Friday, June 29, 2012

I Wish I'd Written This

Chance Met
by Rosemary Dobson (18 June 1920 — 27 June 2012)


Swing back the gate till it stumbles over the furrows,
Where the plough swerves close to the fence and the brown earth crumbles
From mountains crested with tossed-up tussocks, to valleys
Runnelled with rivers of rain.
The drops hang bright on the wires, the diligent spider
Worked shifts all night to set up his house by sunrise
Between the hinge, rusted with rain, and the latch.

Who went before through the gate — this affable stranger
Who touches the topmost rail and leans to dazzle,
Spinning his hat for greeting? Morning,
Golden and rakish, who stole his shirt from the scarecrow
To shroud the fire at heart. Good Morning
Swing back the gate, good fellow.
Swing back the gate! There is nobody there. The sunlight
In golden footprints runs up the ridge of the hill.



Rosemary Dobson, a major Australian poet, died this week aged 92. The link at her name, above, leads you to an excellent obituary which gives details of her long life and career. (She began writing poems at the age of seven.) Her Wikipedia entry describes her as 'an award winning Australian poet, who is also significant as an illustrator, editor and anthologist' and goes on to say:

She has published fourteen volumes of poetry, has been published in almost every annual volume of Australian Poetry and has been translated into French and other languages.

The Judges of the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards in 1996 described her significance as follows: "The level of originality and strength of Rosemary's poetry cannot be underestimated, nor can the contribution she has made to Australian literature. Her literary achievements, especially her poetry, are a testament to her talent and dedication to her art."

Wikipedia also lists her Order of Australia, numerous poetic awards, her fifteen volumes of poetry, her translations of Russian poets and her books of non-fiction. Some of her earlier books are available from Amazon (many of them collectors' items at very expensive prices) and her recent Rosemary Dobson: Collected, published this year, is available from the publisher, UQP (University of Queensland Press). You can find David Malouf's wonderful review of it here. (Malouf himself was known as a poet before he became celebrated as a novelist.)

Another admirer says of her:

She was a very modest, very gracious and graceful lady, self-deprecating, had beautiful manners, always put other people before herself, and was really somebody who concentrated on words, and the still places between words rather than on the public life.

Dobson's work is formal and intellectual, not often what I could imagine myself writing. I chose this piece, however, because my memory is full of mornings and landscapes like that — and for its touch of the mystery which this poet loves. At this link to it at the Australian Poetry Library, you can hear her read it. The site lists 577 of her poems available to be read there, a number of them also accompanied by her own readings.



Poems and photos used in ‘I Wish I’d Written This’ remain the property of the copyright holders (usually their authors).

Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Think Tank Thursday #103 Fractured Fairy Tales

First, I want to apologize for being behind in reading last week's poems. I read everyone's
 and was amazed on the insight and the journeys.  I found so many interesting perspectives in your words, your poems!  Impressive...

 I do hope though that when you post your poems today, you will try to visit at least seven poets and leave comments.  I found a lot of sites, with no comments at all.


When I was a kid, early Sunday mornings before we left for church. My brother n' I would watch this cartoon called  The Rocky and Bullwinkle Hour.  Rocky was a squirrel and Bullwinkle a moose...for those of you who don't know.  My favorite part of this show was this cartoon segment called Fractured Fairy Tales.   Here is a clip:








 




Papercut - Hansel and Gretelby ~IsabellasArt

 

 

 

SNOW WHITEby =DonatellaDrago

 

You could pen a poem inspired by a fable, instead.  If you up for a challenge, pen both!  

 

The Tortoise and the Hareby =splgum


I find it fascinating what movies are made, that surround our world events.  We are using fantasy, fairy tales and comics, these days. You do not have to go dark. Comedy, for the most part is the charm of the cartoon mentioned.  Maybe you will blend all three facets?

If you aren't into fairy tales, perhaps you would like to fracture a fable. The choice is yours...




Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Life of a Poet ~ Gemma Wiseman


Kids, this week, we’re going, as Oprah Winfrey told her audience in Season 25, to the other side of the world! Imagine Oprah’s excited voice, saying:You’re going to Australia!!!!!” We are going to meet the very interesting and talented Gemma Wiseman, of Greyscale Territory - Poetic Songlines. As Gemma explains in her About page, songlines are paths across the land, along which the Aborigines find their way across unknown terrain, by knowing and remembering the land’s song. The literal meaning of songlines is “to sing the trail”, to remember the physical landscape in song. This has always held a wonderful mystique for me. So come along. Let’s sing our way home along some beautifully poetic songlines.


Poets United: Gemma, we have much in common! I have been browsing your profile info, and your many sites, and am so looking forward to this visit with you! Okay, the very first question I have to ask, since I am an Oprah fan, is did you see Oprah Winfrey when she was in Melbourne? 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Vice Versa #4




Every Tuesday for a time you will find either Vice/Versa or Midnight Snack posted here at 12:01 a.m.  These were features that had been part of Poets United for a short time in the past.  We are reinistating them to see if there is any interest

.  For “Vice/Versa” two random words will be posted along with their polar opposites (Otherwise known as antonyms). Write something using all four words. It can be any form of writing; poetry, prose, short stories or whatever else.

For “Midnight Snack” a simple photo prompt will be posted.  We will guide you in no direction. It is just you and the photo or you and the words.  If you are inspired, then write about it; if it doesn't inspire, then go back to bed.

 Be sure to visit the others who post here and see how creative others can be.  We expect this initially to be a small group, but that's okay! It will be easy to visit all other responders that way.

This week it is time for:
Vice Versa
Write poetry or prose using all four words.  It can be any form of poetry or prose.  Post your related scribbling and leave a comment.  Be sure to visit the others who post here and see how they differ from you.

Build/Destroy
&
Common /Rare
               Simple Rules
  • Post any time; it's just the night owls who get first crack.
  • Make sure to visit other late  scribes.
  • Leave us a comment about the photo or words before you  nod off.
  • Or just a comment saying hi!
  • Most of all, enjoy!


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Poetry Pantry - #104


The Poetry Pantry
2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Each Sunday we start a new post with a New Mr. Linky for you. This is so that you can post a link to anything you want us to read, anything at all related to poetry or prose found on your own poetry blogs. It will remain open all week so that you can show us your writings and thoughts. You can post links weekly should you chose to do so. What poetry you put here is up to you so don't be afraid to share with us!!


There 3 simple rules:

1. Don’t link to more than 3 poems per week.

2. Please visit several other poems linked here when you link to yours. Please
don't just link and run, waiting for others to visit you.

3. Leave a comment after you have posted
your link.






Saturday, June 23, 2012

Classic Poetry ~ "The Prelude" by William Wordsworth


William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)

THE PRELUDE
or
Growth of a Poet's Mind; An Autobiographical PoemGrowth of a Poet's Mind; An Autobiographical Poem

an excerpt

Oh! yet a few short years of useful life,
And all will be complete, thy race be run,
Thy monument of glory will be raised;
Then, though (too weak to tread the ways of truth)
This age fall back to old idolatry,
Though men return to servitude as fast
As the tide ebbs, to ignominy and shame,
By nations, sink together, we shall still
Find solace--knowing what we have learnt to know,
Rich in true happiness if allowed to be
Faithful alike in forwarding a day
Of firmer trust, joint labourers in the work
(Should Providence such grace to us vouchsafe)
Of their deliverance, surely yet to come.
Prophets of Nature, we to them will speak
A lasting inspiration, sanctified
By reason, blest by faith: what we have loved,
Others will love, and we will teach them how;
Instruct them how the mind of man becomes
A thousand times more beautiful than the earth
On which he dwells, above this frame of things
(Which, 'mid all revolution in the hopes
And fears of men, doth still remain unchanged)
In beauty exalted, as it is itself
Of quality and fabric more divine.


"The Prelude" epitomizes the style and subject matter of English romanticism. Begun in 1799 and revised repeatedly over Wordsworth's lifetime, this fourteen book epic poem chronicles his spiritual progression and ushered in a new genre of poetry. The poet worked on "The Prelude" throughout his life; and its final publication occurred posthumously.

