April Fooled?

How do you like the new photos?
Here’s your April Fool’s Challenge:
Can you guess whether Poet Hound is a Cat owner or Dog owner? The dog’s name is Duchess and the cat’s name is Truman. The dog is female, the cat is male. If you would like to take a guess and shoot me an e-mail I will respond as to whether you are correct or not. If you are correct, I’ll offer to send you a hand-written poem via snail mail if you are willing to include a mailing address. (Offer not available to those outside the U.S., sorry folks, need to save some pennies). You must respond by THURSDAY April 3rd via e-mail poethoundATblogspotDOTcom in order to get the hand-written poem offer. Otherwise, I will only confirm via e-mail whether you are correct or not. Either way, an interesting twist, isn’t it? Good luck, and hope you have a great April Fool’s Day.

Hint: I only own one animal, one person asked if it was a trick question and perhaps both? Nope, only one or the other...
Thanks for stopping in! Please stop by tomorrow for Poems Found by Poet Hound…

Site Up-Date

I’ll be up-dating the Poet Hound site shortly with up-dated photos of yours truly, stay tuned!

Also, sign up on Poets.org if you are interested in getting a Poem A Day for National Poetry Month in April! Use the link below:

http://www.poets.org/poemADay.php


Thanks for dropping in, please stop by tomorrow…

Walter Dean Meyers

Walter Dean Myers has been publishing poetry from an early age but it also known as a playwright, musician, and novelist. I picked up his book of poems titled Here in Harlem poems in many voices published by Holiday House New York. These poems are written from the perspective of people living out their everyday lives whether they be laborers, artists, children, etc. from Harlem. Many of the poems have accompanying photos or memorabilia.
The poem titled “Willie Arnold, 30 Alto Sax Player” is written as though the speaker is playing his instrument in the background and has repeating stanzas like a chorus. A few of the lines in the chorus go like this: “Hot notes sailing/Like soulful birds/Song without words” and throughout is the tune, consisting of “be-bops.” It is a great poem because of the energy just like the alto sax would be playing and wonderful lines such as “As I’m blowing/Really flowing/Up to the moon/With this sweet tune.” I believe Mr. Meyers captures the voice perfectly.
Then there is the poem much more like prose titled “Clara Brown’s Testimony Part II” where a woman recounts her childhood in Harlem auditioning for the Cotton Club with her sister. “When it was time for us to show our stuff, we did it with style! You hear me?” the woman recounts, and as she continues the story you find at the end from the piano player’s mouth “I’m sorry girls…But they only hire light-skinned girls to dance here.” The story in the poem breaks your heart like it does the girl who auditioned. While I wouldn’t call it a poem, as it looks like it has been broken into paragraphs, it is a poignant story to capture a reader’s heart.
To find out more about the poet and his work, please utilize the link below:

http://aalbc.com/authors/walter1.htm

As always, thanks for reading, please come by tomorrow…

Poetry and Poets in Rags Blog

This blog has a news ticker which I like watching the headlines run as well as commentary on all things poetic worldwide. Please check it out at:

http://poetryandpoetsinrags.blogspot.com/

Thanks for checking in, please come by tomorrow for another featured poet…

Poetry Tips Question 4: What are the appropriate steps to take when submitting poems?

Jim Murdoch:

Make sure you read the guidelines thoroughly. Some sites are very fussy. Always keep a record of what you've sent and when (and also how long you can expect to wait for a reply).


Barbara Smith:

What Jim said. Pay attention to what you're supposed to do and be very thorough with that last proofread. And then do it again.


Rob Mack:

First, check out the magazine to see if your poems will fit and, also, to see if you like the magazine (no point in having poems published in a zine where you dislike everything else). Stick to the guidelines. Stick to your own vision – write what needs to be written, not what you think a magazine editor might like to read. Then, afterwards, do step one again.


Juliet Wilson:

Read the website or journal you want to submit to, find some of your poems that fit, follow the guidelines carefully and send your poems off. Then wait patiently.

Ben Wilkinson:

The list of what to do is simple. Type up your poems in a clear, legible font on plain A4 paper. Proofread. One poem to a page, please: give them room to breathe. Write a brief covering letter. Be polite, but don't try to butter up the editor. Your poems should do the talking. Mention briefly any previous successes, publications and / or prizes. Make sure you include an SAE and sufficient return postage with your submission, and make sure that your envelopes are a decent size (A5). Be patient when waiting for a response. A gentle email nudge after two or three months (unless the average reading time is stated as being much longer) is usually acceptable.


Cuitlamiztli Carter:

Read the journal or website you're submitting to, or if it's ananthology either look for previous volumes or just look at the poetrythat the editors themselves have written. Once you're sure that yourpoetry isn't completely out of bounds form what they would like,follow their submission information after carefully proofing yourmanuscript.Also, do some deep breathing exercises before you seal the envelope,and tell yourself "My confidence as a poet does not hinge on this onesubmission..." a few times. Don't pin all your hopes on thatsubmission, and make sure your cover letter is suitably humble withoutbeing self-effacing. No one likes a braggart; no one respects aself-loather.


Hazel B. Cameron
a/ Check they are open to submissions.
b/ Read and follow the guidelines.
c/ If possible, read a copy of previous issues. The poetry library can help here.

Thanks to the contributors and thanks to you for reading, please stop by tomorrow for another poetry blog…

Frogpond Open Submissions

For those of you who love to write haiku and other eastern forms, the submissions period is open until April 15th. Frogpond is published 3 times per year, and I copy and pasted some of the details:

The Submission May Include Any or All of the Following
1. Up to ten (10) haiku and/or senryu2. Up to three (3) haibun 3. Up to three (3) rengay or other short sequences4. One (1) renku or other long sequence5. One (1) essay6. One (1) book review
Submission Periods
1. February 15 to April 15 (Spring/Summer Issue)2. June 01 to August 01 (Fall Issue)3. September 15 to November 15 (Winter Issue)
Submission Addresses:
George Swede, Editor Box 279, Station PToronto, ON M5S 2S8Canada
Email: gswede@ryerson.ca
Please use the link below to be absolutely sure you have everything correct.

http://www.hsa-haiku.org/frogpond.htm

Thanks for dropping in, please stop by for more Poetry Tips from the audience!

Poems Found by Poet Hound

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15433
Audio poem of Gwedolyn Brooks’ “We Real Cool”

http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1454
Joan Fleming’s “Monday in the Library”

Thanks for reading, please stop by tomorrow for more Open Submissions

Donors Choose

This site is amazing in that it connects teachers who need funding for special projects in their classrooms to people who are interested in donating money for a good cause. If you’d like to create a love of poetry from an early age I urge you to go to the site, type in “poetry” and fund a poetry-related project for any of the worthy teachers and students here in the USA. Not only will you be making a tax deductible donation but you will also help instill in students a love of poetry in that will continue through adulthood. Find out more at:

http://donorschoose.org

Thanks for reading in, please stop by Wednesday…

Mark Doty

School of the Arts by Mark Doty is not a book for the faint of heart or for those who are uncomfortable with reading about homosexuality. Having said that, this book of poetry is an excellent read if you are open-minded. Mark Doty takes on the ideas of death, gardening, film makers preventing him from walking his dogs in the usual path, and much more.
In the poem “Heaven for Helen” Mr. Doty describes his friend’s contentment with the idea of passing on and being a part of everything, while the poet himself struggles with the idea of becoming “one” with items such as diesel fuel and egg cartons. It certainly produced a smile on my face upon reading it, and I love his virtuous description of his friend: “Helen/would take the greatest pleasure/in being a scrap of paper,/if that’s what there was to experience.”
I also think the poem “Oncoming Train” points out our darker side, collectively, in our humanity. This poem describes the idea of restraining oneself from jumping in front of an oncoming train not out of a wish for death but because of (and these are Mark Doty’s lines) “…the idea of simply stepping out of forwardness/--that moment is the clearest invitation and opportunity.” Often there are moments where you wonder what would have happened if…? If you’d stepped out into the busy street without looking, if you’d gotten on that plane that crashed and is all over the news, if… The list could go on forever.
The poems in this collection challenge the readers to face the sometimes taboo, sometimes darker sides of life. Don’t worry though, there are also softer poems, funny poems, ones about giving a friend a flower to plant in his garden, or stripping down to nothing during a photo shoot out of adrenaline… In all, the book is lively and certainly won’t leave you bored. I hope that you will find Mark Doty as interesting as I do.

