WORDS OF WISDOM

For me, prose walks, poetry dances.


~James Broughton, Director (1913-1999)

CHRISTMAS WISHES

                   MERRY CHRISTMAS!

POEMS WRITTEN

Looking back on 2018 I saw that I have written many poems. I have a number of notebooks in my possession that need to be organized.  Subjects are many and varied.

TODAY'S WORD

EVINCE

Reveal presence of a quality, or feeling; show, exhibit

TODAY'S WORD

PAROXYSM- n.

A fit, outburst, rage, laughter

WORDS OF WISDOM

I came to feel an artist might use anything- a dot, a line, the most conventional and unconventional symbol to say what he wanted to say.

~Marcel Duchamp, Artist, (1887-1968)

TODAY'S WORD

VENERABLE

Accorded a great deal of respect; especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

CLOSING

Cornelia Street Cafe will close its doors forever in January. Another artsy establishment will be lost.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

NORTHPORT- Michigan, New York

WORDS OF WISDOM

Create your own visual style...let it be unique to yourself and yet identifiable for others.


~Orson Welles, Actor (1915-1985) 

SMALL VENUES

I do lament to cost of seeing a Broadway play. Even off-Broadway can be cost prohibitive for some. There are people who would love to see a play or performance they are interesting but can't afford. Matinees are popular because they are affordable. 

I love the smaller venues because it features performers, professional and non-professional, who may not be famous but are good at what they do. I have performed a few plays at these small venues. The audience response was very positive.    

I understand the costs and other administrative concerns but shutting a segment of the public because of prices does a disservice. 

SHAKESPEARE FANS

For all you William Shakespeare fans, what are your favorite works by him? My favorite is Hamlet.

ORSON WELLES

An actor I've always admired was Orson Welles (1915-1985). He rose to fame through his radio broadcast of 'War Of The Worlds'. His performance was so riveting that it sent many communities into a near panic. He was wonderful in Citizen Kane. 

Welles was a tremendous stage actor, director, writer, and producer.  His battle with Randolph Hearst regarding certain aspects of Citizen Kane affected both men permanently. Apparently, to Hearst, it either it too close to home or was right on the mark. This public battle affected bpth men deeply and they were never the same. In my mind, Welles never reached his full potential as a performer. 

I recommend Citizen Kane as it was one of the best films I've seen. His other performances were good also. Would have loved to have seen Welles on stage. I believe that his best performances were before a live audience.

NEW YEAR'S DAY READING MARATHON

WORDS OF WISDOM

Poetry is the revelation of a feeling that the poet believes to be interior and personal which the reader recognizes as his own.



~Salvatore Quasimodo, Writer (1901-1968)

LEARNING SECOND LANGUAGE

   

I am beginning to study Spanish as a second language. It's conversational for the time being. Can't wait until I will be able to speak it fluently.

READINGS OF FUTURE WORKS

On the first Mondays of each month there are readings of new works in progress. This sounds interesting in that these readings could become huge productions in the future.

Performance Space-Performance Arts Theater Space
150 1st Avenue
New York,  NY 


www.performancespace.org

ESSAY

Read an interesting essay on literal-latte.com.


WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW

by Kathleen Spivack

MORE POEMS

Thus far, I have written at least fifteen new poems. I'm in a poem writing groove at the present time.

MOVIE

I watched a film this evening titled 'The Shack'. An excellent film.

WORDS OF WISDOM

There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away nor any courses like a page of prancing poetry.


~Emily Dickinson, Poet (1830-1886)

NAMES OF STATES THAT ARE CITIES

California, Kentucky

Virginia, Minnesota

WRITERS OF PROSE POETRY

Here is a list of some prose poets.

Charles Simic
Jack Kerouac
John Milton
Lynn Xu
Sylvia Plath
Safia Elhillo
W.S. Merwin
James Tate
Cormac McCarthy
Claudia Rankine
Virginia Woolf

PROSE POETRY

I haven't written much prose poetry but it allows me to express my thoughts in a conversational way. Some thoughts cannot be expressed in just a few stanzas.

Several years ago I wrote a long poem about a particular year in my life. It touched upon everything I experienced that year. It was tumultuous to say the least. I emerged through that time with a clearer picture of what changes would have to be made in my life.

As a writer I am able to see how past, present, and future are intertwined. I can't tell you how many times each one has helped me to see how life is in that particular moment in time.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving.


