Bush's look (rolled eyes and all) was as if the say, Well here we go again...
Body language was what spoke strongest about him. It overshadowed everything. Including his nakedness.
Some will say Bush kept it simple and stayed on cue. That this was a good thing. I don't believe he had a choice. What really struck me during the debate was not a totally new revolution, but it was finally one that I believe was confirmed beyond the realm of theory. Bush may not be "stupid" but he lacks the complexity to deal with broader issues that are often not as simple as black and white.
My example:
When Kerry discussed the idea that a preemptive military strike was something so serious that there was a global test or standard that had to be meet, Bush simply did not get it. This is something I have felt strongly about from the beginning. Yet here is the Commander-In-Chief, the man who prides himself in telling us he has what it takes to do this job ( inferring that Kerry lacks it) and he simply was dumbfounded by Kerry's remark.
Many people argue that it is pointless to argue this issue after the barn door was left open and the cow escaped. However, such decisions impact the way the rest of the world views us. In spite of what some people feel, this can become critical. Bush's own simple view is, We'll go to war when we want to and not when someone says it is ok. That is well and good, but the world opinion on this war and the way we prosecute any future wars, may well impact the support we get at some important juncture when there really are WMDs or justification. Will other nations look back and take a pass on supporting us because we cried wolf and there was no wolf? The misrepresentations that occurred and the President's arrogant posturing to any who disagreed with him is of real concern.
There is something we can learn from the mistakes in Iraq. We need to grasp that.
There was something to learn from Vietnam and many still are in denial about that lesson. These are costly mistakes to repeat.
What most struck me about the President in the debate Thursday night was the arrogance of his posturing when John Kerry responded to the moderator. In more instances than not, Bush's look (rolled eyes and all) was as if the say, Well here we go again...
Body language was what spoke strongest about him. It overshadowed everything. Including his nakedness.
Some will say Bush kept it simple and stayed on cue. That this was a good thing. I don't believe he had a choice. What really struck me during the debate was not a totally new revolution, but it was finally one that I believe was confirmed beyond the realm of theory. Bush may not be "stupid" but he lacks the complexity to deal with broader issues that are often not as simple as black and white.
My example:
When Kerry discussed the idea that a preemptive military strike was something so serious that there was a global test or standard that had to be meet, Bush simply did not get it. This is something I have felt strongly about from the beginning. Yet here is the Commander-In-Chief, the man who prides himself in telling us he has what it takes to do this job ( inferring that Kerry lacks it) and he simply was dumbfounded by Kerry's remark.
Many people argue that it is pointless to argue this issue after the barn door was left open and the cow escaped. However, such decisions impact the way the rest of the world views us. In spite of what some people feel, this can become critical. Bush's own simple view is, We'll go to war when we want to and not when someone says it is ok. That is well and good, but the world opinion on this war and the way we prosecute any future wars, may well impact the support we get at some important juncture when there really are WMDs or justification. Will other nations look back and take a pass on supporting us because we cried wolf and there was no wolf? The misrepresentations that occurred and the President's arrogant posturing to any who disagreed with him is of real concern.
There is something we can learn from the mistakes in Iraq. We need to grasp that.
There was something to learn from Vietnam and many still are in denial about that lesson. These are costly mistakes to repeat.
Friday, October 01, 2004
October Already
Ah, Friday at last!
I'm going the a reading tonight of some friends at the Maple Woods College campus. Tomorrow, my youngest daughter has a karate tournament locally. Should be an all day event. I'll take note book and reading material.
I'd like to get a lot done this weekend. It has just hit me that we are down to the final quarter of the year and I don't have much material out floating around right now. I need to make a final push. I've got stuff that can be sent out, just need to do it!
The poet must get off his butt!
I'm going the a reading tonight of some friends at the Maple Woods College campus. Tomorrow, my youngest daughter has a karate tournament locally. Should be an all day event. I'll take note book and reading material.
I'd like to get a lot done this weekend. It has just hit me that we are down to the final quarter of the year and I don't have much material out floating around right now. I need to make a final push. I've got stuff that can be sent out, just need to do it!
The poet must get off his butt!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
C.D. Wright Poem via Chris @ texfiles
Wright of course is the subject of my post yesterday on th MacArthur Fellows
Mixed verbiage
I peeked in on Love During Wartime, which I do from time to time... and wondered, what will James write about and title his blog when war is obsolete? Then I slapped myself in the face in the face and said... Yeah Right!
Pray for Alli's laptop! Poor girl had to use a MAC. I'm sure I must have a prayer here someplace for inanimate objects.
Debate Tonight.... I think they are in Florida. Is that a safe place to be these days?
A Federal Court had problems with a section of the US Patriot Act allowing authorities to demand financial records from companies in terrorism investigations is unconstitutional. The court concluded that the section bars any effective judicial challenge because the government does not need to show a compelling need for the information, and the act does not provide process for challenges to police action. Gee, Imagine that... the Patriot Act violating Constitutional protections.
Mount St. Helens is rumbling
and now, my news in brief....
They Debate tonight
And War will be a topic
Say a prayer
A prayer for peace
A prayer for the troops
That they soon come home
Speaking of home
Bush to Crawford
Soon
Real soon
Pray for Alli's puter
And Constitutional Rights
And speaking of Rights
Protect us
From the Religious Right
That are not Religious
Or Right
Through the intercession
Of St Helen
We Pray...
Pray for Alli's laptop! Poor girl had to use a MAC. I'm sure I must have a prayer here someplace for inanimate objects.
Debate Tonight.... I think they are in Florida. Is that a safe place to be these days?
A Federal Court had problems with a section of the US Patriot Act allowing authorities to demand financial records from companies in terrorism investigations is unconstitutional. The court concluded that the section bars any effective judicial challenge because the government does not need to show a compelling need for the information, and the act does not provide process for challenges to police action. Gee, Imagine that... the Patriot Act violating Constitutional protections.
Mount St. Helens is rumbling
and now, my news in brief....
They Debate tonight
And War will be a topic
Say a prayer
A prayer for peace
A prayer for the troops
That they soon come home
Speaking of home
Bush to Crawford
Soon
Real soon
Pray for Alli's puter
And Constitutional Rights
And speaking of Rights
Protect us
From the Religious Right
That are not Religious
Or Right
Through the intercession
Of St Helen
We Pray...
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Poet Among The 2004 MacArthur Fellows
Poet C.D. Wright - Professor of English at Brown University was on of 23 MacArthur Fellows announced for 2004. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation provides each winner with $500,000 in "no strings attached" support over the next five years.
The MacArthur Fellows Program is designed to underscore the importance of the creative individual in society. Criteria for the Fellows focuses on their originality, creativity, and the potential to do more in the future. It is not possible to apply for the awards, you must be nominated. The selection involves a rigorous and confidential process. And since no candidates are interviewed directly the selection, the recipient first learns of being named a MacArthur Fellow by way of a phone call from the Foundation. "The call can be life-changing, coming as it does out of the blue and offering highly creative women and men the gift of time and the unfettered opportunity to explore, create, and contribute," said Jonathan F. Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation.
