Issue 6
June 1998 - July 1998
Publisher/Editor - Jeremy Whittaker
Assistant Editor - Sharon Bowman
Feature Writer - Dave Taub
** IPM is best viewed by expanding your web browser to full size **
Issue 6
June 1998 - July 1998
Publisher/Editor - Jeremy Whittaker
Assistant Editor - Sharon Bowman
Feature Writer - Dave Taub
Welcome to IPM, your monthly poetry magazine. Here you will find a poetry haven unspoilt by the wonders of nature, a place where you can vent your spleen in poetic words or share a love for somebody with the world. Let us take you all on a journey into the minds of those like you, poetry lovers worldwide. Our aim is simple, the appreciation of poetry in all its forms, we`re not here to give critical views on how something can be done better (you can do that via e-mail) but we are here to show the world your work.
What can I say, we are late with this issue even though I was talking about keeping deadlines in the last issue. Why are we late though? It`s simple, yet complex at the same time. We`ve all had a bad day or so, and some of them are worse than most, well I had one of those very bad days that everyone dreads. I was the unfortunate recipient of a computer virus, a really nasty one. In it`s powers everything was wiped out on my computer, from pictures to programs, Internet programs to Internet Poetry Magazine. I can only apologize for this delay and warn each and every one of you not to take virus`s too lightly, this one has cost me both a lot of time and money. If you haven`t got a virus checker (something like Norton Anti-Virus) then go and get one now. If you are a little short of cash then go and find one from the Internet, you can get 30 day trials on them as well as shareware and freeware ones, although the bigger names are always a lot more reliable. I made the mistake of not updating mine and paid the price for my error, I implore you not to do the same.
As far as IPM (Internet Poetry Magazine) is concerned, we have a few treats for you this month. Our Star Interviewee is Andrew Carroll, the executive director of the American Poetry & Literacy (APL) Project, a national nonprofit organization that distributes free poetry books throughout the country as a means to promote literacy. we have Claiborne Schley Walsh as our Featured Poet, Claiborne has appeared in numerous issues thus far and seems destined onto great things. Dave`s article this month is about something that concerns us all, copyright issues on poetry and other writings.
If you have anything that you wish to submit to us here at IPM (Internet Poetry Magazine) then please feel free to contact us HERE, all submissions are treated with the same high respect that they deserve, wether you are the Poet Laurette or a sixth grader. If you wish to receive information about IPM Hardcopy then please contact us HERE, placing HARDCOPY in the subject line to get a faster response.
Yours,
Publisher/Editor
IPM (Internet Poetry
Magazine) Issue 1
IPM (Internet Poetry
Magazine) Issue 2
IPM (Internet Poetry
Magazine) Issue 3
IPM (Internet Poetry Magazine)
Issue 4
IPM (Internet Poetry
Magazine) Issue 5
Submission Details
In order to enter a poem for submission we require you to send it
to this e-mail address -
IPMag@aol.com (click on it to go
straight to e-mail submission).
We ask only a few things from you when submitting poems, firstly that
you only submit a maximum of three poems per issue. Secondly we ask
that you give us your full name (optional) and full e-mail address for
publication and reply purposes. Thirdly, all poetry submitted for
publication must be your own work with no exceptions (unless
otherwise requested for a specific magazine section, ie Favourite
Poem). Finally we should point out that there is a maximum of
one poem per poet each issue, so although you may send us three excellent
poems we can only publish one. All poetry shall be carefully considered
for each issue but if not chosen then it is merely because of the volume
of submissions. If you are to be published then we shall contact you
prior to the issue date to inform you of your successful submission. If
you are successful in your submittal to IPM (Internet Poetry Magazine) then
you shall be sent the copy of IPM Hardcopy containing your poem, but there
is no charge for submittal of poetry.
Thankyou for your time, I hope to see you in the next issue.
Jeremy Whittaker - Editor
A Month of Sunday's : Visions in Verse
(Poetry inspired by the art of Spectrum Gallery Artists)
The Spectrum Gallery in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., will host a
collaborative exhibition of art and poetry this July. Thirty-two poets have
collaborated with the thirty-two artists of Spectrum Gallery to create an
exhibition of poetic responses to individual artwork.
The show is the largest collaborative of poets and artists in the
Washington area since the 70's and the first exhibition of this type to be
hosted by one gallery. The purpose of the participants were to "create a
dynamic interplay between their two art forms."
The art work and poetry will be on exhibit at Spectrum Gallery throughout
the month of July. A reception and poetry reading will be held Sunday, July
12, 19, and 26, from 3-5 pm. After the exhibition in Washington, part of
the show will travel to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis
and Strathmore Hall Arts Center in Maryland.
For more information, contact Pam Vosburgh, Gallery Director at (202) 333-0954 or fax (202) 333-1362.
Spectrum Gallery is located at:
1132 29th Street, N.W.
Corner of M Street, Georgetown
Washington, D.C. 2007
(IPM would like to thank Barbara Steele of Spectrum Gallery for providing us with the information ).
Reginald Sylvester Passes On
Everyone hates to hear about somebody passing on, and even more so if it`s effecting someone they know. Sadly Dave Taub`s step-father, Reginald Sylvester, passed on at 2pm (GMT) on the 21st of May, just last month. I didn`t personally know Mr. Sylvester but I do know Dave (Feature Columnist for IPM) and as such I personally feel very deeply for both Dave and his family. Mrs. Stephanie Sylvester, Reginald`s wife, has all of our prayers with her during this tough time. We have a eulogy written by Dave himself in rememberence of Reginald Sylvester, much loved husband of Stephanie and step-father of Dave Taub, as well as a piece of poetry written by Kt Frankovich, Dave`s beloved wife. I would request that everyone takes a minutes silence during which you can contemplate your feelings to those loved ones around you. Mrs. Sylvester, Dave and family, the thoughts and prayers of all of the IPM staff are with you.
