Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Vote Now for your Favorite Anthology Title


Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions. Rather than flood ourselves with more choices, we have narrowed the field so we can put it to a vote.  Please be aware that there still can be some minor changes of where the Volume or Issue is positioned but we figure this will help us in deciding.  Your opinion matters so please vote.

1. A Poets United Anthology
     Issue # 1
     Concrete & Sugar

2. A Poets United Anthology
     Vol. 1 Issue 1
     Thoughts That Breathe

3. A Mosaic of Thoughts
     A Poets United Anthology
     Vol. 1 Issue 1

4. Our First words
      The Poets United Anthology
       Issue # 1

5. The Poetry Pantry
      Poems from Poets United
      Issue #1

The Voting Period has ended. Thank you.

Poem of the Week - Money, Sometimes & The Great Lesson 30/Nov/2010

These poems can be found at:

It Was Late, And I Was Tired

We offer you a short trifecta this week.

Money

Nothing is
a harder blow
than a hole
burnt in
the shallow pocket
of new blue
jeans.

~ Juice Box

Sometimes

Sometimes,
I write to
forget
all those deep,
heated moments
that only you
want to remember.

Sometimes,
I forget to
write
and all those
that I've forgotten
come rushing back
to steal away
my breath.

~ Juice Box

The Great Lesson

She always said to me
"loss is the great lesson."
I never believed her,
not until the day
I lost her soul
and she lost her way.
The wolves anchored
their tainted claws
and devoured her.
And then I understood
her words.
They echoed in my head:
"loss is the great lesson,
loss is the great lesson."
Then what is life?

I pondered this,
as I stood alone.

~ Juice Box

Monday, November 29, 2010

We need your creativity.



We are still looking for a name for our anthology.  We know you are a creative bunch. Please suggest a few names or let us know your thoughts on the ones below.  We would like to have a name in place by the 10th of December.  Leave any thoughts or suggestions in the comments section your help is greatly appreciated.
Current Suggestions
The Kaleidoscope Review

Kaleidoscope Collective

The Poetry Conglomerate

The Weeping and the Laughter

The Essence of Chaos

Concrete and Sugar

Thoughts That Breathe

Poetry Blog of the Week - (29 November 2010) Quiet Poetry

Selected and written by Robert Lloyd


Recently I was out on my daily stroll through our wonderful poetry community and I stumbled across an enchanting little blog called Quite Poetry. I found it was aptly named because it seemed just that. The words were captivating and simple and the photos found accompanying them where just as charming. I really enjoyed the calm that seemed to float from the screen straight into my imagination.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Now Accepting Submissions For Our Anthology


Poets United will now begin accepting submissions for our first ever anthology. The last day to submit a poem for consideration will be 15 January 2011.

We intend to include as many submissions as possible while still producing a quality book. The book itself will be sold by Lulu (an independent print to order press) with no profit to Poets United.  We will keep it as cheap as possible for our members. 

We have yet to name the anthology but should have one in the next couple of weeks.

Please read below for further information and standards.

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open - Week #19



The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Welcome to our latest Members and Information on our upcoming printed anthology

As some of you may know we are working toward a printed anthology for our members. We are currently in the design phase and there are some great discussions occurring in our forums about the anthology. If you want to learn more about it or wish to help us out, stop on by the forums anytime and leave us your thoughts. We are currently looking for artists to submit something to possibly use as the cover of the book. We are also looking for a name for our anthology so please feel free to suggest some names at the forum. Once the choices have been narrowed down, our members will have a final decision by voting for their favorite. Your opinion is valued and needed so stop on by today.

And don't forget to say hello to our newest members.

We Currently have 144 Members in 36 Poetry Groups

Below you will find a few links to the most recent members who have joined our community here at Poets United. Please give them a warm welcome by stopping by their poetry blogs and reading some of there creative offerings.



Eric Alder @ Bubba's Place & Haiku Koo Koo








deepika @ Words Do Matter

Classic Poetry - (The Maniac's Song & The Star - Ann Taylor)

I can practically guarantee that over 90 percent of the folks reading this post today are very familiar with Ann Taylor’s poetry. You may just not realize it yet.



The Maniac's Song

Bring me a garland, bring me a wreath;
Bring me a flower from the dank stream side;
Bring me a herb smelling sweetly of death,
Wet with the drowsy tide.
Haste to the pool with the green-weed breast,
Where the dark wave crawls through the sedge;
Where the bittern of the wilderness builds her nest,
In the flags of its oozy edge;

Friday, November 26, 2010

Poet History #11 - Maya Angelou

Written by Sherry Blue Sky

Maya Angelou – Renaissance Woman

With a bearing that can only described as regal, Maya Angelou is a woman often referred to as a global renaissance woman. One of her quotes states, “I believe that each of us comes from the Creator, trailing wisps of glory,” and in her dignified bearing she reflects this personal truth.