The MacArthur Fellows Program is designed to underscore the importance of the creative individual in society. Criteria for the Fellows focuses on their originality, creativity, and the potential to do more in the future. It is not possible to apply for the awards, you must be nominated. The selection involves a rigorous and confidential process. And since no candidates are interviewed directly the selection, the recipient first learns of being named a MacArthur Fellow by way of a phone call from the Foundation. "The call can be life-changing, coming as it does out of the blue and offering highly creative women and men the gift of time and the unfettered opportunity to explore, create, and contribute," said Jonathan F. Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Two Northlanders & A Carpetbagger
Three from the Northland writing group showed up to read at Writers Place last night. Scot, Missi and myself. I being the carpetbagger of the group. They tolerate me, but then they have shortcomings too. They are geographically challenged. They keep referring to me as from the south because I life south of the river... but it is actually way the hell east on the outskirts of hell.
The turnout was.... average. I suppose there were maybe 15 of us. I had some new material. Actually both Scot and Missi had stuff I had not hear before.
The turnout was.... average. I suppose there were maybe 15 of us. I had some new material. Actually both Scot and Missi had stuff I had not hear before.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Though on the word for the day.
Hum... I'm kind of thinking that Ron Silliman would fall into the catagory of a wonk.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
B&N @ Zona Rosa Last Night
Very nice Reading last night - twenty some in attendence. I think I was most impressed with Missi Rasmussen and Terry Weide last night.
Since it was a new venue for me I was able to do some stuff I’ve read before. Four repeaters and one new piece.
1. Channeling Sylvia
2. File Folder
3. Rewrapping the Flag (new)
4. Sweet Revenge
5. Retirement
The PR person at this B & N is great!
Terry did some short story stuff that was very different from what I have normally seen him do. Missi had a Sharon Olds quality about her last night.
Since it was a new venue for me I was able to do some stuff I’ve read before. Four repeaters and one new piece.
1. Channeling Sylvia
2. File Folder
3. Rewrapping the Flag (new)
4. Sweet Revenge
5. Retirement
The PR person at this B & N is great!
Terry did some short story stuff that was very different from what I have normally seen him do. Missi had a Sharon Olds quality about her last night.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
BANNED IN NY CITY
Eileen Tabios has gone and got herself banned in the Port Jefferson High School. How great is that? The textual mention of her latest poetry book MENAGE A TROIS WITH THE 21ST CENTURY in flyers promoting one of here Poetry Readings evidently was just too much for the Victorian school administration to handle. It must have been the 21st Century part that they had trouble with.
At any rate, I'm sure Eileen must be feeling quite full of herself, being a banned poet and all. [no jealousy here] I'm just hoping that her Filipino twist to "Yadda, yadda, yadda.." is not going to earn her a spot on the "No Fly List" too...
At any rate, I'm sure Eileen must be feeling quite full of herself, being a banned poet and all. [no jealousy here] I'm just hoping that her Filipino twist to "Yadda, yadda, yadda.." is not going to earn her a spot on the "No Fly List" too...
Monday, September 20, 2004
Reading - Wednesday - Sept 22
I am planning to join some Northland writers at the Barnes & Noble booksellers in the new Zona Rosa Shopping Center at 8625 N.W. Berry Road in North Kansas City, Missouri on Wednesday 22nd for an Open Mic.
Sign up starts at 6:30 - Reading I believe begins at 7:00 PM
Sign up starts at 6:30 - Reading I believe begins at 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Sunday Evening
I am sorry to say the weekend is on the down side. But I have accomplished a fair amount of reading this weekend and did some writing this morning which was with some positive end resolve.
Friday - I got word that one of my two entries in the Senior Poet Laureate contest made it out of the preliminary round. While not a winner, it was nice to know that it made the first cut. The title was Channeling Sylvia. I suppose I can't complain too much... and what good would it do anyway? :)
Friday - I got word that one of my two entries in the Senior Poet Laureate contest made it out of the preliminary round. While not a winner, it was nice to know that it made the first cut. The title was Channeling Sylvia. I suppose I can't complain too much... and what good would it do anyway? :)
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Auden and Whitman Material To Library
Emory University library is new home for an extensive collection of works including those by Auden and Whitman. Raymond Danowski amassed and extensive personal library ranging from rare, signed editions by famous poets to handwritten notes by unknown authors. Until now they were housed in numerous locations. Danowski, a poet himself and retired London art dealer recently gifted the entire collection Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The gift, according to the University the largest collection of English-language poetry ever in private hands.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Thinking back...
I recall the days when all hurricanes were named for women. Well, not for specific women, but specifically names of the female gender. In grade school there was the old joke... why are all hurricanes given names of women? Answer, of course... Who ever heard of a himacane? I'm sure quite a few of you are familiar with that oldie.
I've often wondered what was the basis for the political correctness in this meteorological jargon? How was it an industry that likely was so male orientated came to make this change? I have no specific figures on the makeup of the profession, but in the mid to late 1960's I was in the national severe storms forecast center in Kansas City, Missouri on numerous occasions and I don't recall seeing many women. Sure that was a long time ago and things may have changed in the industry.
Not that any of this is earth shaking. The question is simply a little nagging twist of my brain. It is not near as important as when the troops get to come home or how people beat up by Charlie, Frances and now Ivan will manage to keep the faith and pull themselves back together. But I do wonder. And that is the great thing... we can still wonder about the trivial things that happen in our language.
I've often wondered what was the basis for the political correctness in this meteorological jargon? How was it an industry that likely was so male orientated came to make this change? I have no specific figures on the makeup of the profession, but in the mid to late 1960's I was in the national severe storms forecast center in Kansas City, Missouri on numerous occasions and I don't recall seeing many women. Sure that was a long time ago and things may have changed in the industry.
Not that any of this is earth shaking. The question is simply a little nagging twist of my brain. It is not near as important as when the troops get to come home or how people beat up by Charlie, Frances and now Ivan will manage to keep the faith and pull themselves back together. But I do wonder. And that is the great thing... we can still wonder about the trivial things that happen in our language.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
You Go Girl!
I love it when Katey gets something off her chest. [Poets Are Nerds!] Her post reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw on a car last night at a library... "Well mannered women rarely make history!"
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Eileen Tabios - Readings
Eileen is doing her "thing" in New York this month if anyone is in that venue. Details
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Friday, September 03, 2004
Words ~ Words ~ Words
Word watch! Laurel caught Laura Bush with a this linguistic travesty.
PLEASE!!! Will someone help get Zell Miller back to his Med clinic?
PLEASE!!! Will someone help get Zell Miller back to his Med clinic?
The GOP Convention is over.... it is safe to come out now.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Blog-gone-it!
It is so hard to believe that we are now in September. What has become of this year? I'm sort of at a loss for words today - which is, I suppose not a good thing to happen to a poet. On the other hand, it might have been a good thing for Jenna and Barbara last night.
Katey exclaims, "I can't write!" but of course, we all know she can. It just isn't happening when she wants it to. Who hasn't had that happen?
September? Oh geezee....
Katey exclaims, "I can't write!" but of course, we all know she can. It just isn't happening when she wants it to. Who hasn't had that happen?
September? Oh geezee....
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Your Humble Correspondent
Offering my official public apology to Aimee who evidently did not care for my comment about the Rainy Rottweiler and a Snausage. Honest folks, it was clean and above the board. At any rate... I humbly put myself in the corner for time out.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Menage A Trois
I have to admit falling in love with a poetry book...
Menage A Trois With The 21st Century did it! My eyes fought against the tiny print but they lost the battle and I simply could not resist the read. Eileen Tabois is of course the culprit... er I mean author.
