Poetry Reading: DEATH BOUTIQUE, by Lionel Walfish

Performed by Becky Shrimpton

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

Satirical look at a funeral home

What motivated you to write this poem?

Just a bit of fun with a few rhymes.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I’m not really a poet. Write a few on occasion.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Patricia Highsmith (my favorite author)

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

Thought it would be fun to have this read aloud.

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

I am a short story writer (many have appeared on WILDSOUNDfestival.

What is your passion in life?

Just trying to live it to the fullest.

Poetry Reading: Clap your hands, by Raphaëlle YOKOTA

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

– Siblings.

What motivated you to write this poem?

– The need to let things go and the hope it would help others to do the same.

How long have you been writing poetry?

– Ten years, on and off.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

– Orson Welles.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

– I love film, too, and I’m really looking forward to hearing poetry read out loud by actors.

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

– Feature film screenplays and fiction short stories.

What is your passion in life?

– People. I love watching happy people.

Poetry Reading: Disease S U, by Darrell Herbert

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem deals with feelings of indifference.

What motivated you to write this poem?

My motivation for writing this piece stemmed from a multitude of experiences.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry ever since I was five.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

I would have dinner with Kurt Cobain.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

My influence to submit my poetry to get it performed by a professional actor was due to the fact that none of my published poems have been read by someone outside of myself.

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Unfortunately, I don’t write short-stories. But, I do write songs for other musicians.

What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is expressing myself freely in an attempt to empower those who feel powerless.

Poetry Reading: King Cormac, by Inis L. Fal

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem is about an ancient king of Ireland named Cormac, who reigned for forty years and was renowned as both a brave and honorable king, and beloved among his loyal friends and subjects. Story tells that at some time King Cormac turned away from the pagan deities prevalent in ancient Ireland, and became a Christian, for which he was hated by the heathen Druids and priests. My poem is woven around that story, from the perspective of a modern admirer, and one who aspires to the same destiny of leading an honorable and courageous life.

What motivated you to write this poem?

The courage and dignity with which this King of Ireland both reigned his people and lived his own life inspired me to write this poem.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I suppose you could say I have been writing poetry all my life, though the occasions may have sometimes been few and far between 🙂

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

If I could sit down and have dinner with one person, I think it would be Princess Tamar (Tea) Tephi, another fascinating historical figure from ancient Ireland, who was very similar to King Cormac in that she, too, had a Judeo-Christian faith, though she was brought up with it and did not have to ‘convert’ as it were.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I decided to participate in this contest for two reasons: one being that this poem is very near and dear to my heart, and I would like to share it with others. The other reason is that this poem will also be featured in my upcoming historical-fiction, adventure novel ‘The Kurgan’s Secret: Lost In The Kingdom of Moesia’, which I am planning to publish very soon, and I thought that having it performed by a professional actor would be a wonderful way to spread the word!

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes, I write mostly historical-fiction adventure novels. I began writing my first book ‘When the Lion Roars’ when I was 17 years old, and self-published it 3 years later. I am currently preparing to publish the sequel, which I hope will eventually blossom into a 4-5 book series. I also occasionally write short stories and funny stories, which I share on goodreads.com.

What is your passion in life?

Probably the most difficult question of all to answer succinctly, my passion in life as a writer is to make the past come to life before people’s eyes, and hopefully to inspire them with true history and what it means for all of us.

Poetry Reading: THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY RAY SIXPACK, by John Ervin

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

The all-encompassing ignorance and intolerance of anyone who voted for President Trump.

What motivated you to write this poem?

The main character, Johnny Ray Sixpack, of my political comedy film script “The Look of Hate”. I was also motivated by the disgust I have for the shocking number of people in this country who helped Donald Trump become President (even if he didn’t win the popular vote and had help from Vladimir Putin).

How long have you been writing poetry?

Off- and-on for much of my life, though my strengths are in screenwriting and writing non-fiction articles.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Tilda Swinton

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

Professional actors can convey the words I write better than when they are just on the page or the phone. Also, it’d be interesting to see Johnny Ray Sixpack personified (for the first … but not the last … time).

