Two Things....

• Two submissions off this evening to a venue I have never submitted to before.
• Racking my brain out for a theme to write about ten pages of poetry for a contest later this year. I don't do a lot of contests. But this one I am especially interested in.

Poetry in a World of Misunderstanding

"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?" ~ Mahatma Gandhi, "Non-Violence in Peace and War"

How often do we step outside ourselves - our own secure little boxes we create and carry wrapped around us like a barrel shielding our nakedness? How likely are we to try on someone else's box, and if we do, how well do we really feel what they feel? Americans are pretty good at the sympathy thing but I think rather weak where empathy is concerned. Perhaps this why it is so difficult for us to understand how and why some cultures view us in such a negative light.

It is my own view, that the exchange of poetry between countries, cultures, indeed people, offer perhaps the best hope of better grasping a sliver of understanding of the feelings and point of view of all people throughout the world.

It is not my suggestion that this would create "perfect" empathy, because not everyone is going to get into every poem in the same way and achieve the same communion of the poet's essential message, but the possibilities presented would be far more optimistic that the failed distance and isolation that so often feed ignorance of all parties.

Ongoing exposure to cross-cultural poetry offers a chance of hope in our times. Taking advantage of anything that offers hope, no matter how small is better than our status quo.

Art changes to suit mood of viewer - Science - MSNBC.com

Art changes to suit mood of viewer - Science - MSNBC.com

This link takes you to a article on a fascinating concept in art. The idea that a piece of artwork could change itself in "real time" right before your eyes to reflect your own mood. My mind wants to keep thinking about it in terms of how such a model might be applicable to poetry. It get like "goose bumps" thinking about it.

What's She Saving It For?

It is no secret, Eileen Tabios has a mind that has so often morphed fleeting thoughts into effulgent literary works of art. And yes, I have looked over her wine lists on occasion, pretending to be impressed with it too.... I say pretending, as what I know about wine can be contained on the first joint of my little finger. I know that I prefer dry - white wines, especially chardonnay - particularly Northern California varieties and riesling from Germany.

But I'm reading down one of her recent lists....

• 2003 Robert Mondavi cabernet Napa Valley
• 2002 Kistler chardonnay
• 1998 Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz
• 1001 Domaine de Trevallon
• 1992 Bonneau du Matray Corton Charlemagne......

WAIT!!!! A 1001 Domaine de Trevallon? Ok, I AM impressed that she has a bottle of anything that old! And so I am sitting here wondering what on earth she has been saving this for.... Celebrating the publication of "Brick #2?"

Protecting the Necessities of Life

Yesterday, while at a picnic gathering I used the restroom at the park and found this lovely little security feature. Well, realizing this speaks volumes about our current societal norms, I simply had to take a picture. Admittedly, I felt a wee-bit odd whipping out my cell phone to shoot this picture with the camera, but it was just too good to pass up.

I might add, this is not just any padlock, this bugger is secured with a "Master - Commercial" pad lock. The only place this TP is going is "down the toilet."

Now I am a firm believer in the power of words, but this time, I think the picture just says it so much better.

In For A Hot One

Meghan came home last night from a month long trip to visit her older sister in Arizona. All seems right in the world this morning... except did she have to bring the heat with her? We have an afternoon picnic and the heat is already steamy.

I've thrown together some verse this weekend and I am happy with it as draft from. It has room for improvement but the important thing is there is something that can be done with it. I suppose I am most comfortable with it because it has that edgy tome that I am usually most comfortable with.

In thinking about poets that influence us I was wondering if we are drawn to particular poets because our own voice seems closer them them or do we find that our voice becomes more a basis of emulation? Emulation or appreciation, which is it? Seems like it is some of each for me.

I'm having a diet-coke this moment, my performance enhancement choice for the morning while listening to smooth jazz. King of Hearts by the Rippingtons

What's On Your Cover?

I read about a survey of some 2000 adults conducted for Boarders Book Store that indicated the following:

• Half admitted they would look at someone again or smile at them based on what that person was reading.
• A third of the surveyed would go so far as to consider flirting with someone based upon what that person was reading.

This tid-bit from the Culture Vulture blog seemed to me on the surface to represent a somewhat shallow human condition. Yet, upon further consideration I wondered is it really the most shallow factor in how or why some people would be attracted to others?

I'm not suggesting that we should pick our soul mates based upon the cover of their books, but it perhaps could be viewed as evidence that people are in fact prone to other consideration besides that which is only skin deep, so maybe it is not so shallow after all.

It might be worth noting that in general, many actually found erotic fiction, horror, chick lit, and self-help books as non-impressive, while classics, biographical books and modern literary fiction were seen as turn-ons. Just a little help in case you need to know what to be seen reading and what not to be caught with.