If I may barrow from her a moment.... You will find Moi view of the book at the above link. Sorry Eileen... I promise not to appropriate your language again. Besides, you say it so much better. He-hee.
Menage A Trois With The 21st Century did it! My eyes fought against the tiny print but they lost the battle and I simply could not resist the read. Eileen Tabois is of course the culprit... er I mean author.
If I may barrow from her a moment.... You will find Moi view of the book at the above link. Sorry Eileen... I promise not to appropriate your language again. Besides, you say it so much better. He-hee.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Sigh...
That's all the editing I can take for now... blogger is having too may issues and chose to have them when I was making this big mistake! Ha!!
Hang With Me Folks...
I've created a monster. I just knew this was more than what I was up for right now.... (the new layout) and I hope to slowly have my links etc. back in place soon.... well, as soon as I locate my sanity anyway. :(
Friday, August 20, 2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
I'm Thinking...
Yes, and I have been told that is a dangerous thing. But seriously, I'm thinking it is time Stick Poet had a face lift. I'm just not sure if I am up to it yet... but it really is needed.
Jilly did it. Aimee did. Katey has done it uh.... a gazillion times. Micheala has done it. Oh, and James. Hell, even educated bees do it... Oh wait, that's an old Nancy Sinatra song!
Ok, I am going to seriously give this some thought. Get back to you on it!.
Jilly did it. Aimee did. Katey has done it uh.... a gazillion times. Micheala has done it. Oh, and James. Hell, even educated bees do it... Oh wait, that's an old Nancy Sinatra song!
Ok, I am going to seriously give this some thought. Get back to you on it!.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Czeslaw Milosz
This weekend, a giant among poets passed away. Czeslaw Milosz - the Polish poet known for his works depicting some of the worst cruelties of the 20th century died at age 93.
Milosz was a Nobel laureate for literature - recognized in 1980. He lived part of his life in exile - in both France and the United States - returning to Europe after the end of the cold war and continued to write. He was living in Krakow at the time of his death.
Milosz was a Nobel laureate for literature - recognized in 1980. He lived part of his life in exile - in both France and the United States - returning to Europe after the end of the cold war and continued to write. He was living in Krakow at the time of his death.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
New Poet Laureate for United States
Ted Kooser of Nebraska has been named poet laureate of United States. He replaces Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Gluck in the eight-month position. Is eight months really long enough for anyone to actually have an impact in this position?
Kooser's appointment is significant in that he is the first even from the Midwest. He has written 10 collections of poetry, the latest - Delights & Shadows, published this year.
Kooser will actually not replace Gluck till later this fall. [source]
Kooser's appointment is significant in that he is the first even from the Midwest. He has written 10 collections of poetry, the latest - Delights & Shadows, published this year.
Kooser will actually not replace Gluck till later this fall. [source]
Monday, August 09, 2004
From Sea To Shining Sea
Academy of American Poets selects National Poetry Landmarks
From a Berkeley Poetry Walk in Berkeley, CA to Emily Dickinson's home in Amherst, MA to Edna St. Vincent Millary's home in Camden ME and down to George Moses Horton's home in Chatham, NC with various points between... The Academy of American Poets has selected 31 landmarks that feature a taste of what has made American Poetry rich with regional diversity.
See the sites at poets.org
Friday, August 06, 2004
Lisa Jeffrey has a bit of Synesthesia
She describes it as the opposite of anesthesia, and says it means "joined sensation" of the senses.
Read about Lisa and her life and the way it has shaped her poetry in a recent piece in the Miami Herald
Read about Lisa and her life and the way it has shaped her poetry in a recent piece in the Miami Herald
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Interdependence
Beside me
an empty glass
deprived by thirst
which has not yet
been placated.
Neither is complete
and in their current
deplorable state of pity
it is unlikely.
an empty glass
deprived by thirst
which has not yet
been placated.
Neither is complete
and in their current
deplorable state of pity
it is unlikely.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Let Them Eat Prozac
Oh this is rich.... Why don’t they get new jobs if they’re unhappy — or go on Prozac?” said Susan Sheybani, an assistant to Bush campaign spokesman Terry Holt. source
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
National Poetry Slam Comes To St. Louis
70 teams...5 audience judges...1 winner...YOU DECIDE!
More Information available from:
see full press release here
St Louis will host this the 2004 National Poetry Slam
August 3-8
More Information available from:
NPS2004STLOUIS.com
Or call 314-443-4357 or 314-776-6927
send written correspondence to:
WORD In Motion,
PO Box 12213,
St. Louis, MO 63157
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Poetry in the News
California Superme Court Rules Boy's Violent Poetry Not Criminal - News Report
Poetry good for the heart - Wire Service
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Monday Night - Poetry Reading
I will be the
Fretured Reader
at
3607 Pennsylvania
Kansas City MO 64111
Monday - July 26, 2004
Monday - July 26, 2004
8:00 PM
Open Mic Follows...
Friday, July 23, 2004
Jilly Gets 4-1/2 Stars!
The Poetry Hut I would have given her a full 5 stars - but I'm a chinch today - hee he.
I do really like the Green! What can I say... it's gotta be the baseball connection.
I do really like the Green! What can I say... it's gotta be the baseball connection.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Poetry & The Presidency
Poetry and the presidency: Kerry courts voters in verse
Marsha Mercer - who covers the White House talke about Kerry, poetry and the President.
Marsha Mercer - who covers the White House talke about Kerry, poetry and the President.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Got this from a link on Always Victoria
| ||||||||||||||
From Go-Quiz.com
Calling All Kansas Poets
Ok, well the Kansas Arts Commission is looking for a really good Kansas poet. They are searching for the state's first poet laureate and is accepting nominations until Sept. 1. While the position is designed as an honor, the person who holds it also has the responsibility of developing a program to promote poetry within the state. See Kansas City Star.
POET & WRITER magazine is an excellent publication. I've been picking it up on the newsstand for some time and finally just subscribed. There is really good piece titled The Contester: The Failure of Zoo's Fiction Contests by Thomas Hopkins. It's worth reading.
Monday night I had an opportunity to hear Mary Frances Wagner - a locally published poet speak to the Raytown Bards. Wagner has studies with Robert Bly and offered wonderful advise for those of us writing poetry.
POET & WRITER magazine is an excellent publication. I've been picking it up on the newsstand for some time and finally just subscribed. There is really good piece titled The Contester: The Failure of Zoo's Fiction Contests by Thomas Hopkins. It's worth reading.
Monday night I had an opportunity to hear Mary Frances Wagner - a locally published poet speak to the Raytown Bards. Wagner has studies with Robert Bly and offered wonderful advise for those of us writing poetry.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Carl Rakosi - Left Legacy The Included The Beat
Carl Rakosi inspired those much younger than himself - particularly many in the Beat generation. NY Time piece on his life & death.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Sharing A Find...
I chanced upon a great internet site I wanted to pass along.
Fooling With Words Check it out. There is so much to take in on the site. Hope you enjoy it!