~Amy Grant

WRITE IT DOWN

As a writer I look for any tidbit that can develop into a piece of writing. It's why I always have a pen and pad on me. Hate it when I have an idea but nothing to write it down on.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

GEORGETOWN- Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Texas

ALEXANDRIA- Kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia

WORDS OF WISDOM

The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.


~Aldous Huxley, Novelist (1894-1963)

RUMI

One of my favorite poets is Rumi (1207-1273), a Persian poet who lived in the 13th century. Below are some of his quotes.




Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. 


That which is false troubles the heart, but truth brings joyous tranquility.


Sunlight fell upon the wall; the wall received a borrowed splendor. Why set your heart on a piece of earth, O simple one? seek out the source which shines forever.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

MORE ARTS

I noticed the uptick in poetry readings the past few months. I believe that is good because the arts will be more important than ever. whether it be dance, literature, acting, performing, the public can be educated through this creative and ingenious method.  I am a fan of documentaries and I believe they can stir people to action on the issues of our times. What is needed is the will to put it into action. 

WORDS OF WISDOM

I believe in the power of poetry, which gives me reasons to look ahead and identify a glint of hope.


~Mahmoud Darwish

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

CAMBRIDGE- Massachusetts, Maryland

OXFORD- Massachusetts, Ohio

PLAINVILLE- Connecticut, Illinois, New York


WESTPORT- Massachusetts, New York

VOTE!

BE SURE TO VOTE TODAY!

WORDS OF WISDOM

Voting is how we participate in a civic society-be it for president, be it for a municipal election. It's the way we teach our children-in school elections-how to be citizens and the importance of their vote.


~Loretta Lynch

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

CLAREMONT- New Hampshire, California

DOVER- Delaware, New Hampshire

MINOT- Maine, North Dakota

PORTSMOUTH- New Hampshire, Ohio 

RANDOLPH- Massachusetts, New Jersey

WARWICK- New York, Rhode Island 

WORDS OF WISDOM

Dancing is the poetry of the foot.


~John Dryden, Poet (1631-1700)

GETTING BACK IN GROOVE

I haven't written much lately because I'm battling some physical issues. Feeling much better than I have in a few weeks.  

DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL

Next week, November 8th, will be the annual documentary festival at the IFC Center on Sixth Avenue and West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village. Tickets are on sale now. 

WORDS OF WISDOM

What can a pencil do for all of us? Amazing things. It can write transcendent poetry, uplifting music, or life-changing equations; it can sketch the future, give life to untold beauty, and communicate the full-force of our love and aspirations.


Adam Braun

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

FALMOUTH- Maine, Massachusetts

MANSFIELD- Ohio, Texas

BEDFORD- Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio

RIDGEFIELD- Connecticut, New Jersey

SOME UNIQUE UNKNOWN AUTHORS

I'm still working on the obscure author series. Have some interesting men and women in my research. It's hard to choose which writers to feature because they are all creative and unique in some cases. I have two or three authors thst I will post in the coming days.

RECOVERING

Been down a couple of days with high blood pressure. Feel better today. Taking it slow until pressure is stable.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Memory...is the diary that we all carry about with us.


~Oscar Wilde, Dramatist (1854-1900)

POEMS

Here are a couple of poems from a dark period in my life.



ABYSS

"It can't get any worse!" I scream.
I'm not at rock bottom,
I'm looking up at it!
It's cold and dark in this black hole.

I pray but my tongue cleaves to the inside of my mouth
Fear paralyzes me
There's nothing to stop me
From falling into this bottomless abyss.





You left everything behind
Family, friends, job, possessions
All things familiar are bundled up
and tossed in the scrap heap
You move to a distant place
Living as a hermit
Choosing a life of celibacy
Poverty over luxury
Ugliness is better than beauty
Silence is your sanctuary
You knew that this day would come, 
Disappearing in the sea of life
Where no one knows you.



Poems by Genevieve

DOWN TIMES

Writing during the down times can be like trying to climb a mountain when you're really tired. Writing when life seems blah can be difficult, but it has been done. Sylvia Plath wrote her best poetry during the last six months of her life in the the throws of oncoming depression. Robert Lowell construct masterpieces while battling mental illness and alcoholism. One may not be in such a state but down periods are real.

I believe some of my most potent poems came during a time when I struggled with gender issues (I'll post a couple of them in my next post). I had never been to depths so low as during those weeks. Writing helped me keep my sanity. Eventually I was saved from a dark abyss. 

There a times when assessment is needed in our lives. It can come at some unexpected times. Looking back, I am happy that I went through difficult times. It makes me appreciate life more.