For Reg.
Some
men strive for fame - some win, some lose.
Some
men strive for wealth as they may choose.
But
this man chose a path that's known by few -
For
both himself and family - Be true -
not
just by words or some half-vague theory,
but
actions freed from all hypocrisy.
This
man oft said, "I am a simple man."
Portrayed himself as seeing in 'Black or white'.
But
he taught me - "Son be the best you can -
Stand firm - Hold fast to all you know is right."
So
many - have these sentiments expressed,
but
few have truly put them to the test.
This
man who spoke and acted true and plain -
I
doubt I'll ever meet his kind again.....
(From his son, David, and on behalf of all that knew Reg)
Evermore -
Dedicated to my husband, David
and his bereaved mother, Stephanie -
during this most sorrowful time ....
Were
it not,
for
the gentle hold of thy soul, my love -
so
tender, so sweet,
such
softly petals bespeak
the
passions of thy doleful sorrows, so bleak
upon
thy tattered morrows, herein and yet above,
the
heavens weep for thee, my love ....
Shall not the seas rush to shore
and
grace the morrows yet of yore?
And
doleful sorrows, yet so bleak,
wash
to sands beneath thy feet?
To
thee, for whom the dove doth mourn,
To
thee, for whom my love adorns ....
Speak not, of such sweet sorrows,
nor
grieve thine heart in darkly burrows -
Lay
thy weary burdened head
upon
the softness of these breasts,
Herein, my precious love doth nest,
Herein, thy weary heart takes rest ....
Come
my love, let gentle grace
kiss
the tears upon thy face -
Tis
I, who love thee more than life,
Tis
I, who cradle thee in strife,
Now
and then,
forever more
Softly whispers, this my soul -
I
love you, evermore
copyright, k.t. Frankovich, 1998
And finally .........
If you have anything that you wish to share with IPM and our readers then please feel free to e-mail us HERE, we cannot guarantee you anything but if we like it and feel that it should be shared with everyone then it will be placed here as news Please remember that anything to do with the readers of IPM, from winning a local contest to winning the Nobel Prize for Writing, anything that you are proud of, is news and shall be treated this way. We hope to hear from you soon, as the reader you make the news and the news could just make you.
Back to top
Claiborne
Schley Walsh
Full Name : Claiborne Schley
Walsh
Occupation : Writer/Poet/Artist/Sculptor
Date Of Birth : 13th January 1947
Place Of Birth : Mobile, Alabama, USA
Hobbies : Enjoying life
Favorite Saying/Phrase : "Better to write for yourself and have no
public, than to write for the public and have no self." Cyril
Connolly
Last Word : My advice to all new writers (no matter age) is to study,
learn something new daily, and write, write, write!!! Find mentors, use your
friends, instructors, professors...practice! practice!! practice!!! My
greatest gift is being selected by many of my peers to appear on their websites.
Thank you, each of you. It is appreciated.
I have personally known Claiborne for quite some time now and have
grown very fond of the person and the poetry, and judging from the amount
of requests we have received to see Claiborne as IPM`s Featured Poet there
are a lot more fans out there. Claiborne is more than just a poet,
she is a wonderful person with a lot on her artistic plate. Having
toured in four different states and most recently in the UK (although I am
afraid to say that I didn`t get a chance to meet her) Claiborne is an active
poet rather than a sit-at-home poet. Infact it`s true to say that as
far as success is concerned then Claiborne has had a good look at it, although
she is still waiting for her big break in the poetry world.
One of the better known names on AOL (America On Line) Claiborne gets
her face and name spread around as much as possible, and is known as the
one to turn to if you are stuck or just want a little help in writing a
particular piece. I am proud to say that I know Claiborne and would
not be the person that I am today if I had not read her poetry. Every
word has a lasting message and a power hit that simply stuns you into wonderment.
With pieces such as those below Claiborne is sure to get that break
that she is looking for, so if we have any publishers out there who are looking
for new talent then you just found it.
I can only say one more thing here. By reading the poetry below you will start to understand why poetry is written and why it is classed an an art instead of just a writing experience. Take time and enjoy every last word, I certainly have done.
Biography - Claiborne Schley Walsh
Born in Mobile, Alabama on the Gulf Coast of the U.S., I have lived in New Orleans,Louisiana; and Savannah, Georgia. Wrote my first short story on my own time, in the third grade (I got an "A" which I found amusing, since I had not done it for homework, schoolwork or extra credit) Attended SpringHill College (Jesuit College) and worked in the Advertising and Central Departments of the Merchants National Bank, Worked as copy writer and layout and design for Cliff Worsham Advertising. In New Orleans I worked as Photographer and Copy writer for "Homes For Living", the monthly brochure for a real estate company while also being licensed to sell real estate. In Savannah I worked as Office Manager for a real estate company (helped agents write ads, created brochures, helped with contracts, etc.). Was the Co-Chair for The Grand Festival Of Art, The Annual Outdoor Art Show of ESAA, The Chairman of the Baldwin Humane Society Art Show, The Louisiana Carvers And Collectors Guild's Gulf South Championship Art Competition. Sat on the Committe for Development for Faulkner University, was on the State Grants Panel for the Alabama Arts Council. I was the Director for the Eastern Shore Art Academy and Association in Fairhope, Alabama for many, many years (and also one of the top instructors. Was Locations Scout and Manager for a Movie Production Company. I have been published in: AirWaves for Public Radio Station WHIL, RattleSnake Review, Red Bluff Review Anthology, MindFire e zine, IPMag e zine, Radio Free Topeka, Poetry Cafe - Wide Load, Poetic Voices, The Michael Bolton Newsletter of England, Have poetry in the private collections of Steve Allen, Jimmy Buffett, LaWanda Page, George Foreman, Robert Colbert, Larry Linville and many more. I authored and illustrated "101 Ways To Know If You're A Mobilian" (3,000 copies - SOLD OUT It was a local tongue-in-cheek look at we Southerners).
