Cape Canaveral Poet Laureate

Hello friends,       Today, the post is a little different from the normal.  My last post talked about the importance of finding poetry written by authors with whom we share differing backgrounds.  That allowed us to try to understand, to the extent we can, where they are coming from and what they are dealing with.  Along the way, hopefully, we learn that we are not all that different and we can apply the things we learn from others to our own lives and points of view.  Sometimes, it is good to read something by authors that we share some commonality with, be it race, sex, national or regional origin, age, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic.        My good friend Adhana accepted my invitation to share a poem on my channel.  I will never truly understand what it is like to live in America as a black female, but I can still try to gain some empathy and understanding by reading their poetry.  That is why we do it.  We bathe in the beautiful language, the structure

Today is Juneteenth.  On this day, each year, we reflect on the hardships and injustices that have existed in the United States, but more importantly, we dream of a day when we can overcome those inequities and embrace our fellow humans of all races, national origins, sexes, and any other traits,  We take time to understand the strife that has led us to where we are today, and we dream of new days on the horizon (this is the Juneteenth flag: red, white, and blue, with a new star of Freedom on the horizon_.  Words are powerful tools.  In this video, I read a piece of poetry written by Nikki Giovanni in 1968.  She is a wonderful poet and amazing wordsmith.  In this piece, "For Saundra", she is asked by her neighbor to write a pretty poem about a tree.  She has trouble writing because of the injustice she sees.  That is the heart of this poem.  Yet, she wrote it, and it lives on, reminding us all of the importance of using our words to express ourselves.  It also has a leg

A limerick is a five-line poem that consists of a single stanza, an AABBA rhyme scheme.  This means that the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme; and the third and fourth lines rhyme.  Generally, the first, second, and fifth lines are longer.  Limericks are well-known for their highly rhythmic patterns.  Most people have heard limericks in their lifetimes, unfortunately, the subjects are often vulgar but humorous.  Although "Limerick" is a town in Ireland, it is thought that this type of poem was created in England (and named after the Irish town). I have decided to write a few limericks to to demonstrate.  These are inspired by the City's actions to help flatten the curve and protect everyone, locals and tourists alike, from COVID-19.  The City has taken such wonderful steps as closing beach parking, encouraging staying at home, and supporting local businesses by encouraging curb-side pick up and take-out.  As a thank you, these poems are dedicated to the City personn

This is another tribute to John Prine with a cover of his song "Frying Pan" from the Diamonds in the Rough album, along with some commentary.  In this song, you can see him using specific details to tell the story.  Using details allows the audience to really embed themselves in the story and in the position of the protagonist.  For instance, rather than saying that his wife ran away with "another man", he says she ran away with the "Fuller Brush man".  Rather than saying she left a note for him to find, he says that she specifically left it in the frying pan and directed him to make his own supper.  Towards the end, you see that now he has a specific distaste for all door-to-door salesmen, not just men or any sales representative.  These types of details make the story more real and allow the reader or listener to really connect to the story.  I do not own the rights to this song, but am sharing it with the hopes that you may listen and apply some of this

Another of my favorites written by John Prine.  This one again showcases his humor and connection with the "everyman".  The "everyman" is a literary concept meaning a character who is easy to identify with for a wide swath of humanity.  The everyman can be male or female.  In this case, it is a male.  A male who is at a bar drinking over losing his love interest, even though the relationship had recently been a struggle.  He is drinking to try to make him feel better, and the words show progress of trying to cope or cover up the loss, then remembering the old times (which were better), then trying to forget since she is apparently gone for good.  This is from his album Diamonds in the Rough. I do not own the rights to this song, only sharing this cover to entertain and educate all of you fine folks. Remember to support local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely.  Happy writing and use this time of semi-quarantine isolation to be

John Prine is one of, if not the, best modern American songwriters of our age.  He wrote many songs that spoke to the heart of the American way of life, skillfully crafting words that were both heartwarming, humorous, and entertaining.  He recently died of COVID-19 complications, and will be sorely missed.  I encourage you to go listen to his songs.  He had a wonderful way of connecting to the listener with very approachable wordsmithing and storytelling.  I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG.  Rest in peace, John Prine.    I am continuing to wear a mask to remind all of you to be safe out there. Remember to support your local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely. Stay safe, be well, happy writing.  Peace and love.