Fooling With Words Check it out. There is so much to take in on the site. Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
I'm Not Your Dixie Cup
There is that ring again
The hollow sound of a Dixie cup
Flung into the trash can
My head reverberates with the noise
I can’t stand it any longer
Being your throw-away friend
Your world is all disposable
Use and Lose
But I am brawny
I can be there for the long haul
The hollow sound of a Dixie cup
Flung into the trash can
My head reverberates with the noise
I can’t stand it any longer
Being your throw-away friend
Your world is all disposable
Use and Lose
But I am brawny
I can be there for the long haul
Friday, July 02, 2004
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Reporting to the office....
I'm here. Yes, it is Wednesday but I've been under the weather.
I know I haven't posted in days and I suppose I'll have to serve a detention of the great blogger in the sky will at the very least snort at me to show his disappointment in me.
I've been wanting to mention something that is soon to be forthcoming and looks really different. Post Cards From A Summer Girl to be released soon by The Sun Rising Poetry Press
I suppose what seems so uniquely interesting about this is the medium the author uses to tell a story of a young woman who is missing; vanished with no trace, no explanation only a box of postcards and notes, dumped and spread out on the kitchen table. Postcards from a summer girl... Hence a story from a poetry book.
C. E. Laine is the author. This is her third published collection of poetry in book form. It is slated for a mid-august release and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
I know I haven't posted in days and I suppose I'll have to serve a detention of the great blogger in the sky will at the very least snort at me to show his disappointment in me.
I've been wanting to mention something that is soon to be forthcoming and looks really different. Post Cards From A Summer Girl to be released soon by The Sun Rising Poetry Press
I suppose what seems so uniquely interesting about this is the medium the author uses to tell a story of a young woman who is missing; vanished with no trace, no explanation only a box of postcards and notes, dumped and spread out on the kitchen table. Postcards from a summer girl... Hence a story from a poetry book.
C. E. Laine is the author. This is her third published collection of poetry in book form. It is slated for a mid-august release and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Friday, June 25, 2004
The Dropping of the F-Bomb
Yet another kind of "Shock and Awe" from the Bush/Cheney Administration reported today: Cheney Utters 'F-Word' in U.S. Senate?
Could this represent a major shift in language culture - The F word now easing into the Senate's everyday language?
But Wait!!!! Could there be fines? FCC
Ok folks... Which one of these stories is True? :)
Could this represent a major shift in language culture - The F word now easing into the Senate's everyday language?
But Wait!!!! Could there be fines? FCC
Ok folks... Which one of these stories is True? :)
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Sloganator - Memorial
Quite a few of us had some fun with the sloganator during it's short life span on the Bush - Cheney Reelection web site. Maybe it was all that pent-up creativity, or maybe the release of all our frustrations with something that seems so perfectly wrong.
At any rate, here is dedication to that ill-conceived devise of the Bush campaign that no doubt got more hits by those who will likely not vote for him then those who might.
Turn up your volume and click here - a fitting tribute to a President that:
SLOGANATOR MEMORIAL
At any rate, here is dedication to that ill-conceived devise of the Bush campaign that no doubt got more hits by those who will likely not vote for him then those who might.
Turn up your volume and click here - a fitting tribute to a President that:
1. Can keep the best poker face while for the biggest lies.
2. Has a many reasons to go to war as they need to replace the last that no longer hold water.
3. Has decided the best substitute for "tax and spend Democrats" is to "spend and charge it to our children."
4. Gave seniors a RX card the Drug companies love!
5. Writes really bad poetry to his wife.
SLOGANATOR MEMORIAL
Thursday - checkpoint
I suppose I am a bit delinquent in posting.
I have written a fair number of rather crude drafts this week of things that have some promise... One thing I've managed into a second draft form, maybe one more revision will suffice. Have to see. I have it out for some critical view... perhaps I will work more on it yet this week.
A few items of interest:
The following intelligence is something the President might have wanted to consider - here.
Self help through poetry
Poet Billy Collins - Father's Day Memories
I have written a fair number of rather crude drafts this week of things that have some promise... One thing I've managed into a second draft form, maybe one more revision will suffice. Have to see. I have it out for some critical view... perhaps I will work more on it yet this week.
A few items of interest:
The following intelligence is something the President might have wanted to consider - here.
Self help through poetry
Poet Billy Collins - Father's Day Memories
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
An International Day of Poetry, September 11
James brought an excellent question to my attention. In Monday's Post - I cut and pasted a e-mail I received from Sam Hamill concerning International Poetry day. It did reference a Feb. 12th date in the text. I went back and looked at the e-mail which I had saved. Sure enough - February 12th was in the text - leading one to believe this was perhaps intended for Feb. 12, 2005 or worse, I posted something really old!
The heading to the e-mail referenced the September 11th date -which is when the event is being called for. This would then of course coincide with the 9-11 anniversary this year.
I have taken the liberty because of the confusion of cutting and pasting the text of Sam's June 20th remarks posted on the Poets Against The War site. They go into greater detail about Sam's personal views and provide perhaps a greater understanding to the Monday post I made of the e-mail from Sam.
I hope this helps.
Michael
[text from Sam Hamill message on the Poets Against The War site follow]
We suffocate among people who think they are absolutely right, whether in their machines or their ideas. And for all those who can live only in an atmosphere of human dialogue, the silence is the end of the world. — Albert Camus
I say we had better look our nation searchingly in the face, like a physician diagnosing some deep disease. —Walt Whitman, "Democratic Vistas"
I go in fear of those for whom belief is fervent, for whom belief is absolute. I have lived through generations of war, through the misery and slaughter of countless millions of innocent people. Almost invariably, this floodtide of bloodshed has been authored in the name of god and justice. The god of George W. Bush, Osama bin Laden, and Ariel Sharon is the same god. And yet when I turn to the holy scriptures of their respective religions, I find the same prohibition against murder, the same call for genuine compassion, for lives of non-violence.
I admit that I am not a believer. Nevertheless, I have been deeply touched by the teachings of Jesus, of Muhammed, of the great rabbis and monks and followers of these traditions who have had the courage to take to heart the practice of compassion. When I founded Poets Against the War in January, 2003, much was made of my remark that I felt a wave of nausea upon reception of an invitation to the White House the morning after reading of Mr. BushÂ’s proposed plans for a "shock and awe" attack on Iraq. In my defense I can say only that I remain baffled by anyone who is not utterly repulsed by the idea of annihilating whole cities, by the suggestion that we may somehow regain our humanity or any sense of justice through the employment of cluster bombs and smart bombs followed by waves of infantry.
Since the end of World War II, the United States has bombed some forty-two countries, and with each devastating bomb, the American people have been told that our government has taken such action in the name of decency and democracy and justice. "God," we are told again and again, "is on our side." And yet the Pope beseeched this administration not to attack Iraq. Clergy from around the world begged for patience from this administration, begged for genuine dialogue with this administration, an administration that has publicly announced its religious convictions, its absolute fervor and absolute belief. Their pleas were met first with a resounding silence, and then with missiles and bombs and bloodshed that has now entered its second year with no end in sight.
Mr. Bush and his co-conspirators may call themselves Christians, but they violate almost every tenet of Christian conduct. They practice neither love nor compassion. They try to "justify" torture. That they murder and lie and are hypocrites is established fact. That they and their corporate co-conspirators profit on a grand scale (both politically and economically) from the gross human misery and bloodshed they author is also beyond question. Nor can we doubt for even a minute that their ultimate plan is to dominate and exploit the whole world under the blueprint of their Project for the New American Century. Among the worst of their co-conspirators we must include a thoroughly cowed and "embedded" body of American journalists for whom truth is a relative and sometime thing, for whom the merest veneer of patriotism is a greater force that healthy skepticism and devotion to truth and, ultimately, humanitas. The American media are owned and operated by corporations who profit from this and every war.