Have toured and performed my own works by invitation in Boston, MA; Jackson, MS; Bay St. Louis, MS; Daphne, AL; Fairhope, AL'; Mobile, AL; Savannah, GA; Boston, MA;.
I am a member of Southern Poetry Association, Pensters Writing Society, Alabama Poetry Society, Poetry Society of America.
Chameleon Of Comfort
Blue Clear Silence
Mausoleum of Man
Continumn
Behind The Mask
Chameleon Of Comfort
© Claiborne Schley Walsh
M4dcS)ss{ [h
^9&+pxI }oup0 wTʲ?&
Shall be
When
your thoughts become
I
shall be your wailing wall,
Raise your face to mine
Use
my steel as your blade,
And
when you harden your heart again
The
budding flower
Don't hide from me.
Blue Clear Silence
The
light from the surface
Slowly fanning feet
Musical movement of sea grass
Nooks and crannies beckon
The
bubbles trail behind me
I
swim on,
In
this silent world,
Away
from the sounds
I
move along the bottom
I
flip on my back
Hair
swirls around me
Mausoleum of Man
I
respectfully entered the cool cathedral,
A
child again,
Centuries lined up,
Man,
Here, man triumphs,
I
wonder,
I
strolled the aisles,
So
much still to learn!
I
am filled with wonder
Overwhelmed by this evidence,
Continumn
Have
you ever beheld a crab shedding it's shell?
Pulling itself out of it's too tight shell,
Have
you ever witnessed
When
crabs mate,
I've
seen the hermit crab
So
many miracles
So
many miracles
Behind The Mask
The
man in the mask approached me,
Ah,
the ubitquitos Mask
Oriental white, Mane flowing
Serpent trailing through streets of lights
Silver painted bodies, Rio,
Italy,
In
the French Quarter, the ebb and flow
Amazing this mystery of a disguised face
Even
your stance changes to where you do not know yourself
Welcome to the Gardens of Temptation
If all of that has wet your appetite for more of Claiborne`s poetry
then you can e-mail her
HERE for more or just to comment
on Claiborne`s work. You may also e-mail us here at IPM to share your views
with fellow readers on the Comments
Page. (please put "Comment Page" under Subject).
Full Name : Andrew Carroll
Andrew Carroll, this months Star Interview, is perhaps more of a star
than most. Not only is he the editor of many books, Letters Of A Nation
and 101Great American Poems are just two of them, but also the Executive
Director of the APL (American Poetry & Literacy) Project. The APL
Project toured across America from New York to Napa Valley in April this
year, to coincide with national Poetry Month (USA). The intention of
the tour was simple, bring poetry to the people by giving out books as they
went along, 100,000 to be exact. As we all know books aren`t as cheap
as we`d like to see them so there are millions of people throughout America
itself who simply don`t read, if you were to work out the entire world then
you`re going into the billions with more than enough change.
The Great APLseed
Giveaway, as it was named, reached all walks of life, from the poorer
sides of the cities and towns to the State Prisons, making sure to cover
as much of an spectrum of life as possible. From a personal point of
view as well as an English one I have to admit that this is more than just
a good idea, it`s an inspiration to all of us to read as much as possible.
Books are the viens of life, carrying all the information passed on
by generations to help aid us all in our quest for the perfect life.
Imagine where we`d be without books and the knowledge contained within
them. The Internet is all good and proper but without the books in
the first place it would simply not exist, for example how many of you have
turned to a book when you`ve not been able to find the information you are
looking for in the Internet ? I would wager that most, if not all,
of you have done this at one point or another. As poets and poetry
lovers we all rely on the written word, although it`s more typed these days,
to portray our feelings and fulfill our desires. This is what the APL
Project has done, fulfilled the desires of those less fortunate than most
by giving them a book and enabling them to see life from a different perspective
for a while, the authors perspective. On that note I would like to
congratulate the APL on their
Great APLseed
Giveaway tour and hope that others can take this as a hint to read
and write as much as possible. Well done Andrew and co..
Visit the official Great
APLseed Giveaway web site
Biography - Andrew Carroll
Andrew Carroll is the executive director of the American Poetry & Literacy
(APL) Project, a national nonprofit organization that distributes free poetry
books throughout the country as a means to promote literacy. Founded in 1993
by Carroll and the late Nobel Laureate and Poet Laureate of the United States
Joseph Brodsky, the APL Project has distributed hundreds of thousands of
free poetry books nationwide. Carroll is also the editor of the bestselling
LETTERS OF A NATION: A Collection of Extraordinary American Letters (Kodansha),
published this past December.
IPM : Tell us about
"The Great APLseed
Giveaway."
IPM : Where were the books distributed?
IPM : Why were these places chosen? It's a rather diverse selection.
IPM : How does someone respond when you walk up to them in a supermarket
or any other place and offer them a free poetry book?
IPM : That there's still an audience for poetry in America?
IPM : Was there any one location that was especially meaningful to
you in the trip?
IPM : How did you hand the books out? Were the inmates behind bars?
Or do you just walk up to them in a common area?
IPM : Why do you think people find poetry so essential to their
lives?
IPM : How did this whole organization, the American Poetry Project,
come about?
