Page 2 of 3

Posted on

“LET US”, a poem by citizen poet, Alan Kaufman … and your Wednesday Writing Prompt

15253540_10153871288971612_1728300874287005039_n

LET US
For the Poets of January 15th and the Women of January 21st

Let us
take ourselves aboard a bus
and travel to the dispossessed
And let us praise their dreamless eyes and hardened smiles
with rogue words of truth
to the killing fields of their hopes
The slum wards and ragged towns and stolen farms
Let us take to them the carnival of our mad and scattered lives
Let us bring them the mountain, let us give them the vision
of an open window, an unlocked door, a bed to sleep in, a plate of food
Let us give them the keys to the house of our love
Let us bare our throats tattooed with roses, our breasts sequenced with diamonds
our loins hot with dragons, our hands and feet pierced with beauty
Let us come to their dusty squares and drinking holes with canticles of magnificent defeat
Let us deliver to their mangers
of pollution and penitentiaries, shopping malls and tenements
the hard beautiful birth of the heart
Let us bring renewal, let us declare the death of despondency and tyrants
For I have seen our campfires beside the roads, like fallen still-burning miraculous stars
I have seen our bus voyaging to innocence
I have seen us tossed this century like a bone
after decades of science and war reason and corporation
art and Auschwitz
I have seen my vocation descend like a pen to a page
that can never be filled with enough truth
I have crossed a continent of despair and I swear to you, Poets,
I live for greater than myself
You, street-Latin Elizabethan hustlers, I tell you time has come to deal
death’s passionate kiss to kings
Time has come to bare our asses in Paradise
Time has come to write the Constitution with poetry and flesh
Time has come to costume up and ride
with words like steel-tipped whips
into the soul of American
and rage there and sing
till the mouth of every hungry child
is fed.

– Alan Kaufman

Thanks to Alan (Alan Kaufman – writer,poet, artist, teacher) for his willingness to share his poem here.

WRITING PROMPT

Alan Kaufman’s poem is published here with his permission and in anticipation of the event featured in the poster above and initiated by Alan along with Michael Rothenberg.  In coordination with their event, the theme for the January 15 issue of The BeZine is “Resist.”

We invite submissions for the January issue.  This is the second writing prompt to help you toward participation – online and/or off – in  this important event designed to push back against vulgarity, bigotry, xenophobia and misogyny. For The BeZine we invite world-wide participation – not against any one person – but against the renewed growth of these trends all over the Western world and the continued entrenchment – business as usual – for the rest of the world.

For the Zine, you don’t have to write a poem. You can do an essay, feature article, creative nonfiction, art or photography, or music video, which we hope will not only frame the issues but have constructive suggestions toward resolution.  No hateful language please. When you have written something on “resist” and if you feel comfortable submitting it to be considered for publication, email it to bardogroup@gmail.com

Save the date for both live and virtual events and prepare to submit your work or works to the Zine by January 10th, end of day. Let your work be both truthful and artistic . . .

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind — Emily Dickinson

The Zine submission guidelines HERE. The Zine mission statement HERE.

♥

THE WORDPLAY SHOP: books, tools and supplies for poets, writers and readers

LITERATURE AND FICTION oo Editor’s Picks oo Award Winners oo NY Times Best Sellers

 

Posted on

LATE BREAKING NEWS: “RESIST” live and virtual events and “Artemis Poetry” calls for submissions

“On January 15, 2017, poets around the U.S., in cities, towns and villages, will gather on the steps of their local city hall to read poetry against the coming dictatorship of Trump.”

15253540_10153871288971612_1728300874287005039_n

Organized by Alan Kaufman and Michael Rothenberg.

Alan Kaufman is the Editor of The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry

“Outlaw poets” is a term of endearment used in reference to poets whose work is featured in the Outlaw Bible. The following is a partial list of the characteristics of such poets:

  • anti-authoritarian personality;
  • anti-Vietnam war activists known for their anti-war rhymes (many poets write about Vietnam who are by no means outlaw poets).
  • Elder poets that gained notoriety via unconventional forms
  • Poets deliberately not included in most academic curriculums
  • Often inspirational to or inspired by the so-called “Beat” movement in American poetry during the mid-20th century

and

Michael Rothenberg is co-founder (with Terri Carrion) of 100 Thousand Poets For Change. He is an American poet, songwriter, editor, and active environmentalist who recently moved to Florida from the San Francisco Bay area. Born in Miami Beach, Florida, Rothenberg received his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1993 he received his MA in Poetics at New College of California. In 1989, Rothenberg and artist Nancy Davis began Big Bridge Press, a fine print literary press, publishing works by Jim Harrison, Joanne Kyger, Allen Ginsberg, Philip Whalen and others. Rothenberg is editor of Big Bridge, a webzine of poetry. Rothenberg is also co-editor and co-founder of Jack Magazine

It’s probable that The BeZine January 15, 2017 issue will be devoted to this event. Save the date for both live and virtual events and prepare to submit your poems. Let them be both truthful and artistic . . .

