Pearl Buck (1892-1973) photo circa 1932 around the time “The Good Earth” was published. It was take by Arnold Genthe and is in the public domain
I give you the books I’ve made, Body and soul, bled and flayed. Yet the essence they contain In one poem is made plain, In one poem is made clear: On this earth, through far or near, Without love there’s only fear.
Essence by Pearl Buck, novelist and humanitarian
“One merit of poetry few persons will deny: It says more and in fewer words than prose.” Voltaire
So often I have the idea for a story that ends up in a poem instead. Poetry is such an efficient medium and economically captures the essence of what I want to say, which is always – no matter what the story – an expression of love. It was interesting to me to discover that one of the novelists I admire, Pearl Buck, felt the same.
June 26th was the anniversary of Pearl Buck’s birth in 1892 in Virginia. Pearl Buck was the daughter of missionaries. She grew up in China and spoke Chinese before she spoke English. She was a prolific writer, poet and a human rights activist. She was black-listed because of her advocacy work and the values reflected in her writing. Of her novels, The Good Earthis probably the best known.
To my knowledge, there is only one small book of her poems. It was published in 1974, a year after her death. It is now out of print. The book is titled Words of Love. It is gracefully illustrated with Asian art by Jeanyee Wong and was published by The John Day Company, the publishing firm founded by Ms. Buck’s second husband. Occasionally copies are available on Amazon.
I view Ms. Buck – I started reading her books when I was twelve – as a sort of spiritual mother, so I felt fortune smiled when I found a copy of her one book of poetry in a used bookstore some years ago. In brief, eloquent, deft strokes, the poems do indeed express the themes of her novels.
A few years ago in an interview with me British poet, Myra Schneider, said this about Pearl Buck’s poem, Essence:
Myra Schneider
” This spiritual poem is an expression of what Pearl Buck feels is at the heart of living and writing – love. Without it life would have no meaning, nothing to offset the negativity, dangers and fears of living. What I understand too is that in all else she has written, all she has given body and soul to, love is the essence. I’m glad she used the word essence because for me the poetry that really matters – both what I read and what I write – is spiritual poetry, poetry which searches below the surface for meanings . This is not say that I write or look for poetry which is very solemn or far removed from the everyday or humorless – rather that I want to explore what lies beneath the ordinary, what raises it, makes it not ordinary.”
Poet and writer, I was once columnist and associate editor of a regional employment publication. Currently I run this site, The Poet by Day, an information hub for poets and writers. I am the managing editor of The BeZine published by The Bardo Group Beguines (originally The Bardo Group), a virtual arts collective I founded. I am a weekly contributor to Beguine Again, a site showcasing spiritual writers.
My work is featured in a variety of publications and on sites, including: Levure littéraure, Ramingo’s Porch, Vita Brevis Literature,Compass Rose, Connotation Press, The Bar None Group, Salamander Cove, Second Light, I Am Not a Silent Poet, Meta / Phor(e) /Play, and California Woman.
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
“Pithy and powerful, poetry is a popular art form at protests and rallies. From the civil rights and women’s liberation movements to Black Lives Matter, poetry is commanding enough to gather crowds in a city square and compact enough to demand attention on social media. Speaking truth to power remains a crucial role of the poet in the face of political and media rhetoric designed to obscure, manipulate, or worse.” MORE, Poetry Foundation
OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, I’m inviting all Facebook friends – and this post is an open invitation – whether you are poets or not – to Like 100,000 Poets (and friends) for Change 2018 GLOBAL EVENT. Of course, there’s no obligation to do so, however given the state of the world at this time, it’s important to throw our energy and support behind this effort. It sends out a message to those who . . .
use their power to harm people, culture and environment,
to the folks on the run who don’t know we care, and
to each other that we are together – have one another – in support of PEACE, SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE.
Really I think we outnumber the bad guys. We just don’t get the press. We have to make our own.
FROM MICHAEL ROTHENBERG:
“Do you want to join other poets, musicians, artists, mimes, dancers, photographers, performing artists, clerics, and friends of the arts around the USA and across the planet in a demonstration/celebration of poetry to promote serious social, environmental, and political change?
“September 29th is the global 100 Thousand Poets for Change Day, 2018!
“This is our 8th year!