http://poetryfoundation.org/archive/poet.html?id=1842

In the meantime, I insist you stop by tomorrow for a site that you can utilize to instill a love of poetry in children if you dare….

The Blog Poetic

Alexis Orgera posts reviews of poets and has entertaining article. I’m glad she posts reviews of poets so that when I see a chapbook or book mentioned somewhere it might just be in a review by a blogger somewhere (like Alexis). Always a plus to know what a poet’s work might be like when you’re wanting to take a chance on buying it. Check it out at:

http://www.theblogpoetic.blogspot.com/

Thanks for dropping in, please stop by tomorrow for another featured poet…

Poetry Tips Question 3: How Do You Seek Out Inspiration?

Jim Murdoch:

I don't. It seeks me out. If I don't have any then I write without it. It's nice to have it but it's not essential.


Barbara Smith:

Er. I was told 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. And that's pretty much true. Keep on writing and working at stuff and you get better at writing better stuff. No big secret. Writing is like a muscle that you tone through use - though watch out for RSI. ;)

Rob Mack:

Sometimes it just arrives out of the blue. Other times it seems to happen in the middle of writing something entirely uninspired i.e. you create your own inspiration. But if you try too hard to seek out inspiration, it will stay hidden away. That’s the one sure thing.


Juliet Wilson:
Inspiration is everywhere, its recognizing it and using it that is the challenge.


Ben Wilkinson:

Pass. Everyday life, books, personal interests, newspapers, personal experience (more often than not twisted and reinvented), possibilities (both personal and universal), how shit-scary life and the world can be, other poems, things all over the bloody place. It tends to turn up at random rather than in my actively seeking it out. And it's normally a case of whether or not the subject lends itself well in my mind to a good first line or two, or a strong image or metaphor or something I can scribble down in a notebook. Sometimes I write about the strangest things, or things I never thought I'd write about. A breakthrough piece for me (in that it was my first poem published in the TLS) came in the form of a short sequence on the scientist Nikola Telsa. Break the rules. There's no such thing as an un-poetic subject: it's just whether or not the poet is up to making it into one.


Cuitlamiztli Carter:

To set up a rough metaphor, modern magicians don't so much segregate their lives into the "magickal moments" and the "mundane moments."Instead, they view each moment via a new lens. Every moment has both magickal potential & magickal significance. Likewise, inspiration is everywhere you are - as much as that sounds like a sophism, as one discovers what her or his poetic goals are, and dwells on those goals,they will begin to see connections in events, scenery, conversations,etc. that will provide them ways to express those goals.I would also say, less mystically, to read, read, read. The more you put other people's ideas into your brain, the more you can use them as a springboard. Also, it will make you aware of what's already been explored, so you can make sure your work is fresh.


Hazel B. Cameron
By reading anything other than poetry or listening to interviews...usually one phrase catches me out and I have to stop and write a poem. I often get inspiration when it’s impossible to write – like in the shower, a business meeting or whilst driving.



Thanks for reading, please stop by tomorrow for another featured blog!

