Happy 2015

Words Of Wisdom

There is creative reading as well as creative writing.


~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Review of 2014

There were a number of accomplishments is year. I wrote poems, read two books per month (crazy), improved my writing. My major accomplishment was reading five books by Jack Kerouac. The titles were: Beat Reader
          Jack's Book- Oral Biography
          Dharma Bums-liked this book the best
          Big Sur
          Atop an Underwood  

I am a big fan of the Beat Generation. I learned much more about Kerouac from many different perspectives. To me he was the best of them. He lived life rather than intellectualize what life is and should be. Kerouac has more more that I will read in 2015. 

Another achievement is that my interest in horror stories. I read Bram Stoker's (of Dracula Fame) horror stories and found them very creative and the type of horror that I hope to write about. It's funny but several years I thought that horror stories were junk. Edgar Allan Poe changed my thoughts about the genre when I read The Fall Of The House Of Usher.

I didn't write as much as the previous year but looked at ways to improve the poems I've already written. It's an ongoing process. Overall, 2014 was a productive year.  

Found This Poem Interesting And Appropriate

Christmas Trees

Robert Frost, 1874 - 1963

A Christmas circular letter
  
  
The city had withdrawn into itself  
And left at last the country to the country;  
When between whirls of snow not come to lie  
And whirls of foliage not yet laid, there drove  
A stranger to our yard, who looked the city,   
Yet did in country fashion in that there  
He sat and waited till he drew us out,  
A-buttoning coats, to ask him who he was.  
He proved to be the city come again  
To look for something it had left behind   
And could not do without and keep its Christmas.  
He asked if I would sell my Christmas trees;  
My woods—the young fir balsams like a place  
Where houses all are churches and have spires.  
I hadn’t thought of them as Christmas trees.    
I doubt if I was tempted for a moment  
To sell them off their feet to go in cars  
And leave the slope behind the house all bare,  
Where the sun shines now no warmer than the moon.  
I’d hate to have them know it if I was.      
Yet more I’d hate to hold my trees, except  
As others hold theirs or refuse for them,  
Beyond the time of profitable growth—  
The trial by market everything must come to.  
I dallied so much with the thought of selling.      
Then whether from mistaken courtesy  
And fear of seeming short of speech, or whether  
From hope of hearing good of what was mine,  
I said, “There aren’t enough to be worth while.”
  
“I could soon tell how many they would cut,     
You let me look them over.”  
 
                                    “You could look.  
But don’t expect I’m going to let you have them.”  
Pasture they spring in, some in clumps too close  
That lop each other of boughs, but not a few     
Quite solitary and having equal boughs  
All round and round. The latter he nodded “Yes” to,  
Or paused to say beneath some lovelier one,  
With a buyer’s moderation, “That would do.”  
I thought so too, but wasn’t there to say so.   
We climbed the pasture on the south, crossed over,  
And came down on the north. 
 
                                    He said, “A thousand.”  
  
“A thousand Christmas trees!—at what apiece?”  
  
He felt some need of softening that to me:       
“A thousand trees would come to thirty dollars.”  
  
Then I was certain I had never meant  
To let him have them. Never show surprise!  
But thirty dollars seemed so small beside  
The extent of pasture I should strip, three cents    
(For that was all they figured out apiece)—   
Three cents so small beside the dollar friends  
I should be writing to within the hour  
Would pay in cities for good trees like those,  
Regular vestry-trees whole Sunday Schools     
Could hang enough on to pick off enough.
  
A thousand Christmas trees I didn’t know I had!  
Worth three cents more to give away than sell,  
As may be shown by a simple calculation.  
Too bad I couldn’t lay one in a letter.       
I can’t help wishing I could send you one,  
In wishing you herewith a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Wish

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry and beauty are always making peace. When you read something beautiful you find coexistence; it breaks walls down. 

~Mahmoud Darwish,Palestinian poet (1941-2008)

The Shining

This horror thriller will be shown at the IFC Center on 6th Avenue and West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village.

Dec. 25-27 @ 11:30pm.

I saw this film many years ago. It's was a weird movie but I enjoyed it.  

