A new open mic for poets, comedians and singers will be every Thursday at the Safari Bar & Grill, 3740 N. High School Road, Indianapolis. Doors open at 9 p.m.; the event begins at 10 p.m.
Presented by Culture Connection and features live entertainment and performances hosted by Your Boy Ill, including neo-soul, funk, old-school, classic hip-hop with clean lyrics. For more information, call 317-514-1618 or visit www.myspace.com/reggaedancehall101
Dec 29, 2008
Music Monday: Robert Burns, the poet behind "Auld Lang Syne"
John Lundburg on Roberts Burns, the poet behind ‘Auld Lang Syne”: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lundberg/the-poet-behind-auld-lang_b_152432.html
As performed by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis:
For previous Music Monday postings, click on the "Music Monday" link below.
As performed by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis:
For previous Music Monday postings, click on the "Music Monday" link below.
Joanna Woś
The Indianapolis Star ran this story about Joanna Woś, of the Writers' Center of Indiana, on Dec. 29, 2008. It was writtern by Abe Aamidor:
The power of emptiness
Writer uses fiction to fill gaps in the WWII horror stories that are her reality
Joanna Woś is haunted by World War II, but it's her own fault.
She just won't let it go.
Woś, 57, is the daughter of Polish Catholic survivors of both the German occupation during the war and Soviet prison camps after "liberation." Inspired by her family's experiences, she's written many short stories over the years.
"One of the reasons I really found an urgency to write is that after my son was born, there were all these family stories that I had heard about these things that had happened during the war to my family," said Woś, executive director of The Writers' Center of Indiana.
"But there were huge gaps in these stories. Somehow fiction ended up being the way of coming to terms with those gaps. It gave me a way to sort of contemplate an event and invent the empty spaces between what I did know."
more at http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812290309
The power of emptiness
Writer uses fiction to fill gaps in the WWII horror stories that are her reality
Joanna Woś is haunted by World War II, but it's her own fault.
She just won't let it go.
Woś, 57, is the daughter of Polish Catholic survivors of both the German occupation during the war and Soviet prison camps after "liberation." Inspired by her family's experiences, she's written many short stories over the years.
"One of the reasons I really found an urgency to write is that after my son was born, there were all these family stories that I had heard about these things that had happened during the war to my family," said Woś, executive director of The Writers' Center of Indiana.
"But there were huge gaps in these stories. Somehow fiction ended up being the way of coming to terms with those gaps. It gave me a way to sort of contemplate an event and invent the empty spaces between what I did know."
more at http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812290309
Dec 27, 2008
Elizabeth Alexander
Who is Elizabeth Alexander, whom Barack Obama invited to write a poem for his inauguration? (Note: She will be reading her work at Butler University at 7:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 26 as part of the Visiting Writers Series. The event will be in the EWidson-Duckworth Recital Hall in Roberston Hall.).
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lundberg/elizabeth-alexander-obama_b_152409.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/books/25poet.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=books
http://www.elizabethalexander.net/home.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lundberg/elizabeth-alexander-obama_b_152409.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/books/25poet.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=books
http://www.elizabethalexander.net/home.html
Dec 26, 2008
Hart Rock Poetry Series-Note new venue
UPDATE: This event was canceled.
This is from Patricia Coleman:
Join me tonight, December 26th, 2008, 7:00pm when HART ROCK POETRY SERIES AND OPEN-MIC begins at Rachael's Cafe with "World Voices" poetry in translation with Lee Harlin Bahan and Kadhim Shaban.
Lee Harlin Bahan received from Indiana University the masters of Fine Arts Degree, and for a number of years taught creative writing through the division of Continuing Studies there. Her poems have appeared in many magazines, including Kenyan Review, North American Review and Plowshares. A chapbook, Migraqtion Solo was published by the Writer's Center of Indianapolis. Three of Lee's poems were recently chosen to appear in a chapbook to benefit Indiana's Mounds State Park, and a pair of Petrarch translations are forthcoming in the 2009 spring issue of Natural Bridge. Residencies at Dorset Colony House Vermont, and Mary Anderson Center for the Arts, Mt. St. Francis, IN, have furthered Lee's work translating Petrarch's sonnets.
