I Graduated! Now what…

So, I graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. degree in Special Media Arts and Design (concentration in Print Journalism) and a minor in Creative Writing. I currently work as a teller at a bank, while I try to find myself and what I’m meant to do in this weakened economy. I’ve considered news writing/editing, the Peace Corps, publishing and of course the fall back… the ever so popular choice of confused 20 somethings… graduate school! The search for a REAL job in lovely Lancaster, PA is not going so hot, so I’m working on finding where an aspiring young writer such as myself can get a foot in the door.

While I’ve been pondering my direction in life, I remembered hey… Didn’t I used to have a blog that kept me on top of my writing and love of poetry?

Yep.

So, Here I am. Let’s talk about poetry and writing in general. It’s what I love… It’s what you love… So let’s get back to it! It’s true, I’ve abandoned this place for a while, but no matter where life takes me… I’m here to stay. For good.

Quote of the day:    “A short absence is the safest.” – Ovid

Poetry in Translation

I recently came across a Chinese poem translated in English. It’s weird, but that was the first time I have read a translated poem! 

Sonnet 2

Whatever can be shed we jettison
from bodies, let return again to dust
–a way to compose us for age. And thus,
like leaves and the late flowers that one
by one the autumn trees release
off of their forms into the autumn winds
to winter, we compose ourselves to lose
in nature, like cicadas abandoning
behind them in the dirt their useless shells.
So we compose ourselves for death, a song
that though shed from the music’s form still sings
and leaves a naked music when it’s gone,
transformed into a chain of hushed blue hills.

-Feng Zhi
Translated from the Chinese by Tony Barnstone and Chou Ping

 

I find it  fascinating, because the poem I found, “Sonnet 2,” by Feng Zhi, is similar to one of my poems,

“The Fading of Fall.” If you look at both poems, there is a common theme. We use the fading of fall to portray how we can make peace with death.

I think it’s interesting how different people  all over the world think similarly. Think about it… we eat different food, live in different environments, speak different languages and have different cultural beliefs, yet we still see the same natural images and feel the same emotions.

Anyway, I think it’s great how more and more worldly poetry is being translated for all to enjoy! I look forward to researching more translated poetry in hopes of learning about new forms and styles.

 

Quote of the day: “If man is to survive, he will have learned to take a delight in the essential differences between men and between cultures. He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life’s exciting variety, not something to fear.” -Gene Roddenberry

 

A New Way To Picture Poetry!

I’m all about exploring poetry in new ways. I recently looked up one of my favorite poems, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” by Robert Frost on YouTube.com.

 I enjoyed browsing through genius 5-year-olds, high school students craving extra credit and old aged Frost enthusiasts reciting this poem. Yet, I came across a more amusing style of portraying the poem…

 

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature’s first green is gold, 
Her hardest hue to hold. 
Her early leafs a flower; 
But only so an hour. 
Then leaf subsides to leaf. 
So Eden sank to grief, 
So dawn goes down to day. 
Nothing gold can stay.

 

The combination of classical music, beautiful images and fading script lines in this video give the poem a different feel. I enjoyed reading each line and then seeing the natural images follow. 

Feel free to make a video or create a picture book to illustrate the way YOU picture a poem when you read it! 

Unfortunately, the lovely golden leaves of fall in those pictures aren’t staying much longer. I’m hoping some white snow might cover up those barren branches soon!

Along with the delightful view of snow blanketing the ground, it would be some inspiration for me to write a new winter poem!

 

Quote of the day: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” -Anne Frank

Virginia Pantoum

I know I promised a pantoum, so here it is! I took a stab at constructing my own, but my talented classmate, Jone, wrote a better one.

I will keep working on my pantoum, but for now, enjoy Jone Brunelle’s “Virginia Pantoum.”

 

He warned me not to fall in love

with your temperamental seasons                        

but your warmth poisons my blood,                        

my head echoes with your reasons.                                

