Photo by Claire J. Baker, Pinole
FROM THE TRAIN—THE GREENING
—Norma Kohout, Sacramento
The valley fields are resting;
grasses are pushing up
under the black arms of plum trees;
broad strokes of green show pasture
for a herd of Black Angus,
mingling with red and white Herefords.
Old-green contrasts with
mottled brown on barn walls
and cinnabar on their rough timbers.
Patches of new green are starting up
alongside winter-soaked
marsh plants and flaxen reeds . . .
the train rolls west to peopled Martinez;
there green is growing only in mowed lawns
and weeds along the track.
__________________
REVISITING THE LEGION OF HONOR, S.F.
—Norma Kohout
Fog and wind set the silver-green olive trees to quivering,
makes silhouettes of the nearby cypress,
shadows the pines at Land’s End.
The fog floats through me on the pale terrazzo terrace,
and the terrace floats above the lawns,
and they seem suspended in years of swirling fog.
From the sea, creeping through the dampness,
three deep-voices notes—
the foghorn’s ponderous yearning.
_________________
Thanks to Claire Baker for today's photo, and to Norma Kohout for the poems! Join us this Wednesday, March 11 at The Book Collector, 1008 24th St., Sacramento (7:30 PM) for the release of Norma's new chapbook from Rattlesnake Press, All Aboard!—a collection of poems about her many adventures on AmTrak. And see more of Claire and Norma's work in Rattlesnake Review #21, due out that same day, along with a new littlesnake broadside, At Grail Castle Hotel, from Patricia Hickerson. You can also see more of Norma's work on the post on which she was featured on Medusa's Kitchen. Go to the archives at the right of this column for November, 2007, and scroll down to Nov. 24.
This weekend in NorCal poetry:
•••Sat. (3/7), 1-4 PM: You are cordially Invited to “Bay Area Poets Laureate”, a reception in Livermore hosted by Livermore Poet Laureate Connie Post at the Livermore Public Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. This gathering is being held as a reception to kick off the photography exhibit, “Poets Laureate in California” by Ronna Leon (photographer). Come see the remarkable display of past and current Poets Laureate of California. The photo display will be in the main gallery of the Livermore Library. Refreshments will be served. Stop by anytime from 1-4 PM; from 2-3 PM, Bay Area Poets Laureate will read poems. Join us to enjoy Ronna Leon’s photography, meet Bay Area Poets Laureate, hear their poetry, and get a sense of history of the Poets Laureate Programs in California. Info: Connie Post (connie@poetrypost.com). Directions: from Hwy 580, take the North Livermore Exit. Head South. Keep going through town until you see the civic center and then the Library on your left.
•••Mon, (3/9), 7:30 PM: Sacramento Poetry Center presents Dobby Gibson and Matt Hart at HQ for the Arts, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento. Dobby Gibson’s first book of poetry, Polar, won the 2004 Beatrice Hawley Award and was a finalist for the 2006 Minnesota Book Award. He is also the author of a second collection of poetry, Skirmish (Graywolf 2009). Gibson's poetry has appeared in many publications: Ploughshares, Fence, Iowa Review, New England Review, Conduit, among other publications. He is the recipient of a poetry fellowship from the McKnight Foundation. He currently lives in Minneapolis. Matt Hart is the author of Who's Who Vivid (Slope Editions, 2006) and three chapbooks: Revelated (Hollyridge Press, 2005), Sonnet (H_NGM_N Books, 2006) and Simply Rocket (Lame House Press, 2007). A collaborative chapbook, Deafening Leafening, with poet Ethan Paquin, is forthcoming from Pilot Books in 2009. Additionally, his work has appeared in many print and online journals, including Gulf Coast, Harvard Review, Jubilat, and Octopus. He lives and teaches in Cincinnati where he edits Forklift, Ohio: A Journal of Poetry, Cooking, & Light Industrial Safety.