Mary Poppins

This classic musical will be shown at the Film Forum on Sunday December 28th at 11 AM. For further info go to 

www.filmforum.com

Words Of Wisdom

Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.

~John Keats, Poet (1795-1821) 

Poem

He left behind everything he ever knew
Gone were the reminders of his former life 
Couldn't go back! Wouldn't go back!
The farther he journeyed, the fetters of his
Former life broke.
The anchor of the ship was hoisted 
He set sail on the open sea of life.

Poetry Marathon

The 41st Annual New Year's Day Poetry Marathon will be here in sixteen days. I have attended many times and enjoy the many form of poetry from poets both famous and not so famous. It will be at St. Marks Church In The Bowery at 131 East 10th Street (near Second Avenue). 

For further info go to:

 www.poetryproject.org

The Postman

Here is a '40s noir classic playing at the Film Forum today and tomorrow.


www.filmforum.com

Words Of Wisdom

The poet doesn't invent. He listens.

~Jean Cocteau, Director (1889-1963)

Books And More Books

I went to the bookstore yesterday with my wife. She purchased a couple of books while decided not to. I look at my bookcase and see all the books that I have to read. It's amazing that I have all these books and have yet to read them. I've read a lot of books this year. Goes to show you that there's a lot of quality (and not so quality) literature out there.   

I've fallen a little behind because of some personal issues but I'm back at it now. There are times I wonder if I'm a little wacky for reading so much and there are other times where I feel the need to know more. I don't know if there will ever be a happy medium but I do enjoy the challenge.

Early Thoughts

Some early thoughts about Thanksgiving.

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads.

~Marianne Moore, Poet (1887-1972)

Article

Read this article in one of the local papers.




http://www.otdowntown.com/local-news/20141112/city-cuts-fringe-fest-funding

Quirky Characters

I like quirky and unusual characters in my stories. As antagonists they can make stories interesting. I find I enjoy creating characters who you wouldn't suspect could reek so much evil. An example is the beautiful refined young woman who is a serial killer. Or it could be a plain ordinary looking person who holds the world hostage to his evil deeds. 

Characters come in all sizes, shapes, races, and genders. The trick is to make the story so that you wouldn't suspect that they are what they are. Quirky characters aren't necessarily held to convention or care what others think about them. They just go about their lives in their unusual ways, even if it is strange to us as readers.

Words Of WIsdom

There is much more to being a patriot and a citizen than reciting a pledge or raising the flag.

~Jesse Ventura (b. 1952)

Honor Our Veteran's

Let's pause and pay respects to our veterans who proudly served our country. Thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Today's Word

PALEO-

Old, ancient; reference to former geologic time time periods.

Words Of Wisdom

A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.

~E.M. Forster, Novelist (1879-1970)

Poem

Message To The Artist

Write your stories!
Compose your songs
Draw your pictures
Educate the masses
Tell them that all is not lost
Encourage! Challenge!
Deliver your oratories!

by Genevieve

Words Of Wisdom

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.


~Julie Andrews, Actress (b.1935)

Today's Word

MAGNANIMITY

To disdain meanness and pettiness; display generosity.

Diplomacy

A friend and I are going to see this movie tomorrow night at the Film Forum downtown. I've never heard of it but I'm looking forward to seeing it. I'll give a review after I see it.

Today's Word

-GRAPH, n.

Something written or drawn - ex. monograph

Instrument for making or transmitting records>electrocardiograph

Ex.phonograph, telegraph

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry: the best words in the best order.


~Samuel Taylor Coleridge,Poet (1772-1834)

San Francisco Bay Guardian Shuts Its Doors

I read today that the San Francisco Bay Guardian has closed its doors after 48 years. The progressive newspaper, which dealt with controversial topics and supported TLGB  causes was sold to the San Francisco Media Company in 2012. The paper had been losing money for years.  

Many progressive papers have been taken over by large corporations and conglomerates. What I see is a silencing of the voices of the average citizen. Here in New York City, the Village Voice was once one of the most progressive papers in the country. Back in the sixties and seventies the issues were sometimes as much as 100 pages and more. It dealt with controversial topics and radical in its views. It covered many alternative events and people. Today, the Voice is nothing but advertisements and shallow,dumbed-down  articles with little redeeming value or social relevance. 

