Living the Life Poetic

In college, most of my friends were actors. In San Francisco, my coming-of-age homestead, most of my friends were musicians. In New York, where I attended graduate school for poetry, I fell into step with a few important poetry friends but was not in any way magnetized to the New York poetry scene. Driving home from last night's reading, marveling at the pleasure of witnessing inspired writers and laughing with kindred listeners, it occurred to me that I have for the first time created a poetry community. Dripping in the jewels of wisdom and wonder with which three great readers adorned me, I have never felt so wealthy.

Thank you, Doug Marx, for leaving the mystery of your disappearance to share with us moments such as: "...like a trillium wrenched from its mulched century..." and "It seems they wanted a myth but all I had was a metaphor." Thank you, Lane Browning, for moving me from melancholy to music to uncontrollable laughter as we traveled your losses, refusals (no-ga/yoga made my day) and enchantingly rendered reminiscences. Thank you, Leanne Grabel, for giving grief a rhythm and saucy beat. For showing us how beloved what we fear might actually be.

And thank you Erika Kunders for welcoming our reading series to your Barnes & Noble. I've been teased for hosting the series at such a corporate bookstore––located in a mall of all places––that does not have a reputation for appreciating poetry. But I see this as an incredible opportunity to make a vast, cool retail space far more cozy by igniting the fire of poetry; and I think it brings out the best in all of us. When big companies generously share their space, their resources, their fabulous Starbucks desserts and drinks with a community of readers, I feel a little more hopeful about what might be possible in the world. For me, living––and writing––the life poetic is about embracing these paradoxes, releasing the biases that keep us separate, and recognizing the golden thread of poetry that speaks through all of us when we let it.

(Photo credit: Erika Kunders)

Comments

[Candice]

Sage,

Normally, not really enamored with readings,that was one of the most unpretentious and enjoyable events I've ever attended, not to mention humorous and profound. Thanks. It was great to meet you.

[Sage]

Thanks, Candice! That's so good to hear. Sounds like we're doing exactly what I hoped to do: welcome and inspire a community of readers and writers. It was great to meet you, too, at long last! Hope to see you again soon!

[dale]

I had a grand time. Especially enjoyed Doug Marx's reading, but they were all terrific. Thank you! (I'm very intimidated now, but I'll soldier on when it's my turn :->)

[Shelley Peters]

This is a free write I wrote during a writing group session.

How to Act Like a Writer

1. Adopt the persona of a famous writer. You may need to explain your attitude and attire to others, but that's okay.

Be a different writer everyday.

2. Act intellectual.

Wear glasses.

Carry around a book and read it prominently.

Ponticate!

Talk about the latest movies, poets, art,...

Reminisce about the classics.

Make erudite observations.

3. Behave like a bohemian.

Wear poet's blouses and velvet pants or a French beret.

Write with a quill or in calligraphy.

Jot tiny drawings in your notebook beside your musings.

Be disdainful or oblivious to what others think.

Do something daring.

Retreat to a cabin in the woods which is warmed only by a fireplace and the passion of your creativity.

Travel around the world.

4. Be willing to give autographs.

Come up with pen names, and choose your favorites.

Practice your novel, using different voices for each character.

Inspire new writers with your tale of persisting to get your novel/
memoir/ articles/ essays/ poetry published.

Imagine a fan club, and develop your own website.

Practice how you will explain to Oprah the story of your success.

Throw away any bad reviews.

Visualize meeting with your favorite writers at a banquet.

Wave at others from limosines.

[Sage]

Oh, Dale, you're going to be so fantastic! I can't wait to experience the magic of your spirit-embodied-in-words live!