Tag: poetry reading

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 2

CLICK the link and read the best of poetry

AFTER SUNSET, Javane Stewart
After Sunset, Poetry by Javane Stewart

BARBIE, Hlox Da Rebel
Barbie, Poetry by Hlox Da Rebel

ONLY UNTIL BOREDOM STRIKES, Rayanne Banaga
Only Until Boredom Strikes, Poetry by Rayanne Banaga

FROZEN DREAMS, Virendra Gupta
FORZEN DREAMS, Poetry by Virendra Gupta

POETREE OF LIFE, Lydia Torres
Poetree of Life, Poetry by Lydia Torres

LIFE, Tony Blackstone
LIFE, Poetry by Tony Blackstone

TEST YOUR TALENTS, Theres Ayla Kravetz
Test Your Talents, Poetry by Therese Ayla Kravetz

ANYONE, Robert Valleau
ANYONE?, Poetry by Robert Valleau

SOUTH BOUND, Ruth Andrews Garnes
South Bound, Poetry by Ruth Andrews Garnes

I WILL HOLD MY PEN TO BED, Ibrahim Olalere
I Wil Hold My Pen To Bed, Poetry by Ibrahim Olalere

THE CARNIVAL, Guessella Daniels
The Carnival, Poetry by Guessella Daniels

CHANGE, Chantel Wiggins
Change, Poetry by Chantel Wiggins

MAJORITY, Sanijela Matkovic
MAJORITY, Poetry by SANIJELA MATKOVIĆ

THE TRAIN TRIP HOME, Ben Marchant
The Train Trip Home, Poetry by Ben Marchant

CHILDHOODS PAST, Robert Valleau
CHILDHOOD’S PAST, Poetry by Robert Valleau

THE COLOR OF MY SKIN, Sonya Marshall
THE COLOR OF MY SKIN, Poetry by Sonya Marshall

INSPIRED BY YOU COLORS, Kerry Akers
Inspired by you Colors, Poetry by Kerry Akers

I STAND ABOVE, Dorita Charles
I Stand above, Poetry by Dorita Charles

I LIVE IN THE PRESENT, Ehi Mary Okwechime
I LIVE IN THE PRESENT, Poetry by Ehi Mary Okwechime

Read the best of MOTIVATIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL Poetry – Part 1

CLICK the link and read the best of poetry

 BE LEAF, Azeem
Be Leaf, Poetry by The Poet Azeem

DEATH TO THE POET, Majezty Carlos Navarro
DEATH TO THE POET, Poetry by Majezty Carlos Navarro

INSPIRING SONG TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Katarine Jovcevska
INSPIRING SONG TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Poetry by Katarina Jovcevska

THE CLEANSING OF RAIN, Joan Treppa
The Cleansing of Rain, Poetry by Joan Treppa

WHO INSPIRES ME, Sonia Dutta
Who inspires me?, Poetry by Sonia Dutta

STAND YOUR GROUND, H. Lee
Stand Your Ground, Poetry by H. Lee

ARCANA COMPROMISED, Aneza Lee
Arcana Compromised, Poetry by Aneza Lee

FREEWAY TO SPACE, by Kathy Anderson
Freeway to Space, Poetry by Kathy Anderson

I AM, Suan Marie
I AM, Poetry by Susan Marie

THE FEAR OF LOSING HER,
The Fear of Losing Her, Poetry by John Kavanaugh

MY DARLING, Buffy Sammons
My Darling.., Poetry by Buffy Sammons

THE CAGED BIRD, Manisha Chetia
The Caged Bird, Poetry by Manisha Chetia

MY BELOVED, Sushant KR Panedy
My Beloved, Poetry by Sushant kr.Pandey

CETACEAN, Stephen J. Jacobs
CETACEAN, Poetry by Stephen J. Jacobs

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, by Pyja Jurid
What a Wonderful World, Poetry by Pyja Jurid

THIS LIFE, by Buffy Sammons
#Love this life.., Poetry by Buffy Sammons

MY JOURNEY, Stephen McBride
My Journey, Poem by Stephen McBride

I’M NOT GETTING OLD I AM GETTING BETTER,
I’m not getting old, I am getting better, Poetry by Gun Roswell

YOU SOUND SO DISTANT, Kela Maswabi
You sound so distant, Poetry by Kela Maswabi

FLIGHT OF FREEDOM, Scott Davis
http://wildsoundfestivalreview.com/2015/05/16/flight-of-freedom-poetry-by-scott-davis/

Poetry Reading: DREAM by Mary Freericks

Performed by Omaka Umeh

7 questions:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem is regaining youth.