I read the Guardian on occasion and enjoyed the viewpoints of some of their stories. She had a good run. Whether the Guardian can be resurrected is still in question. I just hope that the progressive voice will not be shut out.

Today's Word

METONYMY

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. 

ex. Washington>U.S. government; crown> monarchy  

TODAY'S WORD

HOMUNCULUS

A little man; manikin 

Film Fest In Hollywood and Houston

Those of you who live in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Film Festival begins tonight, October 16th, and goes through October 19th.

www.hollywoodfilmfestival.com


For my friends in Houston, there will be the Houston Cinema Arts Festival from November 12-16. 
For info go to www.cinemaartssociety.org 

Today's Word

HERMOSA

Spanish word which means 'beautiful'.

Words Of Wisdom

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.

~John F. Kennedy, U S President (1917-1963) 

Today's Word

ARCHIPELAGO, n.

A group of islands

A sea or stretch of water containing many islands.

Electric Lady Studio

I have passed by Electric Lady for as long as I can remember. It was much later I learned that this historic place was the brainchild of guitarist extraordinaire Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) and his manager Michael Jeffrey. Jimi's vision was to have musicians from all over the world record and play there. Sadly, Jimi Hendrix never lived to see this happen.

Some great musicians have passed through Electric Lady: Jeff Beck, U2, AC/DC, Bob Dylan, The Clash, and Hall& Oates. Jimi recorded at Electric Lady for about 4 weeks. The studio opened on August 26th, 1970.Three weeks later, Hendrix was dead. He left a state-of-the art studio which still produces some of the greatest music in the world.

Today's Word

PROSODY

The science or study of poetic meters and versification.

White Horse Tavern

I don't usually write about bars, but the White Horse Tavern is a famous part of the history of New York and famous in the literary scene. 

Originally a place where longshoreman could get a brew, it became a gathering place for poets, writers, and artist during the 1950s and 1960s. It's most famous patron was the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas (below), who recited poetry and drank. He died in November, 1953 a few blocks away at St Vincent's Hospital.  

Other famous patrons were James Baldwin, Bob Dylan, Jane Jacobs, Jack Kerouac, Norman Mailer, Jim Morrison, and Mary Travers (Peter, Paul, and Mary). The Village Voice is said to have started here. 

I passed by the place many times and it's lively and active, especially when the sidewalk seating is open.

Poetry Tomorrow Night 10/10

OMNIDAWN'S ANNUAL POETRY AND  CELEBRATION READING

Friday, October 10 @6PM

Poets's House-Elizabeth Kray Hall
10 River Terrace
New York, NY
Tel.: (212) 431-7920

Free and open to the public

For further info. go to: www.poetshouse.org 

Today's Word

THRENODY, n.

A song of lamentation for the dead, elegy.

Words Of Wisdom

Today's Word

JOUISSANCE

Pleasure; sexual pleasure; orgasm.

Are Poets Rebels?

It seems that when despots take over a country, one of the areas that is taken control of is the media and the arts. All of a sudden poets, actors, and creative types are suddenly obsolete. Here in this country the arts and recreation has been taken out of schools. 

I wonder why are poets a threat to the status quo? Is it because we speak the truth? In the 1940s and 1950s The Beats, led by Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, presented literature in a more open and unconventional style during the staid years after the war. In the 1950s and 1960s, the confessional poets like Robert Lowell, Anne Sexton, and Sylvia Plath wrote about topics that were considered taboo. Depression, mental illness, sexuality, drugs, and suicide were written about with honesty and clarity by the authors.

I've never considered myself a rebel but, maybe I am but don't it. Poetry is to encourage, inform, challenge and create. I want to make a difference in someone's life and this is one forum that is open to me. I have listened to many other poets of all ages and stripes. Each person has their on unique style and voice. Get your work and your voice out because the world needs to hear.

Pictures

I love taking photos using either my phone or a digital camera. I believe that a picture with words adds life and beauty to them.  I believe one needs to to judicious as to when a photo is appropriate. Too many may seem to be more about the photo rather than the words.

Today's Word

PATRON, n.

A person who gives money and support to an artist, organization, etc.