WRITE EVERY DAY

I carry a pen and pad with me all the time. I make a point to write something every day. I am disappointed when I have an idea or see something and don't write it down. An idea lost.

NEWFEST FILM FESTIVAL COMING SOON

In just two weeks the 30th annual Newfest Film Festival will open up. I hope to see two or three of these features. Tickets  are on sale NOW!   

Go to www.newfest.org for further information.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth.


~Samuel Johnson, Author (1709-1784 

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

WATERTOWN- Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, South Dakota, Wisconsin

AMES- Iowa, Texas

ROSEVILLE- California, Minnesota

BARGAIN

Purchased these two books at Strands Bookstore from the dollar rack.

AEON BOOKSTORE

Today I stopped by this new bookstore in Chinatown. Aeon opened up only a month ago. The store is spacious, with books of all genres on tables, display cases and shelves.  

The strong smell of a cleaning agent permeates the air, as work is still being done in the spacious back room. The potential of open mics, readings, and performances is in the future. I spoke to one of the co-owners (I neglected to ask his name. My bad) wishing him luck on the new venture.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

JAMESTOWN- New York, Rhode Island, Virginia

BROOKLYN- Connecticut, New York

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

CANTON- Connecticut, New York, Ohio

WORDS OF WISDOM

Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.


Thomas Gray, Poet (1716-1771)

POETRY ON CHANGING CITY SCENE

Last night I wrote a couple of poems about the gentrification of New York City. Old haunts are vanishing. New chain outlets are replacing mom and pop stores. The soul of the various communities have been taken away.

I generally do not totally focus on any one particular area. However this is more personal because more people are affected by all the new developments popping up everywhere. I have more poems on mind that woll be written about the loss of community and the places that shaped me as a person.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

BURLINGTON- Vermont, Iowa

FIVE UNDERAPPRECIATED PROFESSIONS

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/Fire/EMS Personnel

5. Military personnel

FILM FESTIVAL

Beginning today, September 28th, the Film Society at Lincoln Center will present the annual New York Film Festival.

CHANGING SCENES

I'm writing a piece about the changing scene in New York and my feeling like a stranger. I will post it in another day or two.

WORDS OF WISDOM

I'm happy to be a writer-of prose, poetry, every kind of writing. Every person in the world who isn't a recluse
hermit or mute uses words. I know of no other art form that we always use.


~Maya Angelou

CITIES THAT ARE ALSO THE NAMES OF STATES

OREGON, WISCONSIN
CALIFORNIA, PA
INDIANA, PA
WASHINGTON, PA

OTHER FAVORITE AUTHORS

I mentioned five favorite authors in an earlier post. The next three favorites are Jack Kerouac of 'On The Road' fame, William Shakespeare, and Mary Oliver. Add Rumi to the list.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

MADISON- Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin

WORDS OF WISDOM

Edgar Allan Poe is my favorite author and my literary influence. Other influences are Sylvia Plath, Herman Melville, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Langston Hughes.

~Genevieve

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

PRINCETON- New Jersey, West Virginia, Indiana

OBSCURE POET-SAPPHO

Sappho (630BC-580BC) was ancient Greek poet born on the island of Lesbos. Sappho is known for her lyrical poetry which is sung and accompanied by the playing of a lyre. Not much is known about her life except through her poetry which has been lost. Only one complete poem, Ode To Aphrodite, exists. 

Sappho came from an aristocratic family. She ran an academy for unmarried young women. the school was devoted to the cults of Aphrodite and Eros. Sappho was held in high regard as a poet. Plato referred to her as the 'Tenth Muse'.  She addressed the difficulties of love rather than the gods and epic narratives common in that era. Her poems spoke to the individual. They are spontaneous, simple, direct and honest. 

There's always been speculation about Sappho's sexuality but much of that is just that- speculation. So little is known about Sappho and is forever lost.

• • 
    

AEON BOOKSTORE

This new bookstore recently opened up on the Lower East Side at 151 East Broadway. Will make a visit there very soon.

OBSCURE AUTHORS AND POETS

Starting Monday, September 17, I will begin a series of highlighting authors and poets not well known by the public or completely forgotten. I hope that you enjoy the series. Your comments are welcome.

SAME CITY, DIFFERENT STATE

LOUISVILLE-Kentucky, Colorado

ANCHORAGE-Kentucky, Alaska

WORDS OF WISDOM

A good writer is always a people watcher.


~Judy Blume

POEMS ABOUT 9/11

On the 17th anniversary of 9/11 I'm much poetry was written during this traumatic time. I don't know if a book of poems was ever published. If there was could someone let me know. Thanks.

