Created and Issued by: Carrboro Recreation, Parks & September / October / November 2021 Issue No. 79 (Est. June 2006) Cultural Resources Department

2021 WEST END POETRY FESTIVAL Sponsored by the Town of Carrboro & Coordinated by the Carrboro Poets Council

Thursday, October 14th - Saturday, October 16th

Come and be a part of the most unique poetry event in NC! The 16th Annual West End Poetry Festival will feature readings with many talented poets while celebrating the many exciting and varied poetic styles. The festival provides a setting where poets can engage, share, and encourage the reading, writing, and listening of poetry. For more information, please visit: http://www.WestEndPoetryFestival.com. This event may be presented in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format.

More detailed information is available at www.WestEndPoetryFestival.org. Contact Person: Fred Joiner, Carrboro Poet Laureate [email protected]

October 14th Time TBD Venue TBD All Ages Free

October 15h Time TBD Venue TBD All Ages Free

October 16th Time TBD Venue TBD All Ages Free

Contents

Poetry 2-13 Poetry Workshops 18 Carrboro Rec & Parks Info 20 Poetry Readings & Events 14-17 Poetry Websites 19 Image Credits 21 wm Mason Page 2

Silver Queen

each stalk of Silver Queen wears a tiara of glittering gold honey bees flit their legs collecting pollen sacred purveyor of kundalini whose wild abandon from ejaculating stars punctuates our every pore such adoration that lights the sensorium of our narrow vision setting those who so choose upon thrones of prickly pear wood so far from corn shaken by the wind we as well are joined in this eurythmy transiting within to without and with some grace discover the source of la Gioconda's moue.. Paul Jones Page 3

Hot Now! — an ode to Krispy Kreme Donuts

They have no ends, no centers. Angelically white, they rise. They expand before our eyes— light, lithe, gracefully bloated. Hillbilly bagels begin their float down the river of hot oil, wafting, as we are watching. They are casually comforting as they fry—tan, taut yet tender. Midway, midstream, they execute their athletically perfect flip, effortless as young gymnasts, as surfers on white wave tips. Half naked for now, unsuited, half-pale, they seek an evenness in tint. They take their sweet time before they come to us hot off the rollers through the shower of molten sugar, a waterfall of nearly supernatural supersaturation. Their glaze as we gaze, becomes opaque like the windows on summer days. I’ll down a dozen before daybreak. Even if I lost all my teeth, I would still keep my sweet tooth. If I die of cardiac arrest, at least I will have had the best last meal. Not that I’m asking to die, but that’s the honest truth.

last meal. Not that I’m asking to die, but that’s the honest truth. Timothy Crowley Page 4

Two Old Goats

Sleeping with goats

as they clamber up the mountainside. A recurring nightly event, unable to decide how this dreamlike adventure has come about.

They rarely acknowledge me, chewing away. Somewhere, sometimes I find myself in an auto wasteland with my goat friends which possibly has to do with the turmoil within all of the Middle East

There’s one goat, obviously an elder, while chewing away, I suspect he is observing me another old goat, who has found his way into the field neighboring this junkyard.

An endless imagination never ends. Doug Stuber Page 5

Swan Bay

Maples, Loblolly Pines, Cedars spring up, three feet per year, witness eight foot black snake purposefully slow. Is our lot to extinguish his magic, replaced by copperheads now free to inhabit our dry knoll in wet weather? Coexistence requires understanding. Never pet a snake, but our son respects the black snake, though he hasn’t seen it. Yes, this big slithery snake is the type that will chase you if upset. But legend says it keeps the poison snakes at bay. In Asia the black snake is good luck. Hmmm. Maybe because it sharpens your senses, maybe because harmony is never easily achieved. In tall grass, two snakes rise and strike at each other. We have been told which will win, but the divisions they have made cut through so many territories, and the legend box fills us with hate toward each other, us versus them. Fourteen friends 40 years removed from their last tango, last athletic attempts, last class, paddle through Ellison Park to Irondequoit Bay. Mutual aid societies form as divisions grow, lurching many into copperheads. Sybil Austin Skakle Page 6

WINTER

A busy grey squirrel scurries, Searching for things to store Digs a hole in the soft grass Either searching or storing For the long months ahead. The trees shed their leaves Send roots deep into dark earth To store energy and nutrients To emerge in spring after the sun and moon have journeyed around the earth the correct number of times and tides have risen and fallen regularly Winds blow cold to warm to Harden and encourage nature Everything is as it should be What will my spring bring? Mario D. Kersey Page 7

Stuck

Sleeping with yesterday is a slow death

That leaches life of its vitality through

Pleasant memories edited by denial.