Kadhim Shaaban was born in Bagdad, Iraq. He came to Indiana University in 1965 as a graduate student in English, linguistitcs, and anthropology. While at I.U. he taught Arabic at NELC before going to teach linguistics and cultural anthropology at Perdue. He is interested in poetry and related issues of metaphoric and rhetorical language.
Elsa Harik - With deep roots in New England, I have lived in Bloomington since 1964, almost long enough to be a Hoosier. I grew up in Massachusetts, attended Vassar College and have degrees from the University of Iowa (American Civilization), Harvard University (MA in international affairs), and Indiana University (MS in art education); I also studied Arab history as a Rotary Foundation fellow at the American University of Beirut. What did all this schooling prepare me for? To be a children's author—and write about what interests me.
Much of my work focuses on the Middle East, ancient and modern, fiction and nonfiction. Some of my recent books are Figs and Fate: Stories About Growing Up in the Arab World Today; The Ugly Goddess (a novel set in ancient Egypt); Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change; and The Byzantine Empire. Totally different from anything else I've done is my latest book, Songs of Ancient Journeys: Animals in Rock Art. I will be reading from Christmas in Baghdad: Stories About Teens in the Arab World.
Rachael's Cafe is located at 300 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN, (812)330-1882.
Following these presentations is an open-mic. Come and listen to these voices from our local world community, and to share your poems, short stories and poetic song during the open-mic.
Next program on January 23rd, 2009 is "Words of Peace, Words of Hope".
Patricia Carolyn Coleman RMT of HART ROCK/Reiki Peace and Wellness Arts, http://www.hartrock.net/; a sponsor of "Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities", a member 5 Women Poets Writing Workshop, and the Indiana Holistic Health Network, http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/, host and produces this series.
Readings are every fourth Friday, except in July and August, or otherwise announced. Poetry Series and open-mic calendar at Rachael's will be on the web soon at http://www.hartrock.net/poetryseries2-1.htm.
Send questions about this series, or to ask for consideration as a presenter to mailto:poetry@hartrock.net
This is from Patricia Coleman:
Join me tonight, December 26th, 2008, 7:00pm when HART ROCK POETRY SERIES AND OPEN-MIC begins at Rachael's Cafe with "World Voices" poetry in translation with Lee Harlin Bahan and Kadhim Shaban.
Lee Harlin Bahan received from Indiana University the masters of Fine Arts Degree, and for a number of years taught creative writing through the division of Continuing Studies there. Her poems have appeared in many magazines, including Kenyan Review, North American Review and Plowshares. A chapbook, Migraqtion Solo was published by the Writer's Center of Indianapolis. Three of Lee's poems were recently chosen to appear in a chapbook to benefit Indiana's Mounds State Park, and a pair of Petrarch translations are forthcoming in the 2009 spring issue of Natural Bridge. Residencies at Dorset Colony House Vermont, and Mary Anderson Center for the Arts, Mt. St. Francis, IN, have furthered Lee's work translating Petrarch's sonnets.
Kadhim Shaaban was born in Bagdad, Iraq. He came to Indiana University in 1965 as a graduate student in English, linguistitcs, and anthropology. While at I.U. he taught Arabic at NELC before going to teach linguistics and cultural anthropology at Perdue. He is interested in poetry and related issues of metaphoric and rhetorical language.
Elsa Harik - With deep roots in New England, I have lived in Bloomington since 1964, almost long enough to be a Hoosier. I grew up in Massachusetts, attended Vassar College and have degrees from the University of Iowa (American Civilization), Harvard University (MA in international affairs), and Indiana University (MS in art education); I also studied Arab history as a Rotary Foundation fellow at the American University of Beirut. What did all this schooling prepare me for? To be a children's author—and write about what interests me.
