Issue 1 Archive
thepaperbackwriter.com/79wpm
Poetry:
Du Cafe au Lait
by David Norris
dnorris
You know a deer
has coffee eyes
so dark you can't
see the pupils
But a deer is
gentle if you can
just catch one
to hold in your arms
I caught one one
time running
in a field
The deer was
scared because dogs
had been chasing her
She had come down
from the mountain
had run into a corner
where the fences met
She almost killed herself
running into the fence
I calmed her
I soothed her
She was a little doe deer
the same color as milk and coffee
I talked to her
and soothed her
I walked right up
to her and held her
Biography: David Norris lives in Seoul, Korea, where he is a lecturer in English for the University of Maryland Asian
Division. He has lived in Asia since the summer of 1985 and currently teaches on US Army bases all over the Korean
peninsula. His work has appeared in The Chariton Review, The Dan River Anthology, Taproot, Poetry San Francisco and
other publications.
On Religion:
Do You Dig Jesus?
An Essay on Invasive Evangelism
by Echo Poetica
sgtpprsgrl
To some, spiritual beliefs are very intimate. To others, their beliefs focus
on outward joy. Both ways of beliefs are acceptable; who am I to judge
how or what one believes?
There is one aspect common to some belief systems that is entirely
unnerving: evangelization. Because it directly offends me, this I must
judge. While it's always healthy to inform and be informed about other
ways of living and the beliefs of those around you, is it really sane to
incessantly nag someone's conscience into believing what you do, just
because your religion demands it?
I am constantly bombarded by door-to-door would-be-saints, e-mail
forwards, and easy-answer church invites, not because all people
necessarily care about the Lord, but because some care specifically about
forcing me to know their Lord's love.
Like many, I am extremely turned off by many aspects of Christianity due
to persistent evangelists. While freedom of speech and practice does and
should remain a key element of modern American life, there are also rules
and laws protecting citizens from harrassment. I consider certain people in
my life to be harrassing me into a religion that they are turning me
against.
While I see that religion is important to some people, and that it has
positively influenced their lives, I still can't understand the concept of
evangelization. I find it extremely intrusive. Not only that, I believe it
contradicts what Jesus felt was right.
Did Jesus really want an army of people parading around in a zombie-like
fashion, millenia after he thought of and professed new ways to live life? I
doubt it. When it comes down to it, I really dig Jesus. He was the first
recorded professor of a lot of ideologies that I hold dear. I respect all new
ways of thought. I admire him as a radical, challenging the status quo of
Rome: although we still use Latin as a basis of expression, who doesn't
know the basics of Christianity? Jesus grew his hair out, and while seen as
pure, probably showered infrequently. Drinking wine was alright with him,
and he, like his Jewish contemporaries, followed ten basic guidelines to
healthy living. Jesus was a pesce vegetarian (fish was the only meat he
ate) and he was persecuted for (what were at the time) unpopular
beliefs. Hey- I respect Paul McCartney for many of the same reasons. I
guess interpretation got Jesus into a lot of trouble, though.
Here we are, many centuries later, stewing over what Jesus meant. While
in fact Jesus did probably say somewhere to essentially spread the love of
his new way of thought, I sincerely doubt he meant the literal
evangelization tactics in which many of his followers trust.
I was at a retreat: a priest went into detail about the ways in which to
invite and convert friends. One of the things he said was "Explain how you
can't know the Lord until you have become one of His children." In
essence, the priest is explaining a no-lose situation for the newbie
evangelist: if the sinner to whom they are speaking refuses to convert,
then they simply 'don't understand.' Much they way others 'didn't
understand' the bright prospects of Christianity when Jesus was crucified.
You try explaining that view to a convert-crazy Christian.
When I deny an invitation to be converted, an evangelist will often
express sorrow or regret that I cannot share in their Heaven. While I try
and take a minute to explain my own views on post-death experience, the
evangelist will usually just express sorrow. He or she will promise to pray
for my eternally damned soul. I don't want this pity- I want someone else
to listen to my views as I have listened to his or her view. Isn't that due
respect? Isn't that the Golden Rule? No, this is the real world.
