"The Naken Poet" Poem by Jerry Chalk

 Wonderful Poet: Jerry Chalk

I want to showcase the writing of a poet whose writings, I admire.  That poet goes by the name on poetry groups as Jerry Chalk.  I came across his poetry when he came into my poetry group I'd created, called 'Poetry Corner' and he then posted his poetry.  He gave me his permission to post his poetry on my writing blogs.  His wonderful poetry is below.  This particular poem is one of my favourites that he's written and then shared.



The Naked Poet...I'm sure with anyone who is a poet at heart has felt this way a time or two.
Should I write you a poem that everyone already knows?
And use those familiar words like crimson, or porcelain or ember glows,
Should I write a stereotypical poem and paint a happy world, with the wonders of nature,
Reaching out to touch your senses from a single sheet of wasted paper,
Just so you might smile and agree and feel so warm and fuzzy
Because the grass is alive and the leaves are green, (especially in the spring)
But sometimes I see that the trees and the sky and the stars are not shining,
People aren't always happy go lucky
And poetry isn't always cheerful and touching,
The sky's are just as violent as an abusive father,
Roses are red like the blood of martyrs,
Violets are black and blue bruises on the bodies of those who dare,
To indulge in the truth of what it feels like to be human and scared,
To be angry or melancholy, to feel pain and the relief from pain,
To remember that pain and avoid those same mistakes.
But perhaps without the witty anecdotes and perfect fake plastic plants,
This is not a poem after all but more of a colorful rant,
Be that as it may I will woefully resign my interpretations out of respect,
And let genuine honesty reign down from those dark clouds of distress,
Pouring out of the eyes the tears are metaphors for emotions to circumspect,
And I shall guard this with my soul...
While todays rich and happy rappers, clowns and Gestures
Joyfully murder poetry with love and sex and money and treasure,
And so I die in these lines as well because the public has no interest in reality,
Unless it comes on TV, is spoken from a celebrity
No one wants to see the true body of life's naked poetry.

Cassandra Jones' poem, "Refuse To Cry"

I want to highlight a poem by a poet who writes straight from the heart and soul and who also helps advocate with her poems against domestic violence, plus who encourages others in domestic violence situations to remain strong. This poem is wonderful and truly can help to encourage to others, I think. The poem is titled "Refuse to Cry" and is by Cassandra Jones. It is below:

Refuse To Cry


I am stronger,

than you think.

You thought,

I would just sink.




Into a lonely,

sea of despair.

Lost and scared,

with no one to care.




Guess you don't,

really know me.

Unlike you,

I can see.




The strength,

I have inside.

The tears,

I won't let slide.




In the past,

I wouldn't try.

You'd anticipate,

that I would cry.




I won't give,

into your drama.

In the end,

you'll be hit with karma.




You won't drag me,

to your level.

My life won't

be disheveled.




You don't get,

the benefit of the doubt.

You found,

your way out.




Thanks to you,

I don't have to try.

Now that you're gone,

I refuse to cry.

Showcasing a poem by a writer I admire

As those of you who have been following my blog know, I have been writing about writers I admire. And today, I just had to post not about a writer I admire this time, but to post a poem by a writer I Admire with whom I'd done a guest blog and about whom I'd already written within this blog. The poem is titled "Revengeful Panther," and it's by a writer I admire named Lena Winfrey Seder. Her poem is amasing, as is its title that is perfectly fitting with the subject of the poem, plus it expresses as though from the eyes of an abusive person, in affect, making this poem a wonderful tool in helping raise awareness about domestic abuse and about how an abusive person can think and be. This poem is below:

REVENGEFUL PANTHER



The black panther awaits deep in the dark forest.

Watching quietly to catch prey that is too bold,

He hates his disgraceful acts, but can find no rest.

Life’s experiences have made him old.

He skillfully sharpens his claws, his best defense.

Striking out at the world in desired revenge.