Much of my work focuses on the Middle East, ancient and modern, fiction and nonfiction. Some of my recent books are Figs and Fate: Stories About Growing Up in the Arab World Today; The Ugly Goddess (a novel set in ancient Egypt); Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change; and The Byzantine Empire. Totally different from anything else I've done is my latest book, Songs of Ancient Journeys: Animals in Rock Art. I will be reading from Christmas in Baghdad: Stories About Teens in the Arab World.
Rachael's Cafe is located at 300 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN, (812)330-1882.
Following these presentations is an open-mic. Come and listen to these voices from our local world community, and to share your poems, short stories and poetic song during the open-mic.
Next program on January 23rd, 2009 is "Words of Peace, Words of Hope".
Patricia Carolyn Coleman RMT of HART ROCK/Reiki Peace and Wellness Arts, http://www.hartrock.net/; a sponsor of "Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities", a member 5 Women Poets Writing Workshop, and the Indiana Holistic Health Network, http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/, host and produces this series.
Readings are every fourth Friday, except in July and August, or otherwise announced. Poetry Series and open-mic calendar at Rachael's will be on the web soon at http://www.hartrock.net/poetryseries2-1.htm.
Send questions about this series, or to ask for consideration as a presenter to mailto:poetry@hartrock.net
Dec 22, 2008
Music Monday: Patti Smith, punk poet
Poets. org on Patti Smith:
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5827
‘Horses’ and ‘Hey Joe.’
Got a topic for Music Monday? Let me know about it. For previous posts on this subject, click on the Music Monday lable below.
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5827
‘Horses’ and ‘Hey Joe.’
Got a topic for Music Monday? Let me know about it. For previous posts on this subject, click on the Music Monday lable below.
Dec 20, 2008
A birthday surprise
Today, I'm 54. This is the cake that one of my daughters made. It's a model of my favorite book, The Magnificent Ambersons, by Booth Tarkington. She said she tried to reproduce the original cover. Note the "bookmark" sticking out of the top of the cake.
Dec 18, 2008
Center Stage Cafe is closed
Center Stage Cafe, 970 Fort Wayne Ave., Indianapolis, has been closed since Nov. 1.
It had been the site of a Tuesday open mic night called Spoke N Heard.
UPDATE:
Spoke-N-Heard has moved to The Griot Village Community Center, 6228 La Pas Trail. Open mic hip-hop, R&B and poetry performances. 7 to 11.p.m. Saturdays. $5. 317. 295-1111.
It had been the site of a Tuesday open mic night called Spoke N Heard.
UPDATE:
Spoke-N-Heard has moved to The Griot Village Community Center, 6228 La Pas Trail. Open mic hip-hop, R&B and poetry performances. 7 to 11.p.m. Saturdays. $5. 317. 295-1111.
Dec 16, 2008
DePauw seeks visiting poet
The English department and its distinguished Creative Writing Program (http://www.depauw.edu/acad/english/) invite poets to apply for one-semester appointment in fall or spring of 2009-2010 as the Mary Field Distinguished Visiting Writer. (Position will alternate among genres in successive years.)
Duties include teaching one workshop-style undergraduate creative writing course in area of choice, conducting occasional master classes involving faculty and/or community members, and presenting own work at two public events.
Applicants with exceptional publication records of poetry books and critical recognition consistent with a writer of national reputation desired. Candidates who can show evidence of outstanding teaching preferred. Successful candidate will receive competitive salary, furnished housing and professional expense budget.
To apply, submit cover letter, CV, evidence of successful teaching, and names and contact information for three references to: Mary Field Distinguished Visiting Writer, English Department, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037. EOE. http://www.depauw.%20edu./
Review of applications will begin February 15, 2009 and continue until position is filled.
Application Information Postal Address: Mary Field Distinguished Visiting Writer Search Committee, English, DePauw University, 310 Asbury Hall, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037__._,_.___
Duties include teaching one workshop-style undergraduate creative writing course in area of choice, conducting occasional master classes involving faculty and/or community members, and presenting own work at two public events.
