One can hardly call “A Labor Day Rosary” by Jeff Rath a religious poem. But then one can hardly say it isn’t, either. The poem, in its simple brilliance, merges the lines between the political and the religious. In America, the two are inextricably intertwined. The Religious Right has its political heroes; so, too, does…
Category Archives: Poetry and Politics
An Ode To Alexander Hamilton
Today is the first day of National Poetry Month. It’s also April Fool’s Day. How fitting then that we should honor the biggest fool in our nation’s history with a poem. I wrote this at 5 a.m. when I couldn’t sleep. An Ode To Alexander Hamilton We all get what we deserve one way or…
Why Obama Is Better For Conservatives Than McCain
Remember George Carlin’s comedy act, “The Seven Words You Can’t Say On TV?” It was very funny. Well, Bob Harris has penned the “The Seven Deadly Words of Book Reviewing,” only it’s not so funny. It’s tragic. And true. By the way, “penned” didn’t make the list, but it did get an honorable mention. And…
Poetry Potpourri, Volume 5
Here’s your chance to support freedom of speech. Get published @ Teenypoet. Ah, plagiarism. Reginald Shepherd on New American Poets. Slamming the Bluz in Charlotte. Openness, inclusiveness. Is that possible in poetry? “Outside the Flood Walls” by Edward Byrne. Slam event: audience participation. Veterans against the Iraq War. Making sense of Mamet, the poet and…
Classic Literature On YouTube, A Fellowship, Religion, And Politics
The Kenyon Review is extolling the new forms of literature. The interesting thing about these YouTube videos is that many of them are done by high school students while reading through literature in their classes. I remember reading Great Expectations for the first time. I don’t remember having exactly this reaction to it, but it…
The Poetry Of British Humor (And Other Things)
Funny! Thanks to Edward Byrne, I came upon this treat from the early years of Hugh Laurie. It’s called “Poetry Prize.” British humor is fabulous! For Barbie fans! A video clip (you’ll have to view it on Jezebel’s site) of Goth Barbie. Warning: Tell your little girls to leave the room. There is some objectionable…
Split This Rock Poetry Festival – Good Cause Or Propaganda?
(Source) “Split this Rock calls poets to a greater role in public life and fosters a national community of activist poets. The festival will feature readings, workshops, panel discussions on poetry and social change, youth programming, films, parties, walking tours, and activism, while we debate and assess the public role of the poet and the…
Poetics Vs. Politics: I Just Have This To Say About That
Sharon Brogan posted a poem on her website and received some feedback. It’s an excellent poem. It grabs you right from the beginning: Don’t those pollsters know that married women lie in the presence of their husbands? The poem doesn’t disappoint at all. Completely through to the end, I was on the edge of my…
Poetry Potpourri, Volume 2
Looking for a place to publish your chapbook? Try Shadowbox Press. Talking Heads’ David Byrne discusses indie music and how artists can control their own destiny. Much of this applies to literary artists as well. The new Lincoln? God, I hope not. Billy’s crazy idea about paying people to read his blog. Will it work?…
Poetically Good News And Congrats To Two Poets I Admire
(Source) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have withdrawn a subpoena seeking the identities of thousands of people who bought used books through online retailer Amazon.com Inc., newly unsealed court records show.The withdrawal came after a judge ruled the customers have a First Amendment right to keep their reading habits from the government. This is…
