Barnes & Noble Appearance 6 July in Columbia South Carolina

My thanks to Barnes & Noble and eLectio Publishing for making this happen!  I am very pleased and look forward to this event. Since most of you live too far away to come, I appreciate your kind thoughts and your interest in my book!

https://www.facebook.com/events/486501508141297/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&action_history=null&source=3&source_newsfeed_story_type=regular

Artistic Website up and running

    Not mine by a long shot, although poetry is an art form. Carol Worthington Levy, whose artwork inspired me to write poetry again and whose work graces the cover of my Places and Times

, has her site of amazing art.

     Even in the 8th grade (where we met) I knew she had this talent (and musical/vocal ones as well). Pour a cup or mug of what you like to drink, and spend some time on this beautiful and stunning site. You will be glad that you did.

     She did promise me something for the cover of my next book!   Thanks, Carol!

http://worthingtonfineart.com/

Here's the official link as posted by my friend and fellow poet, Al Black!

https://www.facebook.com/Arthur-Turfa-Poems-of-Times-and-Places-Reflected-293732337470677/

Two Readings Coming Up in June

No current event for Mind Gravy in Columbia, SC on Wednesday, 15 June has been created, but this link will show where and when:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1253726344645062/

I do have an event for Monday Night Poetry and Music in Charleston SC, on Monday, 27 June

https://www.facebook.com/events/1693538027592468/

Finished with "accent on meter"

     accent on meter- a handbook for readers of poetry  by Joseph Powell and Mark Halperin proved to be worth reading. Whether the reader is a poet or someone who has to or is interested in reading about these things, he or she will find much valuable information. There are detailed but not pedantic explanations, as well as some practical exercises. The range of poets represented is broad-based, and the authors are to be commended.

     I intend to refer to the book when teaching my poetry class in the Fall. Likely the main text will be the Norton Anthology of Poetry, 5th edition. We have to keep costs for the students down, so I might not require another book of poetry by one poet. There are some poems by friends that I want to share and yes, I will through in a few of mine!

     In my own writing, I might include more spondees!

"Winter Skin"- poetry by Robert Lee Kendrick

     Winter Skin is a chapbook that draws you in to places of significance to the poet. That is certainly something to which I can relate! Robert Lee Kendrick finds poetic material from his work in a slaughterhouse, his native Midwest, and his current Southern life.

     "Shadow Ball" reminded me of playing baseball in my younger days. "In Bloomington" evokes   memories of a life life ago, with interesting people in everyday scenes. The title of "Driving Across Georgia, I Stop at the Remains of a Topless Diner" leaps out at the reader and demands that the poem be read; it is worth reading!

     The writing is introspective, nuanced, and engaging. This is chapbook that will not disappoint the reader!

http://mainstreetragbookstore.com/?product=winter-skin

Poetry by Muhammad Ali

    This story interested me for several reasons. First, I lived near Ali's Deer Lake training camp in Pennsylvania for a time. Secondly, poetry is involved. Finally, Ali was such a complex and iconic figure that one is compelled to be interested in all aspects of his lfie. Full disclosure: I lived a few miles from Joe Frazier, who attended the wedding of some of my friends. But I can be objective, and no poetyr by Smokin' Joe has been found. He did have a brief career as a singer.

     The poetry has no bluster, and shows the ability to reflect It is indeed early poetry, and not even the Greats' early work is their best (with perhaps some few exceptions). Compared to what is banded about theses days as GREAT POETRY, Ali's holds its own.

     Perhaps some more poetry will surface. Ali did not choose to keep writing, as far as we know. the fact that a heavyweight  champion, or any athlete, writes prose or poetry is significant and deserves attention.

     After all, how many poets would want to contend in the ring? Not I.

http://www.thestate.com/sports/other-sports/article82804002.html