                                                                                  

Your temperamental seasons                                               

pluck color from my trees,                                                    

my head echoes with your reasons,

but I bargain on my knees.

 

You pluck color from my trees

and ice my tongue before I can protest.                                        

I bargain on my knees,                                                               

more a plea than a request.                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                            

You ice my tongue before I can protest                                                             

the stone-frost grip that slips me,                                                                       

more a plea than a request                                                                                    

for the fever sweat that strips me.

 

The stone-frost grip that slips me

should cripple me in defeat

but the fever sweat that strips me

tangles me, naked in you sheets.                                                                               

 

 

Your winters cripple me in defeat

but in the Summer, I swear–                                      

you tangle me, naked in your sheets,                                   

let your breath defrost my hair.                                                           

                                                                                                                         

In the Summer, I swear                                                                              

I’m trapped in you, the lover’s state.                                                           

Your breath defrosts my hair,                                                                          

has power to inebriate.

 

You have power to inebriate,

your warmth poisons my blood,

I’m trapped in you, the lover’s state–

He warned me not to fall in love.

-Jone Brunelle 

 

 

Quote of the day: “You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” -Henry Drummond

Pandora Radio

Having trouble getting into the writing groove? I just found out about Pandora Radio from a friend and it is awesome! Best of all, it’s free!

http://www.pandora.com/

 

All you do is type in a song or artist of your choice and the website will create your own personalized music station. The music being played revolves around the genre of the artist or song you selected. 

 

If you create a profile, you can save stations you have created. You can then login at any time and listen to your favorite songs! The website shows the artist, song title, and album cover of each song being played. So, if you love the song, you can look up the artist and find more of their songs. 

I typed in Coldplay and was introduced to other songs by Jack Johnson, Counting Crows, Moby, Keane, The Fray, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, The Killers, etc. 

This website has helped me get into the writing vibe. I hope it does the same for you!

 

Quote of the day: “I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.” -George Eliot  

 

 

Poetic Form

 

 

My advanced poetry class had a discussion the other day, regarding the importance of using poetic forms. 

Forms such as the sestina, villanelle, sonnet, blank verse, pantoum, etc. involve stressing certain syllables, rhyming, repetition, and other strict guidelines.

Wait… I thought poetry was meant to be completely creative and free of rules and restrictions. Well, a lot of poetry IS free of form, but poetic forms have helped produce some of the most influential poetry of all time.

 

Examples:

Sestina: “The Shrinking Lonesome Sestina” -Miller Williams

You write very well! What a villanelle!

Villanelle: “The Waking” -Theodore Roethke                                                                                      

Sonnet: “Heat” -Denis Johnson

Blank Verse: “Directive” -Robert Frost

Pantoum: “Pantoum of the Great Depression” -Donald Justice

 

As a beginning poet, it can be so frustrating trying to write in these forms. Yet, it can bring out an image or idea that might not have been created otherwise. You might find you like form or you might find that you hate it… Either way, it helps get those creative juices flowing. 

I have found that poets who understand form have written some beautiful poetry. You never know… you could try out a new form and create something quite meaningful. 

All I’m saying is… at least try it!

Tips:

*If you don’t want to start from scratch, take an old poem you have written and try to conform it into a poetic form. It could bring your poem to the next level! 

*Take out lines from your favorite stories and use them to help create a theme or strong image in a poem. (especially useful in writing a pantoum!)

*Take out your top 50 words list and pick out a few words for inspiration. (especially useful in writing a sestina!)

*You don’t have to follow every single rule. (a little variation can add that spark to make your poem unique and more meaningful)

*Use enjambment wisely! (it makes form seem less forced)

 

Challenge yourself! Good luck! 

 

p.s. I’m writing a pantoum of my own! I’ll post it soon!