I have heard this word mentioned much over the past couple of weeks. I read today how Olive Higgins Prouty, who authored Stella Dallas,  became a friend and patron to one Sylvia Plath who wrote the poetry in Ariel. Many famous artists have had patrons who supported and befriended them. I'm sure that it's done today but I wonder if in the same magnitude.

When the bourgeois got involved it became more of them building kingdoms and glory for themselves rather than nurturing and supporting the up and coming artists. I began writing poetry almost three years ago and I read occasionally at open mics. Some folks that I've spoken to have said that they received support from another artist or organization.

Chapbooks have opened a way for new writers to get in pr int because the larger publishing house have become concerned with only the writers who will make them money. It's really a shame because they may lose out on an opportunity to nurture some budding writer. There is the need for more patrons.

Today's Word

PRE-

1. Before, prior to earlier than. 
    ex.- prehistoric

2. In advance.  Ex.-prepay.

Today's Word

BHIKKU

A Buddhist monk or religious mendicant (order).

Words Of Wisdom

To read a poem is to hear it with our own eyes; to hear it is to see with our own ears.


~Octavio Paz, Mexican Poet (1914-1998)

The Confessional Poets

Confessional poetry came on the literary scene in the 1950s. Those men and women wrote about topics which affected them deeply. Mental illness, divorce, sexuality, infidelity and death were taboo subjects brought out in the open.

I have read the work of Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton and John Berryman and have come to understand the pain they felt about certain events in their lives. I never experienced a close family member committing suicide (Berryman's father) or being institutionalized (Sexton) however I can see how these traumatic events shaped the way they wrote. The fact that the confessional poets would share openly these events to the public is a testament to their honestly and clarity of their true feelings.

Some other confessional poets are Robert Lowell, who taught both Plath and Sexton, W.D.Snodgrass, Sharon Olds and Marie Howe.  


























.

Today's Word

PELL-MELL

In mingled confusion or disorder.


Ex. Papers strewn pell-mell on the desk.

Centennial Celebration

There will be a centennial celebration paying homage to Octavio Paz (1914-1998) on Tuesday, October 7, at Poets House in lower Manhattan.

 For details and information go to:

 www.poetshouse.org

Film Of A Tennessee Williams Play

If you are a fan of Tennessee Williams and live in New York City, you are in luck. From September 26 to October 5th, films based on his stories will be shown at the Film Forum. Tomorrow night, September 30th, the feature film will be The Night Of The Iguana. 

For information go to www.filmforum.com

Today's Word

VIRIDIAN

A chrome green pigment that is a hydrated oxide of chromium.

Today's Word

INTEGUMENT

Something that covers or encloses.
An enveloping layer of an orgasm such as skin or membrane.

Words Of Wisdom

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.


~Theodore Roethke, Poet (1908-1963)

Frances W. Harper

Today's Word

SESTINA

A fixed verse form consisting of six stanzas of six lines each followed by a three-line envoi.

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you are a fan of Sylvia Plath, I recommend two of her poetry books, Ariel and The Colossus.

Todsy's Word

BOUDOIR

A ladies private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room.

Current Book

My current book is The Education Of The Negro by Carter G. Woodson. Read in conjunction with The Mis-Education Of the Negro, one will come to a greater understand of how the education system as present constructed affects black Americans.

Writers And Critics

Yesterday I read the bio of Grace Metalious, the author of the controversial best seller Peyton Place. I read that twenty five after her death the town where she came from still hadn't forgiven Metalious. Why? Because she revealed that behind the sometime idyllic image of small towns, there was stuff happening that were never mentioned out in public (wife beating, cheating, etc.). Ms. Metalious was simply telling the truth.

I have read how many writers were villified by critics because they did not write in the style that was conventional during the time. Jack Kerouac was constantly panned by critics yet his books are still influential today. His best seller, On The Road, Why? Perhaps he actually lived and experienced life rather than intellectualize about it. Kerouac also touched on subjects that were taboo such as drugs and sexuality. Herman Melville's Moby Dick did not sell with the public or with critics though it was a well written book. Like Kerouac, he experienced and lived life.