Around his ice-cold heart remains a barbed-wire fence.

Frightening others with mean looks that make them cringe,

Teeth grinding and heart aching from flames as he waits.

What or who does he wait for? He doesn’t even know.

He tries to avoid others’ jagged traps and baits.

Playing this chess game and escaping Cupid’s bow,

Afraid of love, he only thinks of survival.

The smiling mask he wears hides his salty tears.

He received scars before from a former rival.

Pain, never forgotten, carried through all the years.

Revenge, his bitter-sweet passion, stabs like a knife.

When will he forgive to start a happy new life?

Guest Blogger: Lena Winfrey Seder

Hello, everyone. My name is April Morone, and this is the blog where I write about and introduce the writers I admire. And I will be having some of them guest blog in this section to showcase and tell a little more about them. One of the writers I admire who I am having as a guest on my blog, today, is Lena Winfrey Seder. She is a fellow author and a dear friend who I think is a kindred spirit. I did an interview with her to post, here. My interview with her is below:

1.) Tell everyone a little bit about you, about who you are, about what led you to write, and about what inspires you to write.

I am originally from a small town in Bluefield, Virginia. I am descended from Irish, German, Scottish and British roots. I have a brother and a half-sister who are older than me. I did my BA at Bluefield College and went on to achieve my MA in English Literature at VA Tech University. I traveled and lived around many places in the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. I have a background in drama and music as well; I achieved a minor in music and used to study voice and piano. Growing up I also played the clarinet. For a brief period, I took dance as well. Currently, I am interested in Tae Kwondo, and I hold a purple belt. And I just started playing chess and love it! My sons encouraged me to play since they take chess lessons and do tournaments.

I was so wrapped up in music and acting that it is a wonder that I explored my writing talents. I used to look at writing as just a hobby while growing up and it was a means of expressing myself, especially in poetry. As a teen I used to write song lyrics. Then, when I switched over to Literature as a study, I became more fascinated with stories and the written parts of plays. I was taking creative writing in high school and in college, so this sparked my interest as well. Though my earliest short story that I recall is when I was about eight years old about a princess. I even illustrated it! I started writing more when my dear friend passed away at the age of 16; she was a writer, too and we had a series going on between us where almost daily we would come up with humorous stories and create characters from the people around us. After her death, I started writing more on my own and expressing my grief.

Finally, one day, I realized that I actually was a writer and why not just make it a career because I enjoyed it so much, and because I found writing to flow out of me so easily. I realized it really was a gift. So, then I seriously started writing short stories and did some journalism, too for a local newspaper as well as for various newspapers while living abroad.

I have been working on novels and screenplays. I wrote both fiction and non-fiction, and I do not like being boxed into one character or genre. I want to write what I’m interested in when I’m inspired.

Sometimes, I get inspired due to a cause in the news. Sometimes there is just a need that I see that needs to be met. And sometimes it is just purely the act of creation. I still use my writing to expression my emotions and my thoughts. Also, I enjoy playing with words and literary devices; I love to create for the act of creating something beautiful. It depends on mood and inspiration. Writing to me is like the air I breathe and the water I drink; I cannot survive without it.

2.) I noticed that you like to help advocate for everyone. To what inspired to do so, and to do via your writing, as well?

Indeed, I’m interested in many issues. I like to help people and do a lot of volunteer work. While living in West Africa, I helped my children’s school and did a lot of fundraising and PTA work as well as marketing. I taught classes to some of the women there about child development and education. I’m also interested in fighting against domestic violence (for children and women). I have come to realize that abuse is rampant world-wide and can happen anywhere in any culture and any religion. It needs to be addressed and is a serious issue. I also like to inspire people and help them build their self-esteem; I grew up as a terribly shy, brainy person but I was able in high school to start pushing myself out of my shell. It is not easy, and people need this kind of encouragement. And I really have a million ideas to help society; I really would like to see the world a better and more cooperative place for everyone. Why can’t we all just learn to get along? This is one of the things I’m trying to do is to promote dialogue, understanding, communication and cooperation among various groups of people. One are one race– the human race– and we need to work together to help all of humanity.