 

Quote of the day: “A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four questions, thus: 1. What am I trying to say? 2. What words will express it? 3. What image or idiom will make it clearer? 4. Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?” -George Orwell

Stars

I don’t know one person who doesn’t enjoy looking up at a clear night. The kind of night where you can spot millions of bright stars. None of them having to fight through clouds, fog, or pollution to be seen. It is beautiful!

I can’t help but think about how many people are wishing on those stars or seeing a few shoot across the sky. You never quite remember which star you wish upon, but you know the hope it gives you when you close your eyes and ask…

“Help me find love”  or “Please let my sick relative get better” or probably the most popular, “Please help make the economy strong once again.” 

Even though your wish may be out of your hands, it is nice to feel hope twinkle in your eyes as you look up at the stars. I think it is important that we realize that we can be the hope and the change that can help others. We can be that twinkle in their eye and we can do this without anyone knowing that we did. 

I wrote “If I could Only Be A Star” to portray this idea. Enjoy!

If I Could Only Be A Star

 

 

If only I could be a star

I could appear to be close, but remain far,

I could glow brightly and light the night sky

I could form constellations with neighbors near by.

 

On Earth we all move a mile a minute

in no direction with no speed limit,

we work to be better and never stop

our lives revolve around the clock.

 

But if I were a star

I could make somebody’s wish come true,

I could give hope to a person or two

and I would not have to speak a word

through my presence I would be heard.

 

On Earth there are the rich and the poor

some make millions, others work at a convenience store,

but when we look up, we all see the same stars

that, appear to be close, but remain far,

we all look up and smile

and escape our hectic lives for a while.

 

Why can’t we all be stars in the night?

all shining equally bright

like the stars, we are all the same,

we need to love and give and help one another

whether it be a friend, a stranger, sister or brother.

 

We need to live as if we are stars

we can go and make somebody’s wish come true,

we can give hope to a person or two

and we do not have to speak a word

through our actions we can be heard. 

-Meg Ebersole

 

Quote of the day: “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.” -Vincent Van Gogh

Poetry Website Review

Casa Poema – Famous Poems, New Poetry, Photos and Quotes

 

  http://judithpordon.tripod.com/poetry/index.html

 

 

Michelangelo

 

 

            “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free,” a famous quote by Michelangelo, is one of the many quotes on creativity Judith Pordon has posted on her poetry website, “Casa Poema.”

             Her website may not have fancy fonts, clear organization or flashy pictures, but it has had close to 5 million visitors since it was created on Oct. 31, 2001. I wasn’t impressed when I first entered Prodon’s webpage, but as I read through the content I understood why I was visitor number 4,879,203.

            This website conveys Pordon’s passion for poetry and the positive impact it can have on one’s life.  She has posted…

-       A poetry anthology of world famous poems and new poetry

-       Photographs of poets

-       Featured poetry

-       Her poetry

-       Quotes on the courage to create

-       Creativity quotes from famous writers and artists

-       Recommendations of poetry books and websites to explore

-       A page outlining the success and credibility of the website

-       PayPal link for visitors to contribute donations

Pordon is focused on posting information for poets/poetry lovers to be inspired and well rounded.   There is poetry on nature, war, grief, spirituality, marriage, children, comedy etc. Full review…

 

 

 

Surviving Daily Stresses

I hate lying awake in bed at night. I am so exhausted, yet I am thinking about my long day. 

The heavy traffic on the way to campus, sitting in demanding classes, long lines at dining halls, doing homework, cleaning a dirty room, etc. It is so draining! Where does the day go?

It takes a long time for my mind to wind down. The minute I get to shut my eyes (mirror of a myriad) and finally sleep, it is heaven… Anyway, I wrote “Mirror of a Myriad,” to explain this process my mind goes through, before I sleep. Enjoy!

p.s. If daily stresses are wearing you down, check out this list of 9 stress relievers!

 

 

If all else fails... a big piece of chocolate cake can put a fudge-filled smile on your face!

 

Mirror of a Myriad

 

Like pressure of a thousand hands

     pushing down on daily demands,

           the blinds, a cozy coverlet,

                          slickly butter over it.