What motivated you to write this poem?

Sleeping in my granddaughter’s bed.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Perhaps thirty years. I attended Columbia University Graduate School of the Arts with a major in poetry.

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

I want to say God. But God is not a person.

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

Your invitation.

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

I have a published book, Creative Puppetry in the Classroom published by New Plays and some published educational articles and as well as memory articles about my childhood in Iran I also wrote a piece on Alice Hulyer Ramsey, the first woman to drive across the United States for an Encyclopedia on women’s accomplishments. but mostly I write poetry.

What is your passion in life?

I am an artist as well as poet and I love to paint. I also enjoy walking along the ocean and my family and friends.

Poetry Reading: ON THE WATER by Tammi Croteau

Poetry performed by Amaka Umeh

POETRY 7 questions:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme is growing up and letting go – a father’s desire for his son to become a strong man (even when he’s not quite willing to let go of his little boy yet). There’s also a hint of co-parenting between mother ocean and the father on the shore, building trust as the little boy sails off on his own to become the man they’ve raised him to be.

What motivated you to write this poem?

A former soldier had contacted me to thank me for believing in him when I was his commander. He’d had a rough time and made a lot of mistakes, but his son was his reason for turning his life around and I was very proud of him for that.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Since I was in high school (though I was much cheesier way back then!)

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

Jimmy Buffett – he’s my calypso poet role model in songwriting.

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

I think in movie scenes. Poetry helps to bring words and images to life in the minds of the readers, so a professional reading would add a whole new dimension.

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

I’ve self-published two collections of poems and short stories as well as a children’s book and song lyrics. I’ve also completed one full-length feature script.

What is your passion in life?

Connections – learning how people, places, things, and events are intertwined.

Poetry Reading: FIVE by Tammi Croteau

Poetry performed by Amaka Umeh

POETRY 7 questions:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme is growing up and letting go – a father’s desire for his son to become a strong man (even when he’s not quite willing to let go of his little boy yet). There’s also a hint of co-parenting between mother ocean and the father on the shore, building trust as the little boy sails off on his own to become the man they’ve raised him to be.

What motivated you to write this poem?

A former soldier had contacted me to thank me for believing in him when I was his commander. He’d had a rough time and made a lot of mistakes, but his son was his reason for turning his life around and I was very proud of him for that.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Since I was in high school (though I was much cheesier way back then!)

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

Jimmy Buffett – he’s my calypso poet role model in songwriting.

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

I think in movie scenes. Poetry helps to bring words and images to life in the minds of the readers, so a professional reading would add a whole new dimension.

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

I’ve self-published two collections of poems and short stories as well as a children’s book and song lyrics. I’ve also completed one full-length feature script.

What is your passion in life?

Connections – learning how people, places, things, and events are intertwined.

Poetry Reading: Plica, by Ewan Lawrie

Performed by Amaka Umeh

POETRY 7 questions:

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of the poem is fear of the unknown other and how fairy tales and folklore attempt make sense of all the inexplicable things like war and disease.

What motivated you to write this poem?

The state of Europe now.

How long have you been writing poetry?

About 10 years

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

Not a poet, but Frank Zappa.

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

About 10 years ago I published a poem (Parallel Heaven) on ABCTales which was part of a short lived project called ABCRadio. A professional actor read the poem and I’ve often wished the recording still existed.
https://www.abctales.com/story/ewan/parallel-heaven

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

I have a novel which was published 3 months ago by Unbound, available in Bookshops and on Amazon and other websites.
http://tinyurl.com/gibboushousehere

What is your passion in life?

I hate the great and small injustices of life, from playground bullying to the “othering” of immigrants.