Cape Canaveral Poet Laureate

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 exp...

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 ...

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-quaranti...

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 placemen...

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 ma...

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 ...

Trying to provide you some content during the quarantine. These are two examples of Italian poetry, a modern and a classic. Hope you enjoy. The authors and titles are at the YouTube link. https://youtu.be/zo6LaXJGNoQ Remember to stay safe, be well, and support local business during these times.

Hello, everyone! During this challenging time, I am trying to bring you more content for your enjoyment.  This is a poem (a song) about making the most of the current situation.  While we are all social distancing and semi-quarantining, it gives us time to reflect on pleasant memories, those we care about, and even just enjoy looking around us in a somewhat slower time. And remember, do what you safely can to support our local businesses and artists throughout all of this. Thank you and be well! Social Distancing  I swung by the store hoping you might be there Thinking I had some time maybe we could share While the hygiene and quarantine puts us in a bind I know I'm not the only one to try to get you off his mind And it's been a while, but when we're together it sure feels nice If I could send a little joy your way, I'd send it same day To your carved out paradise We looked out the twenty-second floor window Searching for ice cream lost somewhere down ...

Good afternoon, everyone!  I hope everyone is staying healthy, safe, and sane.  Today is World Poetry Day and I figured I would share some Chinese Poetry with you.  These are pretty trying times for people all over the world, so we should band together as the human family and appreciate all the art the world has to offer.  Hope you enjoy! And remember our small businesses as well during these times and support them to the extent you can while self-quarantining or social distancing. Be well!!! Wolrd Poetry Day 2020