Monday, October 31, 2011

The Window To The World on Life of A Poet Week 4: Blaga




Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Blaga, I am from Bulgaria but I live in Greece for the past 10 years. I'm in love with the blue of the sea, the green of the eyes and the purple in the rainbow, colors are magical and everything has a charm in its color. I love traveling and I collect post cards, I believe that each place on Earth hides a story to be told. The weird thing is that I was always a maths person, literature at school was my least favourtite subject. Later I discovered that I am good at learning languages and when English became sort of a descent spoken language, poetry came out of nowhere. I write only for the past year and a half and so far it has given me a valuable experience. My blog http://brokensparkles.wordpress.com/  is 11 months old and it's a special part of my soul.

It's a way of expressing emotions through poetry that I wouldn't let out easily and of course I've met so many talented and friendly poets around.


We’re happy that you have been part of Poets Rally as a participant, also an official, what has driven you to where you are in this particular community? 

I lack time lately and I can't participate as much as I would like to, but such communities give you the chance to share your work with people who think alike. You know that your poem read by a poet will be appreciated, valued, even if it's only for the effort you've spent ... Different people, different cultures and countries- what better way to learn about the unknown, than blending in a community with talents all over the world?  


How long have you been blogging? Do you think being part of a poetry community contributes to your writing?

My blog will be 1 year old in 2 weeks and honestly, I am surprised that I kept it so far, when I posted my first poem last year it was like a joke and with no plan whatsoever how will all continue ... And yes, being part of a poetry community definitely contributes to my writing and I'm sure not only to mine. The challenges organized, the idea you get by visiting others ... it does hold a certain amount of the creative vision!


Why poetry? Do you write fiction too?

It started all with poetry, to me it feels much easier to express feelings in a poem. You can say so much in metaphors, keeping the reader entertained and still having your private emotions miles away ... I write short stories too, once in a while when I can't find the right words for a poem and I need to get it all out, then a short story pretty helpful to create.


Please share 3 to 5 blog links you enjoy reading most, give 2 or 3 sentences to tell why you love their creative process.

Jamie Dedes is on the top of my list. Her blog http://musingbymoonlight.com/ to me is how a blog should be. Offering a bit of everything, for any audience! And also Jamie has been a great support to me, I value her as a person!

Inside the mind of a lunatic - http://deadpoet88.wordpress.com/ the owner of the blog Sonam Mandal is a very talented girl. Words and icons coming from her are a joy for the heart!

I like Sam's blog- Serca Trova- http://somehowpersonal.wordpress.com/ 

Hugo Ramos poetry - http://hugopoems.wordpress.com/

Corina's Dragon dreams http://dragonkatet.wordpress.com/ 

and Cherlyn's - Over a cup of coffee- http://cursemymetalbody.wordpress.com/


How do you decide when a poem is good? Do you redo your own poems after they’re posted?

I know I have a lot to learn about poetry and writing, most of the time I'm sure when I go back to a certain poem, I'll probably find something to correct, but with time I hope I will get better.

Do you think music and poetry are related? Why?

Absolutely! To me music is a major inspirational source. Each melody can be a poem and by each poem you can create a music for the ears of the reader.


What issues are closed to your heart? Women’s rights, child abuses, etc.…name one…

There is so much misery all over the world. Women are abused, children are hungry without a roof on top of their heads, there are wars over faith and power .. and no matter when and where everything happens, usually the ones to suffer are the innocent souls. My heart aches for all the unfairness conquering the world, and one has to be made out of stone not to care about... watching the news every day has become quite a depressive experience, so for my blog I mostly keep the writing about love ...


What’s your other hobbies besides writing?

Most of all I like traveling, there is no comparison to what visiting other countries gives me, it's something that simply makes me happy!