Born in 1928 in Missouri, she has made a name for herself as a poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, actress, producer/director and civil rights activist. She is well known for having written and delivered the inaugural address for President Bill Clinton’s Presidential inauguration, entitled On the Pulse of the Morning.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Thursday Think Tank - #26 Thankfulness


It is chiefly through poetry that we enjoy our communion with superior minds…in the best poems, poets talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into our. God be thanked for poems.
~( Modified) William Ellery Channing

This week’s prompt is obvious, easy, and well worth the repetition. If you frequent prompt sites you may be just submitting one written for another which is perfectly fine.

What are you thankful for? What in your life makes your heart warm and worth your poetic words. This is a broad topic with no limitations so please shout to the top of…your paper and share with us what makes you give thanks.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Life of a Poet - Carrie Burtt

Written by Robert Lloyd


Fredrick Keonig once said “We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Sometimes we forget the little things in life and ignore our blessings. It takes the people around us to teach us how to be grateful and gracious. Sometimes small joys are lit by our husbands and wives, our children and grandchildren, friends and coworkers, maybe even strangers. There are always people around to inspire hope and to show you happiness and/or where to find it. I am lucky enough to introduce you to one such person today, Carrie Burtt.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Poem of the Week - Tattoos 23/Nov/2010

Selected by Robert Llloyd

This Poem can be found at:

Scattered Nonsense


Tattoos

I wrote your name on my head
so I would always think of you
I wrote your name on my hand
so I would always hold you close
I wrote your name on my back
so I would always share your burdens
I wrote you name on my heart
so I would always love you
And
You wrote my name on your ass
so you could always shit on me

~ Shelli Carlisle

Monday, November 22, 2010

Poets United Forum



Stop by the Poets United Forum today.






Early on in the shaping of Poets United we attempted to a have a forum to help stir up the interaction between our members, it wasn’t very successful. It seems most folks were content with commenting on posts. Today we decided to wipe the dust off our forums one last time to see if this time around we can get it to work.

Poetry Blog of the Week - (22 November 2010) Humbucker Poems

Selected and written by Robert lloyd


Cameron Diaz was once quoted as saying: “You haven't partied until you've partied at dawn in complete silence with monks.” How that really relates to this post I cannot quite say but I thought it odd that it was the first thing I stumbled across regarding monks. I also figured it would get your attention. Now that I have it you are probably asking why I would even be looking into a topic like monks. Simple Old Ollie made me do it. Old Ollie is the man or maybe I should say monk behind the poetry blog Humbucker Poems. If you haven’t figured it just yet Humbucker Poems is our blog of the week.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Opportunity Knocks - 31 Dec 2010 & 17 Dec 2010

Poetry is not just for the scholarly, it is for everyone, everywhere. Some of the best poems are written outside of the classroom by those experiencing life firsthand. If you have ever considered submitting your poetry to places beyond the blogosphere, but were unsure, we hope to inspire you to do so by simplifying the process. Sometimes all it takes is an envelope and a stamp. In our “Opportunity Knocks” posts we will provide information and links to publications, contests and other opportunities for your poetry to be read and/or published. It is our goal to sift through and filter out the spam and scams out there. What we post here will be our best attempt at helping you find legitimate places to send your work.



Dylan Thomas American Poet Prize


A prize of $1,000 and publication in Rosebud will be given annually for a poem by a U.S. poet under 40.

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open - Week #18



The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Classic Poetry - (Genius & Those Annual Bills - Mark Twain)


Genius

Genius, like gold and precious stones,
is chiefly prized because of its rarity.

Geniuses are people who dash of weird, wild,
incomprehensible poems with astonishing facility,
and get booming drunk and sleep in the gutter.

Genius elevates its possessor to ineffable spheres
far above the vulgar world and fills his soul
with regal contempt for the gross and sordid things of earth.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Welcome!! Here are the latest poets to join Poets United.

We Currently have 137 Members in 35 Poetry Groups

Below you will find a few links to the most recent members who have joined our community here at Poets United. Please give them a warm welcome by stopping by their poetry blogs and reading some of there creative offerings.