I admit I am loathe to criticize other writers. I can think of books that I didn't enjoy reading but others did. The same thing is true with music, actors, plays, politicians, cities, etc. I guess what bothers me is when people's biases taint both the author and the reader. Fortunately, Herman Melville had a second career as a poet. His novels such as Typee and Bartleby are underrated.   I tend to gravitate to writers who are brilliant in their craft and yet never got the recognition they so richly deserved.

Article

I read this article the other day. I thought at it may have some interest to the audience.

www.guardian.com/2013/jul/28/

Today's Word

ESTAMINET, n.

A small café in France that sells alcoholic drinks.

Today's Word

SCHOLIAST, n.

A commentator on ancient or classical literature.

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who look through to guess about what is seen during the moment.

~Carl Sandburg, Poet (1878-1967)

Writing Requires Patience

Writing requires much discipline and patience. Just whe you think a piece of writng is salable, you see something that is amiss. Misspelling, a useless sentence, writing what you meant in a different way. I have been working on a poem and a novella for quite a while bur they still don' t feel right.

In regards to the poem I know what I want to say but haven't found the right words in which to express it. Have you had times like this? It can be frustrating at times but I would rather write something I 'm comfortable with.  The late auth V.C. Andrews said that if the story she was writing was boring she didn't publish it because more than like the readers would be bored. Good piece of advice, I think.

Words Of Wisdom

Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.


~John Keats, Poet (1795-1821)

Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton (1928-1974) was one of a number of confessional poets which included Robert Lowell, Sylvia Plath, W.D. Snodgrass and John Berryman. Sexton was plagued by mental illness throughout much of her life. She suffered mental breakdowns after the birth of her two children. Sexton attempted suicide a number of times. 

I read a few of her poems and found them filled with sadness and anguish. Confessional poets touched on subjects that were considered taboo during 1950s and 1960s. Anne Sexton touched on subjects such as menstruation, abortion, drug addiction, and sexuality. She was a talented and skilled writer who ended her life by suicide. 

When I look at Anne Sexton's photos and pictures, I see sadness and emptiness in her eyes. What I admire about her is that she wrote about her own personal struggles and shared it with the public. To me that shows authenticity and courage on her part. It's sad that Anne Sexton could not overcome her struggles but she opened up a way where others like her could share their true feelings without being pretentious or bound by the conventions of her time. She and other confessional writers opened that door wide open.

Plath, W. D. Snodgrass, and othe

Writing Ideas Never Take A Break

Writing can cover virtually any topic. Like the blue horizon, writing encompasses every human emotion. When I recently experienced a down time, I war something new about my life and from a different perspective. Other people's stories can mirror ours and vice-versa. 

I have been writing every day no matter how much or how little. Looking at my slices of life that I live in, there's so much happening. I try not to limit myself as far as ideas go. Just size up the situation ad see what I can come up with. The main idea is to write and create my own vision.

Words Of Wisdom

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.

~William James

Book Review

Title: Wilderness-The Lost Writings Of Jim Morrison-Volume I
Publisher: Vintage Books  New York  Copyright 1988    
Rating: 6.5

Morrison's poetry was strange to say the least, but it was uniquely his own. It's to bad that there are no dates when Jim wrote these words. I recognize some lines right away. For example, on page 99 it has the lines
   Motel, money, murder, madness
   Change the mood from glad to sadness.
These two lines were featured in the song L.A. Woman. I found this pattern scattered throughout Wilderness. Morrison's intellectual and creativity challenged the conventions of his time, which I lived through. His poetry was as complex as he was. I wonder if he really wanted us to really know what he was thinking?   

Writing a Novella

I was talking with my spouse about writing and the things that go into it. She write horror stories and is trying to think of something to write about. I was looking over a novella I am writing and realized that I need to tighten up the structure.

 I read Herman Melville's Bartleby and saw how I need to focus on one particular time in the protagonist's life. Jack Kerouac's Subterraneans is another novella that I will read. I've written numerous short stories in the past so writing a novella is no different save the fact that it is longer, a short novel if you will. I have a protagonist and am further developing his character. 

Character development  has become one of my favorite parts about writing. As I mentioned in the past, I like quirky characters who do not fit the mold of being strange or weird. Guess that's the creative part of me.