 

the mirror of a myriad.

 

Mirror reflecting metal heaps bundled in numbered routes,

     feet jumbled as ants on fallen bread,                                    

                rows and columns of tallied heads.

 

Mirror of branched arms,

             flailing like a chimpanzee,

                  or wheat grass in a wind storm,

                        whipping around me.

 

Mirror of round fruit on oval plates,

        next to triangle pizza and fried strings,

                   cylinders filled with dark carbonates.                                                                           

 

Mirror of hard-back collections of truth,

         ink soothes the sheets, lead scrapes the lines,

                    written images of the mind.

 

Mirror of an unshaven lawn                                                                                                      

                material molded to bedroom floor,

                                 monitoring neighbors’ multiplying spawn.

 

Mirror of lingering sliver of lemon,

             sour from the fleeing day,

                          now about sugar-coated in

                                             the night’s navy spray.

 

Wallowing in a cocoon of worry,

             like a caterpillar on a shaking leaf,

                 the mirror folds its portly visionary thoughts

 

                                                                      closed

 

 

                                                                                     and sighs with relief.

-Meg Ebersole

 

Quote of the day: It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterward. -Baltasar Gracian

Writer’s Block Remedies

I hate getting in a writing slump. I can play some Coldplay, light soothing scented candles and still sit at my computer or lay in bed with a blank stare. 

I don’t want to have to count on a bad day or a life-altering experience to create a meaningful poem.

We need some type of remedy for this widespread illness we call, “writer’s block.” Luckily, a few vaccines are available! 

 

Top 50 Words List

I know it’s simple, but believe me! It works! Sit yourself down and write down your top 50 favorite words. 

You can choose words based on their meaning, sound, length, etc.

Soothe, shadow, stone, kind, courage and simple are a few of my favorites… Feel free to check out my list!

The best part is that once you create your list, you can always look back to it for inspiration when you come down with WB. You’d be surprised how the sight of one of your favorite words can spur creativity! If you don’t have a top 50 words list, make one!

Cross-Out Poetry

Cross-out poetry is another way to ward off WB.

First, pick out a page from your favorite book, a magazine, the newspaper, or any other publication. Then get out your trusty writing pen or pencil and starting crossing out words. That’s right! Keep the words that interest you and cross out the rest. You’ll end up with a new interesting poem. 

It’s great! I tried it out the other day for the first time and I could really see my writing voice in the poem I created. This exercise not only brings out your voice, but it gives you a solid theme to build a poem off of. You can leave the poem you created be, or add to it.

I took my cross-out poem and added some more language to create my newest poem, “Wrangling Winter.” It’s about an old hotel fighting off a winter blizzard. I don’t think I would have created this poem in thin air. It took a cross-out exercise to get me going! 

Wrangling Winter

Little windows present views of
a turmoiling sea of snow
arms of wind, mighty, circular, futile
embrace the flakes
amid this fury ,
a hearty howl abrades
the eyeing Blue hotel,
island of the sea, card-player.
He challenges gray and sandy
whiskers to a game of
contemptuous and bitter scoff.
They sit close and square knees as
the window of heated scorn slowly
buttons his coat with fabulous dignity.
In the discrete silence they
wished to inquire what ailed them
to this game formed jocosely?
Battered and baked, the stilted hotel waits
nervously, expecting to be assaulted.
He gazes shrilly at the
hoary beard and frozen tears
face to face.
Clouds of soft soot ward off winter’s weeping
and keep at bay
a full house.
With mouth open, holding cards with
still fingers,
Foes pull forward with
knees bunched and
begin to wear their way-
indenting shrieks of
surrender. Hands lay limp
loosen their grip
hail to the
hotel defender.

 

Go get your Wall Street Journal, favorite novel or old history book and create your own cross-out poem!

Good luck!

 

Quote of the day: Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time… The wait is simply too long. -Leonard Bernstein