About The “Found” Poem

I learned first hand about found poetry back in the 80s when I’d taken a poetry class at Chicago’s Harold Washington College. It felt bizarre to me and a bit like stealing when the instructor told us it was perfectly alright to visit another’s work and take snippits, phrases and sometimes whole sentence fragments from them and write our own poem! As to be expected we were assigned to write a “found” poem. I was skeptical at first, but managed to write a great little ditty about thanksgiving from borrowing stuff from other folks…If you think about it folks visit websites, blogs, books, and other forms of writings to lift themes, ideas and such from other creatives all the time and do quite well making a profit off of it!

Not quite plagiarism but, not quite cool either. Some writers have integrity whereas others don’t when it comes to making a buck. How do you feel about the “found” poem? Do you think it’s ok for writers to ‘borrow” from other writers work? I’m not a savvy writer, I’m just a writer, but I can honestly say, other than a few popular catch phrases like “how you doin?” I basically write from my own creative ideas without needing to borrow from another writer. Famous poets who have written great works from existing text includes, but not limited to:

William Carlos Williams. Charles Olson. Anne Dillard. Ezra Pound….

Thanks For The Memories-Clara54!

Beautiful

Grandbabies frolicking on vacation

Spending time with family was glorious! The spacious Lake Hamilton site offered many ammenities as well. I loved the calm water, the sunset evenings & the time spent in lively conversation around the gazebo! There were a few things I wasn’t so pleased about,but that’s in an upcoming post in clara54’s resort review

Call For The Short Story…

Do you write short stories? I do. I’ve always loved the short story, as well as flash fiction. It’s because brevity works for me and the short story doesn’t require the loads of research that other forms of writing call for. I’m not a fan of doing a lot of research, unless it’s a nonfiction piece I’m covering & factual data becomes a must. I’ve written fiction & nonfiction stories and find them easier than long drawn out novels, the autobiograpy, memoirs & such. (although I’m procrastinating on a memoir that started out as a biographical work- decided less is more in order for me to actually get the work out:) The short story fiction competitions are hot & heavy this month of Sept. I just missed the deadline for Goodhousekeeping’s short story submission. But, I’m more than ready for Essence Magazines’ Sept 30 deadline…

Other hot spots for the Short Story:

Poets & Writers
Writers Digest
Women On Writing Ezine
Do you have a soft spot for the Short Story? Revamp those gems & join the party…
BTW: Clara54 wanna give a shoutout to Brenda Broger, a nurse practictioner in Florida(& her fav sis-in-law) for having her work “Fathers’ Coping Mechanisms Related to Parenting a Chronically Ill Child: Implications For Advanced Practice Nurses” accepted in The Journal Of Pediatric Health Care…Yay! and to Mr. Henry L. Jones, a former Illinois poet/artist based in Tennessee, for the publication of his book, Run Into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo. Way to go Mr. Jones! Clara54 has been inspired by you guys to keep-a-going!

Promising You Exciting Trailers Of Film!

Clara54 welcomes up & comers in the field of music & film, as well as authors who’d like to showcase their works here. These are just 2 of the folks who have requested to have their works viewed by my readers: Liscious with his 1st big starring role in The Pit And The Pendulum and Siameze, The Godson of Rock & Roll… Take a look-see & comment to these next generation of creative talents… BTW, sooo excited to be a creative outlet for showcasing & introducing creative arts of others! Look for review of clara54’s vacation getaway in upcoming post…

Woman Writing Again!

Hi All! The last week has consisted of packing,moving, movers, family reunions,and getting frustrated after my return home with At&t Internet Services! Anyho, today after being on the phone with Mack, a very considerate & astute techie over there  for what seemed like hours, I’m finally reconnected! Now I’m in “writers paradise”  again… The workers here are also winding down on last minute stuff they needed to finish in my new place which hasn’t felt quite like ”home” because of folks trampling in\out Regardless of the traffic interruptions, I’m busy unloading boxes, cleaning out cabinets and making a grocery list of things sorely missing from my kitchen… tedious I know, but today I get to cook on my new stove!

I’ve missed out on connecting with my readers & judging from the 150 emails I’m in the process of answering, folks still like visiting here… Thanks to the guys who sent clara54 trailers of their latest works: Liscious ’s film The Pit And The Pendelum and SIAMEZE, The Godson Of Rock & Roll. I will have those trailers up by the end of the week , fellas…From what I’ve seen of both works, these newcomers on the scene of Music & Film will become household names within a very short period of time.

