Stars’ brightness cross up the celestial vault was brightness perhaps did not exist in that September’s night. That brightness had begun to travel humanly unthinkable distances to shake then. In the same way, I looked for to move away to a coordinate that allowed me to retrace my steps and to live the facts jump out of my skin. Like aunt Idoia does on that mourning when she renders her empathy to imply herself. Thanks to my roundtrip to the sidereal space, I felt like a star of mutable light: in effect, I was there and in that time, I was present, offering my vividness to the dark that would swallow it forever and ever. As those stars whose firelight still today shock to me just as then when in fact it they were extinguished a thousands of years ago.

elkenarra

Weather and Writing

The June heat is back and I'm not feeling terribly motivated. It seems to be getting dark, though, so maybe we will get a storm. It is hard to tell some times. The wind can shift just so and we arrive at a totally different outcome. This, of course, is much like writing.

No matter how much we plan, what actually emerges can be something totally different. How many times have we watched a movie where a twist happened right at the end? This is the same thing. It all depends on what is happening as we write and where the mood takes us. It depends also on our own interpretation of what we've written.

This doesn't mean that we should scrap the plan. It means that plans are guides. Sometimes we find a more a scenic route by veering off course just a bit. It may be that by the time we reach our destination, we realize our directions were off slightly. We can make adjustments accordingly. The main thing to remember is that whatever you're writing is yours to do with as you please.

Maybe the very last paragraph on our page is only one line across the written page. It sits there like a sore thumb. We can add to it. We could even take it away if that suits us better. No one dictates what to include and what not to. Another major point to remember is that writing should be fun. If you find that you're in the middle of a project and you find it isn't fun any more. Stop writing.

If you continue on the current path, chances are, you won't be happy with the outcomes. Put it aside and come back to it another time. You might be able to finish the piece and enjoy it at that time. If not, maybe the topic just wasn't for you. Try something else and see if it becomes fun again.

The First Day of Summer Revisited

The First Day of Summer Revisited

Today is the first day of summer. What does summertime mean? We all know the scientific stuff—the equinox, the sun is at its highest point, the planets, etc. We all know that. But, what it really means is that the tomatoes are beginning to ripen. The squash is coming in by the handful. The bush beans are ready for picking.

The bees are stuffing their sacs from the butterfly bushes, working the ice plant for the pollen hidden in the pink petals, and fighting the Japanese beetles for the nectar of the mimosa blossoms.

The hemerocallis is doing her duty producing her daily lily flowers--pale lemon, bright yellow, orange, and russet.

The mourning doves aren't mourning but delighting in stealing free fallen sunflower seeds.

After today, the days will become shorter so let's not waste a moment of our sweet summertime.

Summer swaggers in
all hot and sweaty.
Slaps a thunderous hand
saying, "Let the fun begin."

©Wittmann

I can't believe that it has been a whole year since I wrote this. Has anything changed? The squash and the beans are still coming in like gangbusters, but we got a food saver vacuum thingy and at least it makes it fun to put the squash by, as they say here in the South.

Thank goodness we still have the bees doing their pollination. I hear that bees have a blight, and that will surely cause us humans plight.

Yep, found the first Japanese beetle on the first day of summer. They are doing their destructive best as usual and we are doing our best to pick them off by hand, the old-fashioned organic way--no poisons.

The lilies are painting all the gardens with their orange and yellow splashes just like Jackson Pollack.

The doves are still here along with an amazing array of other songbirds. Little Miss Wren is determined to build herself a nest on the front porch, but for some reason, she gets miffed when I porch-sit and sip lemoned-sweetened tea, and she dashes off singing her protests for the rest of the day.

And, nature is still nature--and the days will be getting shorter--and I shall not waste a moment of our sweet summertime.

Call for Submissions: New Ezine

Pocket Full of Poesy is a new monthly poetry magazine for poetry written in the English language. Our first edition was released on June 1 2005 and we are looking for material.

Reviews and essays on all aspects of poetry will be considered and we want your poetry too.

So if you want to submit something, ask a technical question or have news or information about a poetry event near you just drop us an email at pocketfulofpoesy@aol.com


Pocket Full of Poesy is brand new, and wants to build an ezine with poetic integrity, but is having a hard time getting an adequate number of submissions. I would love to see some talented poets help build her ezine - beginning with some solid footings. So please, if you're interested, submit.

If you aren't feel free to share this call with people who might be!

Zen Poetry. Creative Mind, Writers Mind, Poets Mind!

Poetry can be describe as "beautiful language" - painting a picture with words. Usually well structure and with purpose or "on purpose". Zen poetry is in the 'moment'. Much peotry has structure. Zen poetry has no structure.

November in Warsaw
by Zen Master Seung Sahn

November in Warsaw
Fifty people together in one room.
Sitting Zen for three days.

