Poetry is hard work. I am lazy. It is not something that one tosses against the Frigidaire to see if it sticks, unless of course you are a fatuous and self-absorbed ninnie with a microphone in front of you at some Slam, or other.
The best poetry seems easily done. True ease in writing comes from Art not chance/ as those move easiest who have learn'd to dance.
Too many poets dance varese like the fits, wiggles and epilepsy of t'weenage south side Irish males at an 8th grade graduation basement party. . . too ugly to imagine, let alone describe. Like WWII Pacific combat . . .you had to be there.
I recently was gifted with a volume of poesy that honors the form made famous by Ogden Nash here in America. I am now a subscriber to Light
Light is a volume of the very best light verse by great American poets like these folks Dan Campion, Timothy Murphy, Philip Appleman, William J. Middleton,Melissa Balmain, Henry Harlan, Bruce Berger, Gail White, J. Patrick Lewis . . .and X. J. Kennedy.
Here's a sampling -
COCKTAILS FOR TWO?
John Ciardi
liked Bacardi
but drank Chianti
with his Auntie.
— E.M. SCHORB
WEDNESDAY MATINEE
The scent of old lady;
A gal 85.
Sherry and mothballs;
Chanel No. 5.
—Terrence M. Bennett
In Praise of Bachelorhood
Of kisses and captivity, of flings
and flight I know one thing:
It's only once the fly has settled
that the Venus flytrap springs.
— AMIT MAJMUDAR
These jewels are cut by masters - simple and satisfying.
They are tight, witty, rhythmic, rhyme-postive, balanced and exact. Get on the same page, Kids!
Foundation for Light Verse is a Non-profit corporation created
In February, 2008, the IRS granted Light Quarterly tax-exempt status. All donations to Light Quarterly are now exempt from Federal tax. Contributions are needed to continue publishing this magazine, and to ensure its growth.
Please send your checks, made out to The Foundation for Light Verse, to
Light
PO Box 7500
Chicago, IL 60680
Light Quarterly is also urgently in need of volunteers. As we grow, the work-load has grown beyond what our staff can handle. If you have any open time in your schedule, and you live in the Chicago or near west suburban area, consider donating your skills to getting this magazine out. You’ll be listed on the Masthead, and you’ll learn publishing and printing in an ideal environment, where it actually happens. Call or e-mail with your contact information. Ours are 1-708-488-1388, and info@foundationforlightverse.org.
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