| Author | Message | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 6966 Registered: 12-2004 |
Poet Elizabeth Alexander will read a poem at the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. Some of you may recall that there had been speculation that Derek Walcott might have been chosen based on President-elect Obama being observed with a book of Walcott's in recent weeks. The poet is a former neighbor of the Obamas in Chicago. The pick has been hailed as a good one by former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. I was somewhat startled to learn that Ms. Alexander is only the fourth poet to read at a Presidential inauguration, Robert Frost being first in 1961 at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration, and Maya Angelou in 1993 and Miller Williams in 1997 at Bill Clinton's first and second inaugurations, respectively. It is said Ms. Alexander plans to write a special poem for the day. A sample of her verse can be read at www.elizabethalexander.net All the best Chris George Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.thedesertmoonreview.com Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.net http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| harris Vernick
Valued Member Username: collector1 Post Number: 129 Registered: 11-2008 |
thank you for the info and the web site. i found it most interesting. cole | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26296 Registered: 07-2001 |
Should be you, Chris. Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 6970 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thanks, Harris and Gary, glad you both appreciated hearing the news. I appreciate the compliment, Gary.  Chris Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.thedesertmoonreview.com Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.net http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 6972 Registered: 12-2004 |
It's new and a bit bothersome information to me, as I indicated in my earlier post, that no poets have spoken at all the other inaugurations since 1961, which would be by my reckoning eight such occasions: Johnson in 1965, Nixon twice, (Ford had no inauguration but as VP filled out Nixon's term after Tricky Dick's impeachment), Carter, Bush I twice, and Bush II twice. Hmmmm.... In addition to Elizabeth Alexander, of course, Maya Angelou is African American as well, so it's two black ladies and two older white guys. Here's something on Miller Williams and his talented daughter; his daughter Lucinda is a well-known songwriter though I am learning about them both for the first time as well! http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5824 Chris (Message edited by chrisgeorge on December 19, 2008) Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.thedesertmoonreview.com Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.net http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1096 Registered: 10-2005 |
Thank you for posting this Chris; interesting stuff! I am startled as well. I remember reading about Frost switching from his intended poem to his "The Gift Outright" because of his age and the sun's glare. But I never knew that was one of the very few moments a poet read at an inauguration! Seems rather sad. That said, it's very encouraging to hear the news about Elizabeth Alexander. "Yo quiero hacer contigo lo que la primavera hace con los cerezos." ~Pablo Neruda Translated: "I want to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees." | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 68 Registered: 11-2008 |
Also - Obama is a published poet himself! | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26952 Registered: 07-2001 |
19 years old. They are here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-barrieanthony/obamas-poetry_b_44271.html Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| Kathy Paupore
Moderator Username: kathy Post Number: 10715 Registered: 12-2003 |
Carter was a poet himself. A book of his works at my local library, though I've yet to check it out. Kathy You're invited to: Wild Flowers Free verse in not, of course, free.--Mary Oliver | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26958 Registered: 07-2001 |
A quick search found 2 of Carters... http://www.worldofpoetry.org/usop/word1.htm http://wesclark.com/jw/carter.html Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 70 Registered: 11-2008 |
Interesting link from the New Yorker: <http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2007/07/02/070702ta_talk_mead> There was a recent report which stated that Barack was seen toting a book of poetry (anyone remember which one? I forget). I'll be paying close attention to the inaugration speech of his - would be willing to bet that it is quite poetic. One wonders what he writes today and what future grants may become available. | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26961 Registered: 07-2001 |