In my writing it will come out in the form of essays, articles or even in storylines. I recently started a series of short stories about my experiences in West Africa that take a look at some of the conditions there and some tragic events that occur to some of the characters, partly based on reality.

3.) Wow! That is truly awesome and wonderful about to what has inspired you to write. And when you write, your advocating and expressions about these things come out, well, well-said, and beautifully, including in your poetry. I have read your wonderful poems. But, I’ve also noticed that you also write books that aren’t of poetry. Please tell everyone more about the types of writing and books you write, as well as to where your book can be found.

Thanks, April. I’m so glad you like my poetry. I do plan on a collection of poems one day.

I published last Spring, “The Metamorphosis of a Muslim” which is about my spiritual journey to Islam and my world travels. I make it like a simple conversation over coffee. I tried to keep it simple, yet inspiring. I give my take on countries I’ve been in and my hope for world peace in the future. It can be found at: www.iiphonline.com or www.iiph.com.sa Though available on Amazon and other places, it is better to get it from the publisher.

I am working on two non-fiction novels at the moment; one is about culture. I am working on a fictional novel that dives into the psychology of an abused woman, and I hope to get back to this one soon.

I also have two screenplays in the works. I have already written the first part of one. And I have a ton of projects in mind for the future. I keep getting bombarded with ideas, so I write down the idea or the outline and then I place it in my Idea Folder so I can come back to it later.

It is still my dream to go into film. I would really like to write and produce a film (possibly direct it, too). I enjoyed a course I took recently at Full Sail University (audited) about “Producing Independent Film”. It was an inspiring course was magnificent instructors! It takes time (and money) but one day I hope to achieve this goal.
Also, I’m one who likes variety, so in my literary pursuits I’m trying to create new types of characters and to cross-cultural bridges. I wrote all kinds of stories that combine unusual twists. I like to push the bar and to be different.

4.) O.k., enough of my part in this guest blog. Please write a blog post within this blog post to add anything you wish to add.

Now, that is not so easy. I don’t want to talk so much about myself, so I want to mention a very important topic: “Friendship”.

Friendship is vital, and it is rare to find a great friendship. The real test of friendship is when you are in need, you find them there ready to help or to encourage you. You find they really are concerned for you. I think society has grow apart, unfortunately, because we just don’t find sisterhood (or brotherhood) and friendship to be on the priority list anymore. This is a shame! I really would like to see people become kinder again and really value each other as special human beings. I would like to see people cooperating and promoting peace and love. I want to see more people involved in helping others and doing more volunteer work. Friends can be miles or even countries apart, but they understand each other and that can never fade away. I have a favorite quote about friendship:

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it. Keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”

My friends are all valuable to me and special. And friendship should be about kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, loyalty and sacrifice. April is a kind, sweet friend who inspires, and I hope that I do the same for her. Good friends are rare, and that makes them a treasure!
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Lena sent me via e-mail, a little more about her and about her book than is in this interview, herein, for me to add into this blog post. This information is in her own wording as she had worded and sent it to me via e-mail, below:

Lena Winfrey Seder

Writer, Editor, Lecturer, Educator

MA degree from VA Tech University in English Lit

Taught various grades from KG up to university levels both in the US and abroad

Writer of non-fiction, fiction, poetry and screenplays

Published: “The Metamorphosis of a Muslim” in May 2011 from IIPH publishers.

