Steve Toth recently posted this in the Warrior Poet Society blog. Reposted here with his permission.
TIGER PEOPLE
Steve Toth
When a tiger
comes to the watering hole
the other animals
lose their thirst
in a hurry
Some run others slip away
Some scamper others bolt to shadows
Some raise dust clouds others take wing
but all are well suited
for making themselves scarce
Unhurried he walks in the royal manner
as if everything belongs to him
Some people in power get to
feeling especially entitled but there is
more tapeworm than tiger to them
When things get tough they are more
than ready to fight to the last
drop of everyone else's blood
A parasite cares nothing
about the welfare of its host
Tell the dictators we won't be
taking any more dictations
The people are the tigers now
So fly monkeys fly
Crawl tapeworms crawl
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Classic Poem
Dennis Fritzinger posted this classic on the Warrior Poet Society list
Break the Mirror
In the morning
After taking cold shower
----------What a mistake----- -----
I look at the mirror.
There, a funny guy,
Grey hair, white beard, wrinkled skin,
----------What a pity-------- --
Poor, dirty, old man!
He is not me, absolutely not.
Land and life
Fishing in the ocean
Sleeping in the desert with stars
Building a shelter in mountains
Farming the ancient way
Singing with coyotes
Singing against nuclear war--
I'll never be tired of life.
Now I'm seventeen years old,
Very charming young man.
I sit down quietly in lotus position,
Meditating, meditating for nothing.
Suddenly a voice comes to me:
"To stay young,
To save the world,
Break the mirror."
Nanao Sakaki
Break the Mirror
In the morning
After taking cold shower
----------What a mistake----- -----
I look at the mirror.
There, a funny guy,
Grey hair, white beard, wrinkled skin,
----------What a pity-------- --
Poor, dirty, old man!
He is not me, absolutely not.
Land and life
Fishing in the ocean
Sleeping in the desert with stars
Building a shelter in mountains
Farming the ancient way
Singing with coyotes
Singing against nuclear war--
I'll never be tired of life.
Now I'm seventeen years old,
Very charming young man.
I sit down quietly in lotus position,
Meditating, meditating for nothing.
Suddenly a voice comes to me:
"To stay young,
To save the world,
Break the mirror."
Nanao Sakaki
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Voices Fundraiser
Spoken Word Fundraiser ‘New Voices’ Planned for March 19 in Chattanooga
Event includes poetry, live jazz, readings from conservation giants to benefit Tennessee Wild
Chattanooga, TN: Tennessee Wild is pleased to present an evening of Spoken word artistry on Saturday, March 19, 8 PM to 10:30 PM at the Salvation Army, 800 McCallie Avenue, in Chattanooga. The event is open to the public. A $5 suggested donation will be collected at the door. The evening will feature the recital of original poetry as well as readings from the works some of America’s most influential conservation greats including John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Edward Abbey and Henry David Thoreau. The Undoctored Originals will perform improvisational jazz.
Local storyteller Jim Pfitzer, known as a Tennessee Treasure, will emcee the event. Pfitzer will also perform “Thinking Like a Mountain.”. The fundraiser is collaboration between local poet Ray Zimmerman and Tennessee Wild’s Jeff Hunter. According to Hunter, “Ray invited me to attend one of his New Voices events, and I was very moved by the talent in our community. I was especially struck by the fusion of impromptu jazz and poetry. It is really inspiring, and Tennessee Wild is in the business of inspiring people.”
The event will take place in the newly refurbished Salvation Army facility near the campus of UTC. Coffee and baked goods will be available. For more information, please contact Ray Zimmerman at 423-315-0721 or znaturalist@yahoo.com.
Tennessee Wild is dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. We aim to educate the public about the benefits of wilderness and promote volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee's wild places.
Event includes poetry, live jazz, readings from conservation giants to benefit Tennessee Wild
Chattanooga, TN: Tennessee Wild is pleased to present an evening of Spoken word artistry on Saturday, March 19, 8 PM to 10:30 PM at the Salvation Army, 800 McCallie Avenue, in Chattanooga. The event is open to the public. A $5 suggested donation will be collected at the door. The evening will feature the recital of original poetry as well as readings from the works some of America’s most influential conservation greats including John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Edward Abbey and Henry David Thoreau. The Undoctored Originals will perform improvisational jazz.
Local storyteller Jim Pfitzer, known as a Tennessee Treasure, will emcee the event. Pfitzer will also perform “Thinking Like a Mountain.”. The fundraiser is collaboration between local poet Ray Zimmerman and Tennessee Wild’s Jeff Hunter. According to Hunter, “Ray invited me to attend one of his New Voices events, and I was very moved by the talent in our community. I was especially struck by the fusion of impromptu jazz and poetry. It is really inspiring, and Tennessee Wild is in the business of inspiring people.”
