| Author | Message | ||
     Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 125 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
I wrote an email to a list of poets, writers, and artist about a book I have just read for the second time. This is what it said: "Bone Black" by Bell Hooks Great book about a young Black woman seeking her space in a world where she does not seem to fit. Her search takes her on a journey that will be familiar to many of us. The book is from ~1996 and I recently read it again. Just wanted share these words with anyone who has searched for purpose, only to find it in ourselves. "I read poems. I write. That is my destiny. Standing on the edge of the cliff about to fall into the abyss, I remember who I am. I am a young poet, a writer. I am here to make words. I have the power to pull myself back from death-to keep myself alive." - (hooks 1996: pg. 182) Any one of us has the "power" to keep ourselves alive through our work. Any one of us has the ability to create amaranthine work of art. Write something. | ||
| Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 126 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
Okay but this actually sets up a response I got back from one of teh artist. I liked it so much that I wanted share it. Feel free to comment on it or share your own: in response... Pretend Poet I am what you’d call a pretend poet-- one who writes short missives of pain not socially relevant to the times and ears of critics. I am a pretend poet, one who pours out his heart like dust that falls unnoticed to the ground. I am a pretend poet, one who sits alone with a pen and paper, scribbling something stupid, selfish, written out of fear of himself I am a pretend poet, one who chronicles his own self pity, blind to the bigger scheme of things which revolve like a maelstrom of possibilities just out of reach. I am not a poet. I’m just some fool who wanders in here every Friday, practicing catharsis to keep living, breathing, even though the sounds of his breath make no sense at all. I am what you’d call a farce, a fluke. What I write is a comedy of errors, a sojourn in ignorance and unworthy of your ears. I may be many things, foremost a court jester. but I am not a poet. djones 2000 >I disagree< | ||
| Sisg Veteran Poster Username: Sisg Post Number: 319 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
I disagree too! | ||
| Carey Veteran Poster Username: Carey Post Number: 803 Registered: 05-2004 Rating: N/A |
I guess I am going to ....uhh..disagree also....but what do I know...I too am a fraud. Very interesting poem. I was actually feeling as if I could have wrote that. Maybe that's what it's about. Rondall said something that fits right into this. He said it does not have to "Be"... He said somwthing like "if it hit someone"...this poem hit me! So yeah....I disagree. Hi Sisg. BTW, I have another poem for you but I was feeling like the pretend poet from above so I've put it with my other mess. Ooooh,...you know ..."babygirl". Well, she's going through some things with her's and I shared some of your poems with her. She was like, "Dad, where do you find inspirational poems like this?!" I proudly said, "that's what dads do and you'd be surprised who your daddy knows" Thanks Sisgal, you helped me be dad *smile*. If I had any doubt...you alright with her *wink* | ||
| Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 127 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
This poem illustrates the struggle between literary poets and those whom scribble expiating prose that calms their soul. It poses a conundrum that poet asked me during a workshop, if no one listens nor reads your soul...are you then still a poet? The answer is yes, because you have listened to yourself enough to create something that was not there before. Hence, there is always someone listening. And ergo we all poets no matter how small the stage. | ||
| Carey Veteran Poster Username: Carey Post Number: 822 Registered: 05-2004 Rating: N/A |
YEEESSSS! I am a poet, am a FKin' POET. I sing a song absent of listeners but I dance to the melody. | ||
| Vanders Newbie Poster Username: Vanders Post Number: 6 Registered: 06-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hey all; I love poetry and have written many poems, but by no means consider myself a poet. I love the poem entitled pretend poet and the words shared with us from bell hooks' writing. I'm trying to figure out where I fit. I started a poetry club this year to commemorate April's National Poetry Month. We meet twice a month and read the biographies and poems of classic and comtemporary poets and then try our hands at writing poems. Hopefully a compliation of poems will come from this. Our group is small but I love it. Maybe this is my purpose for now. Keep writing and reading. Peace. Vanders | ||
| Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 150 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
Vanders... Where you at? | ||
| Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 151 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
And yes, I fully realize that the former post is not a proper way of structuring a question. LOL | ||
| Vanders Newbie Poster Username: Vanders Post Number: 7 Registered: 06-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hey Rondall; No need to be proper on my account. I live in Philly. We meet at a local recreational center. We've so far reviewed Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, Marilyn Nelson, Nikki Giovanni,and Sonia Sanchez. Our next poet will be Countee Cullen. We are by no means experts on these poets or have read everything they have to offer, but we are getting a start. Vanders | ||
| Rondall Moderator Username: Rondall Post Number: 154 Registered: 01-2004 Rating: N/A |
Try to get access to the poetry Mari Evans and Etheridge Knight. Complete contrast in styles but both would be nice to compare and discuss. You have so much to choose from and you are just beginning. Dont ever stop sharing with us. Thanks Vanders | ||
| Vanders Newbie Poster Username: Vanders Post Number: 9 Registered: 06-2008 Rating: N/A |
Good suggestions Rondall. I was introduced to Mari Evans several years ago as a poet from the Black Arts Movement. I also buy used books from independent book stores in philly and got a used poetry book by Etheridge Knight titled Black Voices From Prison. It is deep. I got the book for $2. I will recommend these poets at our next meeting. Thanks. |
