Dear Readers,
The (optional) prompt on Day Thirteen of #Na/GloWriPoMo asks the poet to first read the three short poems on the page by Bill Knott and then try to write
" a short poem (or a few, if you’re inspired) that follows the beats of a classic joke. Emphasize the interplay between the form of the poem – such as the line breaks – and the punchline.
I quit my job almost six years ago to pursue my love of writing and travelling (with the kind support of my husband). But, lately, I've been feeling the itch of not being able to support myself via my writing. The first poem is my current state of mind as I start the process of updating my CV and applying for jobs that pay.
Credit Card
The Bank of Poetry Where dreams dare to dream
Every line of poetry you write
can be exchanged for food and
necessities.
But, if it's a sari or a trek you're after,
you'd have to find a poetry-loving sponsor.
Arti Jain VIZA
the fine print:
This bank takes no guarantee your poetry will find a lover, ever.
Please be advised to find a job that pays your bills.
Remember, you can dream to reach us anytime. We value your custom.
The second short poem wrote itself. I played with words on the cover (bottom) of the book. It's lying next to my laptop.
The book in the background is "River of Colour The India of Raghubir Singh"
another gem from Oxfam bookshop
"Men w i t h out
w o m e n
Pain
f u l l y
g O O d
n O
O n e
can deny
t h e i r
BRILLIANCE."
The Nation
****************************
I'd love to know what you think of my play-with-poetry-presentations. Were you able to find the beat of 'classic' jokes these two attempts are referencing? Tell me. I'm eager to know.
Happy Thursday:)
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I like both of them. Better than Hemmingway's. Is the picture of a wedding? A bride? What's going on?
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristin.
DeleteThe photograph is captioned, "A wedding party, Jodhpur-Jaisalmer road, Rajasthan, 1988."
Yep, poetry and money live in different universes!
ReplyDeleteSigh!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI fear you have been learning what even the greatest of poets have done... an artist goes hungry! Never stop. As for these wee gems - I really like the first... am not entirely sure I follow the second. But that's on me, not you. YAM xx
Yamini, you're on the right track:) The second one is based on what I've been mulling over lately--the interdependence of couples. It's tricky to figure out sometimes-- like this straight line refractured many times-- a reflection of my state of being at the moment.
DeleteIf only I could go hungry, I'd need no money and then there would be no guilt about not earning a living. If only...
Nice ones
ReplyDeleteThank you Vandana.
DeleteThere’s a joy in pursuing your choice of art without the burden of ensuring monetary reward through it. You can forever learn, experiment with different styles and even make mistakes!! Though the itch, I can feel totally 💯
ReplyDeleteThank you Rashmit:)
DeleteI loved the first one more...just because it paints the picture of every one of us. Loved that disclaimer most at the end which is pain fully true😊!
ReplyDeleteThe second one I had to read twice to get it exactly. Lovely play of the words pain and fully in that piece.... wonderfully crafted. I need to pick up some tips in writing such poems 😊.
Thank you for visiting Ira. Lovely to see you in poetry-land.
DeleteThe second one is a trial really:) I was intrigued by the word play of the statement on the book.
You kill me with these, Arti! I've never been able to give up some form of 'job job' because ... the bank takes no guarantee your poetry will find a lover. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteSigh!
Delete