The Onion's Dark Core

I recently read The Onion's Dark Core: A Little Book of Poetry Talk. This is a book of essays and interviews by one of my favorites: Georgia poet David Bottoms. Reading the essays and interviews was much akin to getting a behind-the-scenes tour.

For many years, I have regarded Bottoms as a contemporary master of metaphor and imagery.  His poems are what I consider the epitome of strong poetry.  Bottoms says, "poetry is the art of metaphor, which is the art of making connections, the art of discovering bridges" (p. 61). You only have to read his poem "Sign For My Father Who Stressed the Bunt" to get an idea of how well he handles the metaphor. You can view a video of him reading the poem here.  

Another highlight of The Onion's Dark Core was Bottoms' discussion of the creative process mentioned in Seamus Heaney's essay "Feeling into Words."  It talks of the first stage of inspiration, and the second stage of the craft of writing.  While writers know the work that goes into the craft of revision, Bottoms seems to focus more on the first stage.  He notes, "the first stage...is the real creative act, [and] is slightly more mysterious. There really doesn't seem to be very much you can teach anyone about that.  Either it happens or it doesn't" (p. 110).  He goes on elsewhere to express that this mysterious first stage is not anything for which the poet can claim credit. It is a gift.

So, also, is the poetry of David Bottoms a gift.       

Ticked Off Tuesday

It's not good to complain all the time, but once in awhile we all have to vent a little frustration. Here's a forum for that: "Ticked Off Tuesday."

Do you know what ticks me off?  The term HUMAN CAPITAL.  There's something so dehumanizing about the term...not to mention the fact that it is (historically) Marxist/Socialist ideology.

What ticks you off?

A Stark Contrast

Because I hear so many people use the word evolve in everyday usage, I decided to "look up" the definition.
First, let me say that almost every time people use the word evolve, they really should use the word develop. Evolve indicates that something changes on its own over time to adapt or adjust to its environment.  I don't know of any processes or systems that just happen to get better on their own. Do you?  It takes the work, direction, and revision of people to bring about this positive change.  So, we should not hear about how a process has evolved into... Instead, we should hear about the way a team or individual has developed the process.

One last word:  one of the antonyms of evolution listed in dictionary.com is Changelessness. How many things or persons do you know that do not ever change?  I can only think of one.  He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  He is the One true and living God--  the Creator of all that we know.

2 Boxes Done

It's such a blessing to see my daughters maturing in many ways.  They worked hard a couple of evenings ago to get the boxes mixed and filled.  One of them has been planted.  One is awaiting some veggies.  Good job girls!

The Suburban Farmer

You knew a Buick could hold a bunch of golf bags in the trunk, but did you realize how easily it holds peat moss, composted cow manure, and mushroom compost?  Time to get the garden boxes planted!

Mission Accomplished

I have been inspired and challenged by my friend Bobby's recent accomplishment.
Yesterday, he completed his first marathon, the New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.  His consistent training routine and persistence in the run is admirable.
Good job, Bobby!

15

Today, my oldest turned 15.  That's her on the right.  I am very blessed to be her father and quite proud of the young woman she is becoming.  Happy birthday "D. girl."   I love you.   -Dad