A stupid question.

[kanasta]

Brett - I know what you mean about themed publications and I would normally feel the same... However, although Popshot has a monthly theme, it's done in a creative way - the poems don't all use the most obvious subjects to fit the theme, so it's actually interesting to see how different writers have approached it. I would recommend it, especially if you are keen on art as well as writing; it's a quality production.

[Brett]

Thanks - I will check it out. Been meaning to explore a few new publications lately.

Another mag I forgot to mention was 14 magazine. All poems of 14 lines but not just sonnets.

Brett

[val]

The Guardian has a Saturday poem each week, some are interesting others not so but a good variety. This one rang a bell!
Still
By Dennis O’Driscoll from ‘Dear Life’

I know my type.
And I’m not impressed.
Throwbacks to an earlier age.
Set in our ways.
Getting more retro-looking every year.

Our dress code is old hat.
Our interest in networking sites is zilch.
Creatures of habit, we still insist
on written confirmations,
hard-copy documents.

Still hanker after printouts,
passbooks, cheques when
all about us bank online.
Still look to a wristwatch for the time.
Peruse the smudgy broadsheets for our news.

Spoilers of the nation’s
vibrant image, its youthful
gung-ho status, here on
sufferance, surviving
past our die-before-date,

we fool no one with
our claims to feel
first rate, thank God.
Not a bother. Tip-top shape.
Touch coffin wood.


One of Ogden Nash I remember is -
" the trouble with a kitten is that
eventually it becomes a cat"

I quite like Mick Imlah.
Cheers all.

[Keith exD]

Brett, you asked about our favourite poet.

Melissa Kulhanek May 1945-October 2008

She was a friend and, I believe, a terrific poet and a lovely person. She died from MS complications

Below is her last poem:


The Last Rendezvous (23 Oct 2008)

My angels in oils,
hanging on walls,
are of no help;
I can no longer hide
under their wings.

Madonna with a child,
on the pastel background,
looks only
after her babe.

Who will look after me?
The portraits
turn their heads away.

How do I dress?
In black What's appropriate
or in white?

for a rendezvous with the Grim One?

Too late,
He approaches,
He's arrived...

[Brett]

Val, Keith - thanks for sharing.

Val - the Ogden Nash made me laugh.

Keith - I really liked the poem by your friend, particularly the stanza regarding the madonna.

Cheers

Brett

[Ben Allen]

Thanks for sharing the poem, Keith.

Appreciate that you've made it available to read.

Ben

[bwoz]

No question is stupid (just some people who ask them...), just kidding of course.

But great topic: Someone years ago suggested a Ted Kooser poem to me, then I bought his "Poetry Home Repair Manual", which I highly recommend. and I have a couple of his other books.

Another fellow poet said I write similar to William STafford, so I bought "The Way it Is -- New and Selected Poems", another book I highly recommend.

Of course, I thoroughly enjoy Robert Frost, a master as the craft.

From my own journal: "Frost's poems are of secret places that only he visits and comes back to write about. Stafford's poems tap you awake in the early hours and say "Hey, let's go for a walk."

Also, I subscribe to "Poetry". A lot of really good poetry and articles by well knows and lesser known writers.

Cheers

BW