A darkness ever present on the periphery

Of the calculated routine, waiting

Patiently for me to relinquish my drive

But somehow I don’t give up the keys.

Tears leak like diamonds from a cut purse;

A light upon my steps not knowing if the sky

Yawns below or above me. Voices seek

To rekindle a perceived normalcy that never existed.

There is thunder in the distance

But it’s just me arguing with myself. Regina Gale Page 8

Sometimes He Buys Me Grapes

My very best friend had the nerve to say, He doesn’t do a thing for you It’s always about him, him, and him Why do you stay? I looked at her As she challenged me Wanting me to stand up and see that I was holding on to a hope that had seen better days

So in defense, I opened my mouth and belligerently blurted out, “Sometimes he buys me grapes.” That was all I could say, That was the best that I could say. I looked at her, She looked at me She rolled her eyes at me Then with clenched teeth and a sarcastic tone in her voice she asked, “Were they seedless grapes or grapes with seeds? Were they red grapes, green grapes or black grapes, because you know it makes a difference.

Annoyed I said who the hell cares what kind of grapes they were? I looked at her She looked at me And we both burst out in uncontrollable laughter, Because the only good thing I had to say about him was…. Sometimes he buys me grapes Judy Hogan Page 9

Being Wise Nineteen

I live with boxes and clothes. No messages have come in so far. Boxes of books, seeds, piles of clothes: gifts, hand-me-downs for winter and summer. I don’t need many. I don’t go out much. I sorted the gardenias Janet brought me, the fresh white ones from those turning yellow, dying. I miss old friends. I still have some. I can’t go back into the past. But it’s still there in my mind. Thailanna and that loving family I won’t forget, nor Sam, who let me know in so many ways, that he loved me, valued me. All that work we did on Grace. He wouldn’t let me stop until I’d discovered who all these people were: the missionaries and their children. A lot of women wanted that book because Grace had mental illness. There is plenty to do here. All I need is the will. My shoes fit now. I have more energy. Slowly I’ll summon my will. I’ll tackle the boxes, the piles of clothes. I’ll remember to be grateful for all the loving people I’ve had in my life. When you’ve been loved, you’re honor-bound to give love back. Not brood, not despair. Life’s riches will come. Sybil Austin Skakle Page 10

Ownership Questionable

We wear clothes and live in house Drives cars and use things. We spend a lifetime acquiring Possessions.

Naked we came into the world And leave it, owning nothing. Pride of property is futile. What owned whom?

Timothy Crowley

IMAGINATION

tea with honey. The fear of the unknown for the moment is part of the past. With gratitude, I thank those who paved the path as I remain to understand and be “home” with the present moment. Doug Stuber Page 11

The Man Who Solved All Problems

He didn’t have a driver’s license; he rode his bike each day. Someone ran him down last week and M. is here to say: “I lost a friend just this last Tuesday, Baek, Jeong Seon by name. He was a genius, visited by men from Seoul who came to learn.” Baek knew that earth was running out of its ability to nourish, So he caused no carbon exhaust, an example, but who followed? They knew his math, they new his face, his children can only Remember. His wife waits with tea and drinks but fresh flowers Do not prevail. This man was quite unknown to me, as you can Tell by now. The drivers in this “me first” town did not slow For him. One ran him down in what was described as a type Of trance. Imagine how the children felt when they heard the Thud. What will their emotions feel when all grown up and Some yellow bus goes by? When they are parents they will Not tell this awful story. Still, their hearts will have a special Place reserved for that day in March. Professor Minh somehow Sits at a resort to brighten up “M.T.” Surely his friend would Wish it so. He hides anger, sadness, grief, stays strong and full Of fun. Maybe now he will take the time to write a line or two; Or sit and stare because he cares, which is what he’s meant to do. Brenda K. Ledford Page 12

Fabulous Fall

Acorns tap the tin roof of an old red barn, maples square dance in pumpkin-spiced skirts.