__________________
San Joaquin Writers' Workshop April 4:
•••Sat. (4/4), 8 AM-5 PM: Every writer, high school age and older, is welcome to the first San Joaquin Writers' Workshop at Delta College in Danner Hall (and adjacent rooms), 5151 Pacific Av., Stockton. This inaugural year, the focus is poetry. Each subsequent year will feature a specific genre. The day-long event is being organized by the SJDC Writers' Guild with support from the President's office, Delta's Associated Student Body Government, the Stockton Arts Commission and Friends of the Library (Stockton).
The day will begin at 8 AM with coffee and pastries. After a welcoming address, we'll break into morning workshops with instruction and writing time. "Lunch with a Poet" will showcase a known poet/publisher at each table in the Student Chef Restaurant. Following afternoon sessions, there will be a reading by the presenters, an open mic and a culminating reception, closing at 5 PM. There will also be vendor tables, featuring the works of the presenting poets and books and supplies of interest to writers. Presenters are Pulitzer nominee poet/songwriter Michael C. Ford; local poets Roger Naylor, Mabel "Jimi" Choice, and Poets on the Roof, Michael Duffett, Monika Rose, and retired poet/Puente mentor Richard Rios.
The cost for the day, including lunch, is $15. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1. Register at www.sanjoaquinwritersworkshop.org or send a check to:
Writers’ Guild
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207
(Please put San Joaquin Writers’ Workshop in the memo line)
__________________
WINTER SUNSET
—Norma Kohout
Last night . .
just before dark, the leafless trees
reared assertively—
black detailed silhouettes,
sharp against the yellow light of sunset.
Tonight. . .
the western skyline dominates:
salmon-colored glory streaks
the purple clouds,
seemingly the last light.
Yet to the south, a jagged piece of white
strangely vivid,
like an alien substance
unnaturally pinned on a black sky.
_________________
EVENING WALK IN THE WINTER
—Norma Kohout
all along my route
sidewalks give off the dusty-damp smell
of concrete and on this block
beyond the magnolia trees
that gather up night
and beyond their velvet shadows
fish is frying
that smells delicious
and around the corner
winter reveals secrets in leafless trees
and the glistening evening star
is so constant in its dark setting
it seems a benediction
__________________
Today's LittleNip:
If a writer is so cautious that he never writes anything that cannot be criticized, he will never write anything that can be read. If you want to help other people you have got to make up your mind to write things that some men will condemn.
—Thomas Merton
__________________
—Medusa
SnakeWatch: What's New from Rattlesnake Press:
Rattlesnake Review: The latest issue (RR20) is currently available at The Book Collector, or send me four bux and I'll mail you one. Deadline for RR21 was Feb. 15; the issue will appear in mid-March. Next deadline is May 15 for RR22: send 3-5 poems, smallish art pieces and/or photos (no bio, no cover letter, no simultaneous submissions or previously-published poems) to kathykieth@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. E-mail attachments are preferred, but be sure to include all contact info, including snail address. Meanwhile, the snakes of Medusa are always hungry; let us know if your submission is for the Review or for Medusa, or for either one.
Also available (free): littlesnake broadside #46: Snake Secrets: Getting Your Poetry Published in Rattlesnake Press (and lots of other places, besides!): A compendium of ideas for brushing up on your submissions process so as to make editors everywhere more happy, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting your poetry published. Pick up a copy at The Book Collector or write to me and I'll send you one. Free!
Coming in March: On Wednesday, March 11, Rattlesnake Press will be releasing a new chapbook from Norma Kohout (All Aboard); a littlesnake broadside from Patricia Hickerson (At Grail Castle Hotel); and a new issue of Rattlesnake Review (the Snake turns 21)! Join us at The Book Collector, 1008 24th St., Sacramento, 7:30. Refreshments and a read-around will follow; bring your own poems or somebody else's.
Medusa's Weekly Menu:
(Contributors are welcome to cook up something for any and all of these!)