Christopher Hanna @ Resonate

Shane Genziuk @ Sane but different


Michael Yost @ Michael's Lair

Zouxzoux @ Zouxzoux

Cynthia Short @ A Piece Of Mind

Poet History #10 - John Ashbery

Written by Larry Patterson


John Ashbery, born July 28, 1927, is recognized as one of the greatest twentieth century American poets; winning nearly every award for poetry including: The Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award and the Yale Younger Poets Prize. Ashbery was born in Rochester, New York and raised on a farm near Lake Ontario, where his brother died when they were children. Educated at the Deerfied Academy, an all boys school, Ashbery was introduced to such poets as W. H. Auden and Dylan Thomas, and soon after he began writing poetry.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Thursday Think Tank - #24 Wings


This week’s prompt is wings. What would you do if you had wings? When you think of wings do you see them on Angels, Doves or Demons? Does your heart take flight when it’s in love? So much can be said and written about something as simple as soft feathery wings. Are there fairies in your garden? Do you miss the fact that there are so few fireflies? Wings can mean so many things to so many people; we want to see what they inspire in you to write. We look forward to your pen and imagination taking flight and can’t wait to see what you offer for us to read in this week’s Think Tank.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Opportunity Knocks - 1 Dec Deadline


Recently I have been browsing websites, magazines and various other outlets where poetry can be found and have realized there is a lot out there. There are so many opportunities and chances for a poet’s voice to be heard and Poets United wants to help you be heard.

If at first you don’t succeed, write, write and write again. Ok I know the real quote doesn’t quite go that way but I’m fairly certain you get what I am trying to say. Poets United will make it a point to try and highlight some of the opportunities that exist for our members and readers to have their work published or read. If you are interested in possibly submitting your poetry to Literary Magazines, Small Presses, other publications, or competitions this new addition “Opportunity Knocks” will hopefully be helpful to you.

Poets United Anthology Discussion



Poets United is looking into and considering producing an anthology. We are hoping the members of this community can lend any knowledge they have in regards to doing this.


This possible foray into publishing is not meant for profit. It is meant to be a way to showcase our members and give us something a little more tangible or permanent.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Poem of the Week - Rituals 16/Nov/2010

Selected by Eileen T O'Neill

This Poem can be found at:

Paul Andrew Russell . com


Rituals

Stumble into the kitchen, bleary-eyed. Luckily
I filled the kettle before I went to bed last night;
it’s the little breaks that matter
first thing in the morning.
.
Flick the switch,
go to the bathroom,
put in eye drops,
stand with eyes closed,
swaying slightly;
balance isn’t what it used to be. Good
job it’s only for a minute
or else I’d be asleep again.
.
Bleary eyed once more,
shuffle back into the kitchen.
.
Two mugs from the cupboard,
one spoon of sugar and coffee
in the first, a teabag in the second. The ting
of metal on ceramic as spoon escapes my grasp.
.
Shuffle a couple of steps to the fridge,
door squeaks as it swings open,
grab milk, a splash in each mug. Door
squeaks as it closes again.
.
Kettle switches off.
.
Pour water over teabag,
leave second mug for later,
wait a minute
or thereabouts. Remove
teabag, burn fingertips again,
curse, drop it in garbage can.
.
A poor way for an Englishman to
make a cup of tea;
I’m a tea philistine at six-thirty
in the morning, no time for connoisseurs.
No one around to witness my beverage crime.
.
Walk into the living room,
sit on the couch, take a sip of
the elixir of (old man’s) life,
sigh, stare into space.
.
Try to reconcile the pain of morning
with the joy of not dying in my sleep;
Or is it the joy of morning and the pain
of not dying in my sleep?
.
Smile…..

~ Paul Andrew Russell



(This poem was selected by Eileen T O'Neill.  She is currently one of our contributors and poets found here at Poets United.  If you would like to learn more about Eileen or read some of her own poetry you can  visit her blog "Words and Thoughts".  Eileen is a poet and writer who has been a wonderful supporter of Poets United since its start.  We would like to thank her for all of her hard work.)

Monday, November 15, 2010

Prompt Ideas Needed


Poets United needs a hand in finding some more Poetry Prompt Ideas for The Thursday Think Tank. We would like some simple, inspiring and fun Poetry Prompts to offer our members. If you have thought of something that you would like to have us post as a prompt please do not hesitate to tell us.  We need at least 4 to 5 each month and do not mind storing some for when the wells of thought run dry.

Please keep the prompts suggestions simple as we do not wish to bog down our poets with rules and limitations that may stymie their creativity. We want your pens to flow with inspiration.
If you would like to supply a photo to go along with your suggested prompt please feel free to do so, it always helps to emphasize the direction or idea of the prompt. We are also willing to try different styles of prompts such as Wordles, Acrostics, Haiku and whatever else I have not mentioned.