In the real world, views are often unchangeable. This is sometimes for the
better, but it is a sure shame that while a Christian can pity my soul for
remaining unsaved despite hearing the word of their interpretation of God
(which I believe to be merely a different face of the same deity that I
worship, but you try explaining that to an evangelist), they seem to lack
the understanding that I might want to remain set in my ways as well.
It's been difficult for me not to resent Christianity as a whole, due to the
fact that religious views have completely divided a once-treasured
friendship. Everytime I begin to regain some amount of trust toward
religious figures, an evangelist always steps up, turning me away from
their interpretation of Christianity.
To politely decline and say that I respect an evangelist's views should be
enough. I hide the anger that I feel toward their infringement upon my
rights to worship as I wish, particularly when the evangelist is aware that
I have been previously approached by another member of their masses.
To ask audience of another in recompense for the gift of my own listening
should be acceptable. No, I'm just going to hell, they say, and they are
trying to save me.
I still think about Jesus a lot. The real pity, I think, is what others have
made him. The real pity is what the vocal majority of Christians have
become today. No argument can be made without the words of Jesus. No
friendship can be spared until all accept his mercy.
Jesus wasn't about mass evangelization; Jesus was about respecting
others, forgiving others, and allowing that others may be different, but
they are still equals. He was not about holier-than-thou warfare-like
conversion methods. He wasn't about mass mailings, or even a droning
mass. Jesus was about the freedom to do as one wishes, in hopes that a
world would arise one day where one would not be crucified for doing
such.
Unfortunately, because of the evangelistic beliefs of many of his
followers, we must still await this day, no matter what kind of peace we
believe in.
An appeal to all evangelists: Please stop invading the lives of others until
you are ready to accept that they do and will often believe differently
than you. Don't offer so much advice unless you are willing to receive the
same. Isn't humbleness often holiest?
On Current Events:
Stem Cell Research and Animal Rights:
Defining Life
by Echo Poetica
The opposition to stem cell research focuses greatly on the value of life. I
believe that with some slight legal guidelines to reassure the public, stem
cell research could greatly benefit all of Earth's life by defeating many
diseases. I also see the validity in the arguments of those opposing stem
cell research, because like them, I greatly value life.
An embryo (from which the stem cells are taken for purpose of research)
feels no pain. It has no central nervous system. It is not capable of
feeling pain. It isn't comparable to an adult human, an irresistably cute
puppy, or a wild stallion running free. Those who oppose stem cell
research believe that nevertheless, the embryo and the cells that come
from it are alive. That life, they say, should be respected.
I ask them this: what kind of life do you respect? Were you vehemently
opposing xenotransplantation, a process in which animals are killed so that
their organs are harvested for human use? Are you opposing the complete
disregard for life when animals are tested upon in laboratories?
If not, there is a severe flaw in your logic. How can you argue in favor of
a cell or group of cells which cannot feel or register pain, yet carelessly
chow down on a steak or wear a fur coat? The animals that were slain for
those luxuries certainly felt pain. Those animals consisted of far more than
a mere grouping of cells- they had the ability to feel pain when they were
being slaughtered.
Many of those that oppose animal rights differentiate between the lives of
humans and those of other species. It is much harder to maintain that
argument when you are comparing a group of human cells that are
incapable of feeling pain to a living, breathing animal with a fully
developed central nervous system.
Instead of worrying about the dangers of stem cell research, I suggest
finding other ways to preserve life. Stem cell research will not only
provide cures for human and non-human diseases, but it will prevent the
violent usage of animals in laboratories.
