Poetry Is Dead ?

Poetry will never die. It’s a deep expression of the heart of humanity. As mentioned in a previous post, I’m a poet. Not long ago, I decided to give my poetry away. Not because it doesn’t sell well but because it’s a gift I want others to profit from.

From The National in Abu Dhabi: Hunger that can be fed by poetry “Poetry,” wrote Robert Frost, “is what’s lost in translation.”

From The Economist: Adversity in verse “A mix of New York’s young and liberal have assembled to witness a poetry slam….This year’s championship, the biggest to date, boasted 76 teams sent from across the United States as well as one from Paris.”

Today’s post features one of my most favored poets, Anna. But I’m well aware that most folks don’t have much of a taste for poetry. With that in mind (and remembering that poetry is the music of words) I urge those of you who think you don’t like or understand poetry to enjoy an absolutely inspiring video lesson in how to feel the meaning of life.

My meeting Anna was mysterious, like many things in our electronic culture. I thought a short interview with her was an important introduction to showcasing a few of her poems.

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Your poems often remind me of the Persian poets, especially Rumi. Are your poems to be taken at face-value or as spiritual metaphor?

There are times they may be taken at face-value; but a majority of them do have a spiritual metaphor/slant to them.

Why did you take up video podcasting your poetry?

I took up video podcasting of my poetry because I believe there are times that a person needs to hear the poem from the poet/poetess themselves.
Also, I enjoy hearing and seeing others, too.

What poets have inspired you?

Bukowski (at times), e.e. cummings, Anne Sexton, Anne Carson and a Mr. Jackson from Canada, as well as a few others.

How and why did you start writing poetry?

I started writing poetry at the age of thirteen. I was reading a magazine and found the poetry section and felt led to try it. I found out I did have the ability to write poems and just kept up from there.
I started off in free-verse. In the beginning it was an outlet for me. I grew up artistic though and would sketch. That is prior to writing.

Any personal life-details you care to share?

Well, I am twenty-something publisher/writer who loves to watch the television show House. I mainly write free-verse. I love salty foods and I love Newman’s Sweet Dark Chocolate.
I’m not opposed to doing abstract paintings and just allowing my Spirit to take the brush where it may.

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Hope you watched that video! If you did (or, didn’t but already have a feel for poetry) I’m sure you’ll find Anna’s poems an inspiration.

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fingertips paint

first i sketch eyes
drawing that aura within
no imperfections do i see unable
dusky
now breath and beauty drunk
tasting fingertips paint
dripping pale fuses and salt skin
nakedness
{what’s your thoughts}
brewing this night unleashed
bred is passion
i fall i fall there’s no easy way
delighting in an elixir
firefly lights pop those eyes
dewy smiles
pulsating swaying hearts beating
tranquil
dying to sloughing off new skin
approached new life bred rhythm
of its own birth a fleshed out soul
mid-night ecstasy

meat dripping from a cooler somewhere

a huge slab of prime rib
neatly sliced &
placed in white paper
twined tightly

yet, drip
drip
drip

blood soaking through
covered in ice
a cooler full
of hidden meaning

murmurs
can you hear
just frigid dreams
& promises

wanting a love
being entwined in
butcher’s wrapping

a muted soul
you’ve oiled & seasoned
over years
she’s coming undone

Satiated

Heart-beat flutters shutters murmurs…
involuntary twinges of love —
Heart-beat stalled; Yours that mine would make utterance
to slice open…spill upon Your feet…
Without sacrifice at the expense of Yours
Where will this match this flame this spark lead me ?
As far as grace chase for myself the least of these ?
Is it enough now that I’m overcome ?
Or can You squeeze more death-looming from I; from the internal to external ?
It cost me when I refuse to listen that I’m Your beloved…
I find my hunger then satiated by a silhouette and I grasp for You —
With a return of my own brokenness…
Once again yes once again I find You overcome;

Tell, tell…dear child
Come tell Me more that remains on your heart
I draw you close
I have been reaching for you
As you have been reaching for Me
Your tears…they are not lost
Your ache…it is not untouched…not ignored
Pour out…
I want healing to come as a salve
Not just something that keeps getting re-bandaged

Anna Speaking Some of Her Poetry

Today’s Spiritual Quotes:

“What is music? It is a combination of harmonious sounds. What is poetry? It is a symmetrical collection of words. Therefore, they are pleasing through harmony and rhythm. Poetry is much more effective and complete than prose. It stirs more deeply, for it is of a finer composition.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá words to Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as quoted in A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca (Chicago: Bahá’í Publishing Society, 1905), pp. 11-14

“As a Persian Poet has written: — ‘The Celestial Universe is so formed that the under world reflects the upper world.’ That is to say whatever exists in heaven is reflected in this phenomenal world. Now, praise be to God, this meeting of ours is a reflection of the heavenly concourse; it is as though we had taken a mirror and had gazed into it. This reflection from the heavenly concourse we know as love.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 46

Please leave your thoughts and feelings in the Comments.
Let’s have a conversation !

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