For Good Relationships with Yourself
You can write bad poetry, can you not? Why do so? Here are three reasons:
1. If you think it doesn't have to rhyme or be any good, you will write a poem each time you are struck by awe, struck in the gut, struck in the heart for good or bad.
2. If you write some, you will read one of mine. (below) Then you will start a heartfelt relationship with me.
3. You will soon afterward discover what is really important to you in all your relationships.
Many people assume that poetry is hard to understand or boring. Some academic poems are boring because they are simply showing off erudition. But poems about momentous or weird little experiences that strike the poet are wonderful to hear. Some are better than monologues from well known stand-up comics.
Poetry likes a strong feeling and the courage to express it with the power of that feeling. No holding back. Flat out condensation of the moment.
When you write bad poetry you feel gloriously alive. You improve all your relationships.
Eventually, you may re-write and turn your poems into some really good stuff.
Poetry won't make you money, but it will make you rich. Here's one of mine that set me free. See if you can tell how it set me free. If you have any questions, write to me. evycole@hughes.net
CRAVINGS by Evelyn Cole
I want to put out bowls of candy/to welcome every guest/ all kinds of sweets/ dripping with decadence
to offer red wine with legs/ stuffed grape leaves, Retsina, Italian prawns/carrot flan, Incan fire dip
and succulent salads /chilled ready to serve/ spinach, asparagus, pistachios /all fresh aphrodisiacs
marinated meats/ ready to grill to any taste/ from rare to rubber/ spiced tofu for some
a full shelf of pies I’ve just baked /with perfect crusts /Tiramisu and mocha mousse too /and apricot clafoutis
I have a craving for candy I don’t eat/a passion for cooking concoctions others won’t touch/ a yearning for money to give it away/
Why?
A craving to please /to ease
Why? A craving to give /to live?
Ah, Do I need to put out /or die?
~~~
That last stanza took me by surprise.
Here is what the former U.S. poet laureate, Stanley Kunitz, says about poetry. It's wild and wonderful.
Saturated with Impulse Stanley Kuntiz from “The Braid”
"So much of the creative life has its source in the erotic. The first impulse is strongly erotic, but then one becomes reflective--a philosophic human being, an explorer--and then as one grows older and older there’s a need to renew that energy associated with erotic impulse.
"A poet without a strong libido almost inevitably belongs to the weaker category; such a poet can carry off a technical effect with a degree of flourish, but the poem does not embody the dominant emotive element in the life process. The poem has to be saturated with impulse and that means getting down to the very tissue of experience. How can this element be absent from poetry without thinning out the poem?
"That is certainly one of the problems when making a poem is thought to be a rational production. The dominance of reason, as in eighteenth-century poetry, diminished the power of poetry.
"Reason certainly has a place, but it cannot be dominant. Feeling is far more important in the making of the poem. And the language itself has to be a sensuous instrument; it cannot be a completely rational one. In rhythm and sound, for example, language has the capacity to transcend reason; it’s all like erotic play.
"That’s the nature of aesthetic impulse, aesthetic receptivity. Whether you’re walking through the garden or reading a poem, there’s a sense of fulfillment. You’ve gone through a complete chain of experience, changing and communicating with each step and with each line so that you are linked with the phenomenon of time itself. The erotic impulse is so basic to human experience that we can never be free from it, even in old age."
So, dear reader, go forth and write poetry.
Poetryto
Why Write Bad Poetry
New Types Of Poetry
There are many different types of poetry. I counted 50 on a quick search of the internet. You may have heard of Haiku and Limericks. There are the more obscure types too, like Terzanelle and Sestina. Learning different types of poetry though, isn't nearly as much fun as inventing your own, so here are some ideas about that.
Types Of Poetry - Playing With Stanzas
What is a stanza? A division of a poem consisting of two or more lines. How many ways can you structure a stanza? As many as you want. Look at this stanza from the poem, "Gratitude:"
So there is nothing to say
There is nothing to say
There is nothing
Nothing...
But gratitude
Each line is a smaller part of the previous line. In this case, it quiets the mind in order to emphasize the last word: gratitude. However, this idea could be used in many ways. You could start with a line like, "She watched the birds come in from the sea," and it can reduce to, "Come in from the sea;" "From the sea:" "Where Michael was left alone in the storm."