A big ‘Thanks’ to the new followers of c50something over at my twitter page as well. Looks like clara54 is back in business. Now, if’s there’s anyone who’d like to come over to help me unpack? Just askin’ Before I forget… My trip to Arkansas will be detailed in a later post. It’s truly a reality that folks get water from the Hot Springs fountain & it’s truly hot folks! Hope to upload photos soon…

Writing intrusion…

As in the day I’m to move into my new place. Folks I like to refer to as ”Godsend helpers”!will be stopping in to assist me in finishing the packing & moving the big pieces that requires a shot of testosterone & for which I could never compensate (thank God!) just love being a woman, especially when it comes to moving!  afterwards, I’m gearing up for the family thing next weekend in Hot Springs Arkansas. .after learning about our family destination, I quickly did a bit of research on the place & promptly emailed the owner in hopes of snagging an interview for a travel piece I’m hoping to place…no word yet but, writers are known to improvise so if the piece doesn’t come from ’subjective’  there’s always ‘objective’… 

Speaking on views. There was a discussion on my ‘day’ job concerning the Jackson’s Reality Show in the wake of MJ’s death. It’s been widely reported over the years how the brothers haven’t been faring so well. That one even worked in a supermarket for a short time. Today’s economy makes even the rich think twice before that next big project(Except Oprah). Folks think that it’s a good idea for the Jacksons because they make money for their families ( talking mini compound here) and perhaps the show might help them recover their celebrity. I sort of cradled the fence on this one. Not to get it twisted, I’m well aware of the economic crisis…living it everyday!  See the logic of  the brothers doing a show but, sorta  feel it’s a bit early to capitalize on their brother’s fame I know, seemingly, everyone whose ever known MJ is out to make monies off of it. Family somehow…as in Latoya appearing on ‘The View”…We all know when Latoya speaks (spills) “just saying” and would she have been invited to the show if MJ hadn’t passed? For clarity sake: Latoya Jackson has appeared on The View before & the Jackson brothers have been pitching a Reality Show before MJ’s demise but, the implications of these sudden invites spell out ’greed’ to me. Any other op-ed out there?

Other people appearing on The View while Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s on maternity leave  includes Chicago’s own ousted Governor Rob Blavojevich & wife Patti.  Kate Gosselin. Kathy Griffith. Megan Mccain & Posh Spice…There’s a pattern here  folks… Finally, the celebrity DJ..AM reportedly died from drug overdose last evening. Anyhow, back to clara54’s world & works in slow progress…

A Writer On Her Stats!

Since I penned the review of Wendy “how yer doing” Williams Show here, I’m happy to report that Clara54’s stats have increased tremendously! I’m not saying that this sort of stuff gets folks inquiring minds to wanna know, I am saying that variety makes for more traffic . Although many bloggers/writers would advise to “brand” your blogs, I’m not totally convinced that this is the way to go…I’ve been in the game of blogging a couple of years (first attempt was a political/op-ed effort) and  not a “pro” by a country mile but ,I have to say that writing in my authentic voice here at clara54 as I speak about issues, profile folks of interests in - films, movies, book, music ,and politics…the great feedback to my efforts is awesome, it works for me and makes me equally glad to be a part of the blogosphere’s great community of like minded folks…Anyhow, thank you to all who visit & comment. As for the popularity of The Wendy Williams Show review, I think it’s due in part to the ‘yer’ used in the title review. The fact is, Wendy Williams didn’t coin that term, I stole it from Eddie Murphy’s “Norbit.” Wendy actually asks “How you doin’?”  I thought Norbit’s verson was funnier, don’t you agree? AND

This weekend has been a hectic one for me personally. I’m in the midst of packing to move into my new place at the end of this week! Are all writers pack rats, or is it just me? I’ve been called a hoarder before but, this stuff spilling from my closets & out of boxes is unbelievable. I’m knowing Goodwill will be happy… next to grocery shopping, moving has become my 2nd pet peeve of the century:(  Just finished an exhausting weekend rotation at my nursing job.,..Went over the final edits to my essay for inclusion in the soon to be released book for women-Reflections From Women. ..completed an assignment for the newspaper. The sister of the late comic genius Robin Harris (baybee kids!) asked me to critique some of her granddaughter’s poetry- said of course, but truly wanted to interview her about the brother who made us all laugh. She has consented to let me view tapes of an interview conducted with family/friends for a special about Robin…won’t push the one on one just yet, will place on my to-do-list…Also registered my Freelance Writing Business as I’ve become in the words of Hammer “Too Legit To Quit!”  Anyho, I’m gearing up for fun @ family reunion Labor Day Weekend… Just need to get my second wind is all!

Illinois Healthy Workplace Mission Statement…

Recently, the Independent Chicago Bulletin newspaper featured an article about workplace bullying from Mr. Jonathan Lackland, the executive Director of Illinois Association for Minorities in Government. Mr. Lackland’s piece had many folks in Illinois writing to the newspaper, in their quest for answers to the phenomena of “workplace bullying”. I, at one time was uninformed as well that such a thing existed and that there were actually people behind the scenes working for the rights of employees who were abused by their employers until I profiled the filmmaker Beverly Peterson here at clara54 about her film “There Oughta Be A Law” which led to my speaking with Carrie Clark, the state coordinator for the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) legislative Campaign. Since then, the momentum of bringing awareness to folks have heightened with genuine interest & a “ need ” to know more. For people who want more information they can simply google Illinois Association for Minorities in Government, or, visit the website of Ms. Carrie Clark at http://illinoishwa.blogspot.com.  Carrie Clark kindly provided clara54 with the Illinois Healthy Workplace Mission Statement:

CC…The Mission of the Illinois Healthy Workplace Advocates is to raise public awareness and to compel our state to correct and prevent abusive work environments through legislation. We put “public awareness” first because effective change is preceded by education. “Correct and Prevent” was borrowed from WBI language. It is the very point of the bill(HB374). We would hope that workplace bullies would then be educated about how their abusive behaviors were no longer tolerated and they were expected to knock it off. Better yet, those behaviors shouldn’t even start! We really were taught this in kindergarden…Some didn’t get it.

