Ever Been Stuck on a Stanza?

That's me today. I have about five poems in the works, and in each one I am stuck on a single stanza. The genesis. The seed. But the growth of the truth within the poem eludes me.

Perhaps today is a day for freewriting, but my mind is spinning a such a rate that I'm constantly listening for that next thought while it has gone on to consider my reality. Is this what's called writer's block? Or is it the absence of Writer's Block? My weekly inspiration sometimes comes from the energy that we shared at our weekly poetry events... the joy, the levity, sometimes the anger. Surviving this hiatus will be difficult.

Larry's tonight. Larry's inspires in a different way. But maybe with Maggie Anderson at the mic I will get a poetic adrenalin shot, you think? Let's hope. There is always hope.

Today's mood: Strange recovery
Today's music: Touch (spoken word) by Scott Woods

Another Day, Another Rejection

Well, I'm told I "wasn't that far from getting in" at "Eye." I had only submitted a single poem (something I almost never do), but their editorial preferences are clearly described. It was hard to find work that seemed suited to their goals.

Logic (performance poet, Ann Arbor, Michigan) did a very nice feature at Brown Stone on Tuesday night. His poem to the memory of his father was especially poignant. Logic is a very charismatic performer and connected well with the audience at Black Pearl poetry night.

Ed (host of the night) made it a point to the audience that Black Pearl is simply a name and is in no way an indication that Brown Stone's weekly Tuesday night poetry open mic is only for African American poets. I've been asked that more than once and have tried to express the same. It may be an unfortunate choice of names. I sincerely hope all elements of the poetry community will choose to frequent this event.

Lost the battle with my body this morning when the alarm went off, slept until nearly 3:30 and missed Salon at Pudding House. I've been ill this week and am on medication. I suspect it was the body's way of saying it needed more rest than I had given it in the last several weeks.

I think I'm going to package up a few of the children now and get submittals ready to mail on Monday.

David Lazar and more

Made it back to Larry's Monday for what I hope is now my normal routine. Dave Lazar was our featured poet. Two great sets of film noir, life revelation, and superheroes. Was a fun night overall, with both Dave and the open mic readers making some interesting poem choices. Steve was, as always, the consummate emcee, making everyone feel at home.

Maggie Anderson will feature next week. I look forward to hearing her read. I've become quite a fan after reading most of her "Windfall--New and Selected Poems" (Pitt Poetry Series, 2000). Maggie's poetry is widely used in university classrooms and workshops around the country. If you're anywhere close to Columbus on Monday, November 14, you would serve your poetic child (that one inside you) well by stopping in to hear her at Larry's (7:00 PM).

November 21 will feature Cathy Callaghan, who is Professor Emeritus (in Geology, I believe, although after knowing her I would have expected anthropology to be her specialty) at OSU. Cathy, a tiny woman with piercing eyes, has a unique and unforgettable presentation style. You will not forget her once you have met her.

That's all for now.

Oh... wait! I'm headed to Brown Stone tonight to hear Logic, a dynamic performance poet from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I've seen him in competition, but never in an extended set. I'm looking forward to discovering his range and voice in a different way, without competition factored into the event. He is a truly nice person, and I expect great things.

A Lazy Day, a Look Back

Sometimes I feel like I have to visit this page just to prove I'm still alive. There is not always something significant to say about the art, the business, the craft.

Went to the Ursula Rucker event at Brown Stone last Tuesday. Packed house. Standing room only. Long night. Ed had open mic, a short slam, Middle Child AND Ursula Rucker on a week night when things started late. Lots of folks got tired. Those who stuck around for Ursula at the end witnessed the performance endeavors of an artist unique in her presentation and obviously dedicated to the causes of women and children. Her accompaniment was genuinely gifted. I wish she had commanded a better balance between her voice and the guitar, which nearly overwhelmed her voice at times.

Middle Child: Great goodness! Every time I hear this artist's work, I love it more. Truly a unique voice and style.

Unusual method of holding a slam, too, but I didn't jump in. Took a night to sit back and just enjoy the many voices around me. What an art we are all involved in--opening our hearts and minds for others to scrutinze and approve (or not). Anyone who thinks poets are not brave should jump into a slam sometime. It will teach them a new definition for breathing.