IPM : So are you going to drive across America next year as well ?
IPM : Thankyou for your time Andrew, it sounds as if the tour was
a huge success. I would like to wish you the best of luck in the future
and for future tours.
I Did That !
Consider the fact that everyone who produces written work, be it a
poem, some prose, an essay or a full length novel has a number of things
in common. First and foremost they have put time and effort into their work.
Secondly, thought has gone into it. Finally, in a great many instances, their
experience and feelings have been extensively 'drawn upon'.
I will say this on copyrights: If you have received a Library of
Congress TX number for a group of poems and the basic concept of the poem
is the same, although you have made revisions, you do not have to re-submit
them for a new TX number. Since the days of Alexander Graham Bell, Writers
and inventors have used what is known as a poor man's copyright...This is
simply to send the poems to yourself in the US Mail. When you receive the
sealed envelope with your revisions, DO NOT OPEN IT. that will serve as proof
, by the postal stamped date that they were your own poems and is allowed
as evidence should someone plagiarize your work and you go to court, having
filed a suit for damages. Usually each poet marks their own corresponding
code in the return address to indicate which group of poems is in the envelopes
and marks that same code on another copy at the top of the page of the poems
which he/she knows have been sent to themselves. They then take the copies
and paperclip them to the sealed envelope and files them. You can do this
much quicker and easier cheaper, than waiting on the Library of Congress
for a new transmittal number. One other thing you should know is that your
work is protected once you have broadcasted it by a media source, having
put the (c) symbol at the end of your poem and the date with your name. Many
poets, who worry about theft, do this in the various chat rooms and cut and
paste a copy of the presented poem and print it out, while working on their
poetry. Then they keep those recorded sessions on a floppy as proof. This
also has been upheld in a court of law for copyright infringements.
On the whole, the simple question comes down to whether or not you
are overly concerned, or not at all bothered, if someone else took your work
and used it without permission which, later on you discovered. For those
who have no consideration for other writers and decide to use someone else's
work - make no mistake - there are those who take copyright infringement
very seriously !
Copyright 1998 retained by Dave Taub
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dave Taub is a member of :
Now you`ve read our topic of the week thoughts must be flying around
your head, did you agree with it or think it was record that needed changing
? However you feel about our topic this month let us know here at IPM
by writing to our Comments
Page (please put "Comment Page" in the subject line) and we`ll put
your name in pixels.
Readers Poetry
This section contains the best selection of poetry
we`ve received this time around. If you wish to be published here then
don`t hesitate to send you poetry to us
HERE (full details of submission
requirements are stated below the poetry). If you want to e-mail the
poets featured here then please click on the name at the end of their poem,
alternatively you can e-mail us
HERE to send a message to the Comments
Page (please put "Comment Page" under Subject).
Poets this issue are :
B. S. Allen - Prairie Lullaby
Prairie Lullaby
snow
owl calls the darkest hour in
fawn-gowned sad, sad Indian maiden
in
night's hush, a quiet mourning
as
if heard, now distant thunder,
B.S. Allen
taking shape
her
poem conceived -
tomorrow's dawn will find it
© 1998 T.Emmett
Mueller
T. Emmett Mueller is a retired educator who writes both childrens and
adult contemporary poetry. For more samples, visit his website at
http://www.geocities.com/Soho/Museum/5598
Close Encounters
Were
you an illusion,
Drunk on closeness
You
soothed the child,
You
whispered of hero’s,
Wishes dried tears
Gary P. Dickerson
Orion
Winter evenings I would look for you.
You
were my favorite. whenever I
You,
spending millennia fighting. You
as
I did so many years in you.
Janet L. Kuypers
Visit Janet`s Website
HERE
Redone Undone
You
grow your flowers,
I
arrange the blossoms,
Some
you created just for me,
All
are exquisite.
Then,
Where upon,
Then,
“We don’t understand
“You should use balsam
So,
But,
Carol G. Holden 1998
Collapsed in a Baltimore Tavern
Come
and single out the light,
You
pound and pound
We
were not meant
You
pound and pound
We
were not meant
Ward Kelly
Edgar Allan Poe, (1809-1849), American author and originator of
the detective story, was – by his own choice – primarily a poet.
In 1836 he married his thirteen year old cousin, Virginia Clemm, whose frail
beauty, delicate health, and childlike temperament appeared to embody the
morbid ideal that marked his poems. Her lingering death in 1847 seemed to
hasten his own destruction; Poe was found collapsed in a Baltimore tavern
in 1849, and shortly died in a city hospital. Arguably his poem "The Raven"
is the best-known poem in Western literature.
Sarah's Gone East
Sure
it hurt, yeah
Sarah's heart was right
I
never thought she'd stay
Paul Cassidy
Air Comforts
The
comfort of an airplane
Perhaps a wiser soul than I
For
as a Navy ship does rock
And
tough as nails in khaki green~
RWHand ~1998
Submission Details
In order to enter a poem for submission we require you to send it
to this e-mail address -
IPMag@aol.com (click to go straight
to e-mail submission).
Jeremy Whittaker - Editor
Here is the latest list of competitions for you
to browse through. All competitions are broken down with a brief outline
of what is required by the organisers of each one, showing deadline dates
underneath the competition name. Please note that all competition deadlines
will last at least one week after this issue`s own deadline if possible.
Competition Organiser - Amazing Instant Novelist -- "The Home
Page of Creativity!"