Words Of Wisdom

And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for awhile s just bliss. 

~J. K. Rowling

Another Underrated Performer

Sam Cooke (1931-1964) was a singer with a smooth sound and a great entertainer. He was popular during 1950s and 1960s with songs like 'You Send Me', 'Chain Gang', 'A Change Is Gonna Come'  and 'Bring It On Home To Me'. Tragically, Sam Cooke was murdered in Los Angeles in December, 1964.

Writing Every Day

I make it a point of writing every day. It doesn't  matter how much but the fact that I write something. Too many times I've saw events or people which interested me but I didn't take note of them. The original thought I had is forever lost. I carry a notebook and pen everywhere I go and make note of little things that capture my thoughts.  

Words Of Wisdom

Writers were influenced by other writers preceding them. Conversely, today's writer will influence a generation of future writers.

Underrated

This a list of performers I believe were underrated during their careers. I'm sure that you have your own list.

Jackie Wilson 
Curtis Mayfield
The Hollies
The Moments

I'll add more along the way.

Early Writings of Jack Kerouac

This is my current reading.

Visiting The Places The Authors Were

Have you imagined that you could visit the places your favorite author has been and/or describes in their work? I can't go back to the 1800s but I can imagine and research that era. A time machine would help (smile)! 

When I read Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums and Big Sur, I researched the Oregon and Washington coastlines along with Big Sur in California.  I Googled photos of these places and found them to be unchanged in some instances. I plan on visiting these places in the next year or so.

Where I live now I could write a story, poem or essay about a particular place, person, or event. When you actually live through a particular time in history, it makes the article that more thrilling.

Words Of Wisdom

A poet is someone who can pour light into a cup, then raise it to nourish your beautiful parched holy mouth.


~Hafiz 

Book Review

Title: Jack's Book-An Oral Biography Of Jack Kerouac
Author: Barry Gifford and Lawrence Lee
Publisher: Penguin Books, Copyright 1978 
Rating: 8

I admit I'm picky about biographies because at times they can gloss over the person's failing and shortcomings. I enjoyed reading Jack's Book because  I hear the voices of Jack's friends and lovers and what they thought of him. 

Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady seemed to have the most influence on Kerouac for different reason. Kerouac learned much from Ginsberg but he wanted to be like Cassady. To me Kerouac was a momma's boy would couldn't seem to do much without her approval. Her influence on him was both caring and smothering. He wanted to be like Neal Cassady yet didn't seem to make the break from is mother's apron strings. 

I've read several of Kerouac's: On The Road, Dharma Bums and Big Sur.  Though I understood what he was saying, Jack's Book put me in his company and with his friends. Kerouac wanted to be noted as a writer but couldn't handle the fame when it came his way. Jack was a complicated person who was a modern day Hamlet; living between the days after WWII and the coming counter culture he came to detest. Two constants in his life were his conservative beliefs and his Catholicism.

Kerouac's last years were marred by alcoholism, tragedies, bitterness, loneliness and the sense that his life had been meaningless. This is a sad commentary for a man who tried to influence his contemporaries into a new way of thinking and writing. His books still resonate with audiences today. Jack's Book will give you a glimpse of Jack Kerouac and the friends who knew him best.  

Wilderness

I have decided to read a book of poems while reading a novel, biography or whatever other book. Rock and roll legend Jim Morrison was also a poet. The front man of the sixties rock group The Doors wrote poetry from his childhood to until the end of his life. Wilderness-The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison is a revealing look into the fragile, creative mind of a man searching for freedom. 

Morrison, as with Jack Kerouac,  is one of those people who totally fascinates me because their work was something no one had ever read nor try to put a label on. Jim Morrison poetry is as haunting as the many songs that he wrote. A review of the book is forthcoming.

Releasing The Spirit Through Poetry

I look at poetry as an opportunity to release the spirit of our real nature. We can speak free of whatever is on our hearts and minds. No outside entity can control what's on the heart. It's one reason I began writing poetry.

Poetic words can flow like a river. It can rise up like a storm or be dropped into our hearts as if a seed is being planted. It wasn't long after I began writing that I realized how much I had to say. There were things inside of me that needed to be shared with others. My own spirit was bound up and I didn't realize it or maybe the words were stored up until my epiphany came. The point is is that began writing poetry. 

