you thrive on fear,
but i slow you, stay you, sink my nails into you
as i sink my nails into the moon
knock if you must, but i have barred the door
i have hung a magic amulet from the rafters
my screams rise silent as a roar, black as a sun
they rise from a living heart, pierce the numb sky
my laugh is a cackle scratching your yellow eyes
i grow tired but spring back again,
a wilting rose newly watered
night done and i’ve won battle over
the puce and putrid that filled my lungs – i breath, i breath and tenderly i poem
as if there would ever and always be another sun
i am here to race and tear, to rail and gag
still i laugh, still i love
come you must at close of day, but
your soul is prose and mine is poem,
triumph belongs to the Eternal in me …..victory is mine
– Jamie Dedes
Holy Sonnet X
Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and souls deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better than thy stroake; why swell’st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more, Death, thou shalt die.
– John Donne (1572-1631)
O death, where is they sting? O grave, where is they victory?” St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:55
DRIFTWOOD PRESS, a quarterly literary magazine that is out of Florida, considers submission of fiction, poetry, photography, graphic narrative, literary criticism, and interviews. Details HERE.
GREAT WEATHER FOR MEDIA is still accepting submissions for consideration for its next annual anthology of poetry, flash fiction, short stories, dramatic monologues, and creative nonfiction. Deadline: January 15, 2017 Details HERE.
WEST TEXAS REVIEW is seeking submissions for its inaugural issue to include “poems, essays, flash fiction, and photographs that bring value to the page. We want work that is thoughtful, deliberate, and authentic. We want work that is concrete and direct, and can justify its own existence. Think of poets like William Carlos Williams, Anne Sexton, and Nikki Giovanni. Think of essayists like George Orwell. Think of short story writers like Donald Barthelme, Octavio Paz, and Jorge Luis Borges. We want your best work and, if you send us your best work, we will treat it with respect and care.” It apparently intends to accept submissions year-round but there’s no indication of the deadline for this first issue or the date of publication. Details HERE.
THE BeZINEtheme for January is Resist. We are piggy-backing on Michael Rothenberg’s and Alan Kaufman’s call to American poets to resist the incoming president. Our effort is not restricted to poetry or to the United States. We’re doing a global call for submissions that counter policies – no matter what country – which undermine equity, foster poverty, encourage elitism, hate and scapegoating … all those things that pit people against people, putting many people at risk of disease, homelessness, starvation and murder. Please read the submission guidelines first. Send your work to bardogroup@gmail.com.
ARTEMISpoetry (UK) Poetry Deadlines: Issue 18, February 28, 2017 and Issue 19, August 31, 2017. “Women poets only, of any age. Unpublished poetry only and not out in submission elsewhere. Strict limit:max 4 poems; the total number of lines in all should not exceed 200 lines (i.e. you could send a poem of 200 lines and this would restrict your submission to just one poem). Two copies, A4 paper only [U.S. standard letter paper – 8 1/2 x 11 is the closest we have in the US to A4], typed or neatly handwritten. Each numbered sheet to bear the poet’s contact details (name, address, telephone, e-mail). Artwork – Black and white photographs or line-art sketches are welcome for submission. Four max.Send to ARTEMISpoetry, ATTN.: Dilys Wood, 3 Springfield Close, East Preston, West Sussex, BN162 SZ.”
Contests
Opportunity Knocks
THE SOCIETY OF MIDLAND AUTHORSannual awards contest categories are adult fiction, adult nonfiction, biography, children’s fiction, children’s nonfiction and poetry. The announcement isn’t up yet so watch the site. It should post soon. Or, subscribe to its email updates. Details HERE.
THE RATTLE CHAPBOOK PRIZEaccepting manuscripts of 15-30 pages for review. $20 entry fee includes a subscriptions. Multiple entries by a single poet are allowed as separate entries. Deadline: January 15, 2017 Details HERE.
MOMENT MAGAZINE-KARMA FOUNDATION Short Fiction Contest “encourages writers to submit stories related to Judaism or Jewish culture or history. Established in 2000. Moment will award up to three prizes to outstanding works of unpublished short fiction with Jewish content.” Winners will receive cash prizes and will read from their work in our annual Manhattan literary ceremony and celebration. First place: $1,000 plus possible publication Second place: $500 plus possible publication; Third place: $250 plus possible publication. Entry fee $15 Details HERE. Deadline: January 29, 2017
THE MASTERS REVIEW, a platform for emerging writers is hosting a winter award. The winning story will be awarded $2000 and publication online. Second and third place stories will be awarded publication and $200 and $100 respectively. All winners and honorable mentions will receive agency review by: Amy Williams of The Williams Agency, Victoria Marini from Irene Goodman, and Laura Biagi from Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. We want you to succeed, and we want your writing to be read. It’s been our mission to support emerging writers since day one.” Further detail HERE.
FELLOWSHIP
NIEMAN-BERKMAN KLEIN FELLOWSHIP in Journalism Innovation is for working journalist and the deadline for application is: International 12/31-2016, U.S. 1/31/2017 Details HERE.
EVENTS
Meet the Editors, Reading with Open Mic, A poetry reading that includes time for readers from the floor. 7:30 pm Sun, 5 Feb 2017 Torriano Meeting House [London (North West)] Part of a series: Torriano £5/£4 according to pocketM Readings, Open Mic, & panel discussion…Host: Peter Phillips, Editors’: Alwyn Marriage (Oversteps Books), Jeremy Page (The Frogmore Press), Anne Stewart (poetry p f)
A Celebration of Cumbrian Poetry, Words by the Water Festival, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick [Keswick] North West, 5:30 pm Tue, 7 Mar 2017,Free Event. Helen Fletcher will be reading from the lightbulb has stigmata, supporting Jacci Bulman reading from her collection A whole day through from waking. There will also be readings from Alison Barr, Josephine Dickinson, Amy Heys, Nicola Jackson, Kathleen Jones, Kim Moore and Mary Robinson in a celebration of Cumbrian poetry.