Applicants with exceptional publication records of poetry books and critical recognition consistent with a writer of national reputation desired. Candidates who can show evidence of outstanding teaching preferred. Successful candidate will receive competitive salary, furnished housing and professional expense budget.
To apply, submit cover letter, CV, evidence of successful teaching, and names and contact information for three references to: Mary Field Distinguished Visiting Writer, English Department, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037. EOE. http://www.depauw.%20edu./
Review of applications will begin February 15, 2009 and continue until position is filled.
Application Information Postal Address: Mary Field Distinguished Visiting Writer Search Committee, English, DePauw University, 310 Asbury Hall, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037__._,_.___
Dec 15, 2008
Music Monday: 'House of the Rising Sun' and 'Amazing Grace'
The Blind Boys of Alabama performed at the Indy Jazz Fest a few years ago. When they announced they would sing “Amazing Grace,” I was confused when the opening strains of “The House of the Rising Sun” began booming out of the speakers. Then it hit me. Applying the lyrics of a sacred song to the profane musical setting of “The Rising Sun” underscored the hymn’s message of sin and redemption. Here’s a video of Jack Marti, who goes a step further and actually intertwines the two songs:
It goes the other way, too. Sing “House of the Rising Sun” to the tune of “Amazing Grace.”
And that’s not all. In a bit of buffoonery, one web site gleefully suggests that the theme song to “Gilligan’s Island” can be sung to the music of “Amazing Grace.” And local poet Shari Wagner also informed me that Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” fits nicely, too. So mix and match the words with the two melodies and provide yourself hours of mind-bending amusement.
Can you suggets other songs/poems that would fit?
For other related postings, click on the "Music Monday" label below.
It goes the other way, too. Sing “House of the Rising Sun” to the tune of “Amazing Grace.”
And that’s not all. In a bit of buffoonery, one web site gleefully suggests that the theme song to “Gilligan’s Island” can be sung to the music of “Amazing Grace.” And local poet Shari Wagner also informed me that Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” fits nicely, too. So mix and match the words with the two melodies and provide yourself hours of mind-bending amusement.
Can you suggets other songs/poems that would fit?
For other related postings, click on the "Music Monday" label below.
Dec 13, 2008
Etheridge Knight
I found this Library of Congress video of Etheridge Knight: It uses RealPlayer.
View Video Cybercast (3 parts, 1:15 minutes)
View Video Cybercast (3 parts, 1:15 minutes)
John Sherman: 'Biafra," an opera
John Sherman shares this link to a 20-minute performance of his opera Biafra: http://www.mesaverdepress.com/
David Vancil
David sends this information about his new publication, due in spring:
On March 14, 2009, my chapbook Moon Walking will be shipped by Finishing Line Press. This is the pre-order period. The book sells for $12 with no shipping or handling costs during the pre-order period from now through the month of January. The book's order form can be found on this page: http://www.finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm. Just search on "vancil" or "moon walking." This is a collection of new and revised poems. It is dedicated to my wife and child and to the memory of friend and teacher Bryant Bachman, who taught me to read Beowulf. There are poems on many subjects, including a few about military experiences that continue to haunt me.
On March 14, 2009, my chapbook Moon Walking will be shipped by Finishing Line Press. This is the pre-order period. The book sells for $12 with no shipping or handling costs during the pre-order period from now through the month of January. The book's order form can be found on this page: http://www.finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm. Just search on "vancil" or "moon walking." This is a collection of new and revised poems. It is dedicated to my wife and child and to the memory of friend and teacher Bryant Bachman, who taught me to read Beowulf. There are poems on many subjects, including a few about military experiences that continue to haunt me.
New bookstore
New bookstore opened recently on the south side of Indianapolis at Southern Plaza (4200 S. East St.). It's Books On Sale Inc. (317) 474-3529. http://www.booksonsale.org/ www.myspace.com/booksonsale
I haven't had an opportunity to check it, but I do know John Sherman will be signing books there at 11 a.m. today (I know, short notice).