Each stanza could have lengthening lines. Lines could be varied in length to create a picture on the page. Playing with stanzas is a fun way to create new types of poetry.
Ideas For New Types Of Poetry
In the poem "Do Not Believe In God," each stanza starts with one of our senses: "See God... in stars and sunlight... and the face of your lover;" Hear God... in wind and waves... and the music of the birds." All the senses are covered. How could we use this general idea? By starting each stanza with a different verb or adjective? By starting each stanza with a different person's name? By having each stanza get smaller or larger as the poem progresses?
How many ways can you play with poems? "Dream poems," could be a type of poetry that puts actual dreams into verse. "Dialog poems" could have stanzas or lines answering each other back and forth. A series of poems could use all the exact same words, rearranged, with an entirely different outcome in each. There are endless types of poetry you can create.
The Office (Season 2) DVD Review
One of the best new comedies on television, The Office chronicles the inner-workings of the fictional Pennsylvania paper company Dunder-Mifflin. The name itself sort of alludes to a bureaucratic labyrinth administered by dunderheads, and in reality, it is. Unfortunately, what makes The Office so outrageously funny is the frightening ability of its millions of viewers to relate to the onscreen happenings. Dunder-Mifflin is mis-managed by the politically-incorrect, borderline lunatic Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Deploying his twisted logic as the basis of company policy, substituting worn out clichés for real leadership, and offering an endless array of ever ridiculous group activities to “increase morale,” he fosters a white collar environment that makes the comic strip world of Dilbert seem desirable in contrast.
Carell, one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, shines in the role of the crazed and eccentric office manager, and his talents are well complimented by Rainn Wilson in the role of Michael’s butt-kissing, rule-Nazi sycophant, Dwight Schrute. Dwight’s over-the-top antics regularly conflict with the rest of the office, particularly co-worker and desk neighbor Jim Halpert (John Krasinski). An unspoken office crush between Jim and Pam Beesley (Jenna Fischer) makes for an interesting and recurring subplot. The two epitomize the rest of the Dunder-Mifflin employees who convey themselves as logical, well-reasoned, and normal individuals; normal people trapped in a bizarro world where bumbling idiots like Michael and Dwight preside over their work week. Similar in theme to the hilarious feature film Office Space, the show provides viewers with a much more excitable Bill Lumbergh lording over an army of Peter Gibbons-like worker bees. For creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who first experienced success with the concept in the United Kingdom, it’s a surefire recipe for pure, unadulterated laughter.
The Office (Season 2) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “The Dundies” in which the annual staff awards, “The Dundies,” are handed out by Michael. Michael struggles with the event due to some corporate complaints about his past handling of the event, while still managing to offend each and every one of his fellow employees. Following a fight with Roy, Pam gets hammered and the spends the evening joking around with Jim. The two end up kissing before Pam catches a ride home with another coworker… Other episodes include “Christmas Party” in which Michael screws up the office Christmas party with another one of his erratic decisions, and “Conflict Resolution” in which Michael’s efforts to improve relations within the office result in a worse situation.
Below is a list of episodes included on The Office (Season 2) DVD:
Episode 7 (The Dundies) Air Date: 09-20-2005
Episode 8 (Sexual Harassment) Air Date: 09-27-2005
Episode 9 (Office Olympics) Air Date: 10-04-2005
Episode 10 (The Fire) Air Date: 10-11-2005
Episode 11 (Halloween) Air Date: 10-18-2005
Episode 12 (The Fight) Air Date: 11-01-2005
Episode 13 (The Client) Air Date: 11-08-2005
Episode 14 (Performance Review) Air Date: 11-15-2005
Episode 15 (Email Surveillance) Air Date: 11-22-2005
Episode 16 (Christmas Party) Air Date: 12-06-2005
Episode 17 (Booze Cruise) Air Date: 01-05-2006
Episode 18 (The Injury) Air Date: 01-12-2006
Episode 19 (The Secret) Air Date: 01-19-2006
Episode 20 (The Carpet) Air Date: 01-26-2006
Episode 21 (Boys and Girls) Air Date: 02-02-2006
Episode 22 (Valentine’s Day) Air Date: 02-09-2006
Episode 23 (Dwight’s Speech) Air Date: 03-02-2006
Episode 24 (Take Your Daughter to Work Day) Air Date: 03-16-2006
Episode 25 (Michael’s Birthday) Air Date: 03-30-2006
Episode 26 (Drug Testing) Air Date: 04-27-2006
Episode 27 (Conflict Resolution) Air Date: 05-04-2006
Episode 28 (Casino Night) Air Date: 05-11-2006
Player Profile: Amarillo Slim
Thomas Austin Preston Jr. is one of the great legendary figures in the world of professional poker, but to most fans he is much better known as “Amarillo Slim”. Strangely enough, Amarillo Slim isn’t a Texan by birth. He was actually born in Johnson, Arkansas, on December 31, 1928, but he now does reside in Amarillo, Texas.