from a google CHICAGO, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama was carrying a book of poems while leaving the Chicago school of his daughters, witnesses say. The U.S. senator, fresh off his Election Day victory, presumably had time to enjoy some poetry while visiting his daughters' school Friday, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday. While the Illinois Democrat was not spotted reading the book of poems by Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, he personally carried the new-looking book to an awaiting car. The book, "Collected Poems 1948-1984," is a 500-page collection of some of the West Indies poet's works. The book carried by Obama contains works written by the 1992 Nobel prize winner for literature that were previously published in his seven published books of verse, the Telegraph said. and a couple of poems or at least the link http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1992/walcott-poetry.html Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 71 Registered: 11-2008 |
Gary - You are the best! Thanks a Mill | ||
| Packrat
Intermediate Member Username: harolyn_j_gourley Post Number: 309 Registered: 02-2008 |
Oh, Ga-a-a-awd!....... I just listened (CBC live-feed) to Elizabeth deliver her poem...*sigh*... Frankly...the Reverend Lowery, who followed her, did a better job...he, at least, hit the resonance button! Sorry, Elizabeth, but... (I really liked Obama's address...had a lump in my throat and tears trying to sneak out, by the end of it.) --Packrat. | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 262 Registered: 07-2007 |
Too many "ing" endings (gerunds?)in Elizabeth's poem. She should have posted it here before she read it. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26985 Registered: 07-2001 |
Dan, we would have cut it in half if not more, told her to tighten, taken out the alternatives as too many examples or said before... Of course, I noticed the ings - but I'm finding some of my favorite poems and poets are full of them. I thought the speech was poetic, and agree Rev. Lowery gave us the days best poetry. Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 263 Registered: 07-2007 |
I am looking for her poem online. Haven't found it, yet. Want to find the Lowery's, too. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 80 Registered: 11-2008 |
Lowrey brought the crowd to its feet - Amen Will always remember from Alexander's poem: say it plain that many have died for this day Michelle presented Laura with a gift - a blank journal (inscribed with this date) and pen. A good day for haibun Asa muses. | ||
| Packrat
Intermediate Member Username: harolyn_j_gourley Post Number: 310 Registered: 02-2008 |
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...Dan, Lowery's was the official "Blessing"/prayer; it probably wasn't really meant to be "poetry", it's just that...it sings so much better, etc.,... (And I wouldn't totally dun her work...its' content was far-reaching and excellent, in its' own way, just...I think it was too much of a to-read-with-the-eyes poem, and not enough (or anything like) of a to-be-heard-with-the-ears poem, which would have been hugely more appropriate to a listening audience of many millions, both there and around the world. Again...*SIGH!* --Packrat. | ||
| Tina Hoffman
Senior Member Username: tina_hoffman Post Number: 3526 Registered: 05-2007 |
Thank you for posting this, Chris. I had never heard of Elizabeth Alexander before this post. Best regards, Tina "It is the first of all problems for a man to find out what kind of work he is to do in this universe." ~Thomas Carlyle~ | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 82 Registered: 11-2008 |
Think Lowrey is a poet and knew exactly what he was doing. His written for the "congregation" - Hers written for the occasion, for the president, for her people, for the world and for posterity .. no pressure right? Lowrey of course more well versed at public speaking. Both did well and I'm proud for them. In the end - a nice day when a poet is asked to read at such an occasion - evermore delightful surprise to find a man of the cloth using the moment also for a bit of poetry of his own. Nice day with some exception - as always. Wonder what Laura will place in her journal this day. (Message edited by AsaSakae on January 20, 2009) | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26986 Registered: 07-2001 |
Three poets spoke this day. Did anyone hear Warren? Was there four poets? Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 83 Registered: 11-2008 |
Great catch Gary ... hey - poets are, everywhere! http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/52774/david_lehman_poem_for_obama_.html workshop challenge? (Message edited by AsaSakae on January 20, 2009) | ||
| Packrat
Intermediate Member Username: harolyn_j_gourley Post Number: 311 Registered: 02-2008 |
(Oops! Sorry if I missed one...I had to cut out and go to my baby-sitting gig. Warren?...) [Lowery...writing] for the "congregation"... Well, ye-e-eah...that pretty much includes all the rest of it, doesn't it? The good Reverend hit the button on the nose, and posterity will cherish him far longer than one might imagine! --P. | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 84 Registered: 11-2008 |
