TABLE OF CONTENTS - ANNOUNCEMENTS

Critiquing - Mark Norman
Critiquing Comment - Dusty Rhodes
www.alcuinsociety.com  Gina Page
www.poetry.com - Kay Lindgren
I Have Three Exciting Announcements - Dusk Wilson-Weaver
Dusks Dedications & Dreams  Mark Norman
Recent addition to our Spoken Poetry Page Nursery Game by Shisa Poet - Mark Norman
Question? Posting the Top Fifteen Poem Winners - Mark Norman
Creative" Writing - C.L. Frost
Hello Fellow Scandinavian Poet... - Shisa poet
Anouncement - Mark Norman
Divine Madness - Maria C. Faverio

Hello fellow PGS members,

I want to share portions of an email I received from Dusty, Dr. Wallace W. Rhodes, (Dusty, if you feel any of the editing relates a statement out of context, please feel free to elaborate), and set up some guidelines and share some thoughts.

I would like to offer both an observation and an opinion for your consideration.

When a poem is posted it generally receives nothing but accolades.

I contend that all of us as members should not just "off-handedly” praise all poems but go a step beyond and offer constructive critiques as we see them–a learning experience for all, if you may. For example, does the poem flow smoothly, is the meter pleasing, are the similes and metaphors stimulating, original and apt, does it sound trite, etc. Such critiques could be tactfully offered to assist the poet in determining strengths and weaknesses from all aspects. In no way would the intent be to disparage or inveigh the poet’s expressions, feelings or security in this fine ageless method of conveying thoughts and perceptions, but, to perhaps, enhance and buoy recorded thoughts to truly memorable entities.

For example I have had many of my peer reviewed scientific papers published in various well known national and international journals. Had they not been constructively peer reviewed, I would never had had the luxury of knowing what my paper lacked.

In short I do not wish to imply that we all position ourselves as judges of one another but offer what we can as being potential reviewers or helpmates. I know in my case it would be most welcome to have my work critiqued, if they would be so kind, because heretofore, I have always written my own poetry as a way to relieve some stage of anguish within myself and not for public opinion or consumption. This of course I aspire to change.

Dusty Rhodes

Dusty has a good idea, but critiquing must be handled responsibly and maturely. We have members who write poetry for the sheer pleasure of writing it and thus need no critical commenting, but we also have those who write with an aspiration to publish where critiquing is invaluable. I suggest to the group that if we wish our work to be critiqued by the members to place an “ * “ asterisk in the title or ask that it be critiqued. Be kind when critiquing, and please spend enough time getting to know other members so that you have a feel for how your critiquing may be received.

I have attached below some guidelines that I feel are reasonable.

Constructive Criticism http://personal.cityu.edu.hk/~lsteve/creative/poetry/critcons.html

The constructive in constructive criticism means that you should try to build rather than destroy. It is very easy to criticize something in a negative, destructive way (e.g., "this is boring"); it is more difficult to offer meaningful suggestions on how to improve.

Here are some critique guidelines.

http://www.ivillage.com/books/expert/writecoach/articles/0,,243587_45887,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2

1. Remember that our purpose for critiquing each other's writing is to provide support and illuminating analysis. Thus, please begin your critique with at least one positive statement about the writer's strengths.

2. If you have ideas regarding what can be improved, make specific suggestions. For example, if the writer relies on clichés, tells too much without showing enough or writes transitions that leave you dangling, point out these issues. Suggest alternative phrases, dialogue or description that would clarify, or a transition that will point the way.

3. Guard against sounding condescending, sarcastic or cranky. If you cannot write in an upbeat, affirming tone, come back to the piece another time.

4. End your feedback with another positive statement. For example, "I'd love to read more of your work because I'm hooked on your characters." Or "I liked your voice; the word choices, metaphors and dialogue were rich and vivid."

Thanks for taking the time to read this rather long email. Let us discuss it among ourselves through yahoo postings and come to a consensus as to how we can use this invaluable tool. What do you think of the asterisk ( * ) idea?

Thanks,

Mark

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Critiquing Comment - Dusty Rhodes

When I suggested implementation of a form of critiquing perhaps I needed (and need) to clarify a bit further. Even though I am an engineer by profession, I write some poetry that is rather tenebrous and certainly anfractous to me at times while endeavoring to resolve some inexplicable inner turmoil. Afterward, I then attempt to "tweak" it into some type of form (which may or may not align with accepted consuetude). I care not though because my heart and spirit has released it, somewhat, to my satisfaction. Yet now, I have reached a stage in life knowing that other individuals could assist in enlightened me as to where I may have stumbled, or created some sempiternal, Ha!, Ha!, masterpiece. Of course, I would like to see all generate comments on form for each other, but primarily on sentience, impression, rhythm, etc., i.e., how does it grab you and what can be done to make it so. A subjective endeavor. Excessive yet correct form can, at times, be burdensome on the smooth flow of language. As W. Churchill once stated, "The rule about not ending a sentence with a preposition is one up with which we should not put."