Gloom Cupboard Print Edition Open Submissions

Richard at Gloom Cupboard just sent me an e-mail requesting that I inform you all that there are open submissions for the second print edition!
Here are the guidelines:

“After the astonishing success of the first Print Edition we are pleased to announce that we are now accepting submissions for the second. There are a few simple guidelines we need you to adhere to. If you want to submit then send at least three poems, up to three pieces of flash fiction or short stories that do not exceed 1000 words.
We require words that challenge, provoke and stimulate with no restrictions on style or content email: poetry/flash fiction/short stories to aprilmaymarch777@yahoo.co.uktitle the email 'Submission'

Send what you deem to be appropriate”

http://.gloomcupboard.blogspot.com

I also have a link to Gloom Cupboard on the sidebar so please utilize it to visit Gloom Cupboard anytime and good luck on your submissions.

Please stop by tomorrow for answers from the Poet Hound audience to Question 3: How do you seek out inspiration?

Poems Found by Poet Hound

http://www.sundress.net/wickedalice/reed.html
“Yellow Madness” by Talia Reed

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/19007
“Space Station” by Tom Sleigh

Eric Darby's Poetry Site

My husband stumbled onto Eric Darby’s performance on a web-site he frequents. I have to say, I’m hooked! Darby is awesome. Definitely check out and listen to his poetry slams at the site below you will not be disappointed. It certainly inspires me, I hope it does the same for you.

http://www.ericdarby.net/default.htm

Thanks for checking in, please stop by tomorrow…

William Logan

Mr. Logan was born in 1950 and has published over seven books of poetry. He divides his time between Florida and Cambridge, England according to the book I checked out at the library. This book is titled Night Battle published by Penguin Books. I’ve taken a while to get used to his poems, actually. I pick up the beautiful covers that often accompany his words and don’t always connect with the words inside.
This is one of those times where you revisit a poet often because you may not always “get” them and finally you make a connection after several times of attempting to read their work. This is the first time I’ve taken a book of his home with me and finally felt I could read the poems with greater ease. This particular book has quite a few rhyming poems which I am always a fan of. I love free verse just as much, but rhyme has an ability to flow into a rhythm that feels natural. After all, the majority of us are used to rhyme when it comes to song lyrics, and rhyming in poems always feels natural to me.
I have several “dog-eared” corners of poems I enjoyed in his book. Again, I wish I had the ability to request permission to print an entire poem but I usually don’t start far enough ahead to ask permission. One poem I enjoy is “Florida in January” because, of course, I live in Florida and it describes January perfectly for my area. An example of the lines are: “the cold of winter is somehow colder here/ the trees bleaker, with their rags of Spanish moss,/ the very air clipped and impatient.” It goes on to say “But, inshore, a crusty alligator steams,/nosing into reeds let to let off passengers/or take on canvas sacks of mail,” Obviously this poem doesn’t have the rhyme scheme but it has great imagery and I love the line about alligators taking canvas sacks of mail. Almost a Richard Scary kind of detail in a children’s book.
“Small Bad Town” has the rhyme scheme I mentioned earlier and is broken into quatrains with a snapshot of small-town life in each one. For example: “of the local housewife/burning from her soaps./Time sends invitations/in little envelopes.” It plays between the human and animal life in this small town which I enjoy since most people forget that wildlife shares the same space without our realizing it. It’s a great idea for a poem, I think.
The whole book is divided into sections and I enjoy the poems in all of them. Some are still hard for me to grasp, but I continue to challenge myself into reading them and I suggest you do the same for any poet who may initially grab your interest but stump you at some point. I must have read the poem “Niobe” several times because I couldn’t get the story line straight within it. There are several characters and I had trouble identifying who played what role in the story.
I challenge all of you to challenge yourself in your reading of poetry. Do not deny a poet because you don’t understand them, just pick the books up again from time to time and read through several until finally one “clicks.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised. In the meantime, check out the links below and please read William Logan’s poems when you stumble upon them.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poet.html?id=80604
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16565

Thanks for reading, please stop by for a great site feature…