Try mind. Bread
And potatoes and onions.
Fifty people eating together.
Get energy. Find the true way.

What is the true way?
Don't know? Primary point?
Before thinking?
Someone appears. Hits the floor.
WHACK!
But is that the true way?

November in Warsaw.
The sky is dark.
Fifty faces are shining.

A long time ago in Japan, there was a well-known region called Matsushima. Matsushima is a place by the ocean, with mountains, rivers, trees, and flowers. Matsushima inspired many beautiful poems. At one time the famous Zen Master and poet named Basho decided to visit. When Basho saw the beauty of this place he wrote this poem:

Matsushima --
ah, Matsushima!
Matsushima!

Three clear lines! This is a very famous poem. Only Matsushima is Matsushima -- it is very simple. That is the most important point. This is great Zen poetry.

In Zen one is taught there is only the moment. No right or wrong. No good or evil. Just this monent. Zen mind, poetry mind, writing mind, practicing mind, all are not different. - see clearly, hear clearly, smell clearly, and think clearly. My thinking is clear, not checking anything. just think clearly, then make your poem.

This form of writing reminds me of a book called "The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron. A 'creativity' workshop book to help expand ones creative (and to break writer's block). One of your daily practice was to, immediately upon awaking, write what was called "the morning pages". Each morning, in silence, (coffee and cigarettes acceptable) you would write all thoughts that raced through your mind. It did not matter if any of it made sense or if one thought was related to the next thought. (by the way this techique is very effected)

You didnt think about your thoughts you just wrote them down. The same with Zen poetry, one does not think or make a poem, one just does in the monent. Like the Cameron's Morning Pages, Zen poetry can be very effective with your creative process.

Zen poetry, morning pages
lost mind. beginners mind;
sip coffee; sexual depuration.

look at time, sigh -
morning breeze, a red cardinal flys by
write Zen, clear mind - explain.

look at computer, sip coffee;
breath deep; stretch.
Zen mind, beginners mind.

Try this yourself, take a deep breathe, clear your mind, without thinking then just write what ever thoughts flow through your inner vision. Dont try, just do. Give it a whirl - Its fun!

What Kind Of Person Would You Like To Be?

What is a person's character? How would you descibe your character? How would a friend descibe your character? How would you descibe that friends character? If you died today, in fact right this moment, how would someone describe your character?

A dictionary might define character as ones attributes and traits. Ones moral or ethical strength. What about weaknesses? What determines moral or ethical strength?

Utilitarianism would say, "Everyone is obligated to do whatever will achieve the greatest good for the greatest number." Kantism would say, "Everyone is obligated to act only in ways that respect the human dignity and moral rights of all persons."

Would that mean my morals and ethics are determined by my environment or geographic culture? Should I lie for the good of many? Or Should my character be shaped by universal principles?

Some claimed emphasis on moral principles smacks of a thoughtless and slavish worship of rules, as if the moral life was a matter of scrupulously checking our every action against a table of do's and don'ts.

Obsession with principles and rules emphasis on principles ignores a fundamental component of ethics 'virtue'. By focusing on what people should do or how people should act, the "moral principles approach" neglects the more important issue 'what people should be'. In other words, the fundamental question of ethics is not "What should I do?" but "What kind of person should I be?"

How would you describe a persons character? How would you want others to describe your character? What kind of person would you like to be?

The Road to Hana

Most tourists come to Hawaii to do what most tourists do, partake of the finer amenities these beautiful islands have to offer. But if you are one of the fortunate ones to have found Hana, a small, isolated hamlet located on the east coast of Maui, Hawaii, you may wish to change your way of thinking about Hawaii. To travel to Hana, amongst these indigenous people and share their warmth, hospitality and graciousness takes going tropical to a higher level.



In 1975 we found this remote, unscathed getaway, secretly nestled at the end of many miles of switch-back roads, hidden among lush taro patches, rainforests and eye-popping waterfalls. But to get the best this Mecca had to offer and upon excellent recommendation, we decided to solicit a tour guide, and Paco was our man. Two other couples joined us in his well-equipped van, and together we began this unique adventure with much anticipation. Good advice from local fare prepared us for an unforgettable sojourn. After hearing about the fifty-two mile trek along a narrow two-lane road, with over two hundred hairpin turns, crossing over more than fifty bridges, we realized leaving just before dawn was the best time to depart.

We looked forward to our adventure with much anticipation. Besides drinking water, snacks, cameras, and the usual tourist fare, we made sure we had our bathing suits in preparation for a romp in the tropical pools of azure rich waters along the way. We also looked forward to snorkeling the beautiful waters and Paco assured us he had all the equipment we needed.