A wedge of geese resounds through azure skies and lands on an oval pond. Goldenrods glitter in the meadow,

watercolors splash the mountains, Queen Anne's lace spins doilies on the country roadsides; corn shocks rattle their fingers.

Lilac asters toss their shawls, Monarch butterflies sip sweet nectar from milkweed: the katydids saw their fiddles. wm Mason Page 13

There are Japanese beetles In my green beans Iridescent jeweled scarabs Whose flying skills Seem adolescent hormone driven While I concur Their excellent taste in green beans Is not appreciated So I imprecate Invoking various applications Of chrysanthemum essences Knowing that ultimately Their dizziness Is the source of their demise Disappearing into the wind Decaying together Becoming fecundity As must we all.. Poetry Readings & Events... Page 14

My Mic Sounds Nice Part 4

Saturday September 4 10:00pm Down Time $6.00* 201 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Calling all artists!!! Singers, Rappers, Poets, Musicians, My Mic Sounds Nice is a night to network and show off your talent to win prizes! For performances please text “MMSN” to 919-923-1968 or email [email protected]. by Me being Me Ent. / C.A. Millz Ent. / Sista One Ent. / RCR Empire

1st Prize -$300+ 2nd Prze- $150+ 3rd Prize- $50+

*Get your tickets now, door enter will cost more. There is a Pizza Bar and drink specials all night!

The Art of Remembrance: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Saturday, September 11 7:00 - 8:30pm Stewart Theatre Free 2610 Cates Avenue, Raleigh

On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced a series of terrorist attacks – the largest in the nation’s history. These events changed the country dramatically and set the stage for a world few could ever have imagined. Through music, dance, poetry and story- telling, we will revisit this day 20 years later.

FEATURING: Opening Music by NC State Department of Music Mark Evans ‘16: Sound of September: A 9/11 Sonic Narrative Chancellor Randy Woodson Performance by the NC State Dance Program Charles Moretz ‘72: Genius Loci: The Art of Remembrance Musical recording by Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter, Mary Chapin Carpenter: Grand Central Station Poet Laureate, : Lifting Veils John Cerqueira ‘01: That Day in September Military and Veteran Services: Salute and Bagpipes

Face coverings will be required for all audience members. Please check the Protect the Pack website for the most current in- formation regarding campus policies.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct accommodation requests to: Carol Fountain Nix, su.edu Poetry Readings & Events Continued... Page 15

North Carolina Poetry Society Fall Awards Meeting

During this period of the pandemic, NCPS meetings will be held virtually* Saturday, September 18 10:00am

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86417237853

*North Carolina Society Meetings are normally held at the beautiful Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, located at 555 E. Connecticut Avenue in Southern Pines, NC.

For further information, go to: http://www.ncpoetrysociety.org/events/.

NCPS Sept. 18, 2021 Meeting hosted by Craig Kittner, Vice President of Programming

9:45am Cyber Meet and Greet 10:00am Business Meeting, Celestine Davis, President of NCPS, presiding 10:05am Brief Announcements from Craig Kittner, VP of Programming 10:10am Winners of Contests sponsored by NCPS and the North Carolina Writers’ Network. 11:00am Open Mic. 12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch in your comfort zone: stay with us on Zoom and join our chat or take some down time before the afternoon readings. 1:00pm Workshop on line breaks.

Joseph Bathanti & David Potorti | Crossing the Rift

Wednesday, September 15 7:00 PM Quail Ridge Books $0-$23.50 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh

With contributing poets Jaki Shelton Green, , David Potorti, Lenard Moore, Shelby Stephenson, Maureen Sherbondy, Joan Barasovska, Elisabeth Lewis Corley, John Balaban, and Michael Beadle

No matter how you were touched by the events of September 11, 2001, that moment continues to resonate. Crossing the Rift illuminates not only what happened that day, but what continues to challenge us twenty years later: Islamophobia, the vilification of refugees and asylum -seekers, nationalism, supercharged military budgets, and rises in virulent racism and domestic terrorism. Edited by former North Carolina poet laureate Joseph Bathanti and 911 family member and former literature and theater director for the North Carolina Arts Council David Potorti, Crossing the Rift takes head-on what Carolyn Forche calls “the poetry of witness” and its advocacy “for a shared sense of humanity and collective resistance.”