Before you start crusading in favor of the rights of cells, please reconsider
your stance on animal rights. By supporting stem cell research, we are not
only providing a means for finding a cure for diseases in humans and other
species, we are making the abuse of animals by way of experimentation
and xenotransplantation obsolete.
by sgtpprsgrl
On Women's Issues:
Tuning Out and Turning Off:
I Relinquish The Media of Breasts
previously published in The Western Maryland College Phoenix
by Echo Poetica
I don't hate women with good bodies at all; I respect them for keeping in
shape and eating well. My boyfriend and I recently rented "Saving
Silverman," a typical movie targeted at teens and twenty-somethings like
us (you know, the ones that are gullable enough to fall for the
advertising).
Like most guys, he enjoyed the breast-watching that the movie was
based upon. While I am all for freedom of speech, and for women doing
what they want in the world, I can't understand how some can still fall
into the media trap.
"You're just jealous; you hate all the women with good bodies," he said. I
suppose that my criticism does come off this way. What I resent are not
the curves of female celebrities' breasts that I know way too much about,
but the fact that these curves are the subject of almost every movie out
there. I can't remember the last time I was able to enjoy a movie without
having to sit through at least 15 minutes total of breast footage.
I am not interested! I don't want to look at massive cleavage, and I don't
want to be 'entertained' by a dumb plot entirely written around
mountainous breasts. I don't have a problem with breasts. In fact, I own
a pair myself. I just don't care to look at them. Given what's at the box
office and the video rental stores, I don't have much of a choice. If you
choose a comedy, you've chosen some form of breast-cam.
So there we sit on the couch, my boyfriend laughing hysterically while I
contemplate the non-outfits of the women in the movies. Of course, if I
dress without a bra, it's far too flashy in his opinion and that of others.
It's not like the real world of film, is it? Of course, the movie queens are
great for constant drooling.
I don't understand any part of this society. This is a society in which
Britney Spears is totally manipulated by producers and dieticians, yet
declares her independence as a woman. She swears she's a virgin, simply
to maintain the point that a near-naked role model isn't total slut slime.
This is a society where women are clueless as to how their daughters
grow up anorexic, while all images on screen portray women essentially as
sex toys.
Perhaps equality is the answer. Why aren't male nude scenes as
prevelant? Maybe it's because some women have an inkling as to what it
feels like to have your entire sex exploited. More likely, it is because film
producers pander to either males or females. Because most females (like
myself) end up compromising, they're stuck with "We are hot chicks," "I'm
going to be a nun that dresses like a whore," and "I'm a sex crazed foreign
exchange student." (Yes, if you guess the movies, you get a condom...
er, honorable mention.) *Hint: If you want equality, rent Magnolia and
take a good look at Tom in his boxer briefs!
As I said, I don't hate women with good bodies at all. Instead, I have
issues with those that accept mainstream film roles that seek to define
femininity as sex objects, leaving our boyfriends to wonder why we have
image issues.
I know that diet pills and eating disorders are bad solutions to this
problem. I know that being 25 pounds over makes me 'different,' and
that's good, I suppose. I also know that I can't compete with what's out
there, and my insecurity is hereby justified.
This is me declaring insecurity. This is me, explaining why, to all of those
who can't fathom why young women feel this way. This is an author,
relating to all the women that have ever known The Yellow Wallpaper. I
haven't even begun to stare at a glass ceiling, but I know what it's like to
swallow the shattered shards.
This is me chopping up my Blockbuster card. This is me turning off the TV.
This is an ex-film watcher.
This is a female writer.
contact: sgtpprsgrl
Poetry:
When His Fingers Hit The Keys
by Echo Poetica
Sometimes I think
There are no gifts.
Then I realize
Perhaps I'm the only one
That enjoys hearing not just
My loved man's music,
But more the way the sound feels
When his fingers hit the keys.
More artful than typing,
More exploratory than cautious,
More gracious than my disturbance upon him
(though he is glad, and I am honored
That I may observe)
This is hearing the way his
fingers feel.
This is knowing the way his
hands are gentle.