Just east from Kahului, at Paia, we stopped to gas up; we still had forty-five miles to go before reaching Hana and there were no more gas stations available before then. Also, in Paia, we decided to have breakfast at Charley’s, a favorite spot to chat with the locals and get a feel for the land. And next door the Picnic Restaurant supplied us with delicious basket lunches for later on in the day.

Finally we got on our way as mile marker three sauntered by, where the road becomes one lane and by mile marker sixteen the infamous switchbacks began. Now all we had to do was relax and rely on Paco’s expertise to offer the best this trip had to offer. Along the way we stopped every so often and took pictures and enjoyed the prolific waterfalls, as their beauty took our breath away. And as we went along we passed pictorial vistas that resembled ads in National Geographic, as we each held our mouths open to the wonder of this beautiful land. We rode past brightly colored fruit, displayed like alfresco paintings on roadside stands and inhaled the fragrant lush eucalyptus that permeated the air everywhere we went.

The beauty of Wailua and Keanae Peninsulas greeted us warmly, as it seemed our camera took on a mind of its own clicking profusely at this magnificent beauty that surrounded us. Along the way we’d stop and leisurely walk through lush greenery leading us through breathtaking rainforests. We wondered why there were so many bridges on our quest, but that query quickly became clear as Paco mentioned how the large number of waterfalls equaled the same amount of bridges. That logic definitely went together.

Eventually we were led from the emerald jungle into Waianapanapa State Park, so marked with its ebony-rich, black lava sandy beaches. The contrast was unbelievable. Here we snorkeled and relaxed among all the tropical beauty. We enjoyed our lunch, basked in this oasis, all the while feeling as though we had been transported back into another time.

Back on the road and fifty-two miles later we arrived in Hana. We were greeted with its face of untouched beauty, as the friendliness of its people made us feel welcome. This was truly the “Old Hawaii” we had heard so much about. We took time to hike around town and stopped at the famous Hasegawa’s General Store where you could purchase rubber tires to beautiful handmade sea glass jewelry, or anything in between. Here you could find an eclectic collection of goods just there for the asking. We left with some very unique souvenirs.

We also stopped at the Hana Coast Gallery where island-made crafts and art by local artisans were on display. We had a bite to eat at another famous landmark, the Hana Ranch Restaurant, and in our conversation everyone commented on how quickly the day had gone by. Shortly after that and on Paco’s advice we reluctantly decided to head back to civilization.

It was difficult to believe that such a place exists, where remembrances of the innocence and simplicity of this culture will always stay with those fortunate enough to have been there. Yes one thing is for sure. The road to Hana is not about being there. It’s the beauty you find along the obscure roadways that winds a special and unforgettable place within your heart.

paulygrl ©

hanamaui.com

An Old Texan's Sunday Admonition

Your fences oughta be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

Life ain’t how fast you can run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.

Meanness just don’t happen overnight.

Forgive your enemies. It messes up their head.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You cannot unsay a cruel word.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.

Don’t judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.

Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

The easiest way to eat crow is while it’s still warm, ‘cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.

It don’t take a genius to spot a goat in a herd of sheep.

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave your face in the mirror every morning.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot that comes from bad judgment.

Let’n the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back.

If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

paulygrl 2005

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Poetic Acceptance - A Chapbook Review

"Poetic Acceptance" by Erin Monahan is a new chapbook just released by Meetings of the Minds Publications. It is 30 pages featuring 27 poems. This volume is a "must have" for all poets.

Women are affected by a variety of events in their lives. They play a large number of roles. We are women, first. At the same time, we are wives, mothers, daughters, and friends. Our roles are not always chosen, but they are ours nonetheless. "Poetic Acceptance" gives us a look at one woman's acceptance of those roles.

While this collection of poetry offers more glimpses into the life of the author than an actual story, this mother of five shares parts of her life at its best and worst. Her poetry does a wonderful job of showcasing the various roles shared by many women. She is mother, lover, daughter and friend, all rolled up into one. Each role receives adequate attention throughout.

As a woman, we glimpse the sexuality of the young with beautiful images that transport us into her musings. Phrases like "dipped our grass-stained toes in puddles of each other" take you places you thought you had long forgotten.

As a mother, we suffer with her when she loses a child. One can only imagine the pain associated with this event. Ms. Monahan makes it easier to understand.

I believe that you chose me,
that those dozen days
were a loan I can never repay you.

We also explore her shattered faith as both a mother and a daughter that is reinforced by her loss:

With his own words, I find him
guilty -
murder one
of an innocent infant,
mine.

Never one to dwell on a topic for long, Ms. Monahan will have you smiling one minute and crying the next. Simple events take on special meaning when seen through the eyes of the author. Take a trip to the flea market or out to your backyard. In the company of Ms. Monahan, you're sure to experience something new.

This "must have" collection comes in professional quality high-gloss covers with beautiful artwork for just $10. Order yours today:

http://www.chapbookenterprises.com/