The Window to the World on Life of A Poet Questions:
Can
you tell us about yourself?
I was a rock n roll radio deejay
for many years, working inside and outside the continental United States. So
I've always been in the "communication" business. Language was
invented for the purpose of communication, and that's the way I feel about
poetry--that it should communicate something understandable to someone, even if
the reader has to work a little to understand it. I like it when readers come
up with different interpretations of my poems.
Which country do you live in now? What’s your profession? be general, no need to specify your location...
I live in Arizona, USA. I still host some music shows on one of the local radio stations.
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?
II was a part of this community a while
back, and then I lost track of it, so I'm happy to see that it is back and
going strong. It provides a place for poets to come together and share their
work, and I think that's important.
How
long have you been blogging? Do you think being part of a poetry community
contributes to your creative writing?
I have had my blog,
"Catnip" for about seven years now. Being part of a community such as
this one provides an impetus for me to write, because I know that people will
be reading it. I write, primarily, because it's just in there and it needs to
come out, but it's nice to know that it will be read and appreciated (maybe)
too!
Why
poetry? Do you write fiction too?
Yes, I also write fiction and
non-fiction. I have a memoir that has been published, entitled "Darwin's
Moon" (A Memoir of Pain and Glory in Poetry and Prose). But poetry often
says more with fewer words than some novels I've read, and that's why I like
it.
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'll give you three (though there are
many more) of my favorites. The first is "cat" (she doesn't
capitalize her name) and she blogs out of Canada. Her poems are often intensely
personal, reflective, introspective. She isn't afraid to reveal pain, or joy.
And it always comes from the heart. Find her at: catsruledogsdroole.blogspot.com
Next is "Magyar" at Magyar
Haiku. Haiku is one of my favorite forms, and he is a master of the form.
I am constantly amazed at how he can give me goosebumps in just three short
lines! He blogs from the New England area, USA, at: magyar-haiku.blogspot.com
And then we have Selma, of Selma In The
City, an Australian writer of considerable talent, and that's an
understatement. Her writing is poignant, haunting, and stays with you long
after you read it. She has the uncanny ability (which can't be taught) to reach
right in and grab you by the heart. selmainthecity.com
How
do you know when a poem is done? your own experiences need to be shared here...
I've heard some say that a poem is never
done, you just stop tinkering with it at some point. In some sense, that may be
true. For me, a poem is done when I feel satisfied with it, plain and simple.
When I feel the essence of what I want to say has been communicated
effectively.
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...
For I know a poem that someone else has
written is good when it gives me goosebumps. When the hair on the back of my
neck stands up! I do occasionally make minor changes to a poem after it
has been posted, because sometimes, like a kid, I'm anxious to get it out there
before it is fully ready.
Do
you think music and poetry are related? Why?
There is definitely a musicality to good
poetry. The rhythm of it. Rap music, for example, is essentially poetry
set to a beat. And some of the best songs I've ever heard are pure poetry, like
"Elusive Butterfly" by Bob Lind.
What
issues are closed to your heart? Women’s rights, child abuses, etc.…name one
…
I'd have to say freedom of speech is
number one with me. We saw recently in France how important it is to people
worldwide. If free speech is curtailed, then poets have nowhere to go, because
poetry is about speaking the truth.
What’s
your other hobbies besides writing? Do you have pets? Give us a picture if you
own a pet.
I live where the weather is warm, so I
like to get out and hike and pursue other outdoor activities. I also love
films, and I do a film review blog called "Timmy's Noodle Film
Reviews." I have two cats, currently, though in the past I had several
dogs as well. It does get chilly here sometimes at night, and my cats are
much friendlier in the winter time than in the summer.They are right there on
top of me whenever I sit down. I'd like to think it's because I'm so lovable,
but the truth is they are using me as a heating blanket!
Please
list your blog links below, share 1 or 2 poems that represents best of your
poetry talent…
Thanks in advance.
COOL BLUE EYES
Here in your world
of fantasy and fury
I wait in limbo
like a poem you've read
but won't allow to touch you
while you studiously
examine each word
for traces of toxicity
and hidden meaning
thoughts tumbling
round and round
in a spinning dream
gun sights rotating for
enemies imagined
while I bring only flowers
to place in the barrel
it's your mind
you are at war with
your anger
simmering
shimmering
behind cool blue eyes
mercurial
on an already sweltering day
firing randomly
at anything that moves
and I must duck and cover
waiting for the all clear to sound
to shoot you
my disarming smile
MATERIAL
WITNESS
I
saw you again
at
the last red light
the
girl on the billboard
flagging
a ride
to
catch a flight
But
all wings
to
the City Of Angels
were
grounded by fog
so
we taxied around
until
we found
a
cheap room
There
were clean sheets
but
no Bible
You
kissed me awake
with
your haunted eyes
ran
your hands
down
my worn Levis
We
poured the wine
and
talked about how it feels
to
be
frozen
in
time
You
said: How is it effected
this
transformation
from
image to cell?
I
said: I learned it once
in
a madhouse
just
a place we called hell
and
you're a material witness
With
the dawn
a
woman's voice
singing
an ancient tune
Your
picture in the paper
an
apparent suicide
from
the east side
of
the river
The
girl on the billboard
at
the last red light
the
fog had lifted
at
last she made her flight
(I think it's all here, but let me know if you need anything else.
Photo attached. When will this be posted? Thanks so much!)