Please list your blog links below, share 1 or 2 poems that represents best of your poetry talent…


Broken Sparkles

Usual, no flinch in the thick air of sin,
everything stays on place
despite dozens of arguments between
sleepy mornings and lusty nights,
nothing have moved, nothing have faded away.
Curtains still strain exhausted light,
rays of shiver coming from outside
in the remorseful beginning of winters cold.
The blanket is there to hide unreasonable fears,
your body, to defend my innocence.
Box of cereal, half- full yesterday,
half- empty today,
begging for a date with skim milk.
No chance to succeed,
I’ll throw it again
seeing it old, not All-Bran,
crunchy and brown enough.
Dark blue dress, labeled with rigor,
saying proudly:
”I’m ready, I’ll cherish your feverish skin.”
The shoes, scratched from walking
Aladdin’s cave,
cup of water to feed the violets looking pretty,
sandwich of tuna and lettuce teases hunger,
seems again to fit the routine.
Just sounds of broken sparkles,
follow as I go downstairs,
I hear the click,
loud, persisting appearance,
undressing me,
leaving me shamefully naked,
saying it’s never going to be the same.
Not my afterthought escaped to visit
another sweet embrace,
another golden prison.
Not after flicking flames of pink candles,
lit as a votive,
doesn’t show sparkling love, just
lust worth living …


people

they come
when the dust crawls
on street corners
when you need help
to inhale the ashes
left after demons fight
kindness offered
breaths undercover
making you a better man
a woman.
barely in charge, addicted
you accept them
they hold you
when tears betray you
to let you know
there’s this salty taste of life
no proof of sound to register
the beauty of arms around you
in and out, up and down
the value of a friendly hand
matters in each second
in moments when you realize
you can’t have
the whole pot of ice-cream alone
they go eventually
with a promise to return
but only in your deep sleep
leaving empty
the guest’s cup of coffee
grounded on a shelf with bitter herbs
they come and go
like trains in opposite directions
like seasons changing the shade of the day
leaving you constantly sitting
on a cold bench at faraway metro station
They come and always go!

Royal Love

In the time of silence, when dimness is all I see,
you can make me believe the world is maybe royal.
Across the bed with silk and mirrors, where lies my pride,
you may convince me I’m the last in the monarchy of lions.
If the edges of my ivory gown touch the ballroom floor,
you can turn into ashes my crystal crown, let my hair flow down.
And when the neon in your eyes set in flames my naive heart,
I can even let you call me a Queen, I can accept your endearment.
But in mornings with coffee, when the sound of traffic is all I hear,
don’t say a word, don’t send me orchid petals in envelopes.
When your voice is just an echo in the distance, I tremble under
the spell of my own world, for I can only be a lady, but never royal.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Participants Talent Show Week 4 on Leo






Hello, welcome to Thursday Poets Rally Participants Talent Show Shape Poetry Week 4,  (we will post biweekly from now on, so stay tuned and enjoy the fun!)

what you are viewing is an entry to poets rally week 27  from a talented poet Leo, you can visit his original post via the link below:

 Leo:http://leonnyes.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/the-butterfly-lover/
                  

At Poets Rally,  we practice disciplines, promises keeping, and positive mingling, we also share special talent and learn to improve our own understanding and creative writing with our best capacity... 


 Leo  has been an active poets rally participant for at least 15 months, He has served as an official for poets rally for about 8 rally weeks, he is a loyal supporter to poets rally and has outstanding contribution as a participant and as an official while he was serving, we are very lucky to discover Leo and have him be part of our group. Keep it up!

Inspiration of the Week 5: On Chimnese



The City of Chimnese



Hello, Welcome to Inspirations of the week  5,  today, let’s take a look at a fabulous blogger, an outstanding poet and official  My Poetry & Writing, by Chimnese,


She writes poetry with various topics, she also write short fiction, she does Book Review too,  in her own words,

My name is Chimnese Davids; I was born in Cape Town, South Africa. I work as an accounts clerk for a Property Management company. Writing has always been my passion since I was a little girl, listening to my grandmother, as she would tell me stories of her childhood, I would sit and listen intensively. I guess you can say I was a bit home bound, my books and my grandmother was where you would always find me. My space for me as long as I can recall was "with her nose in her book" as my gran replied. Where do I begin: Like the opening line of the song, " Love Story", where does one begin to tell a story... I first started out as a fan fiction writer on the Spashley relationship pairing. A year after that I moved to poetry when I came across the website All poetry. I post most of my poetry that’s currently on my author blog at Allpoetry.com. In the past year I have had poetry published on an online magazine, AllthingsGirl. Where they published my poem, Raising Daughters. In June 2011 I was one of the contributors towards a poetry anthology Step Into My Shoes with jafansta publications.”


