We flew along the freeway yesterday under
a cold coastal expanse of cerulean ceiling.
It reminded me of you and how we dusted
the vaults of our minds to rid them of fear
and the old lexicons of grief and guilt, the
whalebone girdles of unfounded faith and
common conventions, saccharine and sticky.
I thought of that one sea-green day we spent
under just such a sky in a land far away and
how we changed your name then, reframed
your story to tell of hope and not despair.
You sketched flowers blossoming in the dust
of a spring that promised but never delivered.
Now we don’t speak of men but of cats with
their custom of keeping heart and claws intact.
We tell ourselves stories in rhythms that resound
in deep sleep. Soon now the ancient calls to
feral festivals will still and the time’s arrived when
our only play is in the margins, fate hanging
from our skeletons like Spanish moss on old oak.
It pleases me that life’s passage spins into poemed reliquary and
a memory of the pink peau de soie I wore to your prom that June.
This particular poem was inspired by the memory of a day when my high school boy friend and I went from Brooklyn to Staten Island and found a obsure Tibetan monestary in the hills there. The monks were kind (and I suspect patient) and showed us their flower and vegetable gardens and an old well-loved version of the Book of the Dead. This later was most intriguing to us: a Catholic and a Jew steeped in their respective traditions.
We were young and cock sure and probably our own deaths seemed more hypothetical than real; but we speculated on Buddhism from our positions of profound ignorance. In its way, it was a good exercise. It made us begin to seriously examine the received wisdom of our traditions. For me it was the beginning of an adventure that was to last a lifetime. I did leave behind the grief, guilt and superstition; but here were some aspects of the tradition of my childhood for which I gained a respect that probably never would have evolved without examination.
What about you? What were the beliefs and enthusiasms of your youth? How have these (religious or not) been modified over time? Tell us in a poem or short creative nonfiction. If you are comfortable, leave the piece in the comments section below or a link to it so that I and others might enjoy it. Thank you!
The recommended read for this week for children, Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poemby Jack Prelutsky, named the nation’s first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.
Pizza, Pigs and Poetry, How to Write a Poemis ideal for children grades 3-6. He engages by sharing funny stories, light poems and creative technique, not forms. This seems entirely perfect for encouraging – not discouraging – this age group. Fun and funny Pizza, Pigs and Poetrywould make great summer reading – and writing – and is perfect for a birthday gift or a gift for some other occasion.
By shopping at Amazon through The Word Play Shopandusing the book links embedded in posts, you help to support the maintenance of this site. Thank you! (Some book links will just lead to info about the book or poet/author and not to Amazon.)
The WordPlay Shop offers books and other tools especially selected for poets and writers.
WRITING PROMPT FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8:As we celebrate International Women’s Day and our own lives, the lives of the women we know and the lives of the women who came before us and fought for our rights and the resulting benefits to our children, I wonder what you – male or female – would like to bequeath to the next generation and generations to come. What lessons would you want to share. To help yourself along imagine perhaps what you’re older self would like to tell your younger self. Share with us in prose or poem. If you feel comfortable, leave the piece or a link to it in the comments below so that I and others might enjoy it.
Sonja Benskin Mesher‘s (sonja-benskin-mesher.net) is a woman of many talents including Asemic Writing. You’ll find samples of her Asemic Writing by rummaging around HERE. Sonja’s bio is HERE.
BEAUTIFUL IN FLIGHT
Be not one to tarnish
your self esteem by
climbing mountains
of others’ expectations
stand up for your beliefs
bring them into sunlit day
& out of darkest night
dare to dream your own dreams
lest you enter an abyss
of others’ nightmares
quagmires of doubt
tap into hidden strengths
& object to old school thought
& expound others’ worth
do not fear being rejected
based on the unacceptable
you are universally a part
of being beautiful
be recognized on your own merit
splendid & vast as oceans
quiet but fearless in all
sing out among starry skies
be brave as birds in flight
ply your wounds in love
be bold…you are here
RENEE ESPRIU (Renee Just Turtle Flight) is a busy poet and artist. She’s the only other person I’ve ever met whose totem is Turtle (hence the title of her blog), an earthy symbol. Poetry is one of the more perfect vocations for a Turtle. Renee’s bio is HERE.
We Must Avoid
doors that open too smoothly,
scissors that open too well,
doors slam in your face,
scissors cut you to strips.
Words that come too easily,
stories that come ready made,
success handed on a plate,
accolades sent too soon
poetry that slips off the tongue,
without hard work and sweat,
words that bother the reader,
with too much work to do,
poetry without music and rhythm,
complicated images and phrases,
not asking if it’s boring,
not being entertaining enough.
PAUL BROOKES (The Wombwell Rainbow). A prodigious writer, Paul has held many day jobs, but still he poems on. Bravo, Paul! His bio is HERE.
The recommended read for this week for children, Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by the children’s poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky, named the nation’s first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.
Pizza, Pigs and Poetry, How to Write a Poemis ideal for children grades 3-6. He engages by sharing funny stories, light poems and creative technique, not forms. This seems entirely perfect for encouraging – not discouraging – this age group. Fun and funny Pizza, Pigs and Poetry would make great summer reading – and writing – and is perfect for a birthday gift or a gift for some other occasion.