Competition Organiser - Remley`s P>- 1T c4$tǒF]f#Z[1a r={W-WcjhHH\F9 Z%*y#$ثn\V@S% ?]cҫ1 >:+ 7j h~9
1=js .:88lvKqĸ
Ē=Fi^C;@8 T6rX*@VGZ
;dy*OqRez)V;5 $
b
Here are the important addresses for you to remember,
the people that can get your work into print. Below you`ll find a variety
of addresses, including the URL (web addresses) of a few. As we all
know you can never write off to enough publishers. You`ll also find
that these publishers will have details of all poetry magazines that they
print as well as full details of any books or chap books that they have on
offer. Please let the publisher know where you heard of them.
Poet`s Guild Quarterly - Publisher: G Elton
Warrick
Wings Of Dawn Publishing Co. - Emotions, "where
the pen meets the heart"ԓ[GhMwAq4QYk 1[~WEy$,H% *xrI+Ri_i\˵(k&F@v<7k?<]i0 WRnANQj-M/Ii )x.^7ӯ,
=iӶiu ,i:KGmuF~_?Zwz$C 9?0zYZ/m? m5nBl W#y6NwF<] x=H]?Ti
:@OJh mhܩ C_5K.IgG\MʒA C_ӣv u=Ԭg]DL0
I
shall be
The
verdant, tenacious fern.
That
grows within your mortar,
The
cup of warmth brought to you
Upon
a mourning bed,
Or
the dance
When
you feel the need
To
be loved, held, swayed;
Whispering
"Don't hide from me"
The
hidden bricks of partition,
I
shall scale their heights like Everest
To
find you
Defying width and breadth and height.
Your
comfort,
The
feather mattress of your weary soul.
Don't turn your heart and head away.
That
I may see the wounds within,
Become the healing salve
The
binding gauze that protects.
My
arms as your strength.
Lean
into me, use me
That
I may become an extension of you,
To
speak your words
Using the richness of my voice
To
ply the whirling, white waters of life,
Steering you
Past
the jutting rocks of jettys
That
endanger.
I
shall but dig in my roots deeper
And
bloom in the concrete
Of
your discontent,
That
opens
Between the bricks.
© Claiborne Schley Walsh
comes down in beams
below the water.
take
me deeper
into
this blue womb.
and
coral fan
crook enticing fingers
for
me to come by their invitation
to
view private parties within.
to
find what secrets they hold,
some
amusing, some terrifying.
like
a leash to the surface,
moving like phatoms of crystal
ovaling, waggling,wibble wobbling,
spiraling ever upwards.
undulating through
the
broken bones of boats
and
bottles
lying on the bottom,
echoing
reminders that even men
cannot defeat oceans.
movement becomes the sound,
currents become symphonies,
fish
become the notes
and
instruments.
of
the surface
I
am free
only
bound by air supply
and
depth.
investigate and play
in
this incredible endless space
that
darts and flows,
swims and hides.
to
watch the waves
on
the surface.
They
are like swift clouds
on
forwarded film
holding me transfixed
in
their opposing patterns.
with
the same rythmn as the sea grasses.
I
feel as the Loreili,
humming with the mantra of submerged mantle.
For
now, I am the Loreili,
but
unlike the Rays below
the
surface
I
must follow the bubbled leash
back
up to the world above.
© Claiborne Schley Walsh
Evidence of neuron and synapse,
Silent synods of
Bookpage and binding.
I
stood, spellbound with the life and
Death here in immensia.
This
mosaic amassed
Of
beliefs and ideas
Acted upon,
Shelved,
Numbered and cataloged.
Soldiers of concrete proof,
That
thoughts linked with actions
As
pens moved,
Keys
clicked,
Paintbrushes stirred.
Possessor of clutching thumb and
Elevated reasoning ability,
The
only living creature
Able
to commemorate himself.
A
living organism
Subject to The same mortality
As
amoeba and ape,
Alligator and aardvark,
Zebra and protozoa.
His
written speech
Translated for all his peers
To
comprehend and understand.
Is
Nirvana achieved by the written word?
The
understanding of it grasped?
Could it be that within page
And
printed paper
Lies
everlasting life?
As
many before me
And
after me will,
Felt
God and godlessness there,
Was
dwarfed by shelf upon shelf
Of
time entomed and entombed.
So
much still unknown,
Yet
to be solved.
At
the number of neurons and synapse
That
had to fire
Bringing immortality
To
this place.
These thoughts of others,
I
quietly descended the marble stairways
Of
this Church of Man
And
exited.
© Claiborne Schley Walsh
The
wondrousness of
Seeing it flex and u
n
d
u
l
a
t
e
One
Slow
Movement
At
A
Time
A
shrimp sliding out of a past life?
It's
like seeing the birth of a child,
so
completely amazing.
You
sit there and watch for hours.
Wonderstruck.
The
female sheds her shell
While she is vulnerable,
The
male holds her gently
Beneath him, protecting her from any harm.
Imagine, so much gentleness, from creatures
We
do not always see this way.
Outgrow his shell
And
timidly extricate himself
With
great caution
Hidden so he can sidle easily
Into
next host shell.
Of
creatures
We
do not normally
See
beneath the mirror of the sky.
That
parallel our own lives.
Go
to the sea,
There, you will find
Your
own saline beginnings.
© Claiborne Schley Walsh 1998
Held
me about my waist, danced with me
Flirted with me, gave me a kiss
I
could smell the newness of his satin costume
the
liquor on his breath, the excitement beneath his clothing
Greek theatre, where masks supposedly began
to
hide the sex of the actor
to
hide the age of the player
to
increase the believability of the production
down
through the ages
Face
of Kubuki Lion
Embroidered metallic fabric, obi sashed
Followed by measured patterned steps of the dance
Arm
and hand motions of centuries
of
practiced but familiar tradition
in
Chinatown, One mask with many people
Snaking it's way through human masses
Fire
breathing, tongue lolling wildly
laughter and frivolity abound
Carnivale,
Feathers and plastic mask, blanket forgiveness once a year
Maddening music of torso twists and spasmodic jerk
Beat
building, crescendo after crescendo
rolling one upon the other
until you are lost from yourself
Huge
floats, partying, dancing
Maskers riding high along the coast
Grabbing that pre-Lenten brass ring
Hurry and sin, a Season of religion follows
of
human tide and time flow through the city
upon
whiskey'ed breaths
Friends you wouldn't recognize in this setting
Or,
if you did, you would look away
for
your own sake, as well as theirs
the
shedding of recognition, inhibitions
To
become the character you portray
To
flirt with the edges of Heaven at the Gates of Hell
To
be a reality within reality, a bubble within a bubble
An
attitude, a cock of the head, a lift of the chin,
a
separating of lips, a tongue running the tops of your teeth
Longing to taste forbidden fruit
A
stride long and confident, or smooth and sensual
flirtatious laughter, kisses stolen in the dark
And,
for some, even more than kisses
Where all seems right
where there is no wrong
where you can explore the truth within
It
all begins behind the Mask
Upon
a stage, on a ballroom floor
In
darkened streets and darker corners
Buy
the ticket
Take
the ride
Hide
yourself beneath the mask
Andrew
Carroll
Occupation : Executive Director of the American Poetry & Literacy
(APL) Project
Visit the official APL (American
Poetry and Literacy) web site
Andrew : Well, the Great APLseed Giveaway was a 6,500-mile trip across
America-from New York to Napa Valley, California-I took this past April,
National Poetry Month, where I gave out 100,000 free poetry books to people
from all walks of life.
Andrew : Just about every place you can imagine-truck stops, schools,
hospitals, diners, libraries, maximum security prisons, zoos, supermarkets,
museums, jury waiting rooms, train stations, subways, and many, many other
places.
Andrew : The whole point of the trip was to reach people from all
socio-economic backgrounds, so by giving out books in supermarkets, jury
waiting rooms, and similar places, I was able to reach a truly diverse group
of people.
Andrew : You definitely have those who say "No thank you," which is
understandable-it's not often you're given something for nothing. And people
often assume there's a string attached. But once they see that the book really
is free and that I'm not going to hassle them for a donation, as much as
we need the money!, they not only take the book but will stay for a moment
and talk about why poetry means so much to them. This, in fact, was the greatest
part of the trip, seeing how much poetry is still read and enjoyed in this
country. I wasn't so certain of that when I left, but now I know that it's
absolutely true.
Andk4+
;:lCFpk:(|OC?oƝ$v6ݘst wzܗF bBty{o|%xB*~i`]Yu8m|ԙSNv|D7"?<4۷NIwaLدhMFC0U
Ep;檒IA\Vnq>̤ޙ7
X簦BV- (bg=@y }yHJr̪ ϶+)hZ lTr
OCx8bnڛ+4Wa=P ''֥jqSAlzҳG?Ι :9Rgq nƑv 3eP,
1q䂣߭dihU >b0
:rOs61U qނg%S(k⭀ vjj|ÁCJc%[(Fws{_ d?*bD s)bC3py E4\
ǩH9!ߜ ?#Kr,҃i\d5)E|{/NiޤAi` =jwwa ]n>*I/eTt.w=
2hAFw
Andrew : Every place I went was special for one reason or another,
but I'd have to say that my visit to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, a
maximum security prison a couple hours outside of New Orleans, was particularly
moving. I gave out over 1,500 books to inmates, and they were very responsive.
They really liked the books.
Andrew : Mostly the latter, which was a little strange at first. But
they were all so gracious, and they all seemed genuinely thrilled to get
a free book of poetry that I felt very secure. It's a rather incredible thing
to have hardcore felons come up to you and recite their favorite poems almost
without promoting or have them passionately express why poetry is so meaningful
to them.
Andrew : It's hard to say. I think poetry means different things to
different people, but in this day and age, where society is becoming so
fast-paced, so automated and increasingly impersonal, people appreciate the
fact that poetry encourages us to slow down and focus on what's true and
meaningful in life.
Andrew : About seven years ago I read a speech by the late Nobel laureate
Joseph Brodsky, who was serving as our nation's poet laureate at the time,
and he said that a book of poetry should be placed in every hotel and motel
room in the land. There was something about this idea that struck me as
equalitarian and democratic that I really loved it. So I wrote him a letter,
and before I knew it, he wrote back and said "Let's meet and discuss this."
And from that simple letter the APL Project was born.
Andrew : Next year I want to give out 1,000,000 books. The demand
is definitely there. But I'm not certain if I'm going to drive across the
country. I had never driven more than 300 miles before in my life, and so
to drive 6,500 was really something, and I'd love to keep going. but the
point of the trip was to confirm that poetry was wanted in communities throughout
America, and, again, I have no doubt of that now.
If you feel that either yourself or someone you know might like to have an
interview with us then please feel free to e-mail us
HERE with a few details about
yourself and we`ll get back to you as soon as we can. Please remember
that we are always looking for input from you and anything that you send
to us will be read and digested. Thank you.
Written by Dave Taub
On the whole writing is a personal thing, sharing ones thoughts opinions
and emotions. Just as to how much each writer puts into their work and what
value is perceived by the reader is a separate issue. But the motives for
anyone who chooses to voluntarily 'share' with others what they have written
varies tremendously. Similarly, how the writer feels at the moment they share
their work will also vary on a scale ranging from extreme nervousness to
absolute delight based on each individual's self-confidence. Age has little
bearing on what the writer feels about sharing their work and it is as difficult
for the extrovert, oozing with self-confidence, to understand why the introvert
is quivering with fear and vise-versa.