Everyday Grace from Chimnese

“ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ”


I agree with HER,  and I love her poetry and value her 100% perfect attitude at the same time, Thanks for reading, stay tuned for our week 4 Participants Talent Show Tonight.

One of the poems I enjoyed so far is


Fallen
By 
Chimnese

So those words just start drifting
Through my mind,
As fresh tears are willing to fall,
I try so hard to push them back,
Telling myself that I have no right,
That I haven't needed to break down
And cry, I can't accept this,
Tears falling, when all I'm thinking
Why not spoke up earlier.
What have I missed out?
Was I so consumed with my own hurt?
That I didn't watch what was going
On around me.
Do you blame me for everything I've been through?
 That we've been through.
Our hearts belong together
That's what I know.
I'm sitting up late this morning
While sad love songs are playing
Our songs, our future gone.
I didn't even feel this ache
I'm feeling now months ago,
But here it, I feel regret now.
I'm heart broken.
So this must have felt like
When I broke yours,
And heart wrenching, suffocating pain.
The kind of pain that leaves your head
Spinning, that leads you to do things
Unknown.
A dark red room with your knife
Right through the center of it.
The more I see you happy,
The more the knife twist and turns
That I can't feel anything anymore,
Numb and empty that's how I feel.
You've won the battle.
Walk out the door as you smile
And grab someone else's hand.
Leaving me barely can take a breath
As nothing is left but being fallen.

 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Agreement for Thursday Poets Rally Week 54 (October 20-26, 2011)



Greetings, Welcome to Thursday Poets Rally Week 54.


Please feel free to submit a poem of your choice after you've  read and answered the following questions:

#1: Are you submitting a poem written by yourself?  Please say YES or NO.

#2: By linking in your work, you are automatically a participant, which implies that you allow Poets Rally officials, including participants unlimited access to your blog post during the week, and you will NOT complain about how often people have visited or commented for your work. Do you agree? Please give a clear YES or NO.

#3: To be counted as an active poet and considered for special features or official awards , you must meet the requirements:

#1):Return favors to those who have commented for you;

#2):In general, One Quality Entry is preferred, if you insist on submitting more than one poems, make sure that you make additional comments to your peers, 

One entry, 18 comments, this is strongly recommended,
2nd entry, make an additional 12 comments,

Are you going to fulfill requirements with your best knowledge? Please say YES or No.

#4: If you are nominated for The Perfect Poet Award, are you going to accept the award, following the rules to post a poem and nominate another previous participant? Please say YES or NO. To avoid frustration, Ava awards those who said YES…

#5: Thursday Poets Rally is all about freedom of poetic expressions, self-disciplines, positive mingling, and promises keeping. You are expected to follow the rules, share a piece of poetry of your choice, and have quality time here.

As a participant, you are representing Thursday Poets Rally, no personal biases, no negative comment, or email gossips are encouraged or tolerated…Are you willing to work on building a positive, encouraging, and respectful poetry community by being modest, considerate, and professional? YES or No, Please respond.

Please answer all 5 questions, … with this agreement, we are clear about our duty and complaints or potential issues are avoided…

Please feel free to visit Week 53 The Perfect Poet Award Winners Via the Link Below:




Thursday Poets’ Rally Week 54 (October 20-October 26, 2011)



The linkz will remain open for an entire week, take your time, do make at least 18 comments to your peers and LEAVE A COMMENT under this post to let us know after you are done.  ;)

One Quality Entry is preferred, Thanks a Lot!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Perfect Poet Award Week 54




Hello everyone and welcome to another glorious award giving-and-receiving extravaganza! I am Ava and I will be awarding all you well-loved poets this week! Congratulations and good luck to all! Keep writing!!