Well said and agreed (P) Appealing to the spirituality of all, yes (i believe) will find Lowrey's words cherished for longer than may have been imagined. | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 264 Registered: 07-2007 |
I do have to give Elizabeth credit for writing a poem on a particular theme and having it ready to read by a set date. Whenever I try to do that the result is usually sub-par at best. That's why I don't usually take challenges seriously. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 265 Registered: 07-2007 |
Thanks to CatGem for leading me to Elizabeth Alexander's inauguration poem. I like it a lot better on the page: Praise song for the day. Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin." We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something better down the road." We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see. Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of. Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables. Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need. What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 26989 Registered: 07-2001 |
Politico.com has both prayers and the speech but not the poem. CSPAN2 is rerunning the ceremony for most of the day. Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 86 Registered: 11-2008 |
Inauguration Benediction Rev. Joseph Lowery: Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'... http://drudgereport.com/ | ||
| Packrat
Intermediate Member Username: harolyn_j_gourley Post Number: 312 Registered: 02-2008 |
...and a-a-a-men! (Message edited by harolyn j gourley on January 21, 2009) | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1147 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hey, thanks for the links to President Obama's poems, Gary! Those are great; I'm impressed. And it's fantastic to have a poet-president, even if he did write those quite a while ago. I wonder if he quietly continues to compose verse. | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 7110 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hi all I kind of like the simplicity of Elizabeth Alexander's inaugural poem. It hits some good notes, e.g., these excerpts, which to me are memorable: All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin." We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider. . . . What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. That could actually have been enough. There were some emptier parts, and the last line fell flat for me. I was expecting a stronger ending. Certainly, these bits are a bit too heard before: Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need. But then again she was communicating to the people, on a solemn occasion, not to poetry critics. Ms. Alexander probably did not need to repeat the dull "All about us is noise." That's the poetry critic in me, but that line did lead to the nice refrain, "All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, . . ." I thought overall that it was a reasonable effort, worthwhile for the occasion and for the audience of the day. Chris (Message edited by chrisgeorge on January 20, 2009) Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.thedesertmoonreview.com Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.net http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| AsaSakae
Member Username: asasakae Post Number: 91 Registered: 11-2008 |
Christopher - don't think it (what you said) could be better said. Would seem our President well understood the poet's work and made an excellent choice. If you go to Yale University's web site you will find her and all her work. | ||
| Patricia A. Marsh
Member Username: patricia Post Number: 93 Registered: 12-2007 |
Heard, somewhere, that Ms. Alexander will be publishing the Inaugural poem in a pamphlet. A transcript of the poem can be found at the following URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-poem.html?ref=books | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 7113 Registered: 12-2004 |
A bit of a scything critique of the Elizabeth Alexander poem here in the The Times On-Line from London by Erica Wagner: Critique of Elizabeth Alexander's presidential poem. Comments from the public about the poem seem mixed but a number of people seemed pleased with it even if Ms Wagner labeled it "unmemorable." By the way I know Erica Wagner for her book on Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, Ariel’s Gift: Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and the Story of Birthday Letters. She is an American living in London and the Literary Editor for The Times. Chris Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.thedesertmoonreview.com Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.net http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| Lazarus
Senior Member Username: lazarus Post Number: 4553 Registered: 10-2005 |
