Dan Carpenter on Edwidge Danticat

Indianapolis Star op-ed columnist Dan Carpenter writes about Edwidge Danticat's appearance at Butler University on Feb. 22:

Love, art and hope from Haiti

'A Universal Language': Across Indiana

The first installment of A Universal Language, a three-part series about Indiana poets who visit El Salvador, is available online on the Across Indiana Web site. This episode first aired Feb. 8:

http://www.wfyi.org/acrossIndiana/segments.asp?episode=951824108

Photo by JL Kato

Tipton Poetry Journal 16 Available

This was sent to contributors:

Tipton Poetry Journal’s Issue #16 (Winter 2010) has been published.
Copies have been shipped to subscribers and contributors. The online
version will be posted within the next two weeks.

Poetry by Sarah Allen, Chase Ambler, KB Ballentine, Maria Bennett, Jessie Carty, Kevin Marshall Chopson, Martha Clarkson, Diana Cole, Mary Crosby, William Doreski, Cindy Goldberg, Carol Lynn Grellas, Tom Gribble, Anne Haines, Ruth Holzer, Amorak Huey, Leland James, Allan Johnston, Patrick Kanouse, Michael Keshigian, Philip Kolin, Benjamin C. Krause, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, David W. Landrum, Donal Mahoney, Moa Mauthe, Martha Meltzer, Karla Linn Merrifield, Lylanne Musselman, Thomas O’Dore, Mary C. O'Malley, Simon Perchik, John Schellhase, Gaar Scott, Mary Sexson, Marian Kaplun Shapiro, Christine Valentine, Mike and Karen Wade, Changming Yuan; and a review by Shaindel Beers of Dan Carpenter’s More Than I Could See.

Copies of the Winter 2010 issue, as well as back issues, and subscriptions
can be purchased online at: http://tiptonpoetryjournal.com.

Infighting in the poetry community

A lot of bickering has been going back and forth via public e-mails among some local poets. I am not going to identify the participants. They know who they are. I am loathe to jump in because even though my name is on their e-mail lists, I believe I am marginal to the group. If I did intervene, it would be like a passerby sticking his nose in a domestic dispute. Nonetheless, I am receiving a number of fingerpointing messages. So just as they are trying to convince me of the righteousness of their arguments, they must be subjected to mine:

The dispute, it seems to me, is about a perceived lack of respect between some elder poets and some younger poets. The elders are accused of being condescending to younger poets, of keeping the younger poets down, and preferring to condemn, rather than mentor, the younger generation. The younger poets are accused of ignoring and disrepecting their elders. To both, I say, "So what?"

This "dispute" has been going on for as long as mankind has existed. It is natural and even beneficial! The trick is for both sides to calm down, quit stirring the pot by making their grievances public, and realize the roles they play. Generally speaking, it's the elders' role to preserve tradition, pass them down, and mentor the young. It's the younger generation's role to question their elders, find better ways to improve their elders' model, and take action. It's an ongoing process that fosters creativity.

At the age of 55, I find myself learning from young poets, as I hope they learn from me. I once was young and questioned the status quo. I still do. But I also am confident enough to impart knowledge to young people who are questioning me.

The stream of harangues must stop. Continuing to do so only prolongs the public embarrassment.


COMMENT: A reader who was unable to post a comment has asked me to include her comment.Here it is:

I am concerned that there might be real collateral damage, that is things said to each other in these emails that might furtther corrode an arts community in distress. Would you or anyone you know be interested in a roundtable or an informal coffee get together to sort out these feelings before irreparable damage is done to relationships at a time we in the arts really need all the support we can get. Even if it is just from each other?

MY REPLY: For those of you who are scratching your heads wondering about the identities of these feuding factions, you probably are not on any of their e-mail lists. When I referred to "public e-mails," I meant to say private e-mail lists that are being exploited by the participants.

Heads up: Patricia Smith

Patricia Smith will read at the IUPUI Library at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. This is the Wikipedia entry on her:

She was born in Chicago and currently lives in Colorado. She is a four-time individual National Poetry Slam champion and appeared in the 1996 documentary SlamNation, which followed various poetry slam teams as they competed at the 1996 National Poetry Slam on Portland, OR.

She gained notoriety when The Boston Globe asked her to resign after editors discovered her metro column contained fictional characters and fabricated events in violation of journalism practice.

It's the second paragraph that intrigues me. That's how Smith entered my consciousness. As a former journalist, I cringe whenever writers are accused of plagiarism or fabricating stories. Those offenses almost always are fatal to their careers. But I will put that aside as I hear her perform Thursday evening, though I wonder whether she has addressed the issue in her poetry.

Jay Harvey revisited

Jay Harvey, who reviews performing arts for The Indianapolis Star, a few weeks ago created a minor furor when he blogged about the poem "Invictus," with a few words about nature poet Mary Oliver. His post of Jan. 5, "Invictus: worst poem ever?" raised eyebrows.

Harvey defends himself (or rather clarifies his thoughts) on Jan. 7 with "Invictus" et. al revisited.

And on Jan. 27, Harvey discusses the merits of what is considered inspirational poetry: Verse that inspires? Choose wisely

Local publishers

The Indianapolis Star today ran a roundup of articles about local publishers of books, from the prestigious Indiana University Press to the small, but dedicated, Restoration Press. Here's the link to the main story written by correspondent Julie Saetre. Publish and prosper: For many local firms, books are their business. Following are the accompanying links to brief summaries of six publishers:

Restoration Press focuses on poetry.

Indiana Historical Society Press focuses on books about Hoosiers and Indiana.

On Top Publications focuses on urban fiction and urban romance,

Luminis Books concentrates on literary and young adult genres.