The award goes to:



A.B Thomas

Brian Miller

liv2write2day

Ava

Gigi Ann

Stephanie

Heaven

Fire and Ice

Luke Water

Robin

Chromapoesy

June Butterfly

JANU

Caledonia Poems

Eric

Rachel Hoyt

Jeanette

Leo

Buttterflies of Time

Broken Sparkles

Dragonkatet

Eclipse of the Moon

C Rose

Shadiatique

Hoofprints

Die Reise meines Lebens

Jacqui Binford-Bell

Baishali

Dark Angel Writes

Voice of True Love

Cindy Eksuzian

Darryl Davis

tinkwelborn

Sherrie Theriault

Andy

The Word Bar

Traci B

Julia Kneale

Half way between the Gutter

Paige

Dave

Leonargo

Old Jules 

Charles L. Mashburn

Becky

Helena

Kim Williams

Keith's Ramblings

Daily Journey

Susie Clevenger

Black Swan Poetry

Sweet Pea

Mission Improvisational

Dishilicious

The Unknown Gnome

Chocolate Lover

Someone is Special

A Little more than Ordinary

Random Scribblings

McFly

Donna Swanson

Rach

Mike Jackson

ibeing me

Duncancleary

Me Daily

Charlie Parant

Clean Word




Rules to Accept the Award:
  • Put the logo on your blog under your poets rally entry or any poem post before or on next rally.
  • Post a poem (or a Haiku) under the logo.
  • Tag The Poetry Palace to link back to This Award Post.
  • Nominate One Previous Participant or current participant and leave the nominees link to their blog and you're done!
  • Please copy and paste your acceptance post link in the comments section of post.
A sample award acceptance is linked here:

Congrats to all who won!



















Monday, October 17, 2011

The Window to The World on Life of A Poet Week 3



Can you tell us about yourself?



I am a struggling writer, fledgling illustrator, and also a lawyer, meaning that I spend a lot of time practicing things--writing, drawing and law.  I have published one book of poetry called "Going on Somewhere" (available on Amazon), and a children's counting book, which I wrote and illustrated called "1 Mississippi.


Which country do you live in now? What’s your profession? be general, no need to specify your location... 



I primarily live and work in New York City. 


We’re happy that you have been part of Poets Rally as a participant, what has driven you to where you are in this particular community?

I've been incredibly impressed by the energy and kindness of the organizers of Poets Rally.  You guys really work hard to get people involved and are very supportive of a wide variety of poetry.  (There is not much support of poetry in the culture in general, so you are quite unusual and really terrific.) 


How long have you been blogging? Do you think being part of a poetry community contributes to your creative writing?


I have been blogging for a little over two years.  I do think being part of an online poetry community is supportive, as it is lovely to see what other people are doing and to get feedback for your own work.  Blogging can feel very lonely!  


Why poetry? Do you write fiction too?


I write poetry because I like the words and language and nuances and music and odd connections and juxtapositions that poetry allows; writing poetry allows you to discover meaning and connections that you had hardly even guessed at before you set pen to page or fingers to computer.  But frankly, although I write a lot of poetry, I consider myself primarily a fiction writer.  I am about to publish my first novel, a comic teenage mystery, called NOSE DIVE.   (Please look for it on Amazon.  It should be coming out in about a month.)  


Please share 3 to 5 blog links you enjoy reading most, give 1 or 2 sentences to tell why you love their creative process.

I have to confess that I do not follow many blogs regularly.  I go to the links of Promising Poets read individual poems, but I am just too busy to follow many on an ongoing basis.   


How do you know when a poem is done? your own experiences need to be shared here...


For me, the best way to work on a poem is to read it aloud.  If it reads well, if it is something that you might even be able or willing to memorize, it is getting close to finished.