By shopping at Amazon through The Word Play Shopandusing the book links embedded in posts, you help to support the maintenance of this site. Thank you! (Some book links will just lead to info about the book or poet/author and not to Amazon.)
The WordPlay Shop offers books and other tools especially selected for poets and writers.
PRAIRIE SCHOONER, published in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Press and the Creative University of Nebraska-Lincoln English Department, is open or submission through May 1. The magazine publishes short stories, poems, imaginative essays, reviews and creative nonfiction. Details HERE.
PROFANE JOURNAL holds submission readings through July 31 for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and art. Details HERE.
BRILLIANT FLASH FICTION accepts submissions of 1,000 words or less. The publisher says, “Brilliant Flash Fiction is all about having fun. I’m looking for stories that are fun to read, and that are maybe even amazing. I think the best stories reveal
how much the author enjoyed writing them.” This publication also regularly sponsors contests, although there is nothing running now, keep an eye on the site if this interests you. Details HERE.
BAOBAB PRESS seeks submissions of fiction from 3,000 – 5,000 words from emerging and established writers exploring the American West. Payment is copy and $100. Deadline is March 31. Details HERE.
temenos, light up the unconscious is open for submissions poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and art and photography through April 17. There is a reading fee of $4. Details HERE.
THE WRITER (Back in the late ’60s and early 70s, I cut my teeth on this venerable old magazine that was founded in 1887. I recommend it for reading as well as submissions.)) The “editors are interested in query letters on concrete topics written by emerging and experienced writers in all genres. We are looking for clear takeaway for our readers: What can they learn to improve their writing or advance their careers? What how-to tips and strategies will accomplish this?” Details HERE.
CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS
Opportunity Knocks
PLOUGHSHARES EMERGING WRITERS CONTEST at Emerson University is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. The winner in each genre will be awarded $2,000. Read past winners of the contest here. Natalie Diaz is the poetry judge. You have to register to long in to the submission page. There is a $24 reading charge. The contest closes May 15, 2017 at noon EST. Details HERE.
PRAIRIES SCHOONER from May 1 through August 1, the publication hosts an annual Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest for work up to 5,000 words. There is an entry fee. Details HERE.
PROFANE JOURNAL 2017 submission for nonfiction and fiction prize competitions is open through July 31. Details HERE.
FAN STORY – “The theme for this poetry contest is “faith”. We are looking for poems that in some way pertain to this theme. It doesn’t matter if it’s spiritual, political, intellectual or emotional as long as faith is clearly represented.” Deadline: Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Details HERE. I didn’t register for this site but suspect there is a reading fee and/or submission fee and the business model is all about contests. The winner takes away a $100 cash prize. All writers will receive feedback for their submission.
EVENTS
MAN OF PEACE: The Illustrated Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Graphic Novel Book Launch with Robert Thurman, Wednesday, March 15 at 6 AM – 7 PM EDT @ Tibet House US
22 W 15th St, New York, New York 10011 Ticketed event. Details HERE.
A POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY on April 27 is sponsored by the Poets.org, the American Academy of Poets. Details HERE.
A POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY on April 27, League of Canadian Poets. Details HERE.
to Peter O’Neil on the publication of More Micks Than Dicks, a Hybrid Breckttian Novella in 3 Parts, more detail to come
to Michael Dickel on the publication of Palm Reading After Toads Garden available through Indie Press HERE
to Aprilia Zank for the publication of her masters thesis, The Word in the Word (linguistics), in book form; and, for sampler of Aprilia’s poetry read Three by the Mighty Aprilia Zank
The recommended read for this week for children, Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by the children’s poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky, named the nation’s first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.
Pizza, Pigs and Poetry, How to Write a Poemis ideal for children grades 3-6. He engages by sharing funny stories, light poems and creative technique, not forms. This seems entirely perfect for encouraging – not discouraging – this age group. Fun and funny Pizza, Pigs and Poetry would make great summer reading – and writing – and is perfect for a birthday gift or a gift for some other occasion.
By shopping at Amazon through The Word Play Shopandusing the book links embedded in posts, you help to support the maintenance of this site. Thank you! (Some book links will just lead to info about the book or poet/author and not to Amazon.)
The WordPlay Shop offers books and other tools especially selected for poets and writers.
The March 15 rally in Sacramento to support SB 54, the California Values Act, is hosted by PICO California and partners.
“PICO California is the largest multi-racial faith-based community-organizing network in the state connecting and leveraging the power of the people to impact broad systemic change. Motivated by various prophetic traditions, we ground our civic action and demands for change in moral and ethical principles. We use a relationship-based organizing model to develop leadership and build capacity for civic engagement in communities throughout California.” MORE
The California Values Act and the people who support it are concerned with the injustices implicit in recent executive orders that marginalize and put at risk Muslims, people fleeing violence, undocumented immigrants and retaliation against our sanctuary cities. Many citizens feel that these actions encourage hate and racial profiling and are immoral and in direct conflict with the American traditions that have made us the great nation that we are. (Detail on SB 54 in the third section of this feature.)