I'm not sure as to what style I possess. the idea is to write freely without restraint from disciplines, trends, others criticisms. The point is to write. As I improve on the craft of poetry writing, I want to keep it fresh and natural. Each of us has his/her own style and we should not stifle it or try to emulate others. We go through experiences that are unique only to us as individuals.

When others read and hear your words you are sharing a part of your soul. People respond to it in different ways but it's you nevertheless. 

Words Of Wisdom

No man is free who is not master of himself.


~Chinese Proverb

St. Mark's Bookshop's New Digs

I visited the new digs of St. Mark's Bookshop about ten days ago. It's a smaller place which, happily, is still in the East Village. It still has the many titles it had at the larger place on Third Avenue. Still has many items on the sale section.  The shelves are along the walls in a somewhat circular fashion which goes around the whole store.  

I have only been there once so I don't really have a feel as to how the store will do. Events such as reading are held there from time to time. I wonder how they will set the place up for such events. I will need to go there more often to find that out. I'm just happy that another independent bookstore didn't bite the dust.

Newfest

The annual Newfest Film Festival starts today and will run through July 29th. I will try to get to a couple of films and report about it.

Words Of Wisdom

Even during the dry periods, there's always something to write about. Your just have to work your way through the brush.

Kerouac's Biography

This is another book about beat author Jack Kerouac, biography. The authors, Barry Gifford  and Lawrence Lee talked with the people who knew and influenced Kerouac throughout his life. I'm not complete reading the book but already I like it. 

I'm a bit picky about bios because they can appear to to sanitized versions about the person. If someone wanted to write a biography about me I want it to be honest, warts and all. Thus far I am getting that impression. A review is forthcoming.

Cheryl B.

Cheryl Burke (1972-2011) was a  journalist, spoken word poet, performance artist and playwright. She was part of the East Village art scene in New York City. I never saw her at a live performance but watched one on YouTube.

 I followed her since the time I came out as transgender. I loved her biting wit and sense of humor. Known as Cheryl B., I took a liking to her after reading some of her work. Somehow she connected with me. She was more known as a performance artist having performed at many poetry venues in New York City. 

 

Cheryl was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2010 and died in 2011 from complications. She was only 38. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news. Cheryl B. was a vibrant artist outspoken, witty and gifted in her craft. I loved that she had been sober for nine years. She made a point of mentioning that on the anniversary of it. I was also happy when finally had a partner, Kelli Dunham.  Cheryl was a reason that I began writing poetry over two years ago.

Rest in peace, Cheryl. It 's been three and I still miss you.

Poem

Dawn Revisited

BY Rita dove

Imagine you wake up

with a second chance: The blue jay

hawks his pretty wares

and the oak still stands, spreading

glorious shade. If you don't look back,

the future never happens.

How good to rise in sunlight,

in the prodigal smell of biscuits -

eggs and sausage on the grill.

The whole sky is yours

to write on, blown open

to a blank page. Come on,

shake a leg! You'll never know

who's down there, frying those eggs,

if you don't get up and see.

Words Of Wisdom

Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.

~Jack Kerouac

Trying Other Genres

I maintain that it's good to try your hand writing a different genre. I have written short stories, essays, commentaries, and poetry. I have dabbled in writing a few very short plays. I'm trying my hand at writing a novella. I'm not all that keen on writing a novel but that could change in the future. 

It's good to try out different genres just to break up the monotony that sometimes comes into a writer's life. It the reason I moved to poetry a couple of years back. I felt my story and essays getting stale. Poetry seemed to revitalize them. I also believe that it expands the way one sees a story. 

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.

~Carl Sandburg

Poem

Dawn Revisited

BY Rita dove

Imagine you wake up

with a second chance: The blue jay

hawks his pretty wares

and the oak still stands, spreading

glorious shade. If you don't look back,

the future never happens.

How good to rise in sunlight,

in the prodigal smell of biscuits -

eggs and sausage on the grill.

The whole sky is yours

to write on, blown open

to a blank page. Come on,

shake a leg! You'll never know

who's down there, frying those eggs,

if you don't get up and see.