Mr. Bush, Mr. Sharon, Mr. Arafat and Mr. bin Laden share a religious fervor and certitude that trivializes the innocent lives of those they annihilate in the name of justice. They are brothers in evil certainty that authors gross violence. Their only response to terror is to elevate levels of terror. Each has chosen vengeance and the horrors of human slaughter over the forces of decency and dialogue. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord."
"Blesséd are the peacemakers." I was taught that in the original Hebrew, the commandment reads, "Thou shalt not murder." I’m told that the true Christian and Muslim and Jew alike are taught, "Love thy enemy as thyself." Or as a brother. If we murder every murderer, there will be no one left.
I believe there are vital lessons to be learned from poetry, indeed that poetry can be a path to enlightenment. I think often during these war-torn days of the great courage it took for poets like Kenneth Rexroth, Stanley Kunitz, Robert Lowell, William Stafford, and William Everson to reject the politics of annihilation during World War II (during which I was born), and to choose imprisonment or nonviolent service over obedience to the mere appearance of patriotism. The true American patriot is one who defends the Constitution against the likes of Mr. Bush, Mr. Ashcroft, Mr. Rumsfeld, Mr. Cheney and their ilk, one who understands exactly why the first of our guaranteed rights is the right to speak out. That right and all others come with responsibilities every poet should understand.
We all live our lives by those few well-chosen words we stand by. I draw inspiration from the courage of Albert Camus as he spoke against war in the very midst of World War II, as well as against capital punishment. I think of the courage of Gandhi, the courage of Martin Luther King. And when Mr. Bush decries leaked photographs of the flag-draped coffins of AmericaÂ’s young men and women being returned from the front, I draw inspiration from the heart-rending courage of the mother of Emmett Till, a young man savagely beaten to death by white racists long ago in Mississippi. She demanded that his coffin be left open at his funeral, his shattered, ravaged body on full display "because," she said, "I want people to understand exactly what transpired here."
We poets have been attacked for the stance we have taken. We have been attacked for speaking out. We have been accused of being unpatriotic because we do not believe that compounding murder is the best possible response to murder. It grieves us to see our nationÂ’s (or any nationÂ’s) children turned into killers before they have had the opportunity to study war and its vicious and inevitable consequences.
Every war produces a My Lai, an Abu Ghraib. And we are treated to speeches justifying torture. But it is not merely the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or the war between Israelis and Palestinians that motivates me now. These, I believe, are only symptoms of the devastating disease, the malady that causes a nationÂ’s government to treat the suffering and annihilation of human beings as a trifling on the road to power and profit. As long as we permit our government to be rented out to the highest bidders, democracy and peace will remain mere ideals. We make the world safe for global capitalism at the expense of our own well-being.
I believe we can do better. I believe Poets Against the War stands for a great deal more than just poets opposing another illegal and immoral war. I believe every poetÂ’s struggle to come to a truth through a few fortunately chosen words is good medicine, and I believe that doubting and questioning are the very foundation of any patriotism that rises above mere nationalism.
The many faces and voices of poetry in the world connect us all to one great family. The uses of our art are countless, but the political remains one of our responsibilities. Poetry is one of a thousand paths to a more enlightened life. I want to know what poetry was in the lives of the prisoners tortured at Abu Ghraib, what poetry is in the lives of their torturers. What poetry is in the life of a man who slits the throat of another to make a political advertisement? Are there verses Mr. Rumsfeld and Mr. Ashcroft know by heart?
Yes, Mrs. Bush, and yes, Mr. Gioia, poetry is political. Being a citizen of the world is political. ThatÂ’s one of several obvious reasons why we believe poetry really does matter.
We ask the poets of the world to join us in making an international day of poetry on September 11. We ask you to think not only of the innocent victims of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but also of the innocent victims in the U.S.-sponsored over-throwing of the Allende government in Chile and of the lives lost in the Attica prison riots, also events that happened on a September 11th in their respective years.
-- Sam Hamill
June 20, 2004
The heading to the e-mail referenced the September 11th date -which is when the event is being called for. This would then of course coincide with the 9-11 anniversary this year.
I have taken the liberty because of the confusion of cutting and pasting the text of Sam's June 20th remarks posted on the Poets Against The War site. They go into greater detail about Sam's personal views and provide perhaps a greater understanding to the Monday post I made of the e-mail from Sam.
I hope this helps.
Michael
[text from Sam Hamill message on the Poets Against The War site follow]
We suffocate among people who think they are absolutely right, whether in their machines or their ideas. And for all those who can live only in an atmosphere of human dialogue, the silence is the end of the world. — Albert Camus
I say we had better look our nation searchingly in the face, like a physician diagnosing some deep disease. —Walt Whitman, "Democratic Vistas"
I go in fear of those for whom belief is fervent, for whom belief is absolute. I have lived through generations of war, through the misery and slaughter of countless millions of innocent people. Almost invariably, this floodtide of bloodshed has been authored in the name of god and justice. The god of George W. Bush, Osama bin Laden, and Ariel Sharon is the same god. And yet when I turn to the holy scriptures of their respective religions, I find the same prohibition against murder, the same call for genuine compassion, for lives of non-violence.
I admit that I am not a believer. Nevertheless, I have been deeply touched by the teachings of Jesus, of Muhammed, of the great rabbis and monks and followers of these traditions who have had the courage to take to heart the practice of compassion. When I founded Poets Against the War in January, 2003, much was made of my remark that I felt a wave of nausea upon reception of an invitation to the White House the morning after reading of Mr. BushÂ’s proposed plans for a "shock and awe" attack on Iraq. In my defense I can say only that I remain baffled by anyone who is not utterly repulsed by the idea of annihilating whole cities, by the suggestion that we may somehow regain our humanity or any sense of justice through the employment of cluster bombs and smart bombs followed by waves of infantry.
Since the end of World War II, the United States has bombed some forty-two countries, and with each devastating bomb, the American people have been told that our government has taken such action in the name of decency and democracy and justice. "God," we are told again and again, "is on our side." And yet the Pope beseeched this administration not to attack Iraq. Clergy from around the world begged for patience from this administration, begged for genuine dialogue with this administration, an administration that has publicly announced its religious convictions, its absolute fervor and absolute belief. Their pleas were met first with a resounding silence, and then with missiles and bombs and bloodshed that has now entered its second year with no end in sight.
Mr. Bush and his co-conspirators may call themselves Christians, but they violate almost every tenet of Christian conduct. They practice neither love nor compassion. They try to "justify" torture. That they murder and lie and are hypocrites is established fact. That they and their corporate co-conspirators profit on a grand scale (both politically and economically) from the gross human misery and bloodshed they author is also beyond question. Nor can we doubt for even a minute that their ultimate plan is to dominate and exploit the whole world under the blueprint of their Project for the New American Century. Among the worst of their co-conspirators we must include a thoroughly cowed and "embedded" body of American journalists for whom truth is a relative and sometime thing, for whom the merest veneer of patriotism is a greater force that healthy skepticism and devotion to truth and, ultimately, humanitas. The American media are owned and operated by corporations who profit from this and every war.