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise

 

As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind — Emily Dickinson

Δ

The latest issue of ARTEMISpoetry (UK) just landed in the USA with its usual rich assortment of essays, book reviews, art, announcements and – Yes! – of course, a wealth of good poems. (Apologies for not getting a better photograph of the cover.) ARTEMISpoetry is the bi-annual journal (November and May) of the Second Light Network and published under its Second Light Publications imprint. The poetry is by women forty-plus or better. The poems are for everyone. You can order this issue and others through Anne Stewart‘s poetry p f and/or sign up for membership. Membership includes a journal subscription.

fullsizerender

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Opportunity Knocks

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). Send to ARTEMISpoetry, ATTN.: Dilys Wood, 3 Springfield Close, East Preston, West Sussex, BN162 SZ.”

Response by April 30 for Issue 18 and October 31 for Issue 19.  Kate Foley is the poetry editor for Issue 18.

Artwork – Black and white photographs or line-art sketches are welcome for submission. Four max.

For new and emerging writers, Second Light also offers “remote” – i.e., distance – workshops.  Check out the website for details.

Δ

HEADS-UP: December 7, 2016,

Poetry Now @ The Department of English and American Studies, The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities, Tel Aviv University

Our own Michael Dickel is a featured.15289246_10154375245428557_1972176959953952764_o

Posted on

LATE-BREAKING NEWS: Six more hours to go on our virtual marathon for 100TPC

THE BeZine 100 TPC virtual event has six more hous to go, so plenty of time for you to share your work … So far we’ve had participation from New Zealand, Germany, Slovakia, India, France, Australia, Ireland, Pakistan, Israel, Spain, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Hungary, United Kingdom and the United States. Touched by the works submitted and by the interest and support. Join us to read and share: HERE.

Here are some livestreams from other groups. Depending on where they are in this world, they may be offline now … Thanks to 100TPC Cofouder Michael Rothenberg for the list …

100 Thousand Poets for Change Livestream: Check them out!

TIA CHUCHA Sylmar, CA–Poets Soapbox:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-poet-s-soapbox

Birkirkara, MALTA
http://bambuser.com/channel/omarseguna

Los Angeles, CA
The 100,000 Poets and Musicians radio show
http://laradiostudio.com/CamChat

Doha, QATAR
Live ON FB
https://www.facebook.com/QatarUniversitysliteratureclub/

Rome, ITALY
https://www.youtube.com/user/OnlyAgnese (video and audio)
https://www.spreaker.com/user/agnesemonaco (audio only)
su : http://www.usertv.it/

Graffiti Bleu Worldwide (Blog Radio)

100 Thousand Poets for Change Podcast on GBleu Radio coming soon…

Posted on

THE SUNDAY POESY: Opportunities, Events and Other Information and News

fullsizerender-11

JOBS/PAID & VOLUNTEER

Opportunity Knocks

REVIEWS EDITOR: Poetry London seeks a freelance Reviews Editor to join its editorial team. Applications are open now. Deadline: 30th of August.  Details HERE.

VOLUNTEER: PEN Center USA is accepting volunteer applications! “Volunteering at the Center is a great way to get involved with your local literary community. Rewarding opportunities to assist in PEN Center USA programming and events are available year-round. In some cases, training may be required.” Details HERE.

ARTISTS-AT-RISK PROJECT DIRECTOR: PEN America seeks a creative, visionary, and highly organized Project Director for a critical role in launching a new support system for artists at risk worldwide. This innovative initiative, conceived in consultation with a global network of partners and implemented with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is aimed at strengthening and expanding the web of services available to assist members of the creative community who face threats in retaliation for the exercise of cultural expression. MORE

ARTISTS-AT-RISK PROJECT MANAGER/COORDINATOR: PEN America seeks a talented, energetic, and highly organized Project Manager/Coordinator for a critical role in launching a new support system for artists at risk. This innovative initiative, conceived in consultation with a global network of partners and implemented with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is aimed at strengthening and expanding the web of services available to assist members of the creative community who face threats in retaliation for the exercise of cultural expression. MORE

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Opportunity Knocks

BLUELINE “seeks poems, stories and essays about the Adirondacks and regions similar in geography and spirit, focusing on nature’s shaping influence. We also welcome creative nonfiction that interprets the literature or culture of the region, including northern New York, New England and Eastern Canada.

“Blueline always publishes both new and established writers. You’ll catch our attention if your writing is vigorous, interesting and polished. We’re not interested in effusive descriptions of scenery. We are looking for realistic approaches to the environment: the literature we publish expresses imagination, reflection, and insight about the natural world.

“The submission period is July through November. Decision are made mid-February. Payment is made in copies. Simultaneous submissions accepted if identified as such: notify the editors immediately if a simultaneous submission is placed elsewhere. No previously published works.” Details HERE.