Monday: Weekly NorCal poetry calendar
Tuesday: Seed of the Week: Tuesday is Medusa's day to post poetry triggers such as quotes, forms, photos, memories, jokes—whatever might tickle somebody's muse. Pick up the gauntlet and send in your poetic results; and don't be shy about sending in your own triggers, too! All poems will be posted and a few of them will go into Medusa's Corner of each Rattlesnake Review. Send your work to kathykieth@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. No deadline for SOWs; respond today, tomorrow, or whenever the muse arrives. (Print 'em out, maybe, save 'em for a dry spell?) When you send us work, though, just let us know which "seed" it was that inspired you.
Wednesday (sometimes, or any other day!): HandyStuff Quickies: Resources for the poet, including whatever helps ease the pain of writing and/or publishing: favorite journals to read and/or submit to; books, etc., about writing; organizational tools—you know—HandyStuff! Tell us about your favorite tools.
Thursday: B.L.'s Drive-Bys: Micro-reviews by our irreverent Reviewer-in-Residence, B.L. Kennedy. Send books, CDs, DVDs, etc. to him for possible review (either as a Drive-By or in future issues of Rattlesnake Review) at P.O. Box 160664, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Friday: NorCal weekend poetry calendar
Daily (except Sunday): LittleNips: SnakeFood for the Poetic Soul: Daily munchables for poetic thought, including short paragraphs, quotes, wonky words, silliness, little-known poetry/poet facts, and other inspiration—yet another way to feed our ravenous poetic souls.
And poetry! Every day, poetry from writers near and far and in-between! The Snakes of Medusa are always hungry.......!
_________________
Medusa encourages poets of all ilk and ages to send their POETRY, PHOTOS and ART, as well as announcements of Northern California poetry events, to kathykieth@hotmail.com (or snail ‘em to P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726) for posting on this daily Snake blog. Rights remain with the poets. Previously-published poems are okay for Medusa’s Kitchen, as long as you own the rights. (Please cite publication.) Medusa cannot vouch for the moral fiber of other publications, contests, etc. that she lists, however, so submit to them at your own risk. For more info about the Snake Empire, including guidelines for submitting to or obtaining our publications, click on the link to the right of this column: Rattlesnake Press (rattlesnakepress.com). And be sure to sign up for Snakebytes, our monthly e-newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on all our ophidian chicanery.
—Norma Kohout, Sacramento
The valley fields are resting;
grasses are pushing up
under the black arms of plum trees;
broad strokes of green show pasture
for a herd of Black Angus,
mingling with red and white Herefords.
Old-green contrasts with
mottled brown on barn walls
and cinnabar on their rough timbers.
Patches of new green are starting up
alongside winter-soaked
marsh plants and flaxen reeds . . .
the train rolls west to peopled Martinez;
there green is growing only in mowed lawns
and weeds along the track.
__________________
REVISITING THE LEGION OF HONOR, S.F.
—Norma Kohout
Fog and wind set the silver-green olive trees to quivering,
makes silhouettes of the nearby cypress,
shadows the pines at Land’s End.
The fog floats through me on the pale terrazzo terrace,
and the terrace floats above the lawns,
and they seem suspended in years of swirling fog.
From the sea, creeping through the dampness,
three deep-voices notes—
the foghorn’s ponderous yearning.
_________________
Thanks to Claire Baker for today's photo, and to Norma Kohout for the poems! Join us this Wednesday, March 11 at The Book Collector, 1008 24th St., Sacramento (7:30 PM) for the release of Norma's new chapbook from Rattlesnake Press, All Aboard!—a collection of poems about her many adventures on AmTrak. And see more of Claire and Norma's work in Rattlesnake Review #21, due out that same day, along with a new littlesnake broadside, At Grail Castle Hotel, from Patricia Hickerson. You can also see more of Norma's work on the post on which she was featured on Medusa's Kitchen. Go to the archives at the right of this column for November, 2007, and scroll down to Nov. 24.
