Words Of Wisdom

Most people read poetry listening for echoes because the echoes are familiar to them. They made through it the wade a boy wades through water, feeling with his toes for the bottom: The echoes are the bottom. 

~Wallace Stevens, Poet (1879-1955)

POETRY IN EAST VILLAGE

URBANA SLAM 35 featuring FRANNY CHOI

TUESDAY FEB. 24 @ 7 PM

Open mic, open slam 
Sign-up: 6:30 pm
Show @ 7 pm
Show ends: 9:30 pm

SIDEWALK CAFE
94 AVENUE A @ 6TH STREET
NEW YORK, NY

Finding You Own Voice

My wife and I were talking about writing. I shared with her about the short story and poem that I was currently working on. I mentioned that I'm searching for my voice in the poem. I went on to explain that I needed to hear my voice rather than what I believe should be my voice. 

We talked about our different styles. I told her that every writer has their own unique voice and it should be honored.  This current project that I'm in demonstrates to me that writing is a craft that demands discipline and dedication. I will write and rewrite a poem or story until it sounds right to me. 

Stay Calm

READINGS OF THE BEAT WRITERS

BEAT WRITERS:GINSBERG

The first in a series of readings of the beat generation writers.  

A celebration of Allen Ginsberg's life and poetry.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 @ 6 PM
CORNELIA STREET CAFE
29 CORNELIA STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10014
212-989-9319 
$8. includes a drink, food menu available

www.corneliastreetcafe.com 

Words Of Wisdom

Great poetry is always written y somebody straining to go beyond what he can do.


~Stephen Spender, Poet (1909-1995)

Desolation Lookout

In the summer of 1956, Jack Kerouac spent 63 days as a fire lookout at this building in Washington state. He mentioned it in the book Dharma Bums. Kerouac was into Buddhism at the time and the mountain , Mt. Hozomeen, had a strong effect on him.

When confronted with his own shortcomings, Jack wallowed in them rather than continue his search. He was so close. Jack would never again experience such a precious time. Alcohol and death would finally end his search. 

Open Mic

THE POET IN NEW YORK
MONDAY FEB. 16 @ 9 PM 

BOWERY POETRY CLUB
308 Bowery 
New York, NY
Sign-Up @ 8:30 PM, 10 slots, first come, first serve
$10. admission at door

Happy Valentine

Words Of Wisdom

Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.

~William Shakespeare, Dramatist (1564-1616)

Charles Laughton Film Series

The Film Forum is currently featuring the films of Charles Laughton, (1899-1962), one of the twentieth century's greatest actors. The film series will continue through February 26. For more info go to:

 www.filmforum.com 

Writers Under The Radar

I read the works of different authors to get a feel of their thought process. I have my favorites and others who are very intriguing. There are those writers who seem to fly under the radar and yet they were great writers. Herman Melville and Delmore Schwartz come to mind. 

In the case of Melville I really don't understand why he didn't receive the recognition of, say, Walt Whitman. I will do more research into Melville's life because he is a compelling figure in literature.

Saturday Night Words

Students in the MFA writing program at Rutgers-Newark will be reading tonight.

KGB BAR
85 East 4th Street
New York, NY 10003

7pm-9 pm

Two Books Of Plays

This past Thursday I went to Strand bookstore and spent 1 1/2 hours there. My spouse and I love to go there but on this day I was alone. I purchased two books which are plays. The first is Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare. This is one of his plays I'm not familiar with. I've read thirteen of his plays previously. TO me Shakespeare is the greatest playwright of all time.

The other book is John Cameron Mitchell's Hedwig and The Angry Inch. This has been performed on Broadway or off Broadway (I can't recall). It's popular  the TGLB community. I'll read it and give a report on it. 

Words Of Wisdom

Pain is filtered in a poem so that it becomes finally, in the end, pleasure.


~Mark Strand, Poet (1934-2014)

Bookstore in SOHO

I visited this independent bookstore on Prince Street today for the first time. It has two floors (ground level and a downstairs) and a decent selection of books. There's a small cafe on the ground floor.

I will attend one of their readings this month to see what it's like.

McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince Streets
New York, NY 10012
(212) 274-1160
Website:mcnallyjackson.com 

A Dilemma

There's so many things to write about; choosing which topic you want to discuss is write about is quite another story. It's a dilemma I sometimes face. I have written poems, commentaries, essays, novellas, short stories, and on a couple of occasions, a play.

Part of my dilemma is that my mind works at the speed of light while my pen is just chugging along. Right now I'm working on a long poem and a short story. I'm looking for my own voice with the former and for the latter, it's dialogue. 

The craft of writing is continually a work in progress. It is not an exact science because a lot of curve balls can come when I least expect it. Through all this, I still love to write.