poll dance: what are your poems about?

I have two poems-in-progress right now. One is about aliens, visitors from other galaxies. The other has something to do with Hemingway. Neither aliens nor Hemingway is on the list of choices for the current poll. Apparently there are other things to write about, as you’ve all pointed out in your generous responses. (I’m [...]

Posted by Carolee on 07.29.2008 at 12:01 am// Tagged: Carolee, Discussion Thread, Poll Dance , , ,


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Read Write Poem is an online gathering place for those who love poetry — and for those who suspect that, with a little nurturing, they could grow to love poetry. Whether you are new to writing poetry or have been writing for years, you are welcome here. If you don’t write poetry but love to read and discuss it, this is also the place for you. Read more about the project.


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When I write, I tend to:

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      You still have time -- until December 15 -- to get into the current Postal Poetry contest. Find details about it here.

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      Here's the New York Times article about all the winners of the National Book Award, including Mark Doty for Fire to Fire.

      Congratulations, Mark Doty!

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      "My Career in Radio" by Garrison Keillor: The poem, and there is always a daily dose of Garrison's poetry selections (of others' poems) in The Writer's Almanac.

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      poetryvlog.com is a terrific site, "A weekly video reading of poetry by the poet".

      About.com has an intriguing (long, and not vetted by Read Write Poem) list of "Video Poetry Archives and Anthologies" with links to all kinds of stuff.

      Christine offers us Collin Kelly's latest project: a video blog on YouTube.

      Do you have some link love, know of some? Do tell. Email us at news (at) readwritepoem (dot) org.

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      So how do you find poetry news in your area? One way is to look for the closest (geographically) writing program and find the supporting blog it is sure to have.

      Examples? Bulletin Board: MFA Carbondale for Southern Illinois and G*L*O for Portland, Oregon.

      It's a good way to find readings, seminars, submissions, etc.

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  • random
    poetry prompt

      A different word or phrase will appear here each time you visit the site or refresh the page. Your current prompt is — crush

  • random
    collaborating tip

    Do one of the random writing tips listed above and invite a writing partner or partners to write a poem based on the same tip. Then share what you each wrote. What's similar and different about the way you each approached the assignment?


  • random
    writing tip

    Think of something that is usually portrayed a certain way in your culture (bunny rabbits are sweet, dark rooms are frightening), and write a poem that challenges those assumptions.

  • random
    reading tip

    Do you know a poet whose work you admire? Ask them who they love to read or would recommend.

  • random
    poetry quote

    Poetry is what maintains our capacity for contemplation and difficulty. — Carolyn Forché