Two poems of mine are up now at Counterpunch, as part of their weekly Poets’ Basement series. How I long for the day when poets can renounce our C.H.U.D.-like existence, come upstairs, and mingle with the rest of the world.
Speaking of which, I just received a copy of Phil Metres’ book “Behind the Lines.“
It looks at anti-war poetry from the last 60 years, and should be pretty good. Check out his blog if you don’t believe me.
I don’t have the final details, but look for a poem of mine in an upcoming issue of Labor: Studies in Working-Class History of the Americas.
Also, if you’re interested in working-class studies, check out the upcoming conference.
In December, I sent my chapbook manuscript out to 5 different publishers. Today, less than 30 days later, I received my first rejection. That’s amazing turnover, and in fact the (handwritten) note was very complimentary. Apparently, I am “a gifted poet” and gave a “great deal of talent.” However, the submission does not fit their needs “at this moment.”
I’m actually pretty happy about this – a nice note, not a form letter. It was the biggest of the small presses I sent to, and the one I felt had the least chance.
So the score is 1 down, 4 to go!
This link taken from the front page of WordPress. I don’t know how they choose their material – I hope it is randomly generated. Today’s message was fanatical “gun rights” ranting.
The blog is called “FoundingFather1776,” which makes the lack of basic understanding of the US Constitution funny in a sad way. Also, the”subtle” but constant threat of attacking the government sounds so desperate, like the unscrewing of a Viagra bottle.
In solidarity with the Muslim Student Association, and more directly, the people of Gaza, I am holding my first fast today. No food for 24 hours.
I’m also finally sending out my order for a great looking anthology, Poets for Palestine, edited by Remi Kanazi.
So skip dinner, check out the book, and watch this video.
I’m going through a major re-organization in my life. I’m just coming out of a very committed three year long relationship, and I’m staying at my parents’ house. Plus I graduate in May.
Despite being on break from classes, I’ve gotten very little writing done, creative or scholarly. I have an article on peer tutors and the “negotiations” of identity in university writing that is currently collecting dust. And I haven’t touched a poem in several weeks, except for the occasional edit (although I did send a few older pieces out a few days ago).
Everything’s a real drag right now. I’ve been anesthetizing my brain with 24 hour cable news and reality cooking programs. The first week back I watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended editions all) and then all six Star Wars.
My conclusion so far: George Lucas is still an asshat for what he re-did. Greedo shooting first my ass!
I submitted a poem to Cleveland Poetics – The Blog, for their anonymous review. A few comments have come in, which is interesting to see. It’s a strange cut-up poem, not in my usual voice, I think. It was an ironic submission, because the piece is called “Workshop Poem.”
And now I’ve ruined my anonymity . . .
After about 6 months of nearly solid rejections, I threw a hail mary, got lucky, and two of my poems have landed in the latest issue of the November 3rd Club (an outstanding political literary journal). Very excited!
In other news, I made my year end goal of submitting a chapbook manuscript to 5 different places: Kent State’s Wick, All Nation’s Press, Pavement Saw, Finishing Line, and Poetry Society of America. The collection is called The Accidental Body and revolves around masculine bodies at work, and foreclosure. I’m thinking about a second round of submissions for it for the spring, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know. It’s either that or chop it up and start sending the poems out individually again, which may not be a bad idea.
Last thing: I’m very excited because this week I will be ordering a copy of Poets for Palestine, a great looking collection edited by none other than Remi Kanazi – the editor of Poetic Injustice, and publisher of some of my first poems.
A new set of work has been posted at Liberation Lit, and I am happily included in the set. Take a look! I’m excited to see this piece out in the world; it’s an older poem of mine that I left to languish on a jump drive for far too long.