Please note this is scheduled as an in-store event. Quail Ridge Books is currently following the health and safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and state of North Carolina. Poetry Readings & Events Continued... Page 16

Please note that the following events are subject to change due to the current public health situation. Please check ahead of time to see if the event is still being held.

Recurring Events:

Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department Presents: Poet’s Open Mic Night (ZOOM) First Tuesday of Each Month listed, 7:00-9:00pm

Join Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department the first Tuesday of each month listed for this great event! This is a night where poets can engage with others and share the power and diversity of poetry. The event is staged to provide a venue for people to celebrate, to share, and to encourage the writing, reading and listening to poetry. See page 19 for listings.

Sep 7, 7:00pm ZOOM https://townofcarrboro.zoom.us/j/82291498219?pwd=RS9IRk14dCtOVU0xWDR2YWF0aStKZz09

Oct 5, 7:00pm ZOOM https://townofcarrboro.zoom.us/j/83460843901?pwd=bHFBRHppKzRWVWdCTlJHM2o0WEdWZz09

Nov 2, 7:00pm ZOOM https://townofcarrboro.zoom.us/j/81439760280?pwd=Y2p3M3l1a1M1akh1MEU1OW5jd0cxdz09 Free the Mic Second & Fourth Monday of Each Month, 7:00-10:00pm

Lucky Tree 3801 Hillsborough St., Suite 137, Raleigh

For people who are not afraid to believe in themselves, for people who are thinking of believing in them- selves, and also for people who like supporting people who believe in themselves. Just bring good energy & support for local artists. Artists and spectators welcome!!! We ask that you respect the space & audience! Sign up: by email or by Instagram message.

For more info: http://www.luckytreeraleigh.com/

City Soul Café Open Mic WILL BE BACK SOON Second Wednesday of each month, 8:00pm

STAY TUNED! $7 (No cash accepted at the door) 21 & over

Open to #poets, #singers, #lyricists, #comedians and #performers. DJ Supreme will be spinning. Your hosts Krystal Da Muse and Church Da Poet will be guiding you through the night. The team will be there to help provide the best experience possible.

*Masks are required *Temperature check at the door *Seating is socially distanced *Mics will be cleaned between performances

The City Soul Cafe Team will be taking all the necessary precautions.

For more info and to purchase tickets: https://citysoulcafe.splashthat.com/ Poetry Readings & Events Continued... Page 17 More Recurring Events:

Passionate Poets Second Wednesday of Each Month, 7:00-8:30pm

Unity Center of Peace $10 suggested donation 8800 Seawell School Rd., Chapel Hill

Passionate Poets invites all to this evening of creative expressions where performers are encouraged to share their gifts of music, poetry, dance or comedy. Performance times will be 3-5 minutes each depending on the number of participants. A piano is available if required. Arrive early at 6:30pm to sign up. MC: Vanessa Vendola.

For more info, contact Vanessa Vendola at 919-810-3548.

Friday Noon Poets Fridays, 12:30-1:30pm

Amity United Methodist Church Corner of Estes Dr. & Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Historic Airport Road) Chapel Hill

Informal meetings every Friday. Read original poem or prose or a selection written by someone else. Writings should be no longer than 1½ pages. Free parking, side entrance. All are welcome!

For details, call Dave Manning at 919-462-3695.

Jambalaya Soul Slam Outdoors Third Saturday of Each Month, 8:00pm

The Hayti Heritage Center (Participating Poets sign up @ 7:30pm) 804 Old Fayetteville St., Durham $10 Admission

Come and enjoy an evening of amazing poetry. The best poets in the area compete for a cash prize. This is a SAFE & SOCIALLY DISTANCED poetry experience! *Limited seating is available.

RSVP with donation (RSVP is required): www.bullcitypoetryslam.com

For more information: [email protected] For guidelines go to www.bullcitypoetryslam.com

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Tongue & Groove Open Mic Redux Second Sunday of Each Month, 7:00pm

VAE Raleigh Old Creamery Building 410 Glenwood Ave South #170, Raleigh

This is an open mic hosted by Anna Weaver, Sarah Egan Warren, and Andrew Warren. We welcome poetry, music, storytelling and the occasional interpretive dance. Anything but comedy (which is not say you can't be funny). List open at 7:00. Show at 7:30. 7-minute slots.