Mr. Bush, Mr. Sharon, Mr. Arafat and Mr. bin Laden share a religious fervor and certitude that trivializes the innocent lives of those they annihilate in the name of justice. They are brothers in evil certainty that authors gross violence. Their only response to terror is to elevate levels of terror. Each has chosen vengeance and the horrors of human slaughter over the forces of decency and dialogue. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord."
"Blesséd are the peacemakers." I was taught that in the original Hebrew, the commandment reads, "Thou shalt not murder." I’m told that the true Christian and Muslim and Jew alike are taught, "Love thy enemy as thyself." Or as a brother. If we murder every murderer, there will be no one left.
I believe there are vital lessons to be learned from poetry, indeed that poetry can be a path to enlightenment. I think often during these war-torn days of the great courage it took for poets like Kenneth Rexroth, Stanley Kunitz, Robert Lowell, William Stafford, and William Everson to reject the politics of annihilation during World War II (during which I was born), and to choose imprisonment or nonviolent service over obedience to the mere appearance of patriotism. The true American patriot is one who defends the Constitution against the likes of Mr. Bush, Mr. Ashcroft, Mr. Rumsfeld, Mr. Cheney and their ilk, one who understands exactly why the first of our guaranteed rights is the right to speak out. That right and all others come with responsibilities every poet should understand.
We all live our lives by those few well-chosen words we stand by. I draw inspiration from the courage of Albert Camus as he spoke against war in the very midst of World War II, as well as against capital punishment. I think of the courage of Gandhi, the courage of Martin Luther King. And when Mr. Bush decries leaked photographs of the flag-draped coffins of AmericaÂ’s young men and women being returned from the front, I draw inspiration from the heart-rending courage of the mother of Emmett Till, a young man savagely beaten to death by white racists long ago in Mississippi. She demanded that his coffin be left open at his funeral, his shattered, ravaged body on full display "because," she said, "I want people to understand exactly what transpired here."
We poets have been attacked for the stance we have taken. We have been attacked for speaking out. We have been accused of being unpatriotic because we do not believe that compounding murder is the best possible response to murder. It grieves us to see our nationÂ’s (or any nationÂ’s) children turned into killers before they have had the opportunity to study war and its vicious and inevitable consequences.
Every war produces a My Lai, an Abu Ghraib. And we are treated to speeches justifying torture. But it is not merely the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or the war between Israelis and Palestinians that motivates me now. These, I believe, are only symptoms of the devastating disease, the malady that causes a nationÂ’s government to treat the suffering and annihilation of human beings as a trifling on the road to power and profit. As long as we permit our government to be rented out to the highest bidders, democracy and peace will remain mere ideals. We make the world safe for global capitalism at the expense of our own well-being.
I believe we can do better. I believe Poets Against the War stands for a great deal more than just poets opposing another illegal and immoral war. I believe every poetÂ’s struggle to come to a truth through a few fortunately chosen words is good medicine, and I believe that doubting and questioning are the very foundation of any patriotism that rises above mere nationalism.
The many faces and voices of poetry in the world connect us all to one great family. The uses of our art are countless, but the political remains one of our responsibilities. Poetry is one of a thousand paths to a more enlightened life. I want to know what poetry was in the lives of the prisoners tortured at Abu Ghraib, what poetry is in the lives of their torturers. What poetry is in the life of a man who slits the throat of another to make a political advertisement? Are there verses Mr. Rumsfeld and Mr. Ashcroft know by heart?
Yes, Mrs. Bush, and yes, Mr. Gioia, poetry is political. Being a citizen of the world is political. ThatÂ’s one of several obvious reasons why we believe poetry really does matter.
We ask the poets of the world to join us in making an international day of poetry on September 11. We ask you to think not only of the innocent victims of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but also of the innocent victims in the U.S.-sponsored over-throwing of the Allende government in Chile and of the lives lost in the Attica prison riots, also events that happened on a September 11th in their respective years.
-- Sam Hamill
June 20, 2004
Monday, June 21, 2004
Subliminals
- Abundance:: plenty
- Casino:: gamble
- Shell:: oil
- Overpriced:: gas
- Cancellation:: appointment
- Eternal:: life
- Lyrics:: poetic
- Faith:: belief
- Because:: why
- Wimp:: lightweight - ie. George W.
Message From Sam Hamill & Poets Against The War
February 12 is the first anniversary of the White House Symposium on Poetry that prompted us to form Poets Against the War. It is therefore altogether fitting that we should celebrate that date with poetry readings across the United States (and indeed around the world) once again.
We are asking poets everywhere to join with us to note that date and to include poems by Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes in public readings and discussions. These were the poets the White House attempted to co-opt for their symposium, which we successfully brought to a close.
We think it entirely appropriate that wherever possible these readings be held in our libraries to acknowledge the thousands upon thousands of loyal librarians who have refused to comply with the unAmerican aspects of the Patriot Act that would turn librarians into de facto agents of Homeland Security and infringe upon every citizen's right to read in private.
Please contact your local public library, or college or university library, and initiate an afternoon or evening of poetry and political straight talk to counter the lies, deceptions, and unAmerican activities of this administration. We ask each of you to consider what Whitman, Dickinson
or Hughes might have said in response to the Patriot Act, to the proposed Patriot Act II, and to this administration's cynical efforts to spread fear and intimidation and to silence its detractors.
We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope you will join us in designing an effective 2004 campaign to regain our Constitutional rights and re-establish a democratic government in these United States.
-- Sam Hamill and the Board of Poets Against the War
We are asking poets everywhere to join with us to note that date and to include poems by Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes in public readings and discussions. These were the poets the White House attempted to co-opt for their symposium, which we successfully brought to a close.
We think it entirely appropriate that wherever possible these readings be held in our libraries to acknowledge the thousands upon thousands of loyal librarians who have refused to comply with the unAmerican aspects of the Patriot Act that would turn librarians into de facto agents of Homeland Security and infringe upon every citizen's right to read in private.
Please contact your local public library, or college or university library, and initiate an afternoon or evening of poetry and political straight talk to counter the lies, deceptions, and unAmerican activities of this administration. We ask each of you to consider what Whitman, Dickinson
or Hughes might have said in response to the Patriot Act, to the proposed Patriot Act II, and to this administration's cynical efforts to spread fear and intimidation and to silence its detractors.
We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope you will join us in designing an effective 2004 campaign to regain our Constitutional rights and re-establish a democratic government in these United States.
-- Sam Hamill and the Board of Poets Against the War
Vote Early And Often For Your All-Star Baseball Teams
Thanks scoreboard for the help withe this task here
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Sunday
Lots of writing yesterday.... rewrites mostly.
Northland Writers group meets this afternoon.
Had yummy waffles for breakfast - courtesy of my daughter Shannon.
Northland Writers group meets this afternoon.
Had yummy waffles for breakfast - courtesy of my daughter Shannon.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Saturday afternoon
Worked on some writing today, did some blogshare transactions. Teetering just below a $billion in my portfolio (yes I'm hooked).
Need to run some errands in a few and then settle in for some reading.
Oh - a poem I did on a Poetry bash at Poetry.com was on of the finalists this week. They do parings of 4 each with 64 poets - each time advancing the top two from the four group paring till they are down to four.
I'm hung up one something I've been writing this week and I need to step back from it. I hate when I need to do that...