I prefer brevity in my own writing and in much of what I read, but this masterpiece holds the attention and tells a tale like few others. You can read the piece in its entirety at Bartleby.com

Friday, June 22, 2012

I Wish I'd Written This

White Wind
by Lorna Cahall

A strong wind is mothering the trees
nuzzling the dusty leaves,
cleaning their ears. She feels like
a white tiger mother whose lullaby
sweeps deeply into my memory of home.
There is no going back now.
Even the hawk is carried unresisting
to wherever this huge gentleness
wills her to go.


I love this both for what it says and the music of the saying. But there are many other poems by this poet which I might have chosen; I'm a big fan and I'd love to have written practically anything and everything of hers.

You may well know Lorna's work already, as I see she is a member of Poets United. Just in case you haven't discovered her yet, here is her blog.

I first encountered her on facebook during a month when several people wrote 'moon reflections' every night during the cycle from one full moon to the next. Her exquisite work thrilled me. As the above is short, here is one of her moon poems as well:


Archaeology

The full moon's light
dazzles,
we howl with coyote,
go mad with love.
When more and more
is sliced away,
the dance changes.
It is only the darkness
that can speak, like music,
straight through to the soul's
primal shores.


The link at her name, above, takes you to a website about her books, with some of the poems from them. And here is her page at Amazon, with all her books available — not all of them poetry.

Just a little P.S., noting that yesterday's Think Tank was on the subject of labyrinth — Lorna has a great interest in this topic too, as you will find if you explore her website!



Poems and photos used in ‘I Wish I’d Written This’ remain the property of the copyright holders (usually their authors).

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Life of a Poet - Hannah Gosselin

Kids, you are in for such a treat today! You have likely encountered a bright young poet named Hannah Gosselin posting her poems in the blogosphere. Hannah writes at Metaphors and Smiles, and is active on other sites as well.  I asked Hannah if we could stop by for a visit and she kindly said yes. This young mom rather knocks my socks off with how aware, centered and attuned she is to what matters most. You are going to so enjoy this visit, I just know it! Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and settle in. Hannah has set the kids to coloring, so we have a good ten minutes to chat!



Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Vice Versa #3




Every Tuesday for a time you will find either Vice/Versa or Midnight Snack posted here at 12:01 a.m.  These were features that had been part of Poets United for a short time in the past.  We are reinistating them to see if there is any interest

.  For “Vice/Versa” two random words will be posted along with their polar opposites (Otherwise known as antonyms). Write something using all four words. It can be any form of writing; poetry, prose, short stories or whatever else.

For “Midnight Snack” a simple photo prompt will be posted.  We will guide you in no direction. It is just you and the photo or you and the words.  If you are inspired, then write about it; if it doesn't inspire, then go back to bed.

 Be sure to visit the others who post here and see how creative others can be.  We expect this initially to be a small group, but that's okay! It will be easy to visit all other responders that way.

This week it is time for:
Vice Versa
Write poetry or prose using all four words.  It can be any form of poetry or prose.  Post your related scribbling and leave a comment.  Be sure to visit the others who post here and see how they differ from you.

Jagged/Smooth
&
Lack /Abundance
               Simple Rules
  • Post any time; it's just the night owls who get first crack.
  • Make sure to visit other late  scribes.
  • Leave us a comment about the photo before you  nod off.
  • Most of all, enjoy!



    Sunday, June 17, 2012

    Poetry Pantry - #103


    The Poetry Pantry
    2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

    Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

    Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

    Each Sunday we start a new post with a New Mr. Linky for you. This is so that you can post a link to anything you want us to read, anything at all related to poetry or prose found on your own poetry blogs. It will remain open all week so that you can show us your writings and thoughts. You can post links weekly should you chose to do so. What poetry you put here is up to you so don't be afraid to share with us!!