Let me use this opportunity to ask you, what's your favorite bookstore and why?
I haven't had an opportunity to check it, but I do know John Sherman will be signing books there at 11 a.m. today (I know, short notice).
Let me use this opportunity to ask you, what's your favorite bookstore and why?
2008 titles
These Indiana poetry chapbooks, anthologies, books and CDs have been released in 2008. The inclusion or omission of any title does not imply an endorsement or snub. This is simply a list of eligible titles brought to my attention. It's not too late to be added to the list, so feel free to submit a title to jl.kato@sbcglobal.net or leave a comment on this post. Please note the poet's Indiana connection, and, if possible, a link to order the title.
Books:
Airpoets: (Joyce Brinkman, Ruthelen Burns, Joseph Heithaus, Norbert Krapf and Jeannie Deeter Smith): Rivers, Rails, and Runways (San Francisco Bay Press, $14.99)
Ammerman, Jason: Microphone or Bust!
Boruch, Marianne: Grace, Fallen from (Wesleyan University Press, $22.95)
Brennan, Matthew C. The Sea-Crossing of Saint Brendan (Birch Book Press), $15
Goodman, Brent: The Brother Swimming Beneath Me (Black Lawrence Press)
Kalamaras, George: Gold, Carp, Jack, Fruit, Mirrors (Bitter Oleander Press ($18)
Krapf, Norbert: Bloodroot: Indiana Poems (Indiana University Press, $24.95)
Krapf, Norbert: The Ripest Moments: A Southern Indiana Childhood (Indiana Historical Society Press, $15.95) (memoir)
Metres, Philip: To See the Earth (Cleveland State University Press)
Piper, Adam: And Life Remains (CreateSpace Press, $10) Amazon link.
Roeser, Dana: In the Truth Room (Northeastern University Press, $16.95) Winner of the Samuel French Morse Prize
Stanton, Maura: Immortal Sofa (University of Illinois Press, $40 or $17.95)
Elizabeth Weber: Porthole Views of the World: Watercolors and Poems, a collaboration with artist Hazel Stoeckeler (Nodin Press, $29.95)
Chapbooks:
Haines, Anne: Breach (Finishing Line Press, $12)
Lynch, Doris: Praising Invisible Birds (Finishing Line Press, $14)
Vancil, David: Night Photo (Obscure Publications chapbooks are all gone. See listing under "Other Media.")
Journals:
Poetry Garden, Volume 1, ed, Michael Rogers
Tipton Poetry Journal. Order 2008 issues at http://tiptonpoetryjournal.com/
Other media:
Kanouse, Patrick: Portrait of a Woman Brushing Her Hair (free downloadable PDF)
Kerschbaum, Joseph: Our Voices Sound Like Silence (downloadable digital files)
Vancil, David: Night Photo (Obscure Publications, available as PDF.)
Books:
Airpoets: (Joyce Brinkman, Ruthelen Burns, Joseph Heithaus, Norbert Krapf and Jeannie Deeter Smith): Rivers, Rails, and Runways (San Francisco Bay Press, $14.99)
Ammerman, Jason: Microphone or Bust!
Boruch, Marianne: Grace, Fallen from (Wesleyan University Press, $22.95)
Brennan, Matthew C. The Sea-Crossing of Saint Brendan (Birch Book Press), $15
Goodman, Brent: The Brother Swimming Beneath Me (Black Lawrence Press)
Kalamaras, George: Gold, Carp, Jack, Fruit, Mirrors (Bitter Oleander Press ($18)
Krapf, Norbert: Bloodroot: Indiana Poems (Indiana University Press, $24.95)
Krapf, Norbert: The Ripest Moments: A Southern Indiana Childhood (Indiana Historical Society Press, $15.95) (memoir)
Metres, Philip: To See the Earth (Cleveland State University Press)
Piper, Adam: And Life Remains (CreateSpace Press, $10) Amazon link.
