Showing posts with label published. Show all posts
Showing posts with label published. Show all posts

The Silk Mill & Other Updates

Posted by Unknown | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

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hawleysilkmill.com
On another dreary, rain-filled day in what's supposed to be winter, my coffee steams up from the stoneware glass in front of me. I've accomplished one thing this week which I set my mind to. The alarm on my phone only had to rind a half as much as it did yesterday to rouse me from my bed. I've finally gotten up prior to ten. Though, I have been sleeping better. Maybe in part due to the enjoyable weekend.

Saturday, I had a chance to read at the Hawley Silk Mill in Hawley, PA. The Mill, native blue stone and mortar constructed in 1880, stands like an inviting castle on a tight corner of Route 6. Interesting facts about the building are numerous: largest blue stone building in the world, housed one of the most technologically advanced and most powerful electrical grids of the time, and burned down in 1890 only to be resurrected.

I digress. Within the confines of this beautiful piece of Pennsylvania history is Harmony, an art space created and run by the talented Jill Carletti (www.jillcarletti.com). Jill hopes to turn this past weekend's poetry reading, which featured the talented Alexis Belluzzi and myself, into regular event at Harmony. Attendance was promising for her vision as Harmony was filled with people. After our initial readings and a short break, Jill opened the mic to anyone in attendance who felt the urge to share some of their own words. I always love being surprised by an incredible writer out of the blue. 

Post poetry, the night was celebrated with incredible eats at Cora's in Hawley and amazingly crafted, and dangerously delicious, home-brewed beer. I've got to get that fellow's name and information again. It seems almost blasphemous that my refrigerator has none of the Blonde Ale or Stout waiting for me.

Anyone around the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and NEPA region, remember that the January edition of Prose in Pubs at Jack's Draft House in Scranton happens this upcoming Sunday at 7 p.m. See my earlier post about the poets who will be joining me that night in serving out words.

My photography gallery has been removed from the Dietrich theater in Tunkhannock. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to take a look at it and for those who offered their kind words and compliments. That goes for those of you who enjoyed my reading at Harmony as well. 

As for any type of book, I've been working hard at getting enough poetry around to fill one. Poetry that I'm satisfied with enough, that is. As for right now, you can visit my "Published Work" section to read a few pieces which have been published.

Now that this small update is out of the way, back to our regularly scheduled programming. 

Cheers.

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Purchase Alexis Belluzzi's chapbook "Practicing Distance": http://www.thechapbookstore.com/alexis.html

Harmony @ Hawley Silk Mill: http://silkmillharmony.wordpress.com/

The Hawley Silk Mill: http://www.hawleysilkmill.com

The first ride and published work

Posted by Unknown | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted on Monday, April 04, 2011

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The first ride
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 Dust-covered chrome, 
a lazy blanket remains
from a Winter's rest.

Two hours, patience,
two bottles and a cut-up
t-shirt.

Stubborn to wake.
Starved for pulses of 
electricity.

Force-fed juice from
gasoline-guzzling,
steel-cranking mass.

Roars to rumbling life.
Breathe in Spring day
and kiss with flame.

Cowhide jacket, gloved
hands gripping. 
Cradled in saddle.

Grab reins and 
twist spurs.
Twin horses gallop.

Snaking road along
muddy river gorged
on mountain springs.

Wind comes rushing
with double-yellow
veins on asphalt.

Taste of sun and
bursting life, waking
to the thaw.

Echoes of throaty roar
bouncing from rock-face
through valley.

Taking in, with every
mile, forgotten, roaming
freedom of cowhands.

Journeys of travellers
seeking new sights.
Expanses of life.

Mile after mile,
along a wandering path.
Riding on.

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April is National Poetry month. You've probably been made aware of this by hundreds of other blog postings and Facebook updates containing snippets torn from Shakespeare, Poe, Angelou and Frost (I had enough of that through winter). Not surprising since setting aside a single month dedicated to poetry caters mostly to those who, in their daily life, think little, if not nothing, about poetry. To save you the trouble of being bludgeoned with the same spiel from another writer who will tell you that every month, day and hour is somehow related to poetry (and writing as a whole), I'll end my rant now.

The warm weather has finally set in and the above piece was inspired by my first ride of the year. It's always an incredible feeling to jump on the bike and head on down the road, but that first ride after a long, cold and miserable winter is always a bit more special.

Today, the Young American Poets blog published one of my pieces entitled "Heart in a foxhole". You can read it here. The YAP blog publishes work from American poets born in 1972 and later. There are some great writers being showcased over there so, after you finish reading my piece, browse around. There should be something there for everyone. Also, check out their sister site, Young British Poets.

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