How do you decide when a poem is "good"? Do you redo your own poems after they’re posted? it could be poem someone else written...

It is difficult for a writer to judge his or her own work, particularly when in the throes of creation.  Writing is so engaging, that I almost automatically like something when it is fresh.  Afterwards, I am sometimes appalled that I couldn't see all the flaws.  One problem with blogging poetry is that one tends to post things quite quickly, and it is hard to have the distance to judge whether they need re-working.  Often, I will call a freshly written poem that I post a "Draft Poem" just to clarify that this really may not be finished.  And yes, I do rewrite poems after posting them.  My advice though is that it is better not to post something if you do not think it is close to finished.  I, at least, can feel very embarrassed when I expose something that really wasn't ready, and this can interfere with re-working.

Do you think music and poetry are related? Why?

Absolutely!  My interest is sound in poetry is a reason why I write a lot of formal poetry, such as villanelles, sonnets, sestinas, pantoums as they have a built-in music due to the form.   


What issues are closed to your heart? Women’s rights, child abuses, etc.…name one…

Many issues are close to my heart!  I am very concerned about poverty, women's rights (mainly overseas), education, the degradation of the planet. 

What’s your other hobbies besides writing? Do you have pets? Give us a picture if you own a pet.


Yes.  I have a very old dog named Pearl who is one of my favorite subjects for illustration. (Other than elephants.) 

Please list your blog links below, share 1 or 2 poems that represents best of your poetry talent…

Here is the link to my first book of poems GOING ON SOMEWHERE, written by me (Karin Gustafson), illustrated by Diana Barco, and cover by Jason Martin.

Here is the link to my children's counting book:  1 MISSISSIPPI (words and pictures by Karin Gustafson). 

Particular post links:  Here's a funny poem - children's "villainelle" with my own illustrations.   http://manicddaily.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/national-poetry-month-day-13-villain-elle-with-elephants/



Thanks again so so much for your attention to my work, and most of all, for your loving support of online poetry.  

Karin Gustafson a/k/a Manicddaily http://Manicddaily.wordpress.com

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Participants Talent Show Week 3 on Waystationone


Do u speak gold fish (box)? By Waystationone,


there is a box. and try as you might
to fit him in, parts keep sticking out
keeping you from closing the lid. he
fidgets, dancing foot 2 foot, refusing
2 look you N the eye, annoying you,
as you raise your voice, to be heard
he stutters, words cascading out his
mouth in jumbled masses, rocks w/
sharp edges, then escalating, yelling,
swearing, out right refusing 2 move
to your wishes. there is a box, & he
does not fit it, spilling out more like
puzzle pieces yet to be put 2gether.

do you speak goldfish? he asks, his
cheeks sucking in as he puckers his
lips & they watch him through the
glass. he barks like a rabid dog at a
mountain lion, creating awkward
moments, as he does often. clumsy,
he answers i dunno when U ask him.
@ times he doesn't listen, but do U?
it's called autism. and he is your son.
U can get angry @ him or love him,
push him into a box that doesn't fit
him or learn to speak goldfish and
watch him swim...

there is a box
and he doesn't fit
but that doesn't make him
any less beautiful a gift.


Waystationone is one of the first participants at Thursday Poets Rally, he has jumped on the wagon without hesitation 21 months ago,  and he used to enjoy visiting fellow peers and encouring fresh talents.

He has gone to start his own poetry site in July, 2010 after 6 months long experiences with poets rally.

In his own words,


“the first poet community that i was a part of before starting my own was the Thursday Poets Rally so it is a part of my history...”


I was one of the founders of One Stop Poetry, an award winning poetry community that we recently disbanded and after which teamed up with Claudia Schoenfeld to build a great team of poets to start dVerse Poets Pub. (for link: http://dversepoets.com)

After he is gone, he still paid attention to poets rally and came back to visit some fresh talents from time to time, his love for poetry, poetry promotion and inspiration has kept him active as participants First, and active as one who supports or encourages other poets to join and have fun.

