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National Poetry Month, Day 19

I never read Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, but I knew very well who The Guy was. When I discovered this poem in my twelfth grade textbook, I fell in love so hard I even wrote a poem of my own in response (I’ll post that tomorrow). I stole that textbook. **************************** The Hollow Men T.S. Eliot Mistah Kurtz—he dead….

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National Poetry Month, Day 18

Poor Emily Dickinson, becoming famous after her death, leaving that giant trunk full of her work behind. This was a genuine fear of my childhood. I can’t tell you how incredibly happy I am to be published. I appreciate it every single day. Much Madness is divinest Sense By Emily Dickinson Much Madness is divinest Sense – To a…

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National Poetry Month, Day 17

When I was young, I was often referred to as “The Little Girl With the Little Curl.” I had always thought of this as a Mother Goose nursery rhyme…until looking this up for National Poetry Month, I HAD NO IDEA it was penned by Longfellow. ***************************** There was a little girl By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow There was a little…

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National Poetry Month, Day 16

I fell in love with this poem because it was the one that Anne of Green Gables performed enthusiastically to a surprised and welcoming crowd. By rights I should have fallen for “Lady of Shalott” in a similar fashion, but for whatever reason I’ve never quite warmed to the Arthurian legends. A thief in love? MUCH more my speed….

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Sarah Interviews Princess Alethea

I was recently contacted by a high school student named Sarah K, asking for my answers on a survey she was doing for her English class…she had chosen “authors” as her demographic. I was so intrigued by her questions that I asked if I could post them here, and she said yes. Thanks, Sarah! ********************************* Name: Alethea Kontis Age:…

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National Poetry Month, Day 15

Reportedly, this is the world’s shortest poem, attributed to Ogden Nash (but under debate): Fleas Adam Had ’em. Ogden Nash did, however, pen these shortie-but-goodies: Parsley It’s gharsley and I like mustard Even on custard and The trouble with a kitten is THAT Eventually it becomes a CAT. This may have been at the heart of why I loved…

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National Poetry Month, Day 14

Also in 10th grade, each of us had to choose a song for class and discuss the poetry of the lyrics. Casey chose “Pure” by The Lightning Seeds…our favorite song that year. I went more Broadway and selected “The Rose”, written by Amanda McBroom and made famous by Bette Midler in the 1979 film of the same name. “The…

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National Poetry Month, Day 13

This is just to say…that what I really wish I still had is Josh Rayner’s parody of this poem he wrote me in 10th grade that started out, “I burned your newly-finished novel yesterday…” This Is Just To Say by William Carlos Williams I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving…

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A Sad Day

I am sad to report that after eight happy years, Candlewick is finally putting ALPHAOOPS: THE DAY Z WENT FIRST out of print in hardcover. There are only about 50 left in existence — if you’ve ever wanted one–for you or as a gift for a friend — now’s the time to pick one up. You guys get whatever…

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