Oh, BTW - George Bush sucks as a President. I just had to say that today. I feel better. No safer, but better. :)
Need to run some errands in a few and then settle in for some reading.
Oh - a poem I did on a Poetry bash at Poetry.com was on of the finalists this week. They do parings of 4 each with 64 poets - each time advancing the top two from the four group paring till they are down to four.
I'm hung up one something I've been writing this week and I need to step back from it. I hate when I need to do that...
Oh, BTW - George Bush sucks as a President. I just had to say that today. I feel better. No safer, but better. :)
Friday, June 18, 2004
Friday... sigh
This weekend is needed. I am glad that Friday is here, yet I can only hope that the weekend is a good one. Relaxing, yet productive. I need to clear myself of a lot of emotion and garbage.
Write ~ Read ~ Write ~ Read. Then Write some more!!!
I need to stretch my legs and get some exercise as well.
Am I starting to sound needy?
Write ~ Read ~ Write ~ Read. Then Write some more!!!
I need to stretch my legs and get some exercise as well.
Am I starting to sound needy?
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Orwell's 1984 & Bush Ideology
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Reality
"In an age of synthetic images and synthetic emotions, the chances of an accidental encounter with reality are remote indeed." -Serge Daney
Happened upon it once; I thought,
but not certain for its' being
I auctioned it off to the high bidder
(likely a fool) taking my chance
at another spin. Besides,
my pockets were full of icons
and one can never be certain when
you'll have to lighten the load
as there are many artifacts left
along life's traveled paths.
The ruts wide and deep from
the burden others felt. In
their abandon did they discard
reality? Was theirs the "Real McCoy"?
Plastic bottles, Coke cans, CD disks, and
AOL Frisbees clutter my path. Once I saw
an Eight Track-something-or-other and wondered,
What's up with that? Preacher can you tell me
is this sinful? Should I feel guilt or sorrow
or both? Can you hear my confession and is
my emotion genuine? How about your absolution?
Happened upon it once; I thought,
but not certain for its' being
I auctioned it off to the high bidder
(likely a fool) taking my chance
at another spin. Besides,
my pockets were full of icons
and one can never be certain when
you'll have to lighten the load
as there are many artifacts left
along life's traveled paths.
The ruts wide and deep from
the burden others felt. In
their abandon did they discard
reality? Was theirs the "Real McCoy"?
Plastic bottles, Coke cans, CD disks, and
AOL Frisbees clutter my path. Once I saw
an Eight Track-something-or-other and wondered,
What's up with that? Preacher can you tell me
is this sinful? Should I feel guilt or sorrow
or both? Can you hear my confession and is
my emotion genuine? How about your absolution?
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Thomas Randolph (1605-1635) Born This Date
On Sixe Cambridge Lasses Bathinge Themselfes by Queenes Colledge on the 25th of June at Night and Espied by a Scholer
June 15th marks the birthday of this 17th century English poet -
When bashfull daylight now was gone
And night, that hides a blush, came on.
Sixe Pretty Nymphes to wash away
The sweatinge of a Summers daye...
June 15th marks the birthday of this 17th century English poet -
Monday, June 14, 2004
Give Me Some Everyday Religion
"Dearest dealer,
I with my royal straight flush,
love you so for your wild card,
that untamable, eternal, gut-driven ha-ha
and lucky love." - Anne Sexton
So esoteric, you
accommodate me at times,
without foundation.
That I should roll snake-eyes
or pick a winning number
with no grounds and not a “thank you”
for my part to be the blest bastard. But then,
to be trumped by every stop-light
or fathom a turn of hard-luck so
lethal, I squirm in the puddles of
self-pity and moan of the great
injustice of this world like I understand
it all so well. Ha!
Deal me in… I say.
Let me play with the big boys.
Let me smoke my luck and drink my advantage
like my supply of chips at the bank is unending.
Are you looking over my shoulder God?
Subliminals
You say... I think -
- Colorblind:: dogs
- Shallow:: Bush
- Erotica:: a different Bush
- Figment:: imagination
- Eviction:: homeless
- Composed:: at ease
- Chill:: out
- Girl:: chick
- California:: dream'n
- Bond:: link
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Thursday Notables
I recommend reading the following op ed piece Defining Torture as well as check out the NPR link concerning Ashcroft on the torture memos.
A view on the recent issues before the California Supreme Court concerning when poetry constitutes a dangerous threat.
Alliteration - Strong and alive in America.
A view on the recent issues before the California Supreme Court concerning when poetry constitutes a dangerous threat.
Alliteration - Strong and alive in America.
Monday, June 07, 2004
The Unknown
A shadow falls across my path.
Hesitant future pauses.
A deer frozen in headlights,
Leaving the veins ice cold;
And the ground rumbles
To locomotion on ribs of steel
Across life.
[written this morning]
Hesitant future pauses.
A deer frozen in headlights,
Leaving the veins ice cold;
And the ground rumbles
To locomotion on ribs of steel
Across life.
[written this morning]
Monday Morning
Yesterday, spent the afternoon at my son's. My aunt is visiting. I passed on writers group to spend time with them. My family is awesome. Sometimes I cannot understand how it is that I fit with them.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Always On The Chin
Pressing the issue as you so often do,
I fall flat. Spilt milk to mop up whenever
Someone gets around to the more mundane
Of life. I can’t, I can’t! Again, the obvious
But you sound the alarm and rush to muster
All forces behind your assault but others stand
To watch. A movie, a play… did you write
The script? How marvelous the ending
If it would just end but seems to go on
Like an LP that is scratched. Over and over
Monotonous melody- I want to throw up
And one day, I promise. The curtain will fall.
I fall flat. Spilt milk to mop up whenever
Someone gets around to the more mundane
Of life. I can’t, I can’t! Again, the obvious
But you sound the alarm and rush to muster
All forces behind your assault but others stand
To watch. A movie, a play… did you write
The script? How marvelous the ending
If it would just end but seems to go on
Like an LP that is scratched. Over and over
Monotonous melody- I want to throw up
And one day, I promise. The curtain will fall.
it IS Friday - finally!
Pain and Adversity - no stranger.... Thanks to Jilly for the discovery of this Charles Burkowski related link.
Thanks Michaela for the BUSH QUIZ Check out her civics lesson.
In defense Of Aubergine by James will be published in a chapbook - for which he is feeling quite chuffed.
iPod Poetry Express Thyself!
Thanks Michaela for the BUSH QUIZ Check out her civics lesson.
In defense Of Aubergine by James will be published in a chapbook - for which he is feeling quite chuffed.
iPod Poetry Express Thyself!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Phony Baloney
A little Rembrandt on your teeth for the
false smile you leave behind for the children
and you're out the door on your way to
do a little racial profiling
at the country club this weekend and
your neighbor asks who lazy Mexicans find
for domestic help but you have no answer yourself
because you are thinking about the new family
down the street who you have convinced yourself
you don't hate because of their color
but you despise the color of their crimes
like they personally are responsible for every criminal
act in the universe or at least your neighborhood
since it is mostly your own little world
you are wrapped up in
false smile you leave behind for the children
and you're out the door on your way to
do a little racial profiling
at the country club this weekend and
your neighbor asks who lazy Mexicans find
for domestic help but you have no answer yourself
because you are thinking about the new family
down the street who you have convinced yourself
you don't hate because of their color
but you despise the color of their crimes
like they personally are responsible for every criminal
act in the universe or at least your neighborhood
since it is mostly your own little world
you are wrapped up in
Subliminals
- Lover:: Hot
- Ridiculous:: Absurd
- Oscar:: Fish
- Tennis:: Ball
- Account Balance::
- Hickey:: Spider bite
- License:: Drivers
- Breathmints:: Peppermint
- TexMex:: Slop
- Stepmother:: Evil
Friday, May 28, 2004
Friday Night & I Remember to Blog
Criminality of poetry made it's way to the California State Supreme Court... outcome being watched closely.