Some think they can get by with it under present law because they can. Some are hardwired to target others. All sorts of bullies have gotten by with it becauseno one would or felt they could speak against the immorality of this abuse. Some have called this the “sue your boss-bill.” I have yet to meet anyone who really wanted to sue his boss for superfluous reasons. Unfortunately, litigation drives policy. Without the punishment held as a threat to the perpetrator(s), they won’t pay one bit of attention. Were it not for fines, many wouldn’t stop at stop signs. Of course, no law will ever stop all the Bullying behavior, but it’s a big start toward recognition. We are of the same age. Remember when animal, spousal, and child abuse were not spoken of because few laws existed. And as a young student teacher in Decatur…I was chased around the desk at night by my cooperating teacher who was 30 years my senior. I’d go home crying. Don’t think I didn’t cheer for Anita Hill. Talk about courage…Clarence Thomas still ended up on the court, But we all learned because Hill dared to speak…

Clara54’s “Scary Movies” Pick …

Ok, with down time between those frigging’ dang blasted bouts of beating up on the clunker of a PC that left me alone …..Alright,  alright…I’m done. Here are some  snazzy quips about the movies clara54 watched while biting her friggin’ nails and eating like tomorrow never comes:

Drag Me To Hell…I know seems fitting but I’m not about to claim this ONE ! This was an absurdly, obtuse look at ”claw of death” approaching for one little mistake made by a seemingly naive girl who wanted to impress in a dead end job as a sort of office / go-to girl for coffee, sandwiches & such…that’s the downside. The upside? She had a rich & caring guy. Well, little Ms. Independent wants to move up in the company & collect on the promises made by her supervisor that she will get promoted. She has a chance to prove herself when it comes to granting an reprieve on foreclosing on the house of an ancient, witch of a woman with claws for fingers, but who is sincere in her pleas for one more extension. The decision the young woman makes ”to grant, or not to grant”  turns out to be a wrong decision. So the old woman feels ’shamed’  in front of everyone and waits after hours/after dark  to beat the girl to a pulp in the parking lot….The girl wins the battle, but unbeknowst to her…is about to lose the war!  Liked that this movie got my ’scare’ factor up. Hated that it ended so on a grusome tip. Be forwarned “What goes around sometimes comes around” 

Saw V…Say what!?! I truly do not  know why anyone would waste time & precious life’s air it takes to breathe in this insanely boring and clueless piece of blood & gore continuation to the SAW SERIES! This attempt bordered on the macabre… I wanted to stick a fork in it and announce “we’re done here.”

Haunting In Connecticut…based on a true story. The events leading up to why a family moves from the city to a small town in Connecticut becomes the reason for many bad decision making. Their teenage son needs Ca treatments and to save on expense/travel & terrible pain & exhaustion from his trips to the Ca center, the folks  (wife) makes the decision to purchase the first available & reasonable properties. The son is said to be a great candidate for innovative new Ca treatments UNLESS he starts exhibiting strange behaviors…Anyho, he does…The movie is both heartwrenching ,and quite eerie . It’s still a must see movie for all late bloomers like clara54.

Sweeney Todd…Notice I’m not naming the actors/stars/ in these movies…This dashing& iconic imagined lover of women everywhere, reallly went for the throat in this one. Bloody mess of a demonic type of fellow he was…the singing sort of irked my nerves after a bit and the pies made of human flesh sealed the deal. It was a crude piece of work, this thirst for blood barber turned my stomach. “Now you have a pulsating neck, now you don’t!”…I’m so afraid for Alice when she ends up in Wonderland…

The Last Eight Days…

Were spent reading, writing , working at my ‘day’ job, packing for my move into my new place at the end of the month and literally cursing out my trusted computer which let me down by completely clunking out on me & at the most inopportune time for a writer! It’s been a bit nerve wrecking as I’m finally back on track. At clara54  I’ve missed getting the work out here and completing other works- in-progress for other publications…Sooo with a bit of juggling of finances as in ”robbing Peter to pay Paul”… I managed to purchase a whole new computer system (sic). I’m grateful to know folks who knew folks that were willing to save my files from the burned ashes of the  beast of ill fated timing… without extra cost, which I thought was a special & gracious act of kindness…  This is me stretching my writing muscles so speak at midnight after finally getting this new thing set up…checking & deleting emails while my fingers get reacquainted with the beauty of the keyboard that seems to welcome me back to the place I’m most comfortable.

I hope you’ve continued to visit in my absence and please come again because there’s exciting stuff ahead for clara54 readers & you wouldn’t want to miss that  now would you? just sayin’