The event will take place in the newly refurbished Salvation Army facility near the campus of UTC. Coffee and baked goods will be available. For more information, please contact Ray Zimmerman at 423-315-0721 or znaturalist@yahoo.com.
Tennessee Wild is dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. We aim to educate the public about the benefits of wilderness and promote volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee's wild places.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Shadow of Sirius
The Shadow of Sirius
W.S. Merwin
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Merwin completed this collection shortly before being named Poet Laureate of the United States. These hauntingly beautiful works reflect his lifelong concern for the natural world and use of stunning nature images. “The Curlew,” is a personal favorite of this reviewer:
When the moon has gone I fly on alone
into this night where I have never been....
The poems are evocative of the spirit Merwin manifested his earlier collection The Lice, and particularly the poem “For a Coming Extinction::”
Gray whale
Now that we are sending you to The End
That great god
Tell him
That we who follow you invented forgiveness
And forgive nothing
Get a copy of this book today.
W.S. Merwin
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Merwin completed this collection shortly before being named Poet Laureate of the United States. These hauntingly beautiful works reflect his lifelong concern for the natural world and use of stunning nature images. “The Curlew,” is a personal favorite of this reviewer:
When the moon has gone I fly on alone
into this night where I have never been....
The poems are evocative of the spirit Merwin manifested his earlier collection The Lice, and particularly the poem “For a Coming Extinction::”
Gray whale
Now that we are sending you to The End
That great god
Tell him
That we who follow you invented forgiveness
And forgive nothing
Get a copy of this book today.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Talismans
Talismans (Short Fiction Collection)
Sybil Baker
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Elise is disarmingly honest in her appraisal of the boys and men in her life. As heroine of this collection of linked short stories, she begins her narrative in kindergarten when she beats a boy in a race and doesn’t realize until years later why this victory fails to impress him. She is equally forthright in her commentary on the adult men who later appear as friends, companions, and lovers.
The one man who remains enigmatic is the father who returned from Vietnam to start a family with her mother and abandoned them the year after she was born. He seeks peace in another Asian country and dies of drowning before she enters school.
A grown Elise travels to Asia after the death of her mother who seemed as distant as the deceased father. As a teacher and then a casual tourist she is determined to find clues to her father’s life and motivation. A powerful ending reveals how both parents have shaped her psyche through their absence, perhaps with greater impact than presence could have allowed. A must read.
Sybil Baker
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Elise is disarmingly honest in her appraisal of the boys and men in her life. As heroine of this collection of linked short stories, she begins her narrative in kindergarten when she beats a boy in a race and doesn’t realize until years later why this victory fails to impress him. She is equally forthright in her commentary on the adult men who later appear as friends, companions, and lovers.
The one man who remains enigmatic is the father who returned from Vietnam to start a family with her mother and abandoned them the year after she was born. He seeks peace in another Asian country and dies of drowning before she enters school.
A grown Elise travels to Asia after the death of her mother who seemed as distant as the deceased father. As a teacher and then a casual tourist she is determined to find clues to her father’s life and motivation. A powerful ending reveals how both parents have shaped her psyche through their absence, perhaps with greater impact than presence could have allowed. A must read.
Friday, February 18, 2011
New Voices
New Voices:
This Saturday with Guest MC Finn bille
Pasha Coffee House,
3914 St. Elmo Avenue,
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Saturday February 19, 2011
Hot improvisational jazz meets the power of the spoken word. The Undoctored Originals include Dr. Jim Woodford, Keyboards, Dr. Bob Vogt, Saxophone, Billy Lowry, Drums, Ian Kibby, Euphonium, and Jack Gaillard, Congas.
Readings by Chattanooga area writers: Past participants have included Ray Zimmerman, Finn Bille, Jim Pfitzer, Bruce Majors, N.L. Diwan, Mary Wier, Julie Alexander, K.B Ballentine, E. Smith Gilbert, Christian J. Collier, Mark “Pork Chop” Holder, Bob Dombrowski, Marcus Ellsworth, and others.
Look for a special New Voices,
Saturday, March 19, 8 – 10 PM
Salvation Army hall across from UTC.
The Monday edition is a fund raiser for Tennessee Wild.
This Saturday with Guest MC Finn bille
Pasha Coffee House,
3914 St. Elmo Avenue,
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Saturday February 19, 2011
Hot improvisational jazz meets the power of the spoken word. The Undoctored Originals include Dr. Jim Woodford, Keyboards, Dr. Bob Vogt, Saxophone, Billy Lowry, Drums, Ian Kibby, Euphonium, and Jack Gaillard, Congas.
