Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Great Regulars: About [Etheridge] Knight's haiku skill,

critic Joyce Ann Joyce writes: "Using this brief form that demanded precision to hone his skill, Knight produced poetry that was humorous, urbane or sophisticated, colloquial, historical, political, musical, rhythmical, and spiritual."

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: April Poet--Etheridge Knight

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[Lawrence] Ferlinghetti's work is quite distinct from the Beats. A perceptive critic has remarked, "I hope I won't seem politically incorrect for saying this, but after immersing myself in the writings of the guilt-obsessed asexual Jack Kerouac, the ridiculously horny Allen Ginsberg and the just plain sordid William S. Burroughs . . . it's nice to read a few poems by a guy who can get excited about a little penny candy store under the El or a pretty woman letting a stocking drop to the floor."

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: March Poet-- Lawrence Ferlinghetti

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Polanco's "Identity" is an Internet favorite. It is the kind of verse that satisfies readers whose interest in poetry remains one-dimensional.

The speaker of the poem declares that unlike other misguided souls who choose a disciplined life, he prefers to be a rowdy rebel.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: Polanco's 'Identity'

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Celebrations are "solemn" and "seldom," just as the jewels that decorate a necklace or tiara are "thinly placed."

The speaker is celebrating and emphasizing the fact that pleasure is best when mildly and infrequently indulged. It is a human predilection to desire overindulgence in those things, people, and events found favorable.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: Shakespeare Sonnet 52

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The traveler suffers from "[t]he wordless worry of his heart." This longing is very difficult to name; many individuals suffer for decades before they become aware that what they are really seeking is God.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: Yogananda's 'The Cup of Eternity'

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