In our final issue of Poetry International Web this year, we've published newly translated poems from Iran and the Netherlands. The Iranian domain's second publication this year brings us Rosa Jamali, a poet, dramatist and translator. Her poetry – which takes among its inspirations classical Persian literature and philosophy, Greek mythology and modern fiction – plays with disrupted syntax and juxtaposes different registers, merging traditional rhythms with the cadences of everyday speech. The Netherlands domain presents Herman Gorter (1864–1927), whose high-spirited modernist poems are accompanied by Paul Vincent's excellent translations into English, and also features a new piece, 'A Poem for Henry Hudson', by Dutch poet Toon Tellegen, who was first published on PIW in 2006.
Highlights of PIW 2010
This year we've added around ninety new poets to our pages! To celebrate another year of Poetry International Web, we have created a new archive tour, with our pick of the best poems, translations, audio recordings and videos published on Poetry International Web in 2010.
Read the full editorial, poems, article, archive tour and translations in the current issue of PIW at www.poetryinternationalweb.org
2011
We return in January, with poetry from the USA, Israel, Japan and the Netherlands. On 27 January, we will publish a special issue to celebrate National Poetry Day in the Netherlands and Flanders, in which you'll find new poems by Remco Campert, translated into English by Donald Gardner especially for PIW.
a href='http://www.funnypoets.com'>FunnyPoets.com Your funny poem of the week is:
Devote Your Life to Money!
Oh, money, the life-giving juice of society! It brings us its blessings of every variety, It softens the blows that lifetime delivers, It favors the brave and it crowns achievers.
It renders us free from oppression by jerks, From mockings, and putdowns, and scoldings,and smirks. It lets us buy tickets and travel away From where we're not welcome but are forced to just stay.
From creditors' letters and big ugly urbs, From all that don't matter, from stuff that disturbs, To wide sandy beaches and azure blue waters, Away from the smoke of ten million motors.
With money it all starts to fall into place- No longer respect is what you have to chase. It follows you like an afternoon shadow Thank money, it makes you a prince from a padow.
With money, all people will treat you much better, As you are no longer society's debtor. Sweet smiles on you they will now bestow, Obsequious looks in their eyes then will glow.
And women forgetting your age and your weight, Your looks and your height and your bald, shining pate, Will wink and remark how handsome you are For, in their minds, you are now a star.
Oh, how pathetic society is! A "Miss" is now where there used to be "Ms." For quickly they learned that you've got all this dough, And then they appear from above and below.
For freedom, for joy and enjoyment of senses, Don't waste precious time chasing empty pretenses. Just line up your pockets with luscious green money And soon you'll be hugging a cute Playboy bunny.
As long as you're here on our green Earth, And want to be living in freedom and mirth, Devote your existence to dollar and pound For cash makes the world go smoothly around.
What do the Hooter Girls, Kid Rock, Stephen King and AT&T have in common? They have all played Santa to America's soldiers. In the midst of such generous giving during the holiday season, you may wonder what you, too, can do to help a soldier in need. But don't worry--there are plenty of ways you can help Santa satisfy Christmas wishes for our nation's hard-working troops and their families.…Keep reading
How about one of my own poems from several years back. I hope you enjoy...
Let's all lean our way into the Eternal.
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A little about me and poetry...
Ivan M. Granger grew up in Oregon and Southern California. He has also lived on the island of Maui. He now lives in Colorado with his wife, Michele.
When asked why he writes poetry, Ivan says, "Poetry has an immediate effect on the mind. The simple act of reading poetry alters thought patterns and the shuttle of the breath. Poetry induces trance. Its words are chant. Its rhythms are drum beats. Its images become the icons of the inner eye. Poetry is more than a description of the sacred experience; it carries the experience itself."
He adds, "My poetry is not fixed. When I read my own poems, I say them aloud, I repeat random lines, change the words around. Sometimes I sing them or chant them. I play with these poems until my mind relaxes enough to let the sacred spark shine forth."
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Poetry Chaikhana readers often ask me about myself. Who is the guy behind all those poetry emails? What drew you to sacred poetry? And just what does "Poetry Chaikhana" mean?
As a way to answer some of those questions, I thought I'd share an audio interview I did a couple of years ago. I talk a little about myself, and a lot about poetry -- the transformational power of poetry, the ways poetry naturally expresses the sacred experience, the non-dogmatic nature of poetry. And I read a few poems.
In addition to the daily poem, other recent blog posts include:
Around the World - Comments (91) Since the beginning of 2008 (when I first started tracking web statistics), the Poetry Chaikhana has had visits from 222 different countries and territories! More
My Introduction to Sacred Poetry - Comments (14) I am often asked how I came to the world of sacred poetry. What set me on this path? Was there a particular poet who opened the doorway or a line that hooked me? What was my inspiration for starting the Poetry Chaikhana...? More
You can also support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!
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