Roeser, Dana: In the Truth Room (Northeastern University Press, $16.95) Winner of the Samuel French Morse Prize
Stanton, Maura: Immortal Sofa (University of Illinois Press, $40 or $17.95)
Elizabeth Weber: Porthole Views of the World: Watercolors and Poems, a collaboration with artist Hazel Stoeckeler (Nodin Press, $29.95)
Chapbooks:
Haines, Anne: Breach (Finishing Line Press, $12)
Lynch, Doris: Praising Invisible Birds (Finishing Line Press, $14)
Vancil, David: Night Photo (Obscure Publications chapbooks are all gone. See listing under "Other Media.")
Journals:
Poetry Garden, Volume 1, ed, Michael Rogers
Tipton Poetry Journal. Order 2008 issues at http://tiptonpoetryjournal.com/
Other media:
Kanouse, Patrick: Portrait of a Woman Brushing Her Hair (free downloadable PDF)
Kerschbaum, Joseph: Our Voices Sound Like Silence (downloadable digital files)
Vancil, David: Night Photo (Obscure Publications, available as PDF.)
Dec 12, 2008
Thomas Merton: From poet and prophet, with love
Indianapolis Star columnist Dan Carpenter on
Thomas Merton.
Thomas Merton.
Dec 8, 2008
Music Monday: 'I Sat Belonely,' by John Lennon
‘I Sat Belonely,’ by John Lennon
This is not a song, but an early poem.
For previous posts relating popular music and poetry, click on the "Music Monday" lable below.
Dec 7, 2008
Wabash Prize in Poetry
This announcement is a little late on my part, but here's the winner of the 2008 Wabash Prize in Poetry
Review: 'Hello Beautiful: A Metamorphosis of The Poet and The Soprano'
This is a review by Indianapolis Woman Magazine of the recent presentation featuring poet Tasha Jones and vocalist Angela Brown:
http://speaktowomen.blogspot.com/2008/11/poet-and-saprano.html
http://speaktowomen.blogspot.com/2008/11/poet-and-saprano.html
Josh Bell
An update on a poet who grew up in the Terre Haute area. He now teaches at Columbia.
http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_335225210.html
http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_335225210.html
Dec 6, 2008
What I've been doing (and not doing)
WARNING: Emotional spillage follows.
At one time, when I worked 40 hours a week as rank-and-file copy editor, I had time to attend nearly every poetry-related event in or around Indianapolis (which is why I started maintaining a calendar of events).
But something has happened this past couple of years. I got promoted to a middle-management position, and I began working 45 hours a week, Then 50. And sometimes when my staff is short-handed, 60. As a result, I had to cut back on attending events. I began scheduling vacation days just so I could attend readings and classes. On the weekends, I've been so exhausted that I couldn't concentrate on writing (though I've rediscovered the pleasures of a nap).
Poet Bridget Pegeen Kelly told me this summer that I was selling my soul. Well, my poetic soul, anyway. Because the fact is I still love my job, perhaps too much. I love the interactions with people and ideas. I love the adrenaline rush of deadlines, of people scurrying to get things done. How could I give this up?
Well, after this week's massive layoffs in the newspaper industry, when my co-workers and myself were wondering whether we would continue to have jobs, I've been re-evaluating priorities. I survived the latest round of layoffs, but I fear the cost will be an increased workload. For the most part, it's work I love, and, yes, the poetry will be sacrificed. Unless I make a commitment.
I must devote a time to write, stealing from sleep if need be. I will take a lunch break away from the desk and find a quiet place to read and write. Though I still will work hard and be a dedicated employee, I know that sooner or later my services will be discarded. But by then, poetry will have reclaimed the major portion of my soul. That is something that cannot be taken away from me.