Amarillo Slim is a colorful throwback to the “old days” when poker – then regarded as a disreputable game – was played in the back rooms of saloons, pool halls, and cramped, smoke-filled rooms in sleazy hotels.
Slim was what was known as “a rounder” or card shark, a professional gambler who made his living hunting for “fish”, gullible players with fat bankrolls who thought they were better players then they actually were.
Amarillo traveled the country in his constant quest for “fish”, or just looking for some poker action where ever he happened to be, often accompanied by fellow “rounders” Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts.
Slim is assuredly the stuff of which legends are made, and it was only natural that he should publish his autobiography, “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People” in 2003 in which he tells of poker games played with U.S. Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, as well as Hustler Magazine publisher and casino owner Larry Flynt.
Amarillo Slim did not, however, earn his legendary reputation due to his colorful past alone, it was his exceptional poker-playing skills that initially brought him the fame he enjoys today. Slim, in fact, is a four-time World Series of Poker event winner having won his four bracelets in:
• 1972 - $10,000 No Limit Hold ‘ em World Championship - $80,000
• 1974 - $1,000 No Limit Hold “em - $11,100
• 1985 - $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha - $85,000
• 1990 - $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha - $142,000
It could be said that Amarillo Slim has brought more world-wide attention to the world of professional poker than any one individual, having appeared on such high profile TV shows as 60 minutes, The Tonight Show and Good Morning America, among others. He was also cast in a 1974 gambling movie, “California Split”, starring George Segal and Elliot Gould, and directed by Robert Altman (M*A*S*H – NASHVILLE).
Slim is generous with his advice to new poker players and been quoted as offering these words of poker wisdom:
1. Play the players more than you play the cards.
2. Choose the right opponents. If you don't see a sucker at the table, you're it.
3. Never play with money you can't afford to lose.
4. Be tight and aggressive; don't play many hands, but when you do, be prepared to move in.
5. Always be observing at a poker game. The minute you're there, you're working.
6. Watch the other players for "tells" before you look at your own cards.
7. Diversify your play so others can't pick up your tells.
8. Choose your speed based on the direction of the game. Play slow in a fast game, fast in a slow game.
9. Be able to quit a loser, and for goodness' sake, keep playing when you're winning.
10. Conduct yourself honorably so you're always invited back.
Who Wrote The Most Famous Love Poem
The Most Famous Love Poem
Love poems have been written for centuries to inspire lovers and create romance. When you give your special someone a love poem, you can express your feelings through eloquent words in a memorable way. Many famous love poems are written by classical poets, such as Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Shakespeare. But a famous love poem by a modern poet may appeal to a younger person who likes a less formal tone.
The poet e.e. cummings wrote what is probably the most famous love poem currently. It has been featured in other books and movies, used as inspiration for other writers.
i carry your heart with me
by e. e. cummings
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
The poet e.e. cummings is quite a unique writer in that he used new methods of creating mood and setting the words to paper. He explored the use of white space on the page and made the words’ appearance just as important as their sound when the poem was read aloud.
This poem is a perfect example of his use of parentheses and unusual stanza variation. He found a wonderful way of expressing very abstract ideas with some concrete grammatical forms. Use this poem to express to your loved one just how much they mean to you.
Visit to find out more about famous love poems.