Married with 4 children: 3 boys and 1 girl

Hobbies: learning languages, reading, writing, tae kwondo (and playing chess, which I recently learned)

Dreams: get into producing films one day and publishing more books, esp fiction

Goals: promote peace and understanding among all peoples as well as inspiring others

Volunteer: help in my children’s school with hospitality and reading

Blog: http://PearldropsonthePage.blogspot.com

Favorite books: I read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, educational, management. I love Harry Potter books, everything by Ernest Hemingway, Lord of the Rings, “The Face” by Dean Koontz and Norma Beishir’s “Chasing the Wind” as well as Mark Hunter’s “Storm Chaser”. I like mysteries and sci-fiction like “Dune”. I like to read variety according to my mood. Enjoy reading biographies, too (esp liked “Katherine Graham” and “Marilyn Monroe” as they were insightful). Recently I have discovered some powerful poems by friend April Morone in “From the Heart” that struck a chord in me.

Favorite films: “Braveheart’, “Gladiator”, “The Last Samurai”, “Avatar”, “His Girl Friday” (love Cary Grant), “The Da Vinci Code” (so intriguing and suspenseful), “The Message” (about the life of Prophet Muhammad; it was moving). I like a variety of films as well (Star Wars and Indiana Jones) and then on the serious side I like “The King’s Speech” (it was an amazing story)! And then I like marial art films like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Tony Jaa, Jean Claude Van Damm.

Music: everything: classical (Mozart, Beethoven), 1980′s (esp) like Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Whitney Houston, Journey. And Islamic music like Maher Zain and Sami Yusef. And I like some of the new things I hear on the radio from time to time. It depends on the music and lyrics. Again, I like variety.

Favorite quotes:

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it. Keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindess blow the rest away.” (Arab Proverb)

“This is the true joy in life– that being used for a prupose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.”…”I want to be used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live.”…”Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold upu for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations” (George Bernard Shaw)

Current Projects: 2 non-fiction books in the works; one dealing with culture and a fictional novel that digs into psychology as well as gathering together a collection of poetry and 2 screenplays that have been started. And guiding my kids to be the best they can be.

Additional Poets and Writers I Admire

There are additional poets and writers who I admire who I wanted to mention. I want to mention, today, about three poets I admire: Donna Yates, Michael Morone (my brother), and Shiv Singh. Firstly, I will mention Shiv Singh. I think Shiv Singh is a to be a wonderful poet. He has allowed me to use his link and poem on my blog to post a blog post about him. So, I am. I think he is a unique, wonderful poet, and truly kindred spirit who sees the word as some people might not. And he seems to express this of what he sees of the world, of nature, and of people so well. He seems to truly know/get people. Please consider taking the time to check out his poem and his blog. Thank you (Ty). Below is his poem, explanation about it, about why he wrote it, and the link to his blog:


http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/

O Songlet, why so serious?

Seeing her frivolous frown
despondent dad of the bride
pledged the minor's fix
with a half-note slide.

Mercilessly, he, with a knife
Sharpened her reluctant third
Until in bloody harmony
Her bliss he fully heard.

- Shiv
July 18, 2011

For those curious about the minor third: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_third


This is a poem about a composer who creates a sad song, and then tries to make it sound happy. Earlier today I was reading Emily Dickinson; so inspired I wrote a poem using her favorite structure in response to an Indie Ink challenge (my second!) from Manju: "Why so serious"
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Secondly, I want to mention Donna Yates. Donna Yates is a wonderful poet who is also a kindred spirit who also sees the world in a positive light, and who is an extremely kind and beautiful soul. She is also a wonderful poet, beyond words. Her poems have such depth and beauty to them that I've cried when reading them cus they'd moved me so much. She has a natural gift for writing that words cannot describe just how much. Please check out her poem on my group, 'Poetry Corner.' She also writes very good blogs. Please check out her blog http:dmyates.blogspot.com to read her blog.
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And thirdly, I'd like to mention my brother, Michael Morone. He is a caring and gentle soul who is a great poet. I admire him, not cus he is my brother, but also cus he sees the world for how it can sometimes be, and he writes very realistically, and shows the world through his poems about how the world can be, plus gives lessons within his poems to help wake up the world about the dangers of some of the negative ways of humankind. I respect a person who can stand up to thr world to tell this to people, as well as can admire people who use their gift of writing to get this message across. Ty (Thank you), Michael, for doing this for people.
April Morone