“If you would like to organize an event in your community, join us here and write to us directly to register your event at
– Michael Rothenberg, Co-founder of 100TPC with Terri Carrion
UNIQUE EVENT AS PART OF 100,000 POETS (and friends) for Change 2018, Global
American-Israeli Poet, Michael Dickel (Meta/ Phor(e) / Play) and others are organizing a 100TPC event in Jerusalem during Sukkot this year. Sukkot is a harvest holiday celebrated in temporary structures (a sukkah, singular; sukkot, plural) to commemorate the time when the Jews wandered in the wilderness. It is traditional to eat meals and sleep in the sukkot during the week of the holiday. The plan is to offer poetry, shared food, and comfort in one or more sukkah in Jerusalem in the spirit of peace, justice, and sustainability. More details to come. This year Sukkot ends during the weekend of 100TPC Global, 2018.
Connect with Michael HERE on Facebook for more information if you want to help with and/or attend the Sukkot event. You can also leave a message for Michael Dickel here at The Poet by Day in the comments section below. I’ll make sure he sees it.
Non-Jews living in and near Jerusalem are welcome.
This event in Jerusalem suggests another way to organize around 100TPC, which could be emulated elsewhere.What holy days or feast days are celebrated in your tradition near September 29, 100TPC Global 2018? Or, do as Rev. Terri Stewart (Beguine Again) did one year: 100,000 Peacemakers for Change. Egypt did 100,000 Mimes for Change. There have been 100,000 Drummers for Change … and Musicians and Photographers as well. All these registered their events with 100,000 Poets for Change. Our only limits are a lack of energy, imagination and passion, so rev up your engines and let’s do it …
Let’s do it … and, let’s get the word out with Joy! Gratitude! Caring! Sharing!
If you are organizing a registered 100TPC event in your area, I’m happy to include details about your event on The Poet by Day if you send your announcement to me at thepoetbyday@gmail.com
Poet and writer, I was once columnist and associate editor of a regional employment publication. Currently I run this site, The Poet by Day, an information hub for poets and writers. I am the managing editor of The BeZine published by The Bardo Group Beguines (originally The Bardo Group), a virtual arts collective I founded. I am a weekly contributor to Beguine Again, a site showcasing spiritual writers.
My work is featured in a variety of publications and on sites, including: Levure littéraure, Ramingo’s Porch, Vita Brevis Literature,Compass Rose, Connotation Press, The Bar None Group, Salamander Cove, Second Light, I Am Not a Silent Poet, Meta / Phor(e) /Play, and California Woman.
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
“Well, write poetry for God’s sake. It’s the only thing that matters.” e.e. commings
This sounds like something worthy of imitation.
On Saturday, July 28, the Poetry Foundation, Crescendo Literary, and the Austin Town Hall host the 3rd annual Chicago Poetry Block Party. Between 3:00 and 8:00 PM at Austin Town Hall (5620 W. Lake Street), guests of all ages can join in the fun. Poetry, creativity, and literature come alive with writing workshops, visual art activities, poetry readings, games, and musical performances.
The Chicago Poetry Block Party features musical performances from Tasha, Brandon Markell Holmes, avery r. young, and the CPBP House Band. Award-winning poet Danez Smith and other poets from across the U.S. will perform their work. An open mic will allow a chance for participants to take the stage.
The Chicago Poetry Block Party is the culmination of a three-day-long poetry Incubator held July 25-27, presented by the Poetry Foundation and Crescendo Literary. Through workshops and talks, the Incubator brings together a large group of emerging poets from around the country who engage with community through their poetry. Faculty Tyehimba Jess and Kay Ulanday Barrett share their expertise, teaching Incubator poet participants to enhance their practices and community work.
“The Chicago Poetry Block Party brings poetry onto the streets every summer. It’s a great place to experience the immediacy and vibrancy of the art form, and it’s why the festival is a perfect collaboration for the Poetry Foundation,” said Henry Bienen, President of the Poetry Foundation. “This event creates a space for connection between poets, artists, and families to celebrate and create together.”
Eve Ewing, Director of Crescendo Literary, says, “We’re so excited to host the Chicago Poetry Block Party on the West Side this year. As always, our goal is to have a poetry event that’s open to everyone– hardcore poetry lovers as well as people who just want to enjoy a fun Chicago festival. We’ve worked hard to offer something for everyone.”
Tebrena Howard, Supervisor of the Austin Town Hall, added, “We’re excited to be hosting this party in Austin. There is a vibrant community of artists and poets already here and partnering with these organizations adds loft and scope to these voices.”
About the Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in American culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs.
About Crescendo Literary
A collaboration between poets Eve Ewing and Nate Marshall, Crescendo Literary creates and curates events, works of art, and educational resources grounded in the belief that 1) artists can, should, and must be accountable to the communities from which they emerge, and 2) communities, in turn, are strengthened by the meaningful presence of excellent art. For more information, please visit crescendoliterary.com.