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

I have primarily written feature and short film scripts, five of which have been made into movies. I have also written articles on politics and entertainment for periodicals such as City Pages and The Rake.

What is your passion in life?

To continue bringing my screenplays to life on the big and little screens. And to see Donald Trump impeached and imprisoned!

Poetry Reading: The Great Willow, by Kourtney D. Cooper

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem addresses sorrow and the consequences one’s sorrows can beget on surrounding people, places and things. We tend to, as humans, have a strange genetic need to be amongst equals. The rich comingle with other likeminded wealth, the poor unable to escape their poverties, the happy with the happy, and if uninterrupted or thwarted, the sad with the sad. If uninterrupted, I’m sure the multiplicity sorrow could prove diabolic.

What motivated you to write this poem?

I am trying to expand my writing, to attempt other forms of writing so that I can grow and evolve as a writer. In their brief existence, poetry challenges a person to think and wonder profoundly by use of beautifully, deliberately arranged words. I want to master this skill.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I just began. My skill and technique is perhaps a few months old. I am training myself by reading other arranged works to help strengthen my own poetic muscle. Even in my writing this, I notice a difference in my writing.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

As cliché as this answer may appear (hopefully it doesn’t relate to pathetic), the one person I’d want to have dinner with is Beyonce. Perhaps the overall reason is due to how much I idolize her hustle and talent. I would want to probe her thoughts on what drives her momentum? How does she challenge herself to attain the next level, to exceed even herself? Things that relate to her maintaining a consistent behavior that bears wealth in wisdom and evolved talent.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I want to hear my work voiced outside my own head, outside my own mouth—to see someone else interpret the emotion placed throughout the poem.

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

I do write other works: scripts, short stories, blogs, comics, and novels as of now.

What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is to one day write as a successful writer for Hollywood.

Poetry Reading: JUNIOR (IN MEMORY OF), by James R Adams II

Performed by Becky Shrimpton

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

Initial reaction to unexpected tragedy and loss

What motivated you to write this poem?

Self-healing and processing/honoring a murdered friend who was in the wrong place at the wrong time- and I was trying to figure out “Why were you there? What were you involved in?” Goes from shock, pessimism and anger to hope and faith.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I do it from time to time as I write a novel. To warm up, or in this case, to express something I’d never dealt with.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Jesus Christ

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I’d done it before. Usually my poems are contemplative. This one is much more raw, emotional and real-life

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes

What is your passion in life?

Whatever is right in front of me.

Poetry Reading: The Fourth Month, by Gloria D. Gonsalves

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

What is the theme of your poem?

The poem has two themes: nature and humour.

What motivated you to write this poem?

This poem was written in 2016 during NaPoWriMo/GloPoWriMo. The prompt was to write a poem in which one explores what they think is the cruelest month, and why.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Over 10 years and I’m still learning every day.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

It would be Beatrix Potter, for her knowledge in mycology. We would chat about my picture book ‘Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms’. The story is about high advanced mushroom society, who found a human baby alone in the forest. Their king decides to adopt it and orders Lamellians to use their abilities to care for it.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I dislike public performance. So your platform is the right place for me to co-share the skill of writing and performing with someone else.

Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

I have published books on fantasy/adventure/educational tales with moral lessons. In the published portfolio is also a novella and anthology of thoughts. For anyone interested to know more, I am giving free books to visitors on my website.

What is your passion in life?

Inspire and invoke positive changes with my writing.

Read the best of MOTIVATIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL Poetry – Part 5

CLICK the link and read the best of poetry

IN THE STARS, by Marcus G. Taylor
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2017/04/22/poem-in-the-stars-by-marcus-g-taylor/

SEDONA NOON, by Cliff Smith
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2017/02/23/sedona-noon-poetry-by-cliff-smith/

THE RESTORATION OF A BROKEN LADY
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2017/02/23/the-restoration-of-a-broken-lady-poetry-by/

GONE, by Minusthecynic
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/12/29/gone-poetry-by-minusthecynic/

LITTLE GIRL LOST, Patricia Poulos
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/12/29/little-girl-lost-poetry-by-patricia-poulos/