What prompted this self-reflection was an encounter I had during Wednesday's reception for Chris Forhan, who read as part of Butler University's Visiting Writers' Series. There, I met several former classmates who, last year, attended a community class taught by Forhan. Some members of the class went on to enroll in Butler's fledgling MFA program. I, too, seriously considered applying to the program, but I realized that demands of my job prohibited me. (Yet two classmates, a physician and an attorney, are undergoing the rigors of the MFA program.) That thought shamed me into realizing I must carve out a plan for poetry to reclaim my soul.
Earlier, on Tuesday, I attended a reception for kids who had artwork and poetry displayed at the National Art Museum of Sport. I and several other local poets had led poetry-writing workshops for these kids. I was glad to see their efforts recognized. (The current display is in the south hall of the museum and will be up through February.) After the reception, I had time to drive over to Richard Pflum's Poetry Salaon, but I was exhausted, so I drove home.
On Thursday, I attended the Poetry on Brick Street reading at its new location in Zionsville. (Well, at its temporary new location of Plum's Upper Room since the new one next door at G. Simone's wasn't ready). Mary Sexson was the featured reader, and I especially enjoyed her poem trying to recapture her father, who died when she was 11 years old. Present at the reading were host Barry Harris, Jeff Pearson, Barbara Thompson, Kelly Talbot, Richard Pflum, Thomas Alan Orr, Tim Harmon and various friends and family of Mary's.
These three events were taken in during a time when co-workers around me were being dismissed. Yet, my uneasiness was lessened during these encounters, and I began to see how much poetry means to me. Instead of feeling guilty about taking my focus away from work, I felt refreshed.
At one time, when I worked 40 hours a week as rank-and-file copy editor, I had time to attend nearly every poetry-related event in or around Indianapolis (which is why I started maintaining a calendar of events).
But something has happened this past couple of years. I got promoted to a middle-management position, and I began working 45 hours a week, Then 50. And sometimes when my staff is short-handed, 60. As a result, I had to cut back on attending events. I began scheduling vacation days just so I could attend readings and classes. On the weekends, I've been so exhausted that I couldn't concentrate on writing (though I've rediscovered the pleasures of a nap).
Poet Bridget Pegeen Kelly told me this summer that I was selling my soul. Well, my poetic soul, anyway. Because the fact is I still love my job, perhaps too much. I love the interactions with people and ideas. I love the adrenaline rush of deadlines, of people scurrying to get things done. How could I give this up?
Well, after this week's massive layoffs in the newspaper industry, when my co-workers and myself were wondering whether we would continue to have jobs, I've been re-evaluating priorities. I survived the latest round of layoffs, but I fear the cost will be an increased workload. For the most part, it's work I love, and, yes, the poetry will be sacrificed. Unless I make a commitment.
I must devote a time to write, stealing from sleep if need be. I will take a lunch break away from the desk and find a quiet place to read and write. Though I still will work hard and be a dedicated employee, I know that sooner or later my services will be discarded. But by then, poetry will have reclaimed the major portion of my soul. That is something that cannot be taken away from me.
What prompted this self-reflection was an encounter I had during Wednesday's reception for Chris Forhan, who read as part of Butler University's Visiting Writers' Series. There, I met several former classmates who, last year, attended a community class taught by Forhan. Some members of the class went on to enroll in Butler's fledgling MFA program. I, too, seriously considered applying to the program, but I realized that demands of my job prohibited me. (Yet two classmates, a physician and an attorney, are undergoing the rigors of the MFA program.) That thought shamed me into realizing I must carve out a plan for poetry to reclaim my soul.
Earlier, on Tuesday, I attended a reception for kids who had artwork and poetry displayed at the National Art Museum of Sport. I and several other local poets had led poetry-writing workshops for these kids. I was glad to see their efforts recognized. (The current display is in the south hall of the museum and will be up through February.) After the reception, I had time to drive over to Richard Pflum's Poetry Salaon, but I was exhausted, so I drove home.