Kay, you presented a fine analogy: when you sensed some of your poems had reached a "critical mass", and they would explode and fall apart if anything more were done to them. Your visceral feeling, emotional impact, internal rhythms............

And Torg, you presented thoughts that I fully subscribe and as you stated in part: "My praise for poetry is equally extemporaneous; when it moves my spirit to exultation, or sympathy, or wonderment, I tend to respond quickly, from the heart. My emotions roil, oft times, barely below the surface of my alleged intellect, and sometimes may spill over the rim of circumspection, of self-editing/censoring". Being stoic and sang-froid has its place in life but having exuberance, ebullience, euphoria persuade the scales to better alignment. Grief and sadness are somewhere in the equation. I think all of us in the PGS possess boundless emotional fields that perhaps the majority of mankind possess not. No arrogance intended (Oh, maybe a little for all of us).

Both of you, Kay and Torg were able to take the awkwardness out of my explanation of what I "hankered" to present as my critique methodology. I tend to look at many poets’ work as a release, at times bordering on tears. It occurs when I read my WWI father’s favorite poem by Alan Seeger, "I Have a Rendezvous with Death". But enough of all that. I guess in summary I would like to see a critiquing of form but not always in an inordinately professional way. A critiquing of the music of the poetry we all possess in our hearts. Debussy’s "Reverie", Ravel’s "La Mer", Rachmaninoff’s "Variations on a Theme by Paganini", Grieg’s " Piano Concerto in A Minor", etc. All possess the adjectives used above for poetry.

I wish not to burden all with my prolonged meandering, inchoate thoughts, but I needed a sapient audience. I know the length of this is inexcusable and I do apologize to all.

Lastly, Mark, I read my first "Apotheosis" and you have my highest esteem. You organized in an impeccable manner a document that bears reading (and quiet thought) a number of times. A phenomenal job.

My best to all,

Dusty Rhodes

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www.alcuinsociety.com – Gina Page

Hi everyone! Happy New Year! Just thought I'd let you know about some discussions taking place over the next few months about various book arts. At one of them, in February, I'm going to be talking about some of my chapbooks of poetry, two of which are illustrated with etchings. I don't know if any of you live close enough to attend...probably not. Do any of the rest of you publish chapbooks of your work? I think Kay does, but I'm not sure about the rest. Most of mine have involved handmade paper and letterpress type. Anyway, must go now. Happy writing! Gina.

www.alcuinsociety.com – Gina Page

Thanks for the feedback. There are lots of events taking place up here that would be of interest to you and other PGS members. One group I've been quite involved with this year is The Alcuin Society. If you go to their website www.alcuinsociety.com and check out the calendar of events, you'll see some interesting workshops and lectures planned. It would be great if other PGSers could come to some 'happenings' up here! Cheers!

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www.poetry.com - Kay Lindgren

Question: Have any of you ever posted your poems on www.poetry.com? If yes,
have you ever received emails like this? Is it just me or does it
sound like a scam to get you to spend money..........

This group is an Internet affiliate of the National Library of
Poetry, one of the biggest vanity publishers in history. Your
suspicion, unfortunately, is correct. They are not in business for
any reason other than to get poets to pay fifty or more dollars for
an anthology that contains their poems, often ten or more to a page
and in minuscule print. I suggest that you do not buy into it. Yes,
they will publish your poem. The only way you will see it in print
is by buying the expensive anthology. In fact, outfits such as this
one accept and publish all poems that are within the line limit -
even poems that are poorly written, contain misspelled words and
gratuitous profanity and show no talent whatsoever.

No, I have never received a letter such as the one you got, nor have
I ever been offered publication in such an anthology. When I first
began publishing my poetry, I was fortunate enough to be part of a
Michigan writers' workshop which printed its own quarterly - Alura.
It was a bona fide magazine listed in Poets' Market. Our workshop
leader and editor, a delightful silver-haired lady and a gifted poet,
told us the facts of a poet's life and warned us about vanity
publishers.

Any member of PGS is talented enough to find other legitimate and
reputable publishers. Nobody here needs be desperate enough to pay a
vanity press big bucks in order to be published. Our own journal,
Apotheosis, is in fact, a highly respected market for poets.

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I Have Three Exciting Announcements - Dusk Wilson-Weaver

I have three exciting announcements to share with you, but let me
first wish everyone Happy New Year…. and an entire good year to
accompany it! My own 2003 was rife with the loss of loved ones
(including both of my wife's parents), and though I did manage to
read nearly every PGS post, I fondly hope to "reactivate" in 2004.
In the meantime I hail all the excellent poetry and ideas that have
abounded here as of late, I tardily welcome a considerable number of
new members, and I thank Mark & Sharon for the many society
upgrades. Oh, and I belatedly join the chorus of voices who thank
Barry for all his fine service to our cause.