THE SEMPITERNAL SAPPHIRE, Sohinee Day
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/12/14/the-sempiternal-sapphire-poetry-by-sohinee-dey/

THE VOICE, Tabithashley
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/12/14/the-voice-poetry-by-tabithashley/

A POEM TO A CHILD, Kriz Rogers
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/11/05/a-poem-to-a-child-poetry-by-kriz-rogers/

THE RED THREAD, Jodyboots
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/11/05/the-red-thread-poetry-by-jodyboots/

THE TRILOGY, Shannon Griffiths
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/10/02/the-trilogy-of-poetry-poetry-by-shannon-griffiths/

SEX AT ITS FINEST, HonestlyFrank
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/09/17/sex-at-its-finest-poetry-by-honestlyfrank/

SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICE, Carla Fox
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/09/17/sunday-night-service-poetry-by-carla-fox/

DREAMS AND REALITY, Natalia Gorbunova Spain
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/09/17/dreams-and-reality-poetry-by-natalia-gorbunova-spain/

I AM, Allyson Olivia
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/09/17/i-am-poetry-by-allyson-olivia/

I’VE GOT TO WIN, Sonya Marshall
I’ve got to win, Poetry by Sonya Marshall

WALLS OF FLESH, Shannon Rohn
Walls of Flesh, Poetry by Shannon Rohn

FROM WITHIN HER RIB CAGES, J. Liethers
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/07/23/from-within-her-rib-cages-poetry-by-j-liethers/

FLICKERING LIGHTS, Silfath Pinto
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/07/04/flickering-lights-poetry-by-silfath-pinto/

LOVE, Krishna Singh
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/07/04/love-poetry-by-ram-krishna-singh/

Read the best of MOTIVATIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL Poetry – Part 4

CLICK the link and read the best of poetry

THEN YOU WAKE UP, Donna J. Loewen
Then you wake up, Poetry by Donna J. Loewen

A REMARKABLE TALE FROM THE LAND OF PODD, Ed Newman
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/06/22/a-remarkable-tale-from-the-land-of-podd-poetry-by-ed-newman/

HIJO PRODIGO DE LA DESGRACIA, Francisco Fernandez
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/06/22/hijo-prodigo-de-la-desgracia-poetry-by-francisco-fernandez/

LOTTIE WE CAN FLY, Elaine Longworth
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/06/22/lottie-we-can-fly-poetry-by-elaine-longworth/

TO LEAD WELL, Bob Vanourek
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/06/09/to-lead-well-poetry-by-bob-vanourek/

MY LIFE TUMBLED AND I FELL, A Goomer
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/05/27/my-life-tumbled-and-i-fell-poetry-by-a-goomer/

THE EARTH THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MOON, Julie Hartley
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/05/27/the-earth-through-the-eyes-of-the-moon-poetry-by-julie-hartley/

ODE TO THE WRITER, Siza Sibiya
Ode to the Writer, Poetry by Siza Sibiya

THE LAST HUMAN TO HAVE LIVED, Mudeet Arora
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/04/27/the-last-human-to-have-lived-poetry-by-mudeet-arora/

GODS PURSUIT, BWC Poet
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/04/15/gods-pursuit-by-bwc-poet/

13/9 VERSES LOVE, Karoline Lehner
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/04/13/9-verses-love-poetry-by-karoline-lehner/

MY DAILY PRAYER, Angey Cravens
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/04/07/my-daily-prayer-poetry-by-angey-cravens/

JUST FOR A DAY, Robby J. Keating
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/03/24/just-for-a-day-poetry-by-robby-j-keating/

UNCLE THIS IS WAR PAINT, Kimberly Cruz Alvarado
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/03/23/uncle-this-is-war-paint-poetry-by-kimberly-cruz-alvarado/

WHAT OF THE UNKNOWN PATH, Maria Parent
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/03/22/what-of-the-unknown-path-poetry-by-maria-parent/

I AM ME, Upender Reddy
https://festivalforpoetry.com/2016/03/19/i-am-me-poetry-by-upender-reddy/

CHILLY START, Kate Alsbury
Chilly Start, Poetry by Kate Alsbury