How many poet's are among us?

by codeblue 50 Replies latest jw friends

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  detective

  Publishing poems should not cost you anything. Reputable publishers pay you, not the other way around! Generally, you create a chapbook which you submit to various publishing companies. Try college presses or small, independent presses. You might also consider seeking out writing groups in your area to see where people are publishing their works.

  You can also submit individual pieces (or a small number of selection) to various literary magazines. If there is an artsy area or college in your town, head to the bookstore and check out the magazine racks. Browsing or purchasing a couple of different types of magazines will help you to understand what sort of poetry makes it into their magazine.

  Poetry jams were all the rage a few years back. Personally, I find them really rather annoying, but that's just my taste. However, some people might enjoy that environment. As they are usually held in bars or clubs, you might be able speak to some of the performers (poets) to learn more about local options for poets.

  Try the library for resource books like "the Writer's Market" which is a giant guide of various magazines and publishing houses which is updated yearly. You can buy it, but it's a thick hardcover and it costs some doughsky.

  just some thoughts...
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  Thunder Rider

  Wow, lots of talent on the board. Since we're sharing' her is some of mine.

  Justice in Hell

  The gates of hell hold not for me the threat of any harm.

  I?ve faced the demons waiting there, the flames not more than warm.

  My soul has seen the wickedness of men and know their ways.

  I have the need to bring them down and to their judgment days.

  My heart is scarred to know that once I was part of their flock.

  Behind my back, they did to ?babes? things that a murderer would shock.

  My eyes were shown the truth of it; my heart discerned their wrongs.

  No more could I hold fast a faith, polluted by perverse throngs.

  These evil men do hold the reigns of a people kind and caring.

  They prey on innocence and youth, while the ?good news? sharing.

  I come to now a point in life where I care not for me.

  I must see to others welfare, or how can I be free?

  With an attitude towards justice and a mind set based on right.

  I seek to find a caring god to show all men the light.

  But alas, it seems to me that god gives not a damn.

  Fine by me, I will alone, their deeds down their throats ram.

  If paradise holds a place for wicked hurtful souls.

  Then hell will be the place for me I?ll sign up for its rolls.

  Again, I say I?d rather be in hell with demons true.

  Than with men who take from youth, purity born new.

  Come with me; take up a sword, lets venture into the fray.

  For if god will not protect the young, it is our duty I must say.

  Right is right and wrong is wrong, on this I will stand fast.

  I?ll see those bastards dead indeed if its the action of mine last.

  S?mores anyone?

  Prick

  Footfalls unheard, on floors unseen

  at a place unknown, in a time never to be.

  The immature taste of the sweet fruit of the wed,

  irresponsibly, selfishly.

  Sensations craved, consequences dismissed,

  lust sated, division begins

  Replication proceeds. Life sparks unknown.

  Cycle missed, questions raised,

  accusations, denials.

  Irresponsible, selfish,

  ?My Life? ?My Future?

  Tests done, fears confirmed.

  Procedure completed, all better.

  The cure for cancer lost.

  Bittersweet

  Bittersweet it seems to me my life has proved to be.

  All the things that make me smile have come with hurt to me.

  A rose?s scent does lift my heart its thorns then tear my flesh.

  A bright days wonderment muted by nightmares come afresh.

  I yearn for a life simple where right is right and wrong is wrong.

  I?m told that it?s a fantasy a fable just a song.

  I intend to seek to search to scout for good without duress.

  It must exist it has to be I?ll settle not for less.

  Take the good with the bad with lemons make lemonade.

  Make what you will with what you have I will not I?m afraid.

  For I see things a different way my standards are my own.

  I?ll shun the bitter and embrace the sweet if I must alone.

  Thunder
• 

  SheilaM

  Publishing poems should not cost you anything. Reputable publishers pay you, not the other way around

  That is a very old school mentality. I just spent a weekend at a writer's conference here in KC. The agents and writers both acknowleged that self-publishing right now is the way to go. A manuscript can take up to 7 years to be PUBLISHED once it is accepted. Also, there now is a glut of poetry, most poets self-publish the book, it is out there and can be picked up by a publisher at anytime per the contract.

