THIS JUST IN

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New Yorkers take note:

The 2014 Academy of American Poets Reading Series presents their FINAL summer reading event.

Invited poets share their own poems and others from the library's archival collection. 

This event is FREE and open to the public. It takes place on Tuesday, August 5th at 6 pm and will be held at the New York Public Library,  5th Avenue and 42nd Street.



For more info click on poets.org

POET PROFILE

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JAMES MADISON BELL  (1826 - 1902)
was a poet, orator, and activist who was born in Ohio.

 Bell was a talented plasterer; he worked in the plastering trade for 40 years. In 1851, he and his brother-in-law, George Knight, who taught him the trade, was awarded the contract to plaster the Hamilton County public buildings in their hometown of Gallipolis.

During this time, Bell wrote, published, and gave public readings of his orations in verse. He also lectured nationwide for abolitionism and Black educational and legal rights.

In 1854, he moved with his family to Ontario, Canada, where he became involved with Underground Railroad activities. He soon became known for his poems and speeches against the ills of slavery.

Bell traveled extensively in Canada, and around the United States giving anti-slavery speaking engagements until 1890, when he settled down again, this time in Toledo, Ohio.

In 1901, he published a number of his poems in a book he titled, "The Poetical Works of James Madison Bell. He died a year later and was buried in Toledo.

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To read the remarkable events of his life, Google Search  his name and read the related entries.

POETRY CHALLENGE 12

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CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
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Write a poem explaining why you had to resort to "Plan B."

THIS JUST IN

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FOR NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS
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The NY Poetry Festival is an annual 2-day gathering on Governor's Island in New York Harbor.

It features readings, booksellers, artists, craft makers, and poetic events for children.

It takes place 7/26 -27 from 11 AM - 6 PM

For details click on poetrysocietyny.org

                 ALSO COMING UP IN THE CITY:

The Academy of American Poets presents their 8th Annual poets forum on October 16-18 in various locations. 

Buy tickets now and save 20%.

For info click on poets.org

TAKING CHALLENGE 11

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STILL TO COME



as it is in
the autumn of
my years i
look forward to
the easy life having
comfort for the
duration of my days
seeing my children and
grandchildren grow and
mature into seeds of
hope for the next
generation removed
looking

forward to eclipsing the
days of my ancestors
upon this earth in
good health of
mind and body with
bright eyes shining like
the full moon
looking for that
final blessing of
easy exit to
the next level

ALSO JUST FOR YOU!

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Residents of Chicago and those who may be in the vicinity at this time:
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The GUILD LITERARY COMPLEX presents the 21st Annual GWENDOLYN BROOKS open mic and reading award held at the Chopin Theatre on Wednesday, 7/23 at 7 PM.

Writers across the state of Illinois submitted their poems to the GUILD in June. Twenty (20) of these poems were selected and will be presented. The audience will decide the winner of a $500 prize.

Come join the fun and hear some great poetry read Out loud, the way it should be heard!

For details on this event click on poetryfoundation.org

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WHO WAS GWENDOLYN BROOKS? 
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"Gwendie," as she was known by very close friends was a poetess.

Although she was born in Kansas, she was a life-long  native of Chicago.

                               June 7, 1917 - December 3, 2000

She won the prestigious PULITZER PRIZE for POETRY in 1950 for her 2nd book of poetry, "Annie Allen," becoming the first Black person to win that honor.

She was appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968 and United States Poet Laureate in 1985.

For details on her life Google Search her name.

POETRY CHALLENGE 11

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CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
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Write a poem that describes something you are looking forward to experiencing.
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TAKING CHALLENGE 10

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THE DOCTOR IS IN
(A Poem for Maya Angelou)


without knowing you
taught me the
meaning of love and
understanding of myself
in all things
to no longer be
afraid to lift my
voice and  rise
above the friction                      

of life relegated
to the 2nd class
citizenship lane of
life sentenced to
the iron bars of
a caged-in soul
which now sings
praises to you daily
for healing me for
making me well
enough to lift
my voice
to sing
to rise

MORE JUST FOR YOU

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Join POETS HOUSE for their 22nd Annual Showcase, which is a free exhibit featuring all of the new poetry books and poetry-related texts published in the U.S. in a single year from over 700 commercial presses.

The showcase will be on view during library hours through August 16th.

POETS HOUSE is located at 10 River Terrace in New York City. For more info click on  poetshouse.org

SPEAKING OF WHICH, The Poet Outlaw himself (me) will be attending a weekend workshop at POETS HOUSE on Saturday, 7/26 and Sunday 7/27.

Prompts for Poets Weekend Workshop will be led by Valerie Fox and Lynn Levin, authors of the book  Poems for the Writing: Prompts for Poets.

The workshop will explore several of the unique prompts in their book and will include some in-class writing and sharing.

The Poet Outlaw will blog live from this event, as well as the Showcase, so stay tuned.

POETIC BIRTHDAY

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BORN ON THIS DAY
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                                             1936

June Jordan, poetess, journalist, essayist, activist and teacher, was one of the most widely published and highly-acclaimed writers of her generation. She authored more than 25 major works of poetry, fiction and essays, as well as numerous children's books.

**Details of her life and times can be found by  googling her name and reading all the related entries.

POETRY CHALLENGE 10

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CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
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Write a poem paying tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou.
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JUST FOR YOU

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Join the POETRY FOUNDATION LIBRARY'S, Book Club Sessions on either Saturday, July 12th at 2 pm, or Friday, July 18th, at 12:30 pm, when all levels of experience are welcome to discuss Maya Angelou's  "The Complete Collected Poems."

Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early, and in advance by emailing library@poetryfoundation.org. 

The library is located at 6l West Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois.