POETRY CHALLENGE 13

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CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
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Write a poem describing how you deal with the unexpected.

TAKING CHALLENGE 12

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SWITCHING GEARS


first
plan A
was iffy
from the start
thinking deeply
from A-Z  the
strategy was still

iffy because
people change
their nature
switch courses in
mid-stream
then don't even love
you anymore
and somewhere along
the way you resort
to the next
plan B
which was all
you had left
in hoping
in helping
it work out
but love is
iffy  so
it didn't matter
anyway

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