The fact is some sort of 'feeling' is experienced by every writer who
shares their work unless that person is brain-dead. Interestingly enough,
those who claim they don't give a damn about what others think of their work,
tend often to be the loudest protesting individuals if criticised. Ironically
they often go on to be the loudest self-opinionated 'critics', shredding
every-one else's own work and never sharing their own work (if, in fact,
they have very much at all to share themselves).
However, rather than stray too far down that path of thought, in an
ideal world everyone would stop and give some thought as to just what has
gone on behind the process of a writer creating some work and then displaying
it.
And if we were a race of beings where thoughtlessness, greed and jealousy
did not exist, laws and the enforcement of them would not be needed. The
world of writing is no different even on the most basic level for, if it
were, there would not be the term 'Plagiarism' - where one person lays claim
to another's writing - nor would there be the 'laws' of copyright.
Many simply take the view that their writing is of little or no value,
and in terms of a 'cash' value that is true. In fact, some would even feel
flattered that another considers their writing worthy of laying claim to.
I have to ask though, if someone did lay claim to your writing and actually
went on to get it published, earning themselves hard cash would you still
be as nonchalant ? The likelihood, in all reality, is extremely remote but,
nonetheless, the principle that underlies it is straightforward - theft !
Putting the potential value in cash aside, though, I can still respect
and understand those who do not want their time, effort and thoughts attributed
to someone else. And it is no different to what we all are brought up within
the educational system. Taking someone else's work is 'cheating'. I suspect
there are few of us who can truly put their hands on their hearts and say
they have never ever done this, even if it was just peeking over someone
else's shoulder during an exam.
Often when I am in an online chat room, particularly Poets Place (AOL
- Writers Club area) I am always bemused when someone asks "Have you got
a poem on x,y,z that I can have ?" Often as not, if you actually ask the
person why they want it, it turns out it is a school student who wants to
use it in their class at school ! And perhaps you may think I am mean or
too moralistic, but am I actually helping them by obliging, if their intention
is to use it as their own work? Maybe you will argue I am going overboard
by following this line of reasoning through, but I am teaching that person,
at the least to be lazy or, at the worst , encouraging and teaching that
person to cheat ! Whether you argue this is no big deal, or agree with the
point I am making, it certainly becomes a big deal to the professional writer
or aspiring professional writer. There is also more than cash at stake. An
example would be where a writer's work is taken and used out of context perhaps
in a publication which the writer would not voluntarily choose to be associated
with. To give an example, and in context with one of my pet hates, I would
be outraged if one of my published poems was taken and reprinted in a 'Vanity
press publishers' publications. I do happen to care where my work appears,
and that does not just apply to the vanity press. So copyright in simplistic
terms is simply proof that the writer is the 'owner and/or creator' of any
given piece of writing. If their work 'used' without the copyright holder's
permission, they have the option to go the whole route of taking the incident
to a court of law. However, to demonstrate that writers' can work in harmony
where one allows another to cite or use their written words, I asked another
writer to help me wrap up this article with his advise on copyright. When
citing or using a fellow writers' words, it is also plain and simple courtesy
to give them 'credit' I therefore thank
Poetsguild@aol.com (G.Elton)
for the following about copyright which in this instance, is put into context
with poetry.
If you write a book, you may also want to consider getting an ISBN
( International Serial Book Number) I believe you may find most of the above
information within The 1998 Poet's Market book. If not you have it now.
Please note: after a poem has been accepted, and printed by another
source (other than yourself) even if later you know it you would like to
revise it, Don't do it. Or you will have violated the provisions of the ISSN
of that publisher which protects your work.
The British organisation 'National Union of Journalists' (NUJ)
Columnist for the UK magazine 'Poetry Now'.
Columnist and editorial board member for the UK magazine 'Writers Forum'.
Freelance writer for various UK and USA magazines.
T. Emmet Mueller - Taking Shape
Gary P. Dickerson - Close Encounters
Janet L. Kuypers - Orion
Carol G. Holden - Redone Undone
Ward Kelly - Collapsed in a Baltimore Tavern
Paul Cassidy - Sarah's Gone East
Richard W. Hand - Air Comforts
by B.S. Allen
midnight's lonely, lonely cry
starless night, come now, enfold me
in
prairie wind's soft lullaby
kneels to ground to touch still face
"tee
a wah, wah oha choae"
a
prairie wind is now his place
grey
wolf down like peaceful dove
"cheea wah, wah lo ah choleah"
soft
prairie wind, come take my love
prairie wind blows 'cross the plain
"we
a cho, cho a la weah lo"
cold
prairie wind, now ease my pain
Guadalupe County, Texas
by T. Emmett Mueller
one
mote of high-cloud thought
drifting suspended
wind-spun swift velocity
through crystal words
that
cling
condensing
adding icy verbal layers -
a
zygote verse
that
wants to be the heaviest of hailstones,
unique in girth and weight
to
crash to earth,
breaking clean in half -
two
rocking hemispheres
revealing one of nature's truths
to
an audience in awe of inside rings.
vapors rising for another try.
Riverview, Florida, USA
by Gary Dickerson Sr.
or
just an angel?
I
barely knew you
when
your breath reached,
touching the moon within.
I
hid a quarter phase
in
mystery of you.
Through lost doors
unmarked, eternal wind blew.
trembling in the dark,
Familiar scars he saw,
and
promises of love.
unselfish deeds given.
Hope
flowed from your torch,
as
your winds departed.
as
dawn’s first rays fell
on
eyes of baby blue.
In
your wake, I wonder,
Were
you an illusion,
or
just an angel?