TIDBIT
Note: There are two videos in this section. If you are reading this post from an email subscription, you’ll need to link through to the site to view them. Enjoy!
A poetry publisher on the math of rejection.
SPECIAL NOTE: A MUST READ FOR ALL AMERICANS
RECOMMEND READ FOR THIS WEEK (The Third Reconstruction): The man who is making a difference. The book that is changing perspectives and is fast becoming the “common read” at many organizations, the salve for our wounded hearts and souls. If you haven’t heard him talk and you’re not religious, just give him a chance. His strategy makes sense.
REV. BARBER is a conservative Christian who embraces the full religious, ethnic and racial diversity of our country. Some say he is this era’s Martin Luther King, Jr. He believes in the dignity and worth of all people and the essential inter-relationship of all human beings. He stands for compassion, unity and social, environmental and economic justice.
In reading his views and about his work, I found myself moved to both hope and joy. This memoir is not simply an emotional or moral reaction. It’s a pragmatic plan for a more just and equitable country. I agree with Rev. Barber that our emerging leadership is encouraging scapegoating, a divide-and-conquer strategy that foments racial strife and economic inequality and the pitting of the 99% against one-another for the exclusive benefit of the 1%.
” … he laid the groundwork for a state-by-state movement that unites black, white, and brown, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, gay and straight, documented and undocumented, religious and secular. Only such a diverse fusion movement, Rev. Barber argues, can heal our nation’s wounds and produce public policy that is morally defensible, constitutionally consistent, and economically sane. The Third Reconstruction is both a blueprint for movement building and an inspiring call to action from the twenty-first century’s most effective grassroots organizer.”
Photo credit ~ courtesy of TWBuckner under CC BY 2.O License
THE POET BY DAY SUNDAY announcements
Submit your event, book launch and other announcements at least fourteen days in advance to thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Publication is subject to editorial discretion.
Effective 12/11/2016 Jamie Dedes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
THE WORDPLAY SHOP: books, tools and supplies for poets, writers and readers
Since the 11th of this month posts here often include a link to The Poet by Day store (The WordPlay Shop, an Amazon Affiliate), a natural extension in support of this site and its mission to champion poets and writers and to broaden and continue to offer resources and inspiration.
THE POET BY DAY POLICIES:
Though I have made the site an Amazon Affiliate, I continue my standard policy of not accepting – and I will never receive or accept – compensation to offer opinions on books, magazines, movies and documentaries, products, services, websites or political interests.The opinions expressed on this blog are entirely my own. I reserve the right to change my mind.
If I review it here or recommend it in the bookstore, it means I appreciate the work and find the content worthwhile.
I don’t do negative reviews, I simply don’t review books, magazines or films I don’t like or find wanting.
I do not return material submitted to me for review.
If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, chapbook, magazine or film, here are some general guidelines:
nothing that foments hate or misunderstanding
nothing violent or encouraging of violence
English only, though Spanish is okay if accompanied by translation
your book or other product doesn’t have to be available through Amazon for review here, but it does need to be easy for readers to find through your website or other source.
I do my best to feature products or services that I believe are worthy of your time and consideration based on my experience or their reputation or on recommendations by colleagues and readers. Nonetheless, any event, competition, product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about an event, competition, book, magazine, association, practice, film or other type of product or service should be verified by you with the author, manufacturer, provider, or other authority.
Awards and Contests – These are for generating income for the host organization. As in any other line of work, some are more reputable than others. I don’t enter every competition or have experience with all hosts, so please be sure to do your own homework.
Events – I am largely homebound due to disability and the need for supplemental oxygen. I no longer attend conventions and other events for poets and writers. For event information I have to rely on reputation and/or recommendations from readers, colleagues and friends. Again, be sure to do your own homework.
Some information is just that – information – and not necessarily recommendation.
REV. BARBER is a conservative Christian who embraces the full religious, ethnic and racial diversity of our country. Some say he is this era’s Martin Luther King, Jr. He believes in the dignity and worth of all people and the essential inter-relationship of all human beings. He stands for compassion, unity and social, environmental and economic justice.
In reading his views and about his work, I found myself moved to both hope and joy. This memoir is not simply an emotional or moral reaction. It’s a pragmatic plan for a more just and equitable country. I agree with Rev. Barber that our emerging leadership is encouraging scapegoating, a divide-and-conquer strategy that foments racial strife and economic inequality and the pitting of the 99% against one-another for the exclusive benefit of the 1%.
” … he laid the groundwork for a state-by-state movement that unites black, white, and brown, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, gay and straight, documented and undocumented, religious and secular. Only such a diverse fusion movement, Rev. Barber argues, can heal our nation’s wounds and produce public policy that is morally defensible, constitutionally consistent, and economically sane. The Third Reconstruction is both a blueprint for movement building and an inspiring call to action from the twenty-first century’s most effective grassroots organizer.”
Photo credit ~ courtesy of TWBuckner under CC BY 2.O License
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
the sun is fading,
the starlight tarnished,
but the brilliant moon
whispers in the night ~
you will rise again
“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” Isaiah 58:12
For all the people I know and don’t know who work tirelessly for social justice, peace and sustainability.
Thanks for the inspiration Linda F., good friend, book buddy and now-and-then lunch buddy.
Jamie Dedes' THE POET BY DAY Webzine 