SAME NAME, DIFFERENT STATE

HARRISBURG- Pennsylvania, South Dakota

WORDS OF WISDOM

There has never been a culture without poetry in the history of the world.


~Edward Hirsch  

POEM

In the Prison Pen

BY HERMAN MELVILLE

(1864)

Listless he eyes the palisades

     And sentries in the glare;

’Tis barren as a pelican-beach—

     But his world is ended there.

 

Nothing to do; and vacant hands

     Bring on the idiot-pain;

He tries to think—to recollect,

     But the blur is on his brain.

 

Around him swarm the plaining ghosts

     Like those on Virgil’s shore—

A wilderness of faces dim,

     And pale ones gashed and hoar.

 

A smiting sun. No shed, no tree;

     He totters to his lair—

A den that sick hands dug in earth

     Ere famine wasted there,

 

Or, dropping in his place, he swoons,

     Walled in by throngs that press,

Till forth from the throngs they bear him dead—

      Dead in his meagerness.

WORDS OF WISDOM

A whale ship was my Yale College and my Harvard.



~Herman Melville, Novelist (1819-1891)

HERMAN MELVILLE

My current read in Herman Melville's Typee.

READING TWO BOOKS

Every once in a while I will read two books at the same time. I'm currently reading the journals of Sylvia Plath. It is a loooong read (nearly 700 pages). I decided to read poetry as a second option. Two different genres but lightens the weight of a book that is highly personal to the author.  

I choose poetry because it brings me into the idea that life doesn't have to be constantly filled with drama and struggle. The mind and spiritual needs some positive influx to keep a level perspective on life. 

WORDS OF WISDOM

Poetry is something I love to do. Good poetry has an amazing ability to be communicative before it's even understood. I get emotional just from the beauty of words.


~Daniel Radcliffe

INTERESTING VENUE

I haven't been here yet but I here that it's a wonderful venue. I need to go very soon. 

SYMPATHIES

ARETHA FRANKLIN (1942-2018)

REST IN PEACE, QUEEN OF SOUL

WORDS OF WISDOM

Whenever fortune brings don't be afraid of doing things.


~Herman Melville, Writer (1819-1891)

READING DIFFERENT BOOKS WITH DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS

I read different books from many genres. If I'm going to know something about a particular subject I'm willing to read things that may be controversial or prick my sensitivities. It's the way I learn about people, topics, and viewpoints either contrary or supportive of my own positions. 

If I was asked about my views about different subjects one will find that I'm all over the places. It's the same way with my reading. I've learned much about different areas of life and hopefully it reflects in my writing. 

SAME SOUNDING, DIFFERENT MEANING

KNEAD

NEED

REREADING OLD CLASSICS

I remember some of the books I read in high school English. I read 'The Great Gatsby' and 'The Scarlet Letter' which I hated. A friend of mine suggested that I reread them again now that I'm older. After some thought I am taking up the suggestion.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Beauty is not all there is of poetry. It must contain the truth. It is not simply an oak, rude and grand, neither is it simply a vine. It is both. Around the oak of truth runs the vine of beauty.



~Robert Green Ingersoll, Lawyer (1833-1899)

NEVER READ THEIR WORKS

I've known about Ernest Hemingway, James Baldwin, William Faulkner for ages. Three great authors, and yet, I have never read any of their books.

KNOW LESS THAN BEFORE

William Shakespeare is the only person I have read about and know less about him.

NEW POETRY

I am writing some new poetry. It seems that it's about many things and not any particular vein. My thoughts have gone from love and freedom to reflection and challenge and growth.

JOURNALS

This is the next book that I'll be reading.

WORDS OF WISDOM

We are what we believe we are.


~C.S. LEWIS

REOPENING

The Film Forum reopened today after renovations.

BOOK REVIEW

I first became interested in this book when I was in a Barnes and Noble. I read the story 'Johnny Panic' and my interest was piqued. I didn't know that Ms. Plath wrote so many short stories and prose. Her personality definitely rings through in them.

I see how conflicted Ms. Plath was. I see how she felt about her father. She saw the best of him and the worst of him toward the end of his life. Her brilliance rings through in the use of her words and description of scenes. Johnny Panic is not a quick read just as Ms. Plath was not easy to comprehend. She is a compelling character worth reading and studying about.   

POEMS

I'm rereading this book. The more I read Sylvia Plath's work the more I want to understand her as a person.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Good performance is about the capacity to focus and concentrate.