  We have a group of writers that we work with the head of the group has her doctorate, we have two with masters etc. we are publishing an anthology with Trafford publishing. They have been great to work with.

  So detective don't nay say something you don't understand or have the full concept of.

  Added: I like all the poems but Mouthy yours especially
• 

  SheilaM

  This first poem is the one I had published, also the one I was asked to read for the Board of Trustees for the local KC colleges.

  Lilacs and Marshmallows

  Running as swiftly as only a three year old can,

  Down the flight of cement steps.

  Past mutli-colored zinnias.

  Stumbling over my burgundy ?clodhoppers?,

  Laces flapping.

  Breathing heavy with asthmatic lungs.

  Racing past my aqua blue and white swing-set,

  Tears blur the colors to my eye.

  Then I am at my destination,

  The smell of lilacs envelops the white house.

  Mrs. Miller sits in her white front porch swing.

  I don?t stop for cordial welcomes,

  Instead, I speed through the screen door,

  It squeaks my arrival.

  She follows me and I wrap my chubby arms around her waist

  And

  Bury my face in her apron.

  She lifts my chin with her finger and wipes my tears.

  She had heard my Mothers threat

  ?Sheila I?m gonna whip you?

  She shoos me under the large, round, lace-covered table,

  Her wrinkled hands offer me Kraft Marshmallows out of a crystal candy dish,

  Blue eyes twinkling she puts her finger to her lips to tell me to hush my sobbing.

  I hear her go out on the porch and the swishing of the porch swing

  Suddenly I hear my Mothers voice, loud, harsh, angry

  Then Mrs. Miller?s calm sweet, angelic

  Saying, ?now Hazel you don?t wanna beat that baby?

  While I watch the sun play a game of peek-a-boo with the lace.

  Sheila Madonia

  This one I have put on the forum but thought I'd put it again for the newbies

  Sheila Madonia Copyright 2002

  For the victims

  The world is so much like a rose,

  Varying layers.

  It takes time to see, what the true colors may be.

  Yes, there are thorns, some small and needle sharp.

  Seems those on the most beautiful, are like knives.

  Sometimes, while tending them, after being pricked again and again.

  I worry that the wounds will become infected, or that they may scar.

  I wonder why I bother.

  There are other things I could tend.

  But, none as beautiful, none that smell so sweet.

  So, I put up with the needles.

  I live with the knives.

  Because, I tend the roses, not the thorns.

  Sheila Madonia copyright 2002
• 

  rocketman

  Runningman, that was hilarious stuff!
• 

  rocketman

  I'm more into song lyrics, which are a form of poetry anyway.
• 

  SheilaM

  Rocketman: Do you write lyrics? Post some that would be cool
• 

  Mac

  Trapped Trapped within the boundaries of the endless night Where sleep is nonexistent Haunted by the ghosts of something almost said That should have been but, isn't Tis here I tread upon those dwindling last threads of sanity Reaching out that it might not escape me Brian McMillan Copyright ©2003 Brian McMillan
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  ChimChim

  I never really worte poems accept in school...I have a few times out of school, but i misplaced them! I wrote one to my friend b4 she loved it, she still has it i gave it to her in grade 5 i think... so like 5 yeras ago

  ~*!ChimChim-Waffle-Tush!*~
• 

  detective

  Sheila,

  please. Not going there with you, so relax.

  Seems I've touched on a sensitive subject with you, I had no idea.

  Self-publishing can have some positives... particularly if your book were to get picked up and promoted. Otherwise, you could have a closet chock full of your books (which if that's okay with someone, that's cool too). There is a reason, though, that certain companies are called "vanity presses". I'd hate to see people toss money away only to find they've got boxes full of dreams gathering dust in their attic.

  My suggestion would be for people to shop their materials around to established literary journals, local published authors, other critical writers etc. before investing too much money in a vanity press.

  I think that's a pretty fair suggestion. Perhaps some will disagree.

  If somebody is concerned about how long it will take to get published through traditional means... well, it takes awhile. Hopefully, It'll be worth the wait.