Writers I Admire

I have been writing since I was about 13 or 14 years of age, about the same time that I'd started drawing. And my first poem had been nominated for first prise in a poetry contest, and I was to go to read it, aloud, to everyone. I was but a teenager at that time I'd written that first poem, but had submitted it when I was in my 20's. And, I've been writing since I'd written that first poem. Anyway, I was so shy to show my writing to people because of being put off by family and others who didn't care to give others true time and attention to other people and treat them as human beings. And with my father having always called me stupid, I worried that others would judge me and think I was stupid and dramatic in my poem and for having written my poems. I was said to have been with my head in the clouds and never in reality, and that writing is nice but would never be important cus it couldn't help as a career, and that it should only be a hobby. But, that I should try being more logical. They didn't realise that writing is who I am, not what I do. And I'd tried telling them that, but they'd not listened. So, I withheld my poetry for a long time form anyone. then, I slowly started showing it. Got critiques, and really worked at my writing skills so to better express everything I'd wanted and needed to express. But, I'd never really felt good enough of a writer-perhaps that was in part, due to my father's behaviour towards me. Well, I decided to sho my poetry to my family as an adult and asked them to critique it and that even if they don't like it, I like it and am proud of it. That showed them that I wasn't going to believe what I was told o that I am stupid, nor of that who I am, nor of writing, isn't good. Anyway, mother now lookd at my poetry, sometimes, and actually comments on them. I am seen now as an equal human being for once. I am happy with who I am. And cus of this, opened up to a lot more people. And decided to open up a poetry group for writers, which I did. I wanted them to have the support I'd not gotten, growing up. And I wanted a place I could also share my poems, as well. In creating this poetry group, I have found many different writers and readers of poetry who are writers who are wonderful, friendly people and writers. And I got to help support them. And found that equally, support is shared in this and other groups on the writers' site I belong to (Writer's Digest). And I've actually cried at some of the stuff people were going through that they'd expressed within their writing, and I showed them support. They are such great writers, greater than I will ever be. I am very honoured to have them in my group I'd created for everyone. It is a delight to have them, there, in/as part of group. There is now a poetry community, there, built, and it is wonderful. :) I admire the writers, there, in that group "Poetry Corner." I also admire the writers of the other groups on the writers' site, 'Writer's Digest,' who write novels. I've bought and read some of their books. :) They're very good. Beth Muscat's books, for instance. I've read the first book in a paranormal series she wrote, titled "Remember The Eyes." Simply good writing and very cool story line. I soon will read her second book in this series. I recommend her books (All of them). Another author I admire is Norma Beishir. Her books give you mystery, humour, very good sweet romance, and really good story lines. I am now hooked on her books. :) Martin Rus/William Kendall. He is a really good author. I love his stories. He and Norma Beishir have collaborated on co-writing a book, and have done so, successfully, I think. Wonderful book. I look forward to buying and reading it. Mark R Hunter is a great author, and writes, adding a cool sense of humour into his writing. And the subjects into which he uses humour, and yet good points about, are great subjects. I recommend his books. Nora Roberts. I lover Nora Roberts books cus she has great story lines, plenty of romance, and plenty of sex scenes mentioned within her books that only add to the sweet romantic stories she writes. James Patterson... Need I say more? :) He's just a very talented and good writer of whom I've been reading for years. Jefferey deaver (I hope that I have this name, correctly). I'd only read one of his books, but can tell her can carry suspense, well, in his stories (at least he did in one of his books that was very good). And I admire The Writer, in general, and encourage writers to continue writing-continue being who writers are-themselves. And don't ever let anyone ever tell you that writing isn't important or that you are unimportant cus that simply isn't true. Hugs, all.