How did everyone do last week? You can tell by this post
being late…I had a “Back Burner Week”. Do I write and submit work every day? I
did write two poems and make two submissions, and I wish I could do it every
day, but sometimes other things just come first. Relatives visiting, birthdays, doctor
appointments, reading submissions for SPRR, putting the journal in order…and
sheepishly, the finale of The Bachelorette for example.
I can’t help it. The finale was in Crete, an island I dearly
love, and haven’t been to since “Dance Camp” in 1995. I had to watch. That took
a big four-hour chunk out of my week, but I admit it, it was worth it. Oh my
goodness, the smell of sage, crashing a wedding with lots of ouzo, many
gentlemen shooting pistols out the windows, bowls of “fertility” Jordan almonds
on the tables… It brought back many memories, but I can’t even say I was
watching for “poem triggers” (pun intended). I’ve already written those poems
more than once.
He’ll Tell You Once He Knows
He comes in from watching the
chiminea,
smells like woodsmoke and olive
branches.
Your wandering man—adventure in his
mustache
when he kisses you. Could be
Puglia, could be Crete,
if next time you smell sage, you’ll
know he’s decided.
The orange tree in the background
could point him
toward Spain. He’ll tell you once
he knows.
There will be laughter, desiccated
barns reduced to earth,
trains and sky, that much you know
without doubt.
A shy waitress who remembers he
loves reds,
a dried horse hoof in a rutted
road—the picture
will be worth five thousand miles.
For the both of you—
every night you will hear his
adventures
and share yours back. While the
music in the wind
is your guide for tomorrow. The
dawn,
a coffee kiss, you watch as he
strides away,
then follow your own song until
reunited,
Sometimes other commitments, commissions, out-of-town
reunions, appointments, etc., come first. And that’s okay.
I only know how to write, edit, publish, and watch TV. Some
of you have multiple areas of expertise, which you may love just as much as
writing (and maybe which pay better). I have several Facebook friends who are
beautiful artists as well as poets. My husband is a gorgeous photographer.
Poetry may be on the back burner, but creativity isn’t. I may get an honorarium for $50. You may sell
a gorgeous piece of art for $800. Not that this is a contest, but you win. More
fancy coffee drinks for you!
I understand that, but sometimes I forget. So, if I’m all excited because the new
Duotrope is out, and after I finish this post I’m doing at least five
submissions…if I’ve found a journal where the publisher answers in one day, if
it seems that I’m pushing you in a way that does not work for you…
Please!!!
Be an artist, bake wedding cakes, lampwork glass beads and
make chokers on black leather cords, hike to wild and wonderful places to take
photographs, go to work (and be sure you’re contributing to your 401(k)
plan)…If those, or anything else, cause your poetry/writing to go on the “back
burner”, it will seem like I’m kicking you in the butt to do more, and it will
always seem that way. Just remember—be better than I was watching that finale.
Look around for poem triggers, eavesdrop if you can do it without getting caught,
notice the name of your waitress and whether her lipstick matches her nails,
whether she calls you “honey” or scowls at you through your whole lunch, listen
to what’s on the radio. You know what to do. And when it’s time, you can pull
those little slips of memories out of your head, your wallet or purse, and
write what’s been running around, just waiting to come out.
Have the best week everyone. Wear sunblock and be creative.
I’ll be here writing poems and doing submissions. xo
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Tobi Alfier's most recent collection of poetry is Slices Of Alice. She is also co-editor with Jeff Alfier of the San Pedro River Review. Don't miss Tobi's columns on the craft of poetry: insert your email address in the "Follow By Email" box to the right of this article and you'll be notified every time a new article appears.