Now, about that news... all of it has ties to PGS, not only in that
I'm a grateful member of this band of bards, but also in that my
treasured friendship with fellow-PGSer Jacquelyn Naquin directly
inspired and informed a good portion of the following. Here goes...

1) Tomorrow is the official release date for my new CD album
entitled "Dedications and Dreams." It was recorded at studios in
Atlanta and Flagstaff, it includes the music video "The Sunlight of
Your Smile," and it features 20 supporting musicians from 9 bands,
including the bassist from the classic rock band "Poco" and the
Native American flute player from "Burning Sky." I think e.e.
cummings might have added at this point.... "Hubba! Hubba!".... no,
make that "hubba! hubba!"

2) Tomorrow afternoon (Friday the 9th) and this Sunday morning, a
20-minute feature on "Dedications & Dreams" will be broadcast
simultaneously over the Internet and on the statewide network of
Georgia Public Radio stations. And each of you poets can tune it in,
even if you live in the very heart of Arnhem Land. Details in a
moment…

3) Just a few hours ago, we activated my heavily revised and
expanded web site which now offers 50 free song clips, new pages, and
new photos, including info on "Dedications & Dreams. I hope you'll
enjoy visiting the site, and if you have web pages or a site of your
own, I hope you'll write to share the address(es).

The web site: www.duskweaver.com

The Internet/Radio broadcast:

When: Friday, January 9th, at 3 PM EST & Sunday, January 11, at 10
AM EST

How: Just go to www.gpb.org/gpr/schedule and click "Listen Live!"
which is at the top of the page.

Note: The feature on "Dedications & Dreams" will wrap up the show,
so it won't begin until about 3:30 on Friday and about 10:30 on
Sunday.

Blessings all,
Dusk
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
On the web: http://www.DuskWeaver.com
CD albums: "Dusk" & "Dedications & Dreams"
CD single: "Colors"
The book: "Sunburst"

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Dusk’s Dedications & Dreams – Mark Norman

Hello Everyone,

Here is a quick link to the song samples on Dusk's newly release CD.

'Dedications & Dreams'

Take some time and listen. I enjoyed my time.
Dusk continues to outdo himself with each new release. I plan to order a CD but first I think I'll hit him up to make it an autographed copy.

http://www.duskweaver.com/dedi_dreams_samples.htm

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Mark

Hello fellow PGS members,

A new spoken poem has been submitted and included on the spoken poetry page.

http://poeticgenius.com/spoken.htm

“Nursery Game” by Shisa Poet

Listen to it online or download it, you will not be sorry. An outstanding spoken poem that gives us a taste of the quality of environment we are creating in at PGS, and the impetuous and inspiration to drive ourselves to poetic potential.

Thanks, Mark

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Question? posting the top fifteen poem winners.

Let me discuss this with Michael. I feel first and second place work for us, but as the contest grows a third, and possible fourth position can be added. With sixty plus entries this round, next year we may do that. I personally feel that we don’t want to go too far into the rating of the poems past 1st through 3rd. Each poem had something personally valuable to offer and how well it conveys that is what makes it a winner. As a judge you are looking at form and meter, but what takes precedence is the sensations it creates, how loudly, eloquently, i.e. it speaks. When your picking the winners, you are choosing your favorite facet in a diamond, and each in its own time, mood, form can shine the brightest depending on your position in life, age, mood, i.e.

I think it may be more important to (possibly, Michael and I are still talking about this) post the entries, but as we read them as individuals we need to select our own winners. I think this will tell us more about ourselves and the direction we want to take our own poetry. Trust what you like, drive your poetry in that direction and realize you will never completely arrive at your destination, but as you are traveling your poetry will draw the attention it deserves.

I’ll talk to Michael and get his view. We may work it so that if you are curious you may be able to find out if you were in the top ten. But, this will be through private emails and not something published to the group.

(After thinking about it for several days and conferring with Michael we believe it would be in the best interest of the group to wait until next years contest to post all the poems and the top ones in a specific ordered hierarchy after posting disclaimers on the contest page.)

Thanks,
Mark

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C.L. Frost

I put some of my "creative" writing (short stories, poems)on the web; URL is:

http://www.artful-artiface.0catch.com/index2.html

Feel free to comment and sign my guestbook!

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Hello fellow Scandinavian poet... - Shisa poet

I am currently seeking bilingual submissions for a bilingual poetry
e-zine-- I am not at all sure how much we will have room for on the European pages...all the continents are included--but would you be interested in submitting a bilingual opem or two?

I am Editor for the first time in my life -- for Europe.

Shisa aka Karin

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Anouncement - Mark Norman

I am pleased to pass on the information that Maria C. Faverio has been elected Vice-President of CIVIQ.

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Divine Madness - Maria C. Faverio

I have founded a society called Divine Madness for tormented artists who can prove their extraordinary talent in at least two artistic fields. Anyone who is interested can contact me.

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