Patria Press publishes children's historical fiction.

Indiana University Press focuses on the humanities and the social sciences.

More Than Corn

Now that the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver have settled in, I've had time to reflect on the poem that spoken-word artsist Shane Koyczan performed during the opening ceremonies. You couldn't miss him. He was wearing a beret, looking his Beat best. What he performed was a poem decrying al the stereotypes about Canadians (never mind poetic cliches such as berets). Now I wonder whether any Indiana poems exist that debunk what people think of Hoosiers. Like the corny slogan that is the title of this blog post, I'd like to think Hoosiers are moe than unwashed masses of hayseeds and rednecks? What do you think? Perhaps you disagree. Do you have any suggested titles of poems praising or defending Hoosiers? Perhaps you have one of your own you'd like to share. In the meantime, here is Shane's poem (a video version follows):


We Are More

When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
"been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes
we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today
filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"
someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday
we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through
and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
"keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true
Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

Here's a video of Shane reciting a short version of the poem (sans beret):

Anne Haines' 'Breach': A review

A review of Anne Haines' chapbook, Breach: http://aburningpatience.blogspot.com/2010/02/pure-and-waiting-silence.html

Reading at Riley's grave

Hear Joyce Brinkman read from Rivers, Rails and Runways at Riley's Crown Hill Cemetery grave.

"Searching" By Joyce Brinkman from ChiefFallingLeaf on Vimeo.

Nominations for Indiana Authors Awards

Nominations Open for Indiana Authors Award


Nominations are open for the 2010 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award. The award is a program of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation and recognizes the contributions of Indiana Authors to the literary landscape in Indiana and across the nation; it is funded through the generosity of The Glick Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation.

The Indiana Authors Award invites participation from people around the state beginning with the nomination process. Participation then continues throughout the year with outreach to organizations serving readers and writers with an interactive website. The program culminates in a day of free public programs and a ticketed Awards Dinner on October 9, 2010 at the Central Library in Indianapolis.

The award categories are: National Author, a writer with Indiana ties, but whose work is known and read throughout the country ($10,000 prize); Regional Author, a writer who is well known and respected throughout the State of Indiana ($7,500 prize); and Emerging Author, a writer with only one published book ($5,000 prize). In addition to a cash prize, each author's Indiana hometown public library will receive a grant of $2,500 from the Library Foundation.
Last year's inaugural Awards Program included a public program celebrating Indiana authors attended by 400 participants and an Awards Dinner raising over $40,000 for the Library Foundation. At the dinner, James Alexander Thom was presented with the National Author award while Susan Neville received the Regional Author award and Christine Montross received the Emerging Author award.

To submit a 2010 nomination or to learn more, contact the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation at (317)275-4700 or visit www.indianaauthorsaward.org.

Lucille Clifton dies

Lucille Clifton has died. She had cancelled next week's appearance at Butler University, citing illness.
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/955670.html

Poem of the Week

Joseph Heithaus of DePauw University sends out a poem of the week on Fridays. If you'd like to be added to the e-mail list, send a request to Joe at JHEITHAUS@depauw.edu.

Contest: Poetic Palate

A contest that combines dining in Zionsville and poetry is being sponsored by Brick Street Poetry Inc. Here's the release:
Experience Zionsville’s culinary delights. Then delight the ears of poetry lovers with a strong, sweet, or sassy poetic interpretation of your meal.

Choose three restaurants from the list below and indicate your first, second and third choices. Email your choices to poeticpalate@brickstreetpoetry.org by May 1. We will email you the restaurant where we have made your reservation by May 7. From May 9 through May 13 dine in your restaurant and receive a 15% discount on your meal. Write your poem and send it by May 20 to topchef@brickstreetpoetry.org.

Join us in the Serenity Garden at 6:30 p.m., on June 2, to hear the reading of the winning poems and to find out if your poem wins the Top Chef Award. There will be a winner from each restaurant, and the Top Chef Award ($400) will go to the judge’s favorite poetic dish.

Seating is limited, so email your choices today!

Eagle Creek Coffee Company
Serenity
Cobblestone Grill
Plum’s Upper Room
The Dairy Queen
noah grant’s
G Simone’s
The Friendly Tavern

*Send your poem in 12 point Times New Roman type with no identifying information as an attachment to your email. Include your name, address and phone number along with your poem’s title in the body of the email.

Edwidge Danticat reschedules for Butler

Edwidge Danticat, whose Jan. 13 apperance at Butler University was postponed after an earthquake struck her native Haiti, now will appear at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Atherton Union Reilly Room,. Danticat won a National Book Circle Critics Award for her memori Brother, I'm Dying. Admission is free.

Danticat replaces poet Lucille Clfton, who cancalled her apperance. Info: www.butler.edu.

Heads up: El Salvador

Tune in tonight (Feb. 8) at 7:30 for "Across Indiana" on WFYI (Channel 20).

The program will feature a segment about Central Indiana poets in El Salvador.

Super Bowl

Indiana Poet Laureate Norbert Krapf has written a poem about Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon, and he has thrown in his poem about Peyton Manning.


From Norbert Krapf:

PEYTON & PIERRE


First of all, as of Friday the 5th, you’ll be able to see the poems “Prayer to Peyton Manning,” written not long before our 2007 Super Bowl victory, and the new “Running with Pierre Garcon,” written just several days ago, through the IU Press Blog: http://iupress.typepad.com/blog/2010/02/super-bowl-weekend-poetry.html.


You can also find the new Pierre Garcon poem now on the site hosted by my friends at the Indiana Humanities Council: http://test.indianahumanities.org/thinkreadtalk/index.php/2010/02/running-with-pierre-garcon/.