URBAN FARMHOUSE is “looking for book-length manuscripts meeting the following general guidelines: Crossroads Poetry Series: minimum 50-60 pages of poetry,single spaced, and one poem per page. Fiction: minimum 150 pages of prose, 12 pt font, double-spaced. Novellas: 60-145 pages of prose, 12 pt font, double-spaced.  Cities of the Straits Chapbook Series: 20-40 pages of poetry or fiction. 12 pt font, double-spaced. Submissions open from April to August annually. All manuscripts chosen for publication will receive a book contract and 8% royalties on all print copies sold.” Details HERE.

SEDIMENTS LITERARY-ARTS JOURNAL “accepts poetry, short stories, and art. Accepted work for the quarterly issue will be published to the homepage every Sunday at 11AM.  Now – August 31: Submit to Themed Issue “Happy Holidays!” Upcoming Dates: September: Issue Eight Release October 1 – 31: Submit to Issue Nine December: Themed Issue “Happy Holidays!” Release.  Details HERE.

ARTEMISpoetry (Demographic restrictions.) Issue 17, November 2016 (& Issue 18, May 2017) Editors for Issue 17 are: General & Artwork – Dilys Wood and June Hall; Poetry – Wendy French. Readers’ Letters are invited. Comments on the journal’s content or anything you would like to see discussed in relation to women’s writing. (max 100 words). All submissions: submit paper copy initially to Dilys Wood, 3 Springfield Close, East Preston, West Sussex, BN16 2SZ. Please write “ARTEMISpoetry” on your envelope. (Enquiries only: e-mail Administrator editor@poetrypf.co.uk) Poems: Issue 17 deadline – 31st August 2016. Poems by women of any age.

Poems should be typed, or if written, then very neatly. Each poem should commence on a new page, headed “Submission for ARTEMISpoetry“. Please SEND TWO COPIES. Do include your name with each poem and include your name and full contact details in your submission. Long poems are considered. Submit up to 4 poems to a maximum of 200 lines in all. Contributors whose poetry is accepted will be notified by 31st October 2016. Further details HERE.

Note: If you feel intimidated by submittable or other electronic submissions managers used by publishers, ARTEMISpoetry accepts neat handwritten material and is one of an ever decreasing number of publications that will accept snail-mail submissions. For some people, this removes a barrier to entry. If you are one such and female, take adavantage. Nothing ever happens if you don’t try.

THE BeZINE is accepting email submissions (bardogroup@gmail.com) for the August issue through August 10.  The theme is: Hope: Great Expections and Quiet Desires.  We seek poetry, essay, flash fiction, videos, and photography. Also consider are editorials (500 – 740 words) on current issues or trends for our new BeAttitude section.  Submission guidelines HERE. ‘

EVENTS

HEADS-UP TALLAHASSEE: Poetry Reading with Michael Rothenberg, Terri Carrion, El Habib Louai, Geoff Bouvier and friends. Thursday, July 28 at The Black Dog on the Square at 567 Industrial Dr, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301 starting at 7:00pm. It’s going to be great!

TRANSATLANTIC POETRY on Air (Google Hangouts), an iniiative by poet Robert Peake, next poetry reading is  August 14th at 8 pm BST/3pm EDT/12 pm PDT with Vahni Capildeo and Tyehimba Jess. Read on … a link to the site and more detail is under Kudos.

KUDOS

ROBERT PEAK‘s fabulous Transatlantic Poetry Series is now in its third year.  Peake is an British-American poet living near London. His latest collection The Knowledge is available from Nine Arches Press. Transatlantic Poetry is “a platform that openly encourages participation from individuals and organisations with a strong commitment to the support of poetry globally.”  You can hear poets reading their work and discussing poetry at Google Hangouts on pre-scheduled dates. You are able to ask questions. Link HERE for more information.  Be there or be square – really! An archive of all past event videos is available. Bravo, Robert!

ARTEMISpoetry editor for the November issue: Wendy French recently completed a Poet Residency at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. Her resulting book, Thinks Itself a Hawk, is published by Hippocrates Poetry Press (2016). French also ran creative word groups for patients and carers. She is one of six poets included in a showcase anthology from Avalanche Books.

MICHAEL ROTHENBERG announced this week that the hard copy proof of his new book of poems, Drawing The Shade, arrived today from Dos Madres Press. “We’re almost there.”

MYRA SCHNEIDER‘s thirteenth collection, Persephone in Finsbury Park (Second Light Press, 2016), is available at poet Anne Stewart’s p f poetry site.

TIDBIT

Literature & Medicine

If you are viewing The Sunday Poesy from email, you’ll likely have to link through to view this video.

THE POET BY DAY SUNDAY POESY

Submit your event, book launch and other announcements at least fourteen days in advance to thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Publication is subject to editorial discretion.