This weekend in NorCal poetry:
•••Sat. (3/7), 1-4 PM: You are cordially Invited to “Bay Area Poets Laureate”, a reception in Livermore hosted by Livermore Poet Laureate Connie Post at the Livermore Public Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. This gathering is being held as a reception to kick off the photography exhibit, “Poets Laureate in California” by Ronna Leon (photographer). Come see the remarkable display of past and current Poets Laureate of California. The photo display will be in the main gallery of the Livermore Library. Refreshments will be served. Stop by anytime from 1-4 PM; from 2-3 PM, Bay Area Poets Laureate will read poems. Join us to enjoy Ronna Leon’s photography, meet Bay Area Poets Laureate, hear their poetry, and get a sense of history of the Poets Laureate Programs in California. Info: Connie Post (connie@poetrypost.com). Directions: from Hwy 580, take the North Livermore Exit. Head South. Keep going through town until you see the civic center and then the Library on your left.
•••Mon, (3/9), 7:30 PM: Sacramento Poetry Center presents Dobby Gibson and Matt Hart at HQ for the Arts, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento. Dobby Gibson’s first book of poetry, Polar, won the 2004 Beatrice Hawley Award and was a finalist for the 2006 Minnesota Book Award. He is also the author of a second collection of poetry, Skirmish (Graywolf 2009). Gibson's poetry has appeared in many publications: Ploughshares, Fence, Iowa Review, New England Review, Conduit, among other publications. He is the recipient of a poetry fellowship from the McKnight Foundation. He currently lives in Minneapolis. Matt Hart is the author of Who's Who Vivid (Slope Editions, 2006) and three chapbooks: Revelated (Hollyridge Press, 2005), Sonnet (H_NGM_N Books, 2006) and Simply Rocket (Lame House Press, 2007). A collaborative chapbook, Deafening Leafening, with poet Ethan Paquin, is forthcoming from Pilot Books in 2009. Additionally, his work has appeared in many print and online journals, including Gulf Coast, Harvard Review, Jubilat, and Octopus. He lives and teaches in Cincinnati where he edits Forklift, Ohio: A Journal of Poetry, Cooking, & Light Industrial Safety.
__________________
San Joaquin Writers' Workshop April 4:
•••Sat. (4/4), 8 AM-5 PM: Every writer, high school age and older, is welcome to the first San Joaquin Writers' Workshop at Delta College in Danner Hall (and adjacent rooms), 5151 Pacific Av., Stockton. This inaugural year, the focus is poetry. Each subsequent year will feature a specific genre. The day-long event is being organized by the SJDC Writers' Guild with support from the President's office, Delta's Associated Student Body Government, the Stockton Arts Commission and Friends of the Library (Stockton).
The day will begin at 8 AM with coffee and pastries. After a welcoming address, we'll break into morning workshops with instruction and writing time. "Lunch with a Poet" will showcase a known poet/publisher at each table in the Student Chef Restaurant. Following afternoon sessions, there will be a reading by the presenters, an open mic and a culminating reception, closing at 5 PM. There will also be vendor tables, featuring the works of the presenting poets and books and supplies of interest to writers. Presenters are Pulitzer nominee poet/songwriter Michael C. Ford; local poets Roger Naylor, Mabel "Jimi" Choice, and Poets on the Roof, Michael Duffett, Monika Rose, and retired poet/Puente mentor Richard Rios.
The cost for the day, including lunch, is $15. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1. Register at www.sanjoaquinwritersworkshop.org or send a check to:
Writers’ Guild
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207
(Please put San Joaquin Writers’ Workshop in the memo line)
__________________
WINTER SUNSET
—Norma Kohout
Last night . .
just before dark, the leafless trees
reared assertively—
black detailed silhouettes,
sharp against the yellow light of sunset.
Tonight. . .
the western skyline dominates:
salmon-colored glory streaks
the purple clouds,
seemingly the last light.
Yet to the south, a jagged piece of white
strangely vivid,
like an alien substance
unnaturally pinned on a black sky.
_________________
EVENING WALK IN THE WINTER
—Norma Kohout
all along my route
sidewalks give off the dusty-damp smell
of concrete and on this block
beyond the magnolia trees
that gather up night
and beyond their velvet shadows
fish is frying
that smells delicious
and around the corner
winter reveals secrets in leafless trees
and the glistening evening star
is so constant in its dark setting
it seems a benediction
__________________
Today's LittleNip:
If a writer is so cautious that he never writes anything that cannot be criticized, he will never write anything that can be read. If you want to help other people you have got to make up your mind to write things that some men will condemn.