Readings by Chattanooga area writers: Past participants have included Ray Zimmerman, Finn Bille, Jim Pfitzer, Bruce Majors, N.L. Diwan, Mary Wier, Julie Alexander, K.B Ballentine, E. Smith Gilbert, Christian J. Collier, Mark “Pork Chop” Holder, Bob Dombrowski, Marcus Ellsworth, and others.
Look for a special New Voices,
Saturday, March 19, 8 – 10 PM
Salvation Army hall across from UTC.
The Monday edition is a fund raiser for Tennessee Wild.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Meacham Writers Workshop
MEACHAM WRITERS’ CONFERENCE RETURNS FOR SPRING 2011
Offering free readings and workshops twice a year, the biannual conference connects local writers with award-winning authors.
Chattanooga, Tennessee (February 10, 2011) – Since 1985 the Meacham Writers’ Conference has been an opportunity for the Chattanooga community improve their own writing, as well as appreciate the work of nationally and internationally acclaimed authors. Each conference includes public readings by the visiting authors, as well as workshops, individual conferences, and seminars for local writers to receive feedback and instruction from the published writers. Held March 24-26th, all events are free and open to the public.
Visiting writers this conference include Iztok Osojnic and Amir Or from Slovenia and Israel, respectively, Art Smith, John Hoppenthaler, Cathy Holton, Beth Nugent, Laurel Snyder, Robert Vivian and Terrence Hawkins.
Readings will be held Thursday, March 24 at 7:00pm at Chattanooga State, Health Science Center, HSC 1085, as well as a community reading/reception at 909 Oak Street Fortwood (near UTC) at 9:00pm; Friday, March 25 at 12:00pm at UTC, University Center, Raccoon Mountain room, 7:00 pm at UTC, EMCS building, Benwood Auditorium; and Saturday, March 26 3:00pm at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.
A combination of creative writing workshops, individual conferences and seminars will be held on Saturday, March 26th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at UTC’s University Center. Additionally, there will be an hour of individual conferences on Friday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
All those who submit works for review will be assigned to a seminar with a writer in the genre they have submitted. In addition, participants may indicate their preference for an individual workshop, group workshop, or participation in both. There are, however, limited spaces for individual conferences, and organizers will set priorities in filling those slots.
To participate, writers MUST submit their work by March 1st. Up to three poems or up to twelve double-spaced pages of prose can be submitted. Please visit http://meachamwriters.org/submissions.htm to submit and for more information. Online submission is preferred, however, if absolutely necessary, participants may bring three copies each of their work in collated packets to Richard Jackson, Meacham Writer's Workshop, UTC Engl. Department #2703, 203 Holt Hall.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MARCH 4th!
Offering free readings and workshops twice a year, the biannual conference connects local writers with award-winning authors.
Chattanooga, Tennessee (February 10, 2011) – Since 1985 the Meacham Writers’ Conference has been an opportunity for the Chattanooga community improve their own writing, as well as appreciate the work of nationally and internationally acclaimed authors. Each conference includes public readings by the visiting authors, as well as workshops, individual conferences, and seminars for local writers to receive feedback and instruction from the published writers. Held March 24-26th, all events are free and open to the public.
Visiting writers this conference include Iztok Osojnic and Amir Or from Slovenia and Israel, respectively, Art Smith, John Hoppenthaler, Cathy Holton, Beth Nugent, Laurel Snyder, Robert Vivian and Terrence Hawkins.
Readings will be held Thursday, March 24 at 7:00pm at Chattanooga State, Health Science Center, HSC 1085, as well as a community reading/reception at 909 Oak Street Fortwood (near UTC) at 9:00pm; Friday, March 25 at 12:00pm at UTC, University Center, Raccoon Mountain room, 7:00 pm at UTC, EMCS building, Benwood Auditorium; and Saturday, March 26 3:00pm at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.
A combination of creative writing workshops, individual conferences and seminars will be held on Saturday, March 26th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at UTC’s University Center. Additionally, there will be an hour of individual conferences on Friday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
All those who submit works for review will be assigned to a seminar with a writer in the genre they have submitted. In addition, participants may indicate their preference for an individual workshop, group workshop, or participation in both. There are, however, limited spaces for individual conferences, and organizers will set priorities in filling those slots.
To participate, writers MUST submit their work by March 1st. Up to three poems or up to twelve double-spaced pages of prose can be submitted. Please visit http://meachamwriters.org/submissions.htm to submit and for more information. Online submission is preferred, however, if absolutely necessary, participants may bring three copies each of their work in collated packets to Richard Jackson, Meacham Writer's Workshop, UTC Engl. Department #2703, 203 Holt Hall.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MARCH 4th!
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