poemranker ::AKA Poets by Skamper

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Free verse № 154442

AKA Poets

by Skamper

Member since 2007 · Posted 13 Nov 2007 · 15 comments

I turn pages blanking so tired a little angry with you/myself words - wrapped in new fangled type-set offend me catagory - Poetry the temerity of minds whirring through rolladex’s with pens attached scribbling frantically staring at the wall for inspiration dry me My nose bleeds from inhaling your plucked idealism you call cleverness he called it imagination before that it was revolutionary Go away NO – wait - I will leave for if you even twitch in a backward direction the fool behind will shuffle forward in passing off himself as fresh and - deodorized thoughts reeking - transfer osmetically between shallow smiles and vapourous wit another gormless nodding inked dribbler oozing boredom chinways dropping ideas fumbled from your fingers to his we need no introduction we're generically related

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15 comments

[10] INTRANSIT 14-Nov-07/6:00 AM Reply
Yes. Who AM I to call mysef a poet. I'm sure I shouldn't be writing. According to Billy Collins at least.

Temerity-perfect.
[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 16-Nov-07/2:13 AM Reply
I googled Billy Collins and read some of his stuff. At first I thought he was dull, but after a few reads I see the appeal. Only recently did I discover that the title 'Poet Laureate' isn't just a self proclamation. Thanks for adding to my education once again. :)
[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 16-Nov-07/2:14 AM Reply
BTW I think your exactly the person who should be writing poetry, I think Billy would back me all the way on that!
[10] Dovina 15-Nov-07/7:54 AM Reply
This sounds vaguely familiar. Maybe it is adapted from Billy Collins as the 18-wheeling poet suggests. Haven't time to look. If not, you get an unabashed 10.
[n/a] Skamper › Dovina 16-Nov-07/2:18 AM Reply
I noticed when I googled Billy Collins that he's written a book on the trouble with poetry...I have to get my hands on that. I am gonna look to see if I can find the poem you're referring to, exciting to find another like mind. :)
[10] INTRANSIT › Skamper 16-Nov-07/7:52 AM Reply
excerpt from "The trouble with poetry" By Mr. Collins

the trouble with poetry is
that it encourages the writing of more poetry,
more guppies crowding the fish tank,
more baby rabbits
hopping out of their mothers into the dewey grass.
[10] INTRANSIT › INTRANSIT 16-Nov-07/7:59 AM Reply
my original reference was to the introduction written by Collins in the 2006 edition of "The best American poetry" He's somewhat scathing while he talks about how many small publishers there are and how much "bad" poetry could get out. I kind of agree, but only as far as my own personality will allow. He kind of goes back on himself in the end of the intro, though. Ha! so much going on, we poets don't know which way to turn sometimes.
[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 19-Nov-07/6:46 PM Reply
I read an interview with him - don't know how long ago he gave it but he seemed to be more about writing to be understood (with flair of course) by his readers. He took a scathing look at those who write obscurely...but then admitted to doing that himself at one point. I like his style - but I could get bored easily with it. Do you call yourself poet?
[10] INTRANSIT › Skamper 21-Nov-07/6:35 AM Reply
No. I tend to shy away from calling myself that. Essentially, I'm practicing poetry. It's something that keeps my thoughts from getting too soaked from the mundane. Some say we shouldn't compare. I do. I look at what I've written, try to find things to correct, post, revise, and when it seems I'm getting high marks, I look at the many pots on my bookshelf and ask myself if what I've written would stand up to their scrutiny. Usually the answer is no. The upside is, this method usurps 'Mage. Heh.

Who are you reading currently? What is their country of origin?
I'm trying out Hart Crane. Way over my head. But 3 years ago, So was O'hara. I think I can read him now.

[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 22-Nov-07/12:58 PM Reply
I am currently reading unknown poets on various sites (hence this write).

I like Les Murray, australian poet - If you can read, An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow, I think you would enjoy it.
[10] INTRANSIT › Skamper 23-Nov-07/12:48 PM Reply
Wow. Thanks for the intro. The man that covers his mouth as if he'd just vomited words- ace. Heard of Ted Kooser?
[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 26-Nov-07/5:16 PM Reply
I know - he's a clever bugger... I spent hours and hours reading An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow.

Not heard of Ted Kooser...another one for google...thanks. :)
[n/a] Skamper › INTRANSIT 19-Nov-07/6:42 PM Reply
yep...the first two lines just about sum it all up...love it!
[10] deleted user 17-Nov-07/6:32 AM Reply
Excellent, excellent, excellent.
[n/a] Skamper › deleted user 19-Nov-07/6:47 PM Reply
thanks :)