This builds on the Piano video.  The same progression, but in the key of G because some people have trouble with the F-chord.  Here are the chord diagrams: Just like on the piano, you can play these in any order and play two of them, three, or all four.  It will always sound pretty good to the American ear.  Take some time to learn to play some simple music on an instrument during this time of quarantine.  And then just speak some of your poetry over it.  You can make amazing songs that way! Support local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely.  Happy writing, peace and love (and Happy Easter)!!!

Why not use your quarantine time to write some poetry?  And if you would like to make your poem into a song, here are some chords to help you.  I chose the key of C because it is fairly simple to play in.  It uses all white keys, so no sharps or flats.  Also, to be clear, I am not a music teacher and do not really know music theory.  All of this is just simple, self-taught easiness.  The major scale is played by playing this pattern:  Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step.  A half step is the next possible note to play, whether it is a white or black key.  So the major scale in the key of C is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.  A very common progression in American music is to use some form of the first, fourth, fifth, and minor sixth chords.  In C, the first is C, the fourth is F, the fifth is G, and the sixth minor is A minor.  Here is a picture of how to play the chords: To get the placement, look at the grouping of the black keys.  For instance, C

Jane Austen is well known for her six novels (and a few unfinished ones), but here is one of her poems. It is titled “When Stretch’d on One’s Bed” and really showcases her wit in such a concise set of words. https://youtu.be/2O8AOfvOs8k Here it is: When stretch'd on one's bed  With a fierce-throbbing head,  Which precludes alike thought or repose,  How little one cares  For the grandest affairs  That may busy the world as it goes! How little one feels  For the waltzes and reels  Of our Dance-loving friends at a Ball!  How slight one's concern  To conjecture or learn  What their flounces or hearts may befall. How little one minds  If a company dines  On the best that the Season affords!  How short is one's muse  O'er the Sauces and Stews,  Or the Guests, be they Beggars or Lords. How little the Bells,  Ring they Peels, toll they Knells,  Can attract our attention or Ears!  The Bride may be married,  The Corse may be carried  And touch nor our hopes nor our fea

Language provides a mechanism to better deal with the world around us. Some have a grasp for language that pulls on our heart string or make us laugh.  The Middle Ages and the Renaissance provided what we now call “pestilential music”. Here are some examples of songs inspired by the Spanish Flu pandemic in the early 1900’s: Flying Fish Sailors - Flupandemic https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9T41ASGEQZA An instrumental song titled “The Microbe” by Webb Long https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKEsq8qXps Essie Jenkins cover of 1919 Influenza Blues: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L-QzjvjqMNA And the song “Influenza Blues” from a musical called “A Lonely Romeo”: https://repository.asu.edu/attachments/206913/content/SM4268_InfluenzaBlues_1919_Score.pdf I hope everyone is healthy and staying safe. Thanks lease remember to support local and independent artists and local shops (to the extent you can do so safely). Be well and let’s make the most out of this quarantine :)

Apropos of pandemics, today a post is about a Viennese song that has quite the history to it. It was written by Marx Augustin  in 1679. He was a popular singer, bagpiper, humorist, and all around entertainer during the time of the plague.  The legend states that he enjoyed his drinking. He blacked out in the street and was found by a body collector and mistaken for dead. He, along with his bagpipes, were tossed in a mass plague grave. Upon waking up, he had some trouble getting out and decided to play some tunes, because that brought him joy. He came up with this tune. The townspeople heard him and helped him escape. Ultimately, despite being amongst the plague-ridden corpses, he remained healthy. He remains a symbol of hope to the Viennese to this day. Other songs that you have likely encountered are derived from this song, such as “Did You Ever See a Lassie” and “Hail to the Bus Driver”.  Here is a traditional version of the song: Also, during this COVID-19 quarantine, Albin P