—Thomas Merton
__________________
—Medusa
SnakeWatch: What's New from Rattlesnake Press:
Rattlesnake Review: The latest issue (RR20) is currently available at The Book Collector, or send me four bux and I'll mail you one. Deadline for RR21 was Feb. 15; the issue will appear in mid-March. Next deadline is May 15 for RR22: send 3-5 poems, smallish art pieces and/or photos (no bio, no cover letter, no simultaneous submissions or previously-published poems) to kathykieth@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. E-mail attachments are preferred, but be sure to include all contact info, including snail address. Meanwhile, the snakes of Medusa are always hungry; let us know if your submission is for the Review or for Medusa, or for either one.
Also available (free): littlesnake broadside #46: Snake Secrets: Getting Your Poetry Published in Rattlesnake Press (and lots of other places, besides!): A compendium of ideas for brushing up on your submissions process so as to make editors everywhere more happy, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting your poetry published. Pick up a copy at The Book Collector or write to me and I'll send you one. Free!
Coming in March: On Wednesday, March 11, Rattlesnake Press will be releasing a new chapbook from Norma Kohout (All Aboard); a littlesnake broadside from Patricia Hickerson (At Grail Castle Hotel); and a new issue of Rattlesnake Review (the Snake turns 21)! Join us at The Book Collector, 1008 24th St., Sacramento, 7:30. Refreshments and a read-around will follow; bring your own poems or somebody else's.
Medusa's Weekly Menu:
(Contributors are welcome to cook up something for any and all of these!)
Monday: Weekly NorCal poetry calendar
Tuesday: Seed of the Week: Tuesday is Medusa's day to post poetry triggers such as quotes, forms, photos, memories, jokes—whatever might tickle somebody's muse. Pick up the gauntlet and send in your poetic results; and don't be shy about sending in your own triggers, too! All poems will be posted and a few of them will go into Medusa's Corner of each Rattlesnake Review. Send your work to kathykieth@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. No deadline for SOWs; respond today, tomorrow, or whenever the muse arrives. (Print 'em out, maybe, save 'em for a dry spell?) When you send us work, though, just let us know which "seed" it was that inspired you.
Wednesday (sometimes, or any other day!): HandyStuff Quickies: Resources for the poet, including whatever helps ease the pain of writing and/or publishing: favorite journals to read and/or submit to; books, etc., about writing; organizational tools—you know—HandyStuff! Tell us about your favorite tools.
Thursday: B.L.'s Drive-Bys: Micro-reviews by our irreverent Reviewer-in-Residence, B.L. Kennedy. Send books, CDs, DVDs, etc. to him for possible review (either as a Drive-By or in future issues of Rattlesnake Review) at P.O. Box 160664, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Friday: NorCal weekend poetry calendar
Daily (except Sunday): LittleNips: SnakeFood for the Poetic Soul: Daily munchables for poetic thought, including short paragraphs, quotes, wonky words, silliness, little-known poetry/poet facts, and other inspiration—yet another way to feed our ravenous poetic souls.
And poetry! Every day, poetry from writers near and far and in-between! The Snakes of Medusa are always hungry.......!
_________________
Medusa encourages poets of all ilk and ages to send their POETRY, PHOTOS and ART, as well as announcements of Northern California poetry events, to kathykieth@hotmail.com (or snail ‘em to P.O. Box 762, Pollock Pines, CA 95726) for posting on this daily Snake blog. Rights remain with the poets. Previously-published poems are okay for Medusa’s Kitchen, as long as you own the rights. (Please cite publication.) Medusa cannot vouch for the moral fiber of other publications, contests, etc. that she lists, however, so submit to them at your own risk. For more info about the Snake Empire, including guidelines for submitting to or obtaining our publications, click on the link to the right of this column: Rattlesnake Press (rattlesnakepress.com). And be sure to sign up for Snakebytes, our monthly e-newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on all our ophidian chicanery.
