poetry
-
THE WHIRLING LOGS
Cosmogonic myths differ from Hero myths, and then again from Legend. Paul Bunyan is legendary. Finn McCool is heroic. Whirling Logs was originally a creation myth. Continue reading
-
BASHO Haiku
All translators face similar issues. Regardless, several good translations of Bashō’s work exist. Withered Grass serves up a very limited selection of the poet’s work; and the translations are impressionistic. Continue reading
-
JAPANESE SKELETONS, ENGLISH FLESH
Chōka is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that dates back to the 1st century. The poems can be of any length, and consist of a series of alternating lines of 5 and 7 syllables. They usually conclude with a couplet with 7 syllable lines. Continue reading
-
Elizabeth Akers Allen
A capable, self-sufficient individual, Elizabeth Akers ingenuity as a poet sets her apart as one of the most accomplished female writers of her time. Her hard life, exemplified by her rough hands, added grit and realism to the sentiment of her lines, and a refreshing honesty to her work. Continue reading
-
SOME PAWKY DELIRIUM
I am stooped to a thin broth, an old man, behindhand coming to the table, a laggard, I am and my soup turns cold and … and repugnance, arthritic hand, dégraisser it was, the ladle plopping in the bowl, incompetent, old coot. Continue reading
