We close out our month-long Ballad theme with a ballad infographic featuring famous ballad poems and folk songs, ballad poets, and a little bit of history.
Archives for September 2014
September Beats: Frank O’Hara
Poet Frank O’Hara bridged the Beat poets and contemporary poetry, taking poetry from academia and even the coffeehouses to the streets.
Poetry Prompt: American Roots
Brought from the old world, our traditional ballads have grown deep American roots. Join us this week for an All-American poetry prompt.
Literary Tour: Willa Cather Childhood Home (Red Cloud, Nebraska)
On a recent literary tour to Red Cloud, Nebraska, Michelle DeRusha stayed in the room Willa Cather slept in when she was in town, half-hopeful, half-leery Willa’s ghost would visit.
Top Ten “Dip into Poetry” Lines
We’ve been taking a daily “dip into poetry” for the last month or so. Come discover the power of a line in our Top Ten Dip into Poetry Lines.
Loki Goodness Campaign 3 & 4
The Loki Goodness Campaign is a parody of a phenomenon among Thor and Loki fans, many whom believe Loki has gotten a bad rap and is actually good.
The Magician’s Elephant: What if Natural Selection is Wrong?
Iconoclastic thinking requires “thinking outside the room.” Could natural selection be wrong? Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant leads the way.
September Beats: Denise Levertov
Poet Denise Levertov is associated with the Beat Poets, but she transcended the Beats to write about war, environment, faith, and the whole realm of life.
Poetry Prompt: Ballads, Strange and Silly
Outrageous stories can be found within a ballad’s rhyme. We think a little nonsense is good for the child in all of us. Be a part of our silly poetry prompt
How to Be a Better Writer: Tree Artist Date
Join Laura Boggess as she hops the fence and wades through the grass to sit a while under the leafy branches of a giant tree.
The Best in Poetry: Top Ten Poetic Picks
Your novel’s optimum length is shorter than a bridge. A literary time capsule. Team building for the self-employed. It’s our Top 10 Poetic Picks.
Journey into Poetry: Maureen Doallas
For some, reading and writing poetry is a way “through the tunnel and back into the light.” Follow Maureen Doallas’ Journey into Poetry.
September Beats: Allen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg started with the Beat Generation and became known for the obscenity trial over his “Howl and Other Poems” and a devotion to protest.
PhotoPlay Prompt: A Ballad to Remember 2
Join us for part 2 of our PhotoPlay Prompt: A Ballad to Remember. Find an inspiring picture, write a poem, and be spirited away with a familiar song.
A Poetry Dare. I Really Don’t Care.
We’ve extended a poetry dare. And the subject is not quite willing. What will happen to Ed over the next 30 days?
Eating & Drinking Poems: Dorianne Laux’s “A Short History of the Apple”
Whether the leaves turn in your part of the country or not, consider “A Short History of the Apple” as you slice a Jonagold to eat with Kathryn Neel’s Caramel Apple Dip.
Twitter Poems: Top Ten Poetic Tweets
Few things make us happier than reading excellent poems on Twitter. Here are 10 of the best Twitter poems we’ve seen lately.
Literary Tour: Independence Rock (Casper, Wyoming)
If you should find yourself traveling the Oregon-California Trail, be sure to stop at Independence Rock. It’ll have you wanting to make your mark.
September Beats: Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac gave the name to the Beat Generation of writers and poets. In the more than 50 years after his death, he’s become an American legend.
PhotoPlay and Prompt: A Ballad to Remember
A timeless ballad can spark a memory. A song can whisk a listener back, & for a moment rewind the clock. Join our PhotoPlay & show us a ballad to remember.