On Thursday, I attended the Poetry on Brick Street reading at its new location in Zionsville. (Well, at its temporary new location of Plum's Upper Room since the new one next door at G. Simone's wasn't ready). Mary Sexson was the featured reader, and I especially enjoyed her poem trying to recapture her father, who died when she was 11 years old. Present at the reading were host Barry Harris, Jeff Pearson, Barbara Thompson, Kelly Talbot, Richard Pflum, Thomas Alan Orr, Tim Harmon and various friends and family of Mary's.
These three events were taken in during a time when co-workers around me were being dismissed. Yet, my uneasiness was lessened during these encounters, and I began to see how much poetry means to me. Instead of feeling guilty about taking my focus away from work, I felt refreshed.
Who is she?
A couple of people who know I work at The Indianapolis Star have asked me about a comment written by Christopher Lloyd, an arts reporter for The Indianapolis Star and former editor of the Go! weekly entertainment section. Chris was one of 52 employees whom The Star laid off recently. On the Gannett blog, which chronicled the massive layoffs in the Gannett chain of newspapers, Chris posted a classy note about his departure. (His post appears at 3:53 p.m.) In the post appears the following paragraph:
This "author" is an internationally acclaimed poet who, for some reason, is not widely known in her current hometown of Indianapolis. I should mention that though I met her once, I'm sure she doesn't remember me. Knowledgable readers of this blog know who she is, but several people whom I met in local poetry circles had never heard of her. I wonder if she distrusts the media (or The Star in general)? I hope that The Star could re-establish contact with her. I'm not going to reveal her name, because if Chris chose not to identify her, I'm assuming there was some sort of privacy concern. The only reason I bring it up is the intriguing public reference that Chris made and the queries sent to me.
My last act as an employee was to call an author I’d scheduled an interview
with next week to cancel. I’d been pursuing that source for the better part of a
year, dropping off materials for her to read and calling every few weeks to
convince her to sit down. My persistence paid off and I was finally going to
nail the interview, but now it’ll never happen. She reminded me not to forget to
return the two books she’d loaned me to read.
This "author" is an internationally acclaimed poet who, for some reason, is not widely known in her current hometown of Indianapolis. I should mention that though I met her once, I'm sure she doesn't remember me. Knowledgable readers of this blog know who she is, but several people whom I met in local poetry circles had never heard of her. I wonder if she distrusts the media (or The Star in general)? I hope that The Star could re-establish contact with her. I'm not going to reveal her name, because if Chris chose not to identify her, I'm assuming there was some sort of privacy concern. The only reason I bring it up is the intriguing public reference that Chris made and the queries sent to me.
Dec 3, 2008
Barbara Shoup
Feature article in The Indianapolis Star that appeared Nov. 24. I don't know how long this link is valid, but stories on the IndyStar.com website typically stay up for 30 days:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20081124/LIVING19/811240307/1275/LIVING19
An excerpt:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20081124/LIVING19/811240307/1275/LIVING19
An excerpt:
Shoup's next book will be called "Looking for Jack Kerouac."
"It's set in 1964 in Hammond," she said. "Most of my classmates went to work in the steel mills then. Well, one of these people loves to read and discovers Jack Kerouac. He decides to go look for the real Jack Kerouac and learns he's living in Florida.
"But it's not the Jack Kerouac he was expecting. He's a 50-year-old man, not very happy, who's living with his mother."
Dec 2, 2008
Sylvia Plath's hair
There's a story about library collections or archives coming Sunday in The Indianapolis Star. From that article comes this fact:
Some of Sylvia Plath's hair is part of a collection at the Lilly Library, on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington.
I wonder when that hair was cut and why.
Some of Sylvia Plath's hair is part of a collection at the Lilly Library, on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington.
I wonder when that hair was cut and why.
Dec 1, 2008
Chris Forhan, note new time
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
NEW TIME: 6 p.m. The Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series presents poet Chris Forhan in the Eidson-Duckworth Recital Hall, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis.*
NEW TIME: 6 p.m. The Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series presents poet Chris Forhan in the Eidson-Duckworth Recital Hall, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis.*
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