For event updates and to get/stay in touch: http://tongueandgroove-openmic.com Poetry Workshops Page 18

Judy Hogan’s Fall 2021 Creative Writing Class

September 13 - November 15, 2021 Mondays 7:00-9:00pm Cost: $180 by Skype (to allow for mailing materials as needed) (To hold your place, send $20 to Hogan, PO Box 253, Moncure, NC 27559) For More Info: Call 919-545-9932 or [email protected]. Location: Skype

We’ll be using the new Native Nations anthology When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through, edited by Joy Harjo.

Judy Hogan has been teaching, publishing, and critiquing poetry since the 1970s.

Poetry Websites Page 19

Poetry Websites http://www.ncPoetrySociety.org Home of The North Carolina Poetry Society, an all-volunteer organization especially for poets and friends of poetry. There are approx. 370 members. http://www.poets.org Award-winning website of the Academy of American Poets. Find thousands of poems as well as hundreds of poet biographies, essays, interviews, and poetry recordings. Also available are resources such as the National Poetry Map, a national events calendar, and poetry lesson plans for teachers. http://www.ncwriters.org/ Home of the North Carolina Writers' Network. The Network strives to lead, promote, educate, and–most importantly–connect writers, at all levels of skill and experience, from across the state and beyond. http://www.poemhunter.com Poetry Search Engine with thousands of poems and poets. http://poems.com “Poetry Daily” is an anthology of contemporary poetry. Each day, we bring you a new poem from new books, magazines, and journals. http://livingpoetry.net Fascinated by the power of poetry, members of Living Poetry are dedicated to keeping the pulse of poetry alive in the North Carolina Triangle area. http://poetry.meetup.com/cities/us/nc/ Join a Poetry Meet-Up in your area. http://griffinpoetry.com/ Bill Griffin created this website to showcase vivid poetic imagery, from established as well as emerging poets. He hopes you’ll read a line that reaches out and grabs you by the throat - the image that is so vivid, novel, sensual, emotionally imperative - so satisfying you find yourself saying, Damn, I wish I’d written that! http://theoriginalvangoghsearanthology.com Seeking submissions of poetry, short stories, and art. Submission guidelines are on the site. https://writenaked.net/ Here you will find vignettes from the freelance writing life, behind-the-pen scoop on articles, tips for working with editors, overviews of conferences, interviews with publishers, guest bloggers in the publishing industry, and a few miscellaneous blogs with a writerly twist. www.maurahigh.com Maura High will be posting poems (recorded and on the page), photos, comments, information about her work as an editor, and anything else that seems from time to time interesting and relevant. Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Page 20

By Request: Poetry Revealed Presents OPEN MIC NIGHTS! Events tentative due to COVID.

Poet’s Open Mic Night - ZOOM

Join Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department on the first Tuesday of each month listed. This is a night where poets can engage with others and share the power and diversity of poetry. This program will provide the opportunity for people to celebrate, to share, and to encourage the writing, reading, and listening of poetry. For information on this program, please call (919) 918-7372. Pre-registration is required.

Dates Held: September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7

Time: 7:00-9:00pm

Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Dept. 100 N Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC 27510 919-918-7364 carrbororec.org

Created and Issued by the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department

For the newsletter, we welcome:  Poetry News  Upcoming Poetry Events  Articles  Contest Information 100 North Greensboro Street  Festival and Event Recaps Carrboro, NC 27510  ...and of course, Poetry Information about the 919-918-7364 2021 West End Poetry Festival Please email your information to Can be found at: http://carrbororec.org Karen Kessler at www.facebook.com/carrbororec [email protected] www.westendpoetryfestival.org Twitter @CarrboroRecPark

The Town of Carrboro does not endorse the views and opinions expressed in this newsletter. The Town of Carrboro does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information enclosed. Image Credits Page 21

Image Credits

Cover, Old Railroad Track, (cropped), Michael LoRusso. https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepino1976/7559043962/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

Pg. 3, Krispy Kreme sign. https://www.ncpedia.org/media/neon-krispy-kreme-sign https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Pg 9., Photo by Harvey Curtis Roys

Pg. 16, Daniel Kitson's chair, Mc-Q. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mc-q/2510906537/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Pg. 19, poetry wordle (color modified), Angela Quiram. https://readingafterbedtime.wordpress.com/tag/poems/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

Pg. 21, photographer drawing. http://tejasforyou.blogspot.com/2012/05/photo-collection-from-all-over-world.html http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en_US