October 6 + 13

 

zoom: Elaine had to use a new zoom number: 81539887297

She, Marna and Emily had a good discussion.   

In Person: 

 It seems an overused word, but "great" ( or "grand", in the ould sod) always comes to mind in recollecting an hour or so of real fun at O   Pen. Five stalwarts today, Jim, Joyce, Mary, Judith and I. Jim always brings humor with him and stories....and he has always done his homework as well. Joyce hits the top with homework, and is no slouch in the humor department, either. She didn't think that the Chinese number "sounded Chinese enough". And Mary's readings are always done perfectly, strong and clear and emphatic...and, Oh, is it necessary to remind you of Mary's humor ? Judith, God bless her, was quick to take up slack in conversation, usually startling us with information on art, dance, literature, poesy and reams of humor. There is a common thread of humor in our bunch...I mean the whole bunch.....and it applies so much the better to criticism or critique than sour milk for desert. 

    Kitty will not be here/there for next week because of a prior travel date. Poor butterfly ! Those wings will need a rest. So, with Kitty gone for three in a row, Martin and I will complete a palace coup, replacing modern poetical tomfoolery with a steady diet of Victorian fluff as well as 17th c. selections of religious fervor, or fervour........We'll love Herrick......maybe an occasional break with Skelton or the Earl of Rochester.........................Nirvana, indeed.

Barbara's comments:  I did enjoy today's musical poems.  I even listened to some Brahms last night after reading "Romantics." It seems so sad that they didn't marry! And "The Disappeared" with its sinking and disappearing letters in mother and father was very moving and a visceral experience. I loved the poet's reading of it too. Speaking of listening, I couldn't hear your poem because I couldn't get that little blue microphone to work, but I do appreciate your ability to work creatively with the villanelle.

Oct. 13 : In Person-- Paul's report:

It was a grand day with the O  Pen gang of seven on Wednesday last. Martin, Ken, Jim, Joyce Maura, Judith and meself . Judith started us on our descent to Hades with , Acheron. We all had little thoughts about Hell and the poem brought back memories of 4th year Latin for me. We translated from Latin and the story was so engrossing, there was a minimum of grousing about how long it was. It was a swell Villanelle.    

Jim kept us laughing, read loud enough for all those wax filled ears to hear the lines. I mentioned an old Irish Pub poem and Judith sprang up jackrabbit like and recited the whole thing ( A Glass of Beer, James Stephens) without slowing down for a breath......or a swig. Maura and Ken and Joyce and Martin all joined in on the rare occasions that we strayed from the menu. 

It was, as usual, a fine affair and, really, a testimony to you ,who have done so much to put things together week after week . It is an harmonious group ....friends who can sit together, be serious, frivolous, entertaining. But, we will all be happy to get the Skipper back at the helm. The ship wandered somewhat under the windy breezes of the substitute helmsman.