Poems From a Baseball Fan Howard Nobles' first book of poetry find it's way into print.
At First I though Michaela was giving us a little panty humor... but the story of the 33 year old history professor who flashes her panties at political events is, well, on the up and up.
By the way - my yesterday afternoon hokey at the ballpark was lets say a massacre. The Royals allowed Detroit 27 (count them) hits... one shy of the 1928 franchise record for the Detroit Tigers. Needless to say the Royals lost. Anderson's ERA must be approaching that 27 figure. Hey, the weather was nice!
Poems From a Baseball Fan Howard Nobles' first book of poetry find it's way into print.
At First I though Michaela was giving us a little panty humor... but the story of the 33 year old history professor who flashes her panties at political events is, well, on the up and up.
By the way - my yesterday afternoon hokey at the ballpark was lets say a massacre. The Royals allowed Detroit 27 (count them) hits... one shy of the 1928 franchise record for the Detroit Tigers. Needless to say the Royals lost. Anderson's ERA must be approaching that 27 figure. Hey, the weather was nice!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Off To The Ballpark
Day game awaits me.
Last night worked on a poem - The Truth ABout Mushrooms
Got to run....
Last night worked on a poem - The Truth ABout Mushrooms
Got to run....
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Finally, Poetry for the Guy & Girl Next Door!
Baltimore writer Joe Fleckenstein is the author of a book titled
POEMS FROM AN AVERAGE JOE: A COLLECTION Some samples of Joe's poetry and more information can be accessed here.
Jilly sighting!
Jilly reports in from her residency program at Queens University of Charlotte. Exciting to hear all about her experience thus far.
Laurel Snyder - the Queen-Of-In-Between chisels out a little spot where she sets quite nicely on the fence. She seems ok with the view both directions.
OK... she says she isn't finished, but I like what she's done - Katey has a new do in the works. Makes me think I need to tinker with mine a bit. **sigh**
POEMS FROM AN AVERAGE JOE: A COLLECTION Some samples of Joe's poetry and more information can be accessed here.
Jilly sighting!
Jilly reports in from her residency program at Queens University of Charlotte. Exciting to hear all about her experience thus far.
Laurel Snyder - the Queen-Of-In-Between chisels out a little spot where she sets quite nicely on the fence. She seems ok with the view both directions.
OK... she says she isn't finished, but I like what she's done - Katey has a new do in the works. Makes me think I need to tinker with mine a bit. **sigh**
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Last Night's Reading
My reading last night at the Writers Place came off against the backdrop of locally severe weather. We ignored it. The drive home was a bit challenging.
The best reception I got (no pun intended) was for my piece The Colorization of Television which for some reason seems to be a favorite. When I read Abstract Father one girl said, "Oh, that was about me!" Ok. I am now clairvoyant. **grin**
None of my Northland Writer friends made it. I understand there was some confusion about the date. Fourth Monday vs. Last Monday thing.
The group wasn't large - fifteen I believe.
The best reception I got (no pun intended) was for my piece The Colorization of Television which for some reason seems to be a favorite. When I read Abstract Father one girl said, "Oh, that was about me!" Ok. I am now clairvoyant. **grin**
None of my Northland Writer friends made it. I understand there was some confusion about the date. Fourth Monday vs. Last Monday thing.
The group wasn't large - fifteen I believe.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Subliminal
- Finale:: Grand
- Martial arts:: Karate
- Flirt:: sexy
- Energy:: power
- Flavor:: Baskin Robins
- Guess?:: Quiz
- Accomplishment:: Success
- Prom:: Formal
- Diploma:: Degree
- Bloody:: kotex
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Saturday Night - I drag myself here and blog...
Poet / Blogger Jilly Dybka is off to her 8 day MFA Residency. I know she'll be busy but she says she'll try to blog from her hotel. Hope she has time to update us a bit. At any rate, sending her best wishes. Sounds like an exciting time ahead for her.
I'm delighted to hear Cassie is starting to feel at home somewhere. Dang, the poor girl was beginning to seem like a homeless vagabon.
My thoughts are with Kasey after learning of the loss of his brother.
Robert Bly has a new release: The Insanity of Empire It addresses the current blunder in Iraq.
Tomorrow (Sunday) I will forsake my normal Northland Writer friends to do a family gig. My Aunt is in town from California.
But Monday - I will be a the Writers Place to read.
That's it for now, you'll have to excuse me. I'm hungry and I have writing to do.
Ta-ta!
I'm delighted to hear Cassie is starting to feel at home somewhere. Dang, the poor girl was beginning to seem like a homeless vagabon.
My thoughts are with Kasey after learning of the loss of his brother.
Robert Bly has a new release: The Insanity of Empire It addresses the current blunder in Iraq.
Tomorrow (Sunday) I will forsake my normal Northland Writer friends to do a family gig. My Aunt is in town from California.
But Monday - I will be a the Writers Place to read.
That's it for now, you'll have to excuse me. I'm hungry and I have writing to do.
Ta-ta!
Friday, May 21, 2004
Culture In A Nutshell
The very existence suggests it came from some other form - therefore it has a history. That is the essence of culture.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Courtney's Poem
The other day, I blogged on the Rio Rancho High School Principal Gary Tripp that with a heavy hand eliminated the poetry program at his school and terminated a teacher over poetry presented by a student. The student at the eye of the storm was Courtney Butler and a portion of her poem can be found here.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
1000 Words (rev.)
Photo image projected
Backside of my mind
At cerebral drive-in
Theater of horror.
Subtitled screams of pain,
Humiliation amid
Barked orders from
Military mongrels
Gone mad with power
In this silent movie
That echoes still in
Recesses of my recollection.
Backside of my mind
At cerebral drive-in
Theater of horror.
Subtitled screams of pain,
Humiliation amid
Barked orders from
Military mongrels
Gone mad with power
In this silent movie
That echoes still in
Recesses of my recollection.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Speech is free unless it's critical
Rio Rancho High School in New Mexico it seems is a quite a piece of work. It seems the principal there has a very jaded view of what exactly America is all about.
Check out this story by Bill Hill. I will be most interested to follow this story and keep readers updated.
Check out this story by Bill Hill. I will be most interested to follow this story and keep readers updated.
Friday, May 14, 2004
1000 Words
Photo image projected
Backside of my head
At cerebral drive-in
Theater of horror.
Subtitled screams of pain,
Humiliation amid
Barked orders from
Military mongrels
Gone mad with power
In this silent movie
That echoes in
Recesses of my mind.
Backside of my head
At cerebral drive-in
Theater of horror.
Subtitled screams of pain,
Humiliation amid
Barked orders from
Military mongrels
Gone mad with power
In this silent movie
That echoes in
Recesses of my mind.
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