All prompt ideas can be emailed to us at poetsunited@yahoo.com or even left here in the comment section. All suggested will be credited to those who suggest them along with active links to your blogs.

We thank you in advance for your suggestions and our blessed to have such a great community to be a part of that is shaped by you, our members.

You can go to The Thursday Think Tank to see a listing of past prompts.

Poetry Blog of the Week - (15 November 2010) Beauty in the Darkness

Written by Larry Patterson



“Whether you walk your path in total darkness or blazing light you are equally blind. But blend the two into balanced portions and your path becomes much clearer,” a direct quotation from Colorado poet and creator of Beauty in the Darkness, Looksfar. Looksfar, a rather interesting name with much meaning, and to better describe the meaning behind it there is a submission titled, Looking Far. A recent blogger, Looksfar emerged onto the scene mid September, sharing much of his work since then. With a sleek and smooth design, Looksfar has created a dark and serene place for poetry, offering a quiet and solemn retreat.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open - Week #17



The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Classic Poetry (A Man's Requirements - Elizabeth Barrett Browning)


A Man's Requirements

I

Love me Sweet, with all thou art,
Feeling, thinking, seeing;
Love me in the lightest part,
Love me in full being.

II

Love me with thine open youth
In its frank surrender;
With the vowing of thy mouth,
With its silence tender.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Thursday Think Tank - #23 Family


Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts.
~Unknown

Family can mean so many things to so many people. It can be a wonderful experience or filled with heartache, sometimes even both. What does family mean to you?

I realize it is “Armistice Day” or “Veterans Day” for some of us and I feel that the strength and courage of soldiers past, present and future, no matter what country they hail from, comes from their family. As a veteran myself I feel that is something worth celebrating and writing about. Family.

What does your family make you want to write about? Do you have crazy Aunt Ethel that just makes you laugh? Maybe it’s just you and one other special someone. You may possibly have a loved one actually out defending his or her country you can’t wait to tell us about. Whatever family means to you or makes you feel like, we would be so grateful if you share with us. We look forward to meeting you family through your words.

Welcome!! Here are the latest poets who have joined us.

We Currently have 132 Members in 33 Poetry Groups

Below you will find a few links to the most recent members who have joined our community here at Poets United. Please give them a warm welcome by stopping by their poetry blogs and reading some of there creative offerings.

 The Unknowngnome @ The Unknowngnome Poems


Buddah Moskowitz @ I Hate Poetry

William A. Sigler @ Poet Tree

Francis Morilao @ unnamedpsalmist


Karthik Adithya Singaraju @ Sounds of Subtlety

Novus Lune @ World My Way

Kodjo Deynoo @ Poetry Soundbites

Winter @ Winter Writes

Margo Roby @ Wordgathering

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Life of a Poet - Kerry O'Connor

Written by Sherry Blue Sky


Being a lover of the sky myself, when I first saw the name Skylover on the blog roll of another poet’s site, I clicked on it right away. My heart took wing when I saw blue sky and clouds, and read the words: “I am in love with the sky and have made a secret pact with the moon.” I have been a major fan from that moment on. This poet lives in South Africa, and writes some of the most beautiful and evocative poetry I have ever read. Yes, kids, we’re sitting down with Kerry O’Connor this week. Sit tight, this is going to get very interesting!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Poem of the Week - The Glass you gave me is emptiful 9/Nov/2010

Selected by Pamela Sayers
This poem can be found at:


Caught In The Stream



Watch me closely, God,
though you’ve seen it all before.

I’ve got the universe up my sleeve
and it’s itching for a sleight,
if you’re willing to be conned.

The stardust filling Aquarius
has poured for countless millennia
and it won’t brim the bottomless cup
of your oceanic blues.

That’s the warm-up for Lepus
who, lean and polar-white, leaps
out from my flipped-over cap
and is chased by the steel-plied
Orion’s hankering for roast hare.

Hunger-driven this heaven hunter
has a saggy belt; his sword’s tip drags,
slicing Gemini in two,
but twins can’t be parted long
and divinely grasping Pollux clasps
Castor’s pause anew.

Conjoined, they bow together
under showers of milky petals
kissing no-longer
furrowed brows till black
velvet curtains fall
and are followed by your eons of
endearing applause.

~ Francis Scudellari

(This poem was selected by Pamela Sayers.  She is currently one of our contributors and poets found here at Poets United.  Pamela aka Flaubert is a wonderful supporter of Poets United and is always willing to help or comment. If you would like to learn more about Pamela or read some of her poetry you can visit her blog "Poetry With Me" or just return to us to see more of her posts. 

Blog Archive

Followers