As you can see, Thursday Poets Rally nurtures outstanding talent and potential leaders,
Waystatioinone used to be the perfect poet award winner on weekly basis, and he had been leading as a participant during his stay at poets rally for 22 weeks in a row and now, he is a co-founder of two handsome poetry communities,

I am proud of his achievement, and firmly believe that YOU, as current poets rally participants, shall feel proud of peers such as this one,  and it is time for you to read his blog, join his poetry community, or think about building one on your own.  


To view featured poem post, visit here: 



To view his recent interview with Jingle Poetry Community, visit the link below:



To participate at Waystationone’s  current poetry community, check it out here:



Thursday Poets Rally encourages you, as a poet to actively participate and polish your poetic muses in this particular community AND in other online poetry communities such as dVerse Poets Pub!

Keep writing,
Keep sharing,
Keep inspiring,
Keep improving!

Bless You All!

Inspiration of the week - 4


Welcome to the The Poetry Palace and "Inspiration of the week". With so many talented poets and amazing poems, every other Sunday we will feature a random poem that has made an impression! I am Blaga and it's a pleasure to be with you!





Today I've chosen to feature a poem by "Eclipse of the moon"! Enjoy!


* Kisses Of Salt *


On the other side of my mirror
there is a diamond
resting within the palm of velvet
glowing with a thousand colors
A reflection of blue
A memory of green
Laughter of the sea in the sunset
A song of noisy crickets
captured in the olive branches


Behind my mirror glass
deep inside the heart
there is a pearl
A reflection of the sea
A memory in the sand
Sealed with kisses of salt
preserved forever
within the sound of waves

* * * * *

Join Poetry Rally week 54, next week, 10am, on the 19th of October!
Have a lovely and creative Sunday!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Agreement for Thursday Poets Rally Week 53 (October 6-12, 2011)





Greetings, Welcome to Thursday Poets Rally Week 53.  


Please feel free to submit after you've  read and answered the following questions:


#1: Are you submitting a poem written by yourself?  Please say YES or NO.

#2: By linking in your work, you are automatically a participant, which implies that you allow Poets Rally officials, including participants unlimited access to your blog post during the week, and you will NOT complain about how often people have visited or commented for your work. Do you agree? Please give a clear YES or NO.

#3: To be counted as an active poet and considered for special features or official awards , you must meet the requirements:

#1): Return favors to those who have commented for you;

#2):  In general, One Quality Entry is preferred, if you insist on submitting more than one poems, make sure that you make additional comments to your peers, 


One entry, 18 comments, this is strongly recommended.
2nd entry, make an additional 12 comments,

Are you going to fulfill requirements with your best knowledge? Please say YES or No.

#4: If you are nominated for The Perfect Poet Award, are you going to accept the award, following the rules to post a poem and nominate another previous participant? Please say YES or NO. To avoid frustration, Ava awards those who said YES…

#5: Thursday Poets Rally is all about freedom of poetic expressions, self-disciplines, positive mingling, and promises keeping. You are expected to follow the rules, share a piece of poetry of your choice, and have quality time here.

As a participant, you are representing Thursday Poets Rally, no personal biases, no negative comment, or email gossips are encouraged or tolerated…Are you willing to work on building a positive, encouraging, and respectful poetry community by being modest, considerate, and professional? YES or No, Please respond.

Please answer all 5 questions, … with this agreement, we are clear about our duty and complaints or potential issues are avoided…


Please feel free to visit Week 52 The Perfect Poet Award Winners Via the Link Below:



Thursday Poets’ Rally Week 53 (October 6-October 12, 2011)



The linkz will remain open for an entire week, take your time, do make at least 18 comments to your peers and LEAVE A COMMENT under this post to let us know after you are done.  ;)

One Quality Entry is preferred, Thanks a Lot!

Thanks a Lot for your attention and understanding! Happy Rally, Everyone!

hyde park poetry week 156, Happy Thanksgiving