November meeting

Our meeting this month was accentuated by a very special treat. John K. saw a recent article in the Westland Observer about how the library has to do more with less and decided to take it upon himself to make desert for all Poetry Group participants. This wasn't a box of donuts or store-bought cake, either (nothing I would shake a stick at), but chocolate chip waffles with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, all topped with chocolate sauce (I had to ask where the cherries were, but of course I was only joking). After our group meeting, John made the leftover batter into treats for tempted staff members and patrons. It was delightful! Thanks, John.

Onto the meeting, ... I was plenty sugared-up to tackle this month's work. We had received two poems prior to the meeting, one each from John S. and Diana. John's abstract work was the result of his time spent on the phone with an ex-, who was in a poor relationship. It had a great, opposable, tangled up energy to it with many succinct images. He talked afterwards about his interest in Language and Post-Language poetry and suggested an article from FlashPoint for those who didn't have a clue re: what he was talking about:

http://www.flashpointmag.com/postlang.htm

Diana brought her usual sense of humor and individuality to the meeting, symbolized by the two works she brought and read. One was about the seniors she lives with (she is also one) who seem to have lost their vigor and creativity, cajoling (some would even say reprimanding) them to take a new look at their lives. She also wrote a humorous poem about her ex (we had a theme going, i guess) called "Ode to Load". Great work, Diana.

John K. brought a couple of mythic works in which were engaging for all; Patrick brought his usual good humor but also a short play from he was requisitioned to do for his church (with lots of interesting yet subtle symbolism). Don also recited some of his work (he got in the habit of memorizing it and presenting it b/c he feeds off the energy people bring to their listening, but he had to read this one and still did a wonderful job).

Looking forward to next month's meeting on December 2nd @ 7 p.m. We have an Open Mic this week, too, on Thursday, November 12th. Show up and read some poems or whatever you're working on. See you in the library.