Our home was in deconstruction mode just when she was reading, I mean, the guys were literally here ready to tear out a platform in our living room, something we planned months ago, and they walked in ready to work during the inauguration speech! So it was funny when the poem talked about people doing things. Anyway, I didn't get to hear it over the din so here it is in full for me or anyone else to peruse: Praise song for the day. by Elizabeth Alexander Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin." We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something better down the road." We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see. Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of. Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables. Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need. What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light. (Message edited by Lazarus on January 21, 2009) -Laz | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 271 Registered: 07-2007 |
From the Seattle Times: Graywolf Press of St. Paul, Minn. plans to publish a commemorative chapbook edition of Poet Elizabeth Alexander's inaugural poem. The press plans a print run of 100,000 copies of "Praise Song for the Day: A Poem for Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration" — that's a lot of books for Graywolf, an independent publisher. The chapbook will be available on Feb. 6. The publishing industry may be the first beneficiary of Obama's recovery plan. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| Packrat
Intermediate Member Username: harolyn_j_gourley Post Number: 315 Registered: 02-2008 |
Don't knock it...I've no doubt whatsoever that Obama-souvenirs of all sorts will be the hot, hot collectibles of the future!! --P. | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Valued Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 275 Registered: 07-2007 |
I'm not knocking it. I won't be a bit surprised if the first print sells-out. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| ~M~
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 32975 Registered: 11-1998 |
Here's a link to the poem as I believe Ms. Alexander intended (in tercets) with a single offset line at the end. Praise Song for the Day Love, M | ||
| Will Eastland
Intermediate Member Username: dwillo Post Number: 912 Registered: 07-2006 |
It reads much better that way. Walk carefully-- your shoe is what you shine your shadow with. ~Jessica Goodfellow | ||
| Lazarus
Senior Member Username: lazarus Post Number: 4563 Registered: 10-2005 |
Oh that's cool, M, good to see it there in lines. I used the version in the Times. I also have Jon Stewerts comments if anyone in interested The Daily Show can be seen on the web page for Comedy Central. As seen on the Daily Show: Jon Stewart says, after Obama's the to usher in a new American era of responsibility, there was still one problem, how do you clear 2.5 million people off the Washington mall? (He jokes that there is probably a button on Cheney's wheelchair that can do it) but Barack Obama wanted a new approach so he brought in... Clip: Dian Fienstien announces poet Elisabeth Alexander who reads: I know there's something better down the road, we need to find a place where we are safe. We walk into that which we cannot yet see. Jon: I'm not a laureate by any means but ah isn't this stuff supposed to rhyme? Did anybody help her out? then he introduces Inauguration Benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowery with this clip: We ask you to help us work with our days when black will not be ask to get back when brown can stick around when yellow can be mellow and the redman can get ahead, man... After applause, Stewart Continues: when when blue will be allowed in too and puce will be set lose when we rise above the minutia of fuchsia and orange.... screw orange! (Message edited by Lazarus on January 21, 2009) (Message edited by Lazarus on February 01, 2009) -Laz | ||
| Emusing
Senior Member Username: emusing Post Number: 7050 Registered: 08-2003 |
I enjoyed the poem and felt its message mirrored Obama's patchwork metaphor as stated in his speech. This could have been an outstanding poem had she committed it better to her mind before reading it. Also, she is not a very good reader. A good reader makes Cheerios sound like caviar. A think it was important to have someone who is as good a reader as a writer in this instance. e Word Walker Press; Moonday Poetry; Kyoto Journal | ||
| MV
Senior Member Username: michaelv Post Number: 1065 Registered: 11-2003 |
I immediately found the poem a bit Whitmanesque/Sandburg - democractic - and I like it/found it apprpriate for that. But also - and before reading Wagner's review - from a literary point of view "pedestrian." But then maybe that's appropriate given it is a public piece for everyone, and was not intended exclusively for a literary salon. Michael(MV) | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1198 Registered: 10-2005 |
Did someone already post Alexander's appearance on The Colbert Report? http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/216596/january-21-2009/elizabeth-alexander Interesting and amusing. | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 27139 Registered: 07-2001 |