About Austin Town Hall
Located in the Austin community, Austin Town Hall Park and Cultural Center is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and covers 3.17 acres. The park features a field house with an indoor swimming pool, two kitchens, a gymnasium, a performance theater/auditorium and a fitness center. Outside, the park offers a basketball court and children’s playground.
Majestic in design, the Austin Town Hall Park and Cultural Center was once the town hall of the Village of Cicero, Illinois. Today, the space is used for park activities including a variety of dance, music and theater classes, music production and more.
Poet and writer, I was once columnist and associate editor of a regional employment publication. Currently I run this site, The Poet by Day, an information hub for poets and writers. I am the managing editor of The BeZine published by The Bardo Group Beguines (originally The Bardo Group), a virtual arts collective I founded. I am a weekly contributor to Beguine Again, a site showcasing spiritual writers.
My work is featured in a variety of publications and on sites, including: Levure littéraure, Ramingo’s Porch, Vita Brevis Literature,Compass Rose, Connotation Press, The Bar None Group, Salamander Cove, Second Light, I Am Not a Silent Poet, Meta / Phor(e) /Play, and California Woman.
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [wo]men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
Have you signed up to organize an event in your area. If not, hop too. What’s keeping you? Connect with Co-founder Michael Rothenberg for details or go to 100tpc.org.
Michael reports: “Over 200 events are confirmed for 100 Thousand Poets for Change 2018 Global Initiative! Welcome to organizers Pietro Sanzeri, Cianciana, Italy/ Cristina Raskopf Norcross-Oconomowoc, WI/ Tony Frisby– Brighton, United Kingdom/ and Suzanne Malesic-Charles Town, West Virginia! Spread the word. Organize!”
and further …
“Shout out 100 Thousand Poets for Change organizers Mbizo Chirasha-Harare, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia / Gianmario Marica- Alghero, Italy/ Delasnieve Daspet– Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil/ ADA LILIA CASTAÑEDA NEVAREZ- Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Join these great poets and artists in spreading the word of peace. September 29 is the global day.”
and more …
“100 Thousand Poets for Change, a global community, welcomes organizers from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Venezuela, North Korea, and every other country in the world. Our vision is peace, justice and sustainability. We will work together!”
Co-founder Terri Carrionposted a small selection of the posters that are already making their way into the world. Check out these posters and go to 100TPC.org to see if there is already something scheduled in your area.
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And please don’t forget: Our virtual event at The BeZine on the 29th with Master of Ceremonies, American-Israeli Poet, Michael Dickel (Meta/ Phor(e) /Play). You will be able to participate in this event no matter where you are in the world and there’s no reason why you can’t do both our virtual event and an offline event should you choose to do so. Between us, Michael and I will keep the virtual event going for at least 24 hours. Yes! It’s a marathon. I’ll be posting details on how the virtual event works soon. It’s easy-peasy, as they say. You’ll enjoy.
Our September 15 edition of The BeZine will focus on Social Justice with a subsection: Be the Peace. I’ll update the submissions page on The BeZine shortly (and alert you here – Sigh! just getting out of ISP hell – thumbs down to service provider Sonic) and I’ll offer regular updates in Sunday Announcements on The Poet by Day. The deadline for submissions to the September issue is August 10 and I’ll respond to submissions after they are all in. Keep in mind that we’re not just after poems: flash fiction, fiction, creative nonfiction, photography, art, videos, music videos on social justice and being the peace are welcome, anything that can be incorporated into an post.
Rock with us …
“A poet’s work . . . to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it from going to sleep.” Salman Rushdie
Our lovely poster was designed by team-member, Corian Ravenscraft. Visit her HERE.
Poet and writer, I was once columnist and associate editor of a regional employment publication. Currently I run this site, The Poet by Day, an information hub for poets and writers. I am the managing editor of The BeZine published by The Bardo Group Beguines (originally The Bardo Group), a virtual arts collective I founded. I am a weekly contributor to Beguine Again, a site showcasing spiritual writers.
My work is featured in a variety of publications and on sites, including: Levure littéraure, Ramingo’s Porch, Vita Brevis Literature,Compass Rose, Connotation Press, The Bar None Group, Salamander Cove, Second Light, I Am Not a Silent Poet, Meta / Phor(e) /Play, and California Woman.
Thank you for sharing your love of words. Comments will appear after moderation.
Jamie Dedes' THE POET BY DAY Webzine 