Rent A Phoenix Limo For First Class Fun!
Renting a Phoenix limousine is an excellent way to make any type of special occasion even better. Luxurious yet surprisingly affordable, you’ll find plenty of top-notch Phoenix limousine rental services ready to take you and that special someone anywhere you both want to go, for as long as you both want to be there.
Imagine the look of surprise you’ll see when a Phoenix limousine pulls up to your honey’s front door. And then imagine how romantic it’s going to be, just the two of you inside, gazing into each other’s eyes. Think how you’ll be able to fully focus you attention on that special someone sitting beside you because the limo driver is up in front, dealing with the traffic lights and the traffic and all those other distractions on which you would normally focus your attention.
Once you’re both seated comfortably in the back of your Phoenix limousine, glass of champagne in hand, just relax and imagine the many different ways your date is going to thank you for your generosity and your thoughtfulness on this special evening.
Heading out for a night on the town?
The city of Phoenix has so much to offer. Cultural events, sporting events, concerts, movies, museums, fine dining, comedy clubs – it’s all right there. So when you’re ready to go, why not go in style? Even if you just want to head up into the foothills so you and your honey can gaze down on the brilliant city lights, your evening is sure to be a night to remember when arrive at your destination in style.
Looking for justification?
Then here it is. When you ride along in a Phoenix limousine, you really can feel like royalty. It’s okay – you’re allowed to indulge without feeling guilty or selfish. And besides, when was the last time you or your significant other truly felt like royalty? If you can’t remember, then it’s definitely been way too long. You don’t have to be a blushing bride to justify renting a Phoenix limo. Anyone can, so just go ahead and do it!
Looking for a reason?
You really don’t need a reason, but just in case you do, here’s a rundown of some of the times when it might make sense to spend the evening driving around town in a Phoenix limo: birthdays, anniversaries, wedding announcements, a new job or promotion, the realization that you’re “expecting,” or a holiday like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Sweetheart’s Day, or New Year’s Eve. Heck you could even go out on Groundhog Day if you wanted to! The only reason you need a reason is because YOU think you do.
You work hard and you deserve a break and that’s all the justification you or anyone needs. If you and your sweetie need time to “reconnect, then that’s a good enough reason, too! Just do it and stop wasting time thinking that you need a reason to rent a Phoenix limo!
Sewing And Knitting
I was looking with my neighbor for a project to keep us busy during the winter; something that we would both enjoy and something that would help the community. We both like sewing and knitting, so we thought that we could try to make use of these skills in whichever project we chose. We got in touch with a local care home for the elderly and volunteered our services. They said that some of their residents suffer from bad circulation and often feel cold throughout the winter, particularly those in wheelchairs. Many patients have to be covered in blankets, so they suggested that we could knit some blankets for the residents. We were given the specifications, including the desired dimensions so as not to get caught in the wheels of the wheelchairs, and we consulted on choice of yarn and pattern.
The blankets were ideal. They were easy and quick to complete, and were also easy to transport, so we could meet in each other's house to continue with the project. I decided to go for a patchwork style look on the first blanket I made, making use of scraps I had from past projects. I put it together in a random pattern, and then used a single fabric for the other side to give it a finished and professional look, and a soft layer of thick padding to go in between. After completing each component part, I pieced them together and traced a very basic embroidery-quilting pattern on the top to finish. The blankets were ideal to work with because they fit so snugly on your lap and were easy to handle.
When I finished off my quilts I phoned my neighbor and asked how her project was coming along. She had run out of supplies, and told me she had to go to the store to get more fabrics. When we awoke the next day, there was deep snow with blizzard winds, making a trip to the store impossible. There was a localized travel recommendation to stay indoors and not make any journeys that were not essential. My neighbor walked across to my house and asked if she could finish the trimmings on my quilts to keep her occupied. So we sat in front of the fire my husband built with logs and twigs from the garden, and finished off my quilts. It was so relaxing and cozy to finish off the quilts on such a terrible day. The guys sat and played cribbage all day, and we drank some of the brandy we'd kept for special occasions. It was a great day.
When I finish off the hand sewing, I will bind them with a single color before sending them off to the nursing home, where they can hopefully help out someone this winter.