MARCH 13, UUSM JUSTICE ACTION MONDAYS: FLASH ADVOCACY
Standing on the Side of Love
Unitarian Universalist Church of San Mateo California
In preparation for the rally, this Monday, March 13, the greater San Mateo community is invited to the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (UUSM) Justice Action Mondays/Flash Advocacy to prepare signs and banners for the rally on March 15 in Sacramento in support of SB 54, the California Values Act. SB 54 is proposed legislation by California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles). The intention of SB 54 is to prevent the use of state and local public resources to aid federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in deportation actions.
UUSM Justice Action Mondays: Flash Advocacy:a new theme every Monday, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, youth room, Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 E. Santa Inez Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401. Free event and open to the greater community. Supplies, snacks and interesting conversation are provided.
SB 54, THE CALIFORNIA VALUES ACT
A Wall of Justice
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA
Last December California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) introduced SB 54, the California Values Act, to prevent the use of state and local public resources to aid federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in deportation actions.
California State Senator,Kevin de León (b1966)California State Senate.Democrat – 45th District
“To the millions of undocumented residents pursuing and contributing to the California Dream, the State of California will be your wall of justice [against the adoption of] an inhumane and over-reaching mass-deportation policy,” said Senator de León. “We will not stand by and let the federal government use our state and local agencies to separate mothers from their children.”
SB 54 will ban state and local law enforcement officials from performing the functions of a federal immigration officer. The California Values Act does not prevent state and local departments or agencies from complying with a judicial warrant to transfer violent offenders into federal custody for immigration enforcement purposes.
“The right to due process is the bedrock of the U.S. criminal justice system,” said San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón. “A warrant requirement will enable California to preserve our civil liberties and enhance public safety by maintaining the trust and effectiveness of law enforcement. A warrant requirement will ensure the government confirms a person’s identity and whether they are subject to deportation before they can be detained, thereby preventing citizens, authorized immigrants and victims of crime from being jailed.”
District Attorney Gascón, formerly San Francisco’s Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief in Los Angeles, added that public safety suffers when local police enforce immigration laws. “When victims of crime don’t come forward for fear of immigration consequences, the impact on public safety reaches far beyond immigrant communities,” he said.
The California Values Act will also create “safe zones” throughout the state by prohibiting immigration enforcement on public school, hospital, and courthouse premises. To ensure eligible immigrants are not deterred from seeking services and engaging with state agencies, the bill also requires state agencies to review and update confidentiality policies.
California State Flag
“In California we have policies that provide health, safety, education, and an environment where all people can thrive,” said Assembly member Marc Levine (D-Marin County) principal co-author of SB 54. “California is a state where everyone is welcome. SB 54 will make it clear California public schools, hospitals, and courthouses will not be used by the Trump regime to deport our families, friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers.”
[The President’s] reckless comments about immigrants and deportation has honest, hardworking families living in fear and their children being taunted at school, Senator de León during the December unveiling of a separate “Immigrants Shape California” package.
“I cannot stand by and allow federal ICE agents to use state and local dollars, data, personnel, and facilities to help deport the very families who contribute so much to our economy and community,” he said.
California State Seal
Cynthia Buiza, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, added: “The California Values Act answers the ugly slurs of xenophobia with a simple but profound truth: all people are created equal. Against Trump and other forces who seek to demonize and persecute immigrants, the Golden State must embrace and defend our common humanity and deepest values. Getting law enforcement out of painful deportations, protecting the integrity of public spaces, and rejecting any registry which targets Muslims will send a potent message to the nation – and the world.”
Marcus McKinney, Policy Director, People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) California, said: “As a faith-based organization we wholeheartedly oppose draconian deportation policies out of the new administration in Washington that will further exacerbate racial profiling. California must take an aggressive stance against these policies to ensure families are not torn apart by reactionary and divisive immigration policies.”
Angie Junck, Supervising Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said: “In continuation of California’s long-standing history of welcoming, the CA Values Act presents a prime opportunity to ensure that our law enforcement and local governments are no longer a front door to deportation for our residents.”
The … government [effectively] sanctioned discrimination that runs counter to our values as Californians, would unfairly target millions of hard working families, devastate our economy and impose unfair burdens on taxpayers,” said AFSCME Local 3299 President Kathryn Lybarger. “The California Values Act reflects our common ideals and reaffirms our shared responsibilities.”
Photo credits: California Flag and Seal of California, public domain; California State Capitol courtesy of Rafal Konieczny under CC BY-SA 4.0 license; photograph of California State Senator Kevin de Léon courtesy of Neon Tommy under CC BY-SA license; UUSM illustration coutresy of the Unitarian Universalists and all rights reserved
Support justice in California and the people and institutions that are working for that objective. Please reblog and share links to this on Facebook and Twitter and attend the rally if that’s possible for you.
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The recommended read for this week for children, Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by Jack Prelutsky, named the nation’s first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.
Jamie Dedes' THE POET BY DAY Webzine 