Clever, though Colbert is an alien robet. Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| Lazarus
Senior Member Username: lazarus Post Number: 4595 Registered: 10-2005 |
Jeff- I'm so glad you pointed that one out. I forgot to do it when I found it. She really makes some good points and holds her own with the wily Colbert. -Laz | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1200 Registered: 10-2005 |
She does! I was actually more impressed with her on the show than I was when I heard her read at the inauguration. | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1201 Registered: 10-2005 |
Laz, you may want to fix your comedycentral link above... particularly because the typo still takes you to a site that someone might think is actually Comedy Central if they had never seen the site before. | ||
| Lazarus
Senior Member Username: lazarus Post Number: 4597 Registered: 10-2005 |
Thanks for the heads up Jeff. I didn't mean to post a link but I wrote it out as a dot com and that was how it loaded it. Something I didn't know this program would do! -Laz | ||
| Cornelius Vanvig
Intermediate Member Username: corneliusvanvig Post Number: 435 Registered: 08-2005 |
Personally, I thought the poem was pretty crappy, but not as bad as Maya Angelu's Clinton poem. Most people listening live had little clue what she was talking about. It makes a little more sense on the page, but doesn't an inauguration deserve better than this. | ||
| Judy Thompson
Advanced Member Username: judyt54 Post Number: 1369 Registered: 11-2007 |
I dont think commemorative poems do well, as a group. Frost reworked one of his and it was dreadful (he was never a good reader anyway,which didnt help), and any poem written "for an occasion" almost always sounds just that way; forced, contrived, and political in the pure sense of the word. And perhaps best left where it lies. What a poet writes from the heart is almost always far more impressive than the state occasion, and the knowledge that nine gazillion people will be watching, listening, Staring. Taking notes. And why, in these days of live telecasts, is it necessary to force everyone outdoors in twenty degree weather to watch an event that everyone could see much more comfortably at home? Afraid of the Dark | ||
| Shawn Nacona
Advanced Member Username: shawn_nacona Post Number: 1198 Registered: 03-2007 |
Thanks for sharing that link Jeff...I agree, I liked her much better on the show. I am not sure why but I did not like the poem she read during the inauguration at all! I am not sure if it was because of how she was reading in the freezing weather or the content of the poem itself, but the poem just did not stand out to me or make any impression at all, which I kind of thought it would with such a historic inauguration. Maybe E is right; perhaps it is just that the poet was not the best reader. Cheers! Shawn Nacona http://shawnnacona.wordpress.com/ | ||
| Judy Thompson
Advanced Member Username: judyt54 Post Number: 1371 Registered: 11-2007 |
someone once said that poets should not read their own work, and I begin to think they should not read anyone's, unless they have a gift for it. I have a friend who writes lovely sonnets and has the most amazing talent for making them sound even better. But if you have ever heard Yeats' recording where he reads selected pieces of his own work, you will understand the caution NOT TO. *g* A good reader can improve a piece, a poor one can ruin it, no matter how good it is. Afraid of the Dark | ||
| Dan Tompsett
Intermediate Member Username: db_tompsett Post Number: 316 Registered: 07-2007 |
You can go here: http://sites.google.com/site/poemsofdbtompsett/ to read and listen to me read my poems. Would be curious as to what you think. "People who believe a lot of crap are better off." Charles Bukowski | ||
| Jeffrey S. Lange
Advanced Member Username: runatyr Post Number: 1225 Registered: 10-2005 |
I feel as you, Shawn, with regards to the piece. It just didn't stand out to me at all, perhaps for a number of reasons. I like the piece better on the page, but if I read it first on the page I don't think it would have had much more impression. That said, I am interested enough in the poet now from that interview that I will read more of her work. Perhaps, as Judy mentions, the occasional is only occasionally any good. And Dan, I like hearing your work, thank you. Your voice is not bad for reading, and there is the advantage of knowing your own work. But there is a T.S. Eliot-esque drone to your reading sometimes. I think anyone who generally does not perform regularly will run into this, hence Judy's note about not reading unless we have a gift for it. Of course, we'll all read our own works at little open mic events. And we'll be thrilled by some voices and wish others poems were left to the page. In fairness, I'll post the only poem I uploaded to YouTube thus far. People can even see my ugly mug as I read. ;) I have some Shatner-esque pauses I might work on if I recorded it again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvopSbW9xlo&feature=channel_page |
