POETIC BIRTHDAY

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BORN ON THIS DAY:
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                                                             1872          
                        
Paul Laurence Dunbar - A poet, novelist, and playwright born in Dayton, Ohio. Dunbar was a prolific writer: he wrote at least a dozen volumes of poetry, as well as, four books of short stories, four novels, lyrics for a musical, and a play.

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                                                             1936

Lucille Clifton - a poetess, writer, and educator born in Depew, New York.  Her poetry celebrated her Black heritage, women's experience and the female body. She was nominated twice for the Pulitizer Prize for poetry.

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For more detailed information, google-search their names and read all the relevant entries. 

TAKING CHALLENGE 9

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DEAD IS THE NEW MAD


so now i'm foaming
at the mouth mad at
the (insert expletive here)
who put the label in
the wrong place
in the first place                
because clearly it
should be where people
can see it before they
touch (whatever it is)
and die from cancer
later or sooner in
life wondering how
and/or give birth to a
stillborn child
wondering why

POET PROFILE

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FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER  (c1825-1911)

was born to free parents in the slave state of Maryland. She was orphaned at an early age, when her mother died in 1828. She was raised by her maternal aunt and uncle, Rev William Watkins, who was a civil rights activist. He was a major influence on her life.

Frances was a poet, novelist, essayist, journalist, orator and activist, who published her first volume of poetry, Forest Leaves, at the age of 20, but unfortunately the manuscript was lost. Her 2nd book, Poems on Miscellaneous Subjects, published in 1854 was extremely popular and was reprinted numerous times.

She earned financial independence and nationwide acclaim with her writings, was a strong supporter of abolitionism, and was active in Black organizations. She also helped slaves escape through the Underground Railroad, and wrote frequently for anti-slavery newspapers, earning her reputation as the Mother of African-American journalists.

Watkins died in 1911 and was  buried in Eden Cemetery in Philadelphia.

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To read the details of her life, click on the following links poets.org, poetryfoundation.org, and poemhunters.com. 

POETRY CHALLENGE 9

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CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
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You have been examining a product in the store to determine if you wanted to purchase it when you see a label on it that reads as follows: Warning: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. 
Write a poem describing your emotions directly after reading this label.
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TAKING CHALLENGE 8

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FRIDAY THE 13TH


today is friday the 13th
a bad omen
but only if you
believe in luck
or fortune and fame
or fate
as luck would have it
or lack of it perhaps
if you walk under
a ladder or break
a mirror for instance
or cross paths
with a black cat
feline or otherwise
round midnight by
being in the wrong place
at the wrong time
so watch your steps
today is friday the 13th
but only if you
believe in luck
or fortune and fame
or fate
but don't press it

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

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Today is celebrated throughout the United States as Father's Day, a time to honor all dads. Take a moment or two and honor your dad. Write a poem that celebrates your special relationship with your Father, for better or for worse.
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HERE IS MY EFFORT
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To My Father Memory

Dear Rev

it was never really clear
in my mind if we were your
children or not or
did you just Father us
for reasons unknown to
you who never wrote back
to us two sisters and me
to say anything except
i ain't got no money or
well when  your Mother left
she took away your right to
fatherly love
yet all the while
on your pulpit
you preached of
brotherly love of
loving your neighbor as
yourself and
even though you showed us
no love we loved you still

POETRY CHALLENGE 8

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USE THE STATEMENT, "TODAY IS FRIDAY THE 13TH" AS A FIRST LINE,  AND WRITE A POEM.  THINK IN A SUPERSTITIOUS WAY, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE LIKE THE HORROR MOVIE SERIES WITH "JASON."
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