On Monday at The High Calling Blogs, Laura Boggess had an article on poetry, and specifically on InsideOut: Poems, the new volume by L.L. Barkat and published by the International Arts Movement. I made a comment – and I’ve made no secret of how much I’ve enjoyed reading L.L.’s poems (I’ve read the book twice, and a partial manuscript once, and I’ve gone back and read particular poems). And I reviewed it on Amazon.A few people commented that poetry wasn’t their thing, and I posted a rather lengthy comment about why I thought poetry was important. Here’s part of what I said:
“I read poetry a lot more than I used to, and now I’m occasionally writing it (or trying to). And here’s why, I think: all good writing inherently contains poetry. All good writing (and speaking, too) contains rhythm, flow, and artful and purposeful use of language. It makes you think in a different way, understand something for the first time, or deepen your understanding. The poetic elements of all good writing are, I think, the essence, often hidden or disguised, of what makes the writing good.
“A good poet extracts that essence, and shapes it, translates it, describes it, reveals it.”
This is what L.L’s poetry does – extracts the essence and then shapes it and reveals it. And it’s beautiful to read, and read aloud.
So, because I want other people to experience poetry, I’m doing two things.
First, I’m offering a chance to receive a copy of L.L.’s InsideOut: Poems for free. All you have to do is drop a comment in the comment box, between now and next Thursday (Jan. 21) at 8 p.m. Central time, and one name will be selected at random to receive the copy.
Second, I’m offering the chance to receive a copy of InsideOut: Poems for free, along with a free bottle Sineann 2007 Merlot Hillside. All you have to do is write 100 words or less on either of these themes: “Why poetry matters today,” or “How I came to love poetry.” You can post it on your own blog and drop the link here in the comment box, or drop the full 100 words (or less) in the comment box, by 8 p.m. Central time on Thursday, Jan. 21. I’ll select one winner to receive InsideOut: Poems and the bottle of wine. If you post on your own blog, I’ll link to it from here, and so will the High Calling Blogs. And I’ll publish all of the responses over at TweetSpeak Poetry. Also, please note: Some U.S. states – including Massachusetts, Utah, New Hampshire and one of the Dakotas – do not allow the shipment of wine. If your response is selected as the winner and you live in one of those states, I’ll figure out a suitable replacement.
And if you participate in the second you’re automatically eligible for the first, so you may actually have two chances to win the poems. Winners in both categories will be announced here on Friday, Jan. 22.
Poetry, or poetry and wine. Delightful, yes?
From Helen-at-Random: Why Poetry Matters Today
From A Simple Country Girl: Blinking-Breathing-Thinking
From Lorrie: How I Came to Love Poetry
From Phoenix-Karenee: Poetry and Air
From Chris Wiles: Why Poetry Matters Today
From Monica Sharman: When Poetry Speaks
From Diatribal Arts: Why Poetry Matters
From Nancy in SoCal: Why Poetry Matters
From Joyce Wycoff: I Don't Write Poetry
From Diane Walker: It Bubbles Up
Also see: Favorite InsideOut Poems at TweetSpeak Poetry.