~Betty Buckley, Actress

NOT A CRITIC

I don't see myself as a critic because it may taint someone's opinion about another writer. Just because I don't like a particular author shouldn't keep someone else from enjoying that writer's work.

WILLIAM BURROUGHS

A part of the Beat generation, William Burroughs is a true bohemian who lived an unconventional life. He is the author of many books most notably 'Naked Lunch', 'Junkie' and 'Queer'.

Of all the Beats, Burroughs impresses me greatly with his intellect and creativity next to fellow beat Jack Kerouac.

REOPENING!

The Film Forum is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, August 1st.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.

~Rumi, Poet (1207-1273)

VULNERABILITY

For me, the big difference between poetry and story writing is that I reveal more of my innermost thoughts. Sharing my deepest emotions has never been easy for me. When I allow them to flow and take shape in a poem, it is liberating to my spirit.

In order to an effective writer one needs to be vulnerable. It demonstrates that I have a pulse. I have emotions, deep thoughts, and have something to share. I like to believe alife is being touched by what is expressed.

Being vulnerable isn't a sign of weakness; it it means that I'm willing to share parts of me that few would ever know. In the end I pray that we can continue the journey of discovery and adventure.

SAME NAME, DIFFERENT STATE

Pasadena- California, Texas
Abilene- Kansas, Texas
Paradise- Arizona, California

WORDS OF WISDOM

Look at Allen Ginsberg. In poems like 'Kaddish' and 'Howl', you can hear a cantor between the lines. It's fully alive, and I think that's what's missing in modern poetry. It's too dry and cerebral.




~Derek Walcott

HOT! FESTIVAL

The HOT! Festival is currently at Dixon Place now through July 28th. There's comedy, drama, poetry, cabaret, plays and other forms of art.  The queer culture really does it up and I'm so happy to be a part of this.




DIXON PLACE
161A CHRYSTIE STREET near Delancey Street
NEW YORK, NY 10002

WRITING ON BACK BURNER

I have been performing with a theater group so I haven't written or read much lately. I will be back at it shortly. The ideas still keep coming though. Have two titles for a series of short stories that will be written in the near future. Having a title before a written piece is a rarity for me. Usually I'll have written a poem or story and have no title. Go figure.   

SAME NAME, DIFFERENT STATES

AUBURN- Washington, Alabama

DALLAS- Texas, Oregon, Georgia

PHILADELPHIA- Pennsylvania, Mississippi

MERIDIAN- Mississippi, Idaho

WORDS OF WISDOM

Poetry isn't a profession, it's a way of life. It's an empty basket; you put your life into it and make something out of that.


~Mary Oliver

WORDS OF WISDOM

But life is long. And it is the long run that balances the short flare of interest and passion.


~Sylvia Plath

SYLVIA PLATH-COMPLICATED AND COMPELLING

I'm reading a book by Sylvia Plath, Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams. Ms Plath was a brilliant yet troubled author beleaguered by internal turmoil. She was a complicated person not easily understood. Reading her biography helped me comprehend what went into her writing.

I love complicated people because they possess traits few people would not understand or admit to. A tragic figure? Maybe. Her poetry is poignant and angry. Her short stories and prose reveal her own frailties of insecurity, madness, and the depths in which the mind and spirit can travel.

I have a book of Sylvia Plath's journals. William Shakespeare is the only writer I knew less about after reading his works. Ms. Plath isn't to that degree but she is in the conversation.

REGROUPING

It's amazing that I'm doing much more since retiring a few years ago. Open mic, performance, collaboration on plays, poetry. Have a few things lined up for July. Taking time to regroup after the pride march.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it's produced the most extraordinary results in human culture.


~Ken Robinson

SAME NAME, DIFFRENT STATE

SALEM- Virginia, Oregon, Massachusetts

OTHER GENRES

I don't want to be limited to writing just in writing one particular genre. I want to explore different forms of writing. I'm considering taking a stab at writing erotica. Never done it before. Someone shared with me the difference between erotic and writing pornography (which I don't want do).

I enjoy reading and writing horror stories. Psychological horror is my favorite. I've written a few horror stories. Edgar Allan Poe's great poem, The Raven, planted a seed in me that germinated years later.

Delving into other writing forms has broadened by interest in diferent topics. It has improved my writing also.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Talent perceives differences; genius, unity.


~William Butler Yeats, Poet (1865-1939)

WRITING CLASS

I haven't written much in the past week because of the pride events. I spoke to someone yesterday who is also a writer. She teaches writing and writes novels and other works. I may attend one of her writing classes.

CURRENT READ

This is the book I'm currently reading.