Hagerstown, Maryland, USA
by Janet L. Kuypers
Dancing along the horizon. You were
always fighting; the great bear to the
north, the bull in the winter.
could I would look for you: out my
window, in my driveway. I remember
a
nebula lived in the center of your sword.
have
taught me well. The other night, I
looked out my window again; you were
there. Receiving strength from me,
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Bio - Since she got so fed up with her job as the art director
for a publishing company that she wanted to wear postal blue and take out
a few incompetents, Janet Kuypers, to relieve the stress: (a) vents her
twenty-something angst musically with an acoustic band composed of her and
two guys who like to get drunk a lot (the band's called "Mom's Favorite Vase"),
(b) writes so much that she irritates editors enough to get her published
over 1,800 times for writing or over 190 times for art work, (c) writes so
much that in order to make her feel like a big shot gets five books published,
"Hope Chest in the Attic," "The Window," "Close Cover Before Striking,"
"(woman.)," and "Contents Under Pressure," (d) gets tired of thinking about
her own pathetic life, so edits the literary magazine "Children, Churches
and Daddies" so she can read other people's depressing stories, or (e) all
of the above. When doing all of that didn't work, Janet decided to quit her
job and travel around the United States and europe, writing travel journals
and starting her first novel.
by Carol G. Holden
And
build your toys,
And,
Present them to me.
Where upon,
I
clap my hands with glee.
In
fine vases,
And
display the playthings,
On
high shelves.
Others are for the world to enjoy.
You
show them to other
Gardeners,
And,
Gepettos.
They
clap their hands with glee.
They
step back
And
clip a stem,
And
pluck a leaf.
They
rearrange the blooms,
Or
They
paint the clown’s smile
Upside down.
Or,
Remove the doll’s,
Chatting box,
Or
Reconstruct the Legos.
Why
you planted that bulb”
Instead of pine”
I
sigh and watch the,
Metamorphosis.
And,
Sometimes I cry.
Still, I keep my
Bouquets,
And
Trinkets of amusement
Just
the way you created them,
In
the first place.
Vancouver, Washington, USA
by Ward Kelley
the
breast of understanding,
come
free some part of a simple mind
that
needs to go on standing in front
of
what is right but also unknown.
the
lines forthcoming,
you
stand and stand,
the
marrow of bones
a
summary of our own
particularity.
to
come forth?
We
were not meant
to
single out a faith
in
our own particular soul?
the
lines forthcoming,
you
can seldom sound
the
right syllable, one that
succinctly speaks of light
and
whimsy soul.
to
be unjudged . . .
this
is mostly all
that
comes clear
and
goes forth
after staring into
the
reflection
of
our own souls,
and
now, so dead,
we
seek how to perform
this
proper, proper
judgment.
Bartlett, Illinois, USA
by Paul Cassidy
But
I'm thinkin' maybe
It
was worth it
The
way she led me down
Them
dark alleys with only
Cat's eyes for light
Past
doors I wouldn't open
Even
for another chance
To
a place that pimpled-faced boys
Hide
in quiet bedrooms and dream about
Fondling the unobtainable
She
never even questioned Her salvation
And
I never questioned her intentions
Just
rode
Blind and smiling to the trading
Of
innocence for one moment of
Not
asking why, just this once
It
smelled like orange groves
Tasted like the cognac I used to steal
From
Papa's bottom drawer
Take
big, burning swallows then,
Close my eyes and just hold on
Didn't even ask
Dreams are better if you're
Not
holding them in your hand
But
in your heart you remember
For
a long time
Bothell, Washington, USA
by R. W. Hand
A
Navy ship has not~
Marines in green utilities
Can
second that...a lot!
Designed the pea soup green
To
save embarrassment and all
For
uniformed Marines.
And
pitch from stern to bow,
Marines in green discomfort
May
pitch the Navy chow.
The
few, and yes, the proud
May
wish for travel in the air
Where barf bags are allowed!
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
We ask only a few things from you when submitting poems, firstly that
you only submit a maximum of three poems per issue. Secondly we ask
that you give us your full name (optional) and full e-mail address for
publication and reply purposes. Thirdly, all poetry submitted for
publication must be your own work with no exceptions (unless
otherwise requested for a specific magazine section, ie Favourite
Poem). Finally we should point out that there is a maximum of
one poem per poet each issue, so although you may send us three excellent
poems we can only publish one. All poetry shall be carefully considered
for each issue but if not chosen then it is merely because of the volume
of submissions. If you are to be published then we shall contact you
prior to the issue date to inform you of your successful submission. If
you are successful in your submittal to IPM (Internet Poetry Magazine) then
you will receive the copy of IPM Hardcopy in which your poem appears, but
there is no charge for submissions.
Thankyou for your time, I hope to see you in the next issue.
Submission Deadline - Weekly competitions
Outline - Different themes each competition, changing about every
week. Submit your work there and then.
Charge - No charge
Prize - Points won, collect points to win prizes (see site for
prizes).
Contact - Keyword
Novel on AOL
(sorry, AOL Members only).
Outline - "We are looking for new or published poet's who write meaningful
poetry which has great content."
Charge - $3 for one poem, $5 for two and $8 for four
Prize - 1st prize $100, 2nd prize $75, 3rd prize $50
Contact - Remley`s Poetry
Contest
Editor: Joyce Odam
E-Mail:
poetsguild@aol.com
Snail Mail: 5836 North Haven Drive
North Highlands
CA 95660
USA
Tel: (001) 916-331-3512
Editor: Lupi Basil
E-Mail:
WingsBooks@aol.com
Snail Mail: 17216 Saticoy St. #370
Van Nuys
Ca 91406
USA
Tel: (001) 818 345-9759