    There 3 simple rules:

    1. Don’t link to more than 3 poems per week.

    2. Please visit some of the other poems linked here when you link to yours.

    3. Leave a comment after you have posted
    your link.






    Friday, June 15, 2012

    I Wish I'd Written This

    it’s funny

    by MLL Bliss (formerly known as Jenny Boult) 1951-2005

    i am smiling a secret smile i want to share
    with you, a few short days & i find myself
    missing you & the smile grows     i know
    there will be other nights

    my child asked me why i was wearing
    such a happy face this afternoon & i said,
    because i’m pleased to see you, & he smiled
    & we kissed & hugged each other very tightly
    & suddenly we were laughing,
    we didn't know why. it’s funny.

    tonight i don’t crave the dawn
    i am full on, high beam, the night stretches
    like a country road & my destination
    is the morning, bright bright light
    one of the pillows smells of your hair
    my toes curl & somewhere low down my belly turns over
    & i am ticklish, a chuckle escapes & i cuddle the pillow
    listen to the rain.

    it’s funny, blowing you a kiss thru the starless night
    time of departure 11.45pm, tell me when it reached you.
    tonight this house hears laughter
    in the heavy raindrops as they roar
    against the roof, & i slide into sleep
    smiling.


















    Photo © Tim Thorne 2002


    I knew her as Jenny Boult, and published one of her books, flight 39, under my (now discontinued) Abalone Press imprint, but we lost touch after I moved to northern NSW and she moved to Tasmania. I remember another poet friend saying, back in the eighties, ‘I really think she’s the best of us,’ meaning our generation of Aussie performance poets. I agreed with him.

    She was an uncompromising poet, who wrote of social issues and the truth of life as she experienced it. One of my most vivid memories is of a poetry conference where a panel was attempting to determine what was the first criterion for poetry. The discussion went on and on and got quite heated but nowhere near resolved. Finally Jenny, losing patience, yelled from the audience in her characteristic husky voice, 'Deeply felt, for God’s sake — deeply felt!' and stopped the argument on the spot as we all digested the undeniable truth of that.

    That husky voice was the result of heavy smoking, which eventually killed her with throat cancer — a great loss to Australian poetry as well as to the many friends who loved her.

    She was a great supporter and encourager of other poets, and of youngsters beginning to write. An ardent feminist, she was co-editor with Kate Veitch of Pearls: Writing by South Australian Women (1979-80), and After the Rage with Tess Brady (1983).

    Born in England, she came to Australia in 1966 when she was 15 — transported by her parents as she used to say, an allusion to the fact that convicts were once transported from England to Australia. I guess that meant she didn’t choose to come here, but she ended up loving both her countries. She felt deeply about the British miners’ strike of 1984-5, involving those she grew up among and thought of as her people, and wrote some powerful poems on the subject. Yet she wrote of Australia as her home, and we Aussies related to her as one of us. She did go on an extended visit back to England about 1987 and placed flight 39 in libraries there.

    She was also a playwright, fiction writer and children’s author — but primarily a poet. I chose this particular poem because it’s such a happy love poem. You can read more of her work here, here and here and a review here. Some of her books are available at Abe Books and at Amazon, and her last chapbook, Moonshine, can be bought from the publisher, PressPress.



    Poems and photos used in ‘I Wish I’d Written This’ remain the property of the copyright holders (usually their authors).

    Thursday, June 14, 2012

    The Think Tank Thursday #101 Opportunity

    We all are familiar with this expression, "When one door closes, a window opens..."   I can't find this exact quote.   I did find this one:
    “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

    Okay, you can disregard the rest of this quote. I really wanted to focus on our prompt #101 Opportunity.  I think of this word as a chance toward reaching our goal, a position to prove ourselves, and the prospect towards success.  I would love you to write a poem about one of your opportunities.
    It can be in the past, present or future.  If you want to share about the door, you can if you like. Did opportunity knock quietly or rap loudly for you?  I can't wait to read about your windows!


    Opportunityby ~1492ANDIBLAIR

     


    Opportunityby ~Yolita

    Opportunity Knocksby ~KayRouge

     

    "All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual."  ~Albert Einstein



     
    "Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. "~Tony Robbins



     
         "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." ~Henry Ford


    If you have a prompt idea (even a Music or Film inspired one) that you would like to suggest or share with us please send it to poetsunited@ymail.com . We keep a folder set aside with all your suggestions and just might use it one day.

    There 3 simple rules:
    1. Don’t link to more than 3 poems per week.
    2. Please visit some of the other poems linked here when you link to yours.
    3. Leave a comment after you have posted your link.



     

     
     

     



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