by Bruce Slater
People have different responses to poetry. Some think it is vital
and alive. John Adams is quoted in David McCullough's biography, John Adams,
telling his son, "You will never be alone with a poet in your
pocket." Many, though, think poetry is frivolous. When I told people I was
writing a book of poetry, the response was often tepid, like I should have
something better to do, something more respectable, more productive. Now that
the book is finished, I fear Groucho Marx's comment may be all too real,
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I was
convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend to read it." Writing anything,
but especially poetry, is frightening. When you're speaking, you look at the
listener. If he stares off, falls asleep or throws up, you make adjustments.
Writing is blind, a one-way communication into vulnerability, no redaction, no
second chances. Poetry writing is worse. You ask the reader, within limited
lines, to see, hear, smell, touch and taste the recipe you've prepared. Then to
swallow and digest. Finally, assuming it stays down, to think and feel before
leaving the table. Without the brain, heart and senses working in tandem, the
verbal colors fade to black and white. I believe reading poetry is a talent not
dissimilar to writing it. The poetry reader is an artist.
Available in Kindle and Paperback here!
5-Stars
“The wordplay is neat,
simple, and elegant, and that makes it easy for readers to understand the
indescribable in a good way and connect with the emotions that are there behind
the words. All poetry aficionados will find this collection a delight and all
the poems can be re-read.”
Amazon reviewer
New!
Poetry readings by the Author on YouTube!
From the Author
I
write stories about real moments that pass us by and disappear forever.
Important moments that make a difference. That are the difference between life
and living. Moments that are magic. I
wrote this book in verse. It was the language that best describes what is often
indescribable.
About the Author
Bruce Slater was born in Long Island, N.Y. He received his
undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, a law degree from Ohio
Northern University, where he served as an associate editor of the law review,
and a masters degree in environmental studies from Yale University.
He has twice been a Virginia statewide poetry finalist,
published law journal articles on taxation, negligence and evidence, and is the
creator of Slater Fine Art (slaterfineart.com), an online art gallery. He
recently completed his second play, which is scheduled for production in the
spring. Bruce is currently working on an illustrated book series.
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