This is future the way his
hands may gently grasp my cheeks,
like precious china
After the vows aspoken.
contact: sgtpprsgrl
She's a Jealous Mistress
A poem by Joann McKinney
She's a jealous mistress
Wanting every moment
You can't move past her
When something else comes along
She sucks you in
And almost ruthlessly spits you out
Yet in her you have strength
Without her you can't move on
You want more of her
Even as she rips you apart
She is always with you
Haunting
Judging
Thoroughly consuming
A fire in the midst of soul
She speaks to you in ways
The ways in which no other can
And moves you
Swoons you
Totally overpowers you
She is the music
That your soul longs for
contact: terrordiva
5/21/01
By Michael Wiles
Hey.
I just wanted to see how you,
Were doing.
I hear things are rough–
I hear that
Things are a bit strange
Here, too
But,
Enough about that.
I was cleaning my old stuff
The other day,
And I found your letter.
Well,
To be honest,
I always knew where it was,
But I guess I just had not
Read it in so long.
Anyway,
I loved it as I suspect
A part of me always has,
And I thank you for that.
It means as much to me now,
As it always has.
I am not sure why I do this,
Now,
It has been so long since then,
And I hear that you have moved,
Beyond this,
Beyond anything that was.
I any event,
I just thought I would tell you,
Something,
Anything,
Just to let you know I am fine,
But that,
Well,
.....I miss you.
I miss that last look you gave me,
And how your eyes seem to say,
"You’ll want to remember this"
And I have,
And when I stay awake at night,
And I can think of nothing else,
I still manage to think of you.
I am sorry all of this escaped
Me,
.....It never really did.
I am sorry I did not write sooner.
But I,
Well,
.....I am still sorry.
Anyway,
Thanks for your letter.
Signed,
Me
contact: mjw003
On Music:
"Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?"
My love and explanation
of Stevie Nicks' Powerful Songwriting.
by Tim Bruderek
"Has anybody ever written anything for you?" This simple, yet
mind-wrenchingly complex question is also the title of a song released in
1986 by arguably one of the best female songwriters in pop music history,
the one and only Ms. Stevie Nicks. My answer to this question is: Yes,
she has.
I am a self-proclaimed child of the ‘80s. I was born in 1982; a year after
Stevie released her first solo album, Bella Donna. I didn’t grow up on her
music. I grew up with Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, and New Kids on the Block.
It wasn’t until a few years ago I discovered Rumours and my outlook on
life changed. The second song on that album, “Dreams,” was written by
the sweet, petite, beautiful, spiritual Stevie Nicks, and begins with the
lines, “Now here you go again/you say you want your freedom/Who am I
to keep you down.” When I heard that, I was forever hooked.
Stevie Nicks doesn’t have a perfect voice. She is not the best musician.
But what she is the best at is pinching a nerve inside all of our hearts,
minds, and dare I say, souls. She writes about what so many people are
afraid to write about. Her songs aren’t all happy, they’re not all about
finding the greatest love of all and living happily ever after. They’re about
heartbreak, they’re about finding an answer, they’re about getting
through the pain of loss, every day pressures, and the crises of being
human and divine. Her voice is thick, raspy, soulful, and echoes the hard
life that she, and all of us, have led and will continue to lead. Her voice is
not for everyone; it’s for those who can examine it for what it is and how
beautiful it can sound once you realize how much goes into it. (Her voice
changed during all of those early performances of Rhiannon, which made
audience members stop and try to figure out from where this immortal
power came).
It is now 2001, and Stevie has released the album Trouble In Shangri-La,
her first collection of new material since her ill-fated album spawned from
drug recovery, 1994’s Street Angel. I, the mighty Stevie lover himself,
admit that it wasn’t her best. Trouble in Shangri-La contains some of
Stevie’s best work since her masterpiece, Bella Donna, and is a very close
second place. Stevie experiments with her voice, hitting a high note not
just on the musical scale but on a songwriting one as well, on “Sorcerer”.
This song was written back in 1974, and is as fitting today, as it was
nearly 30 years ago. Who can’t relate to, “I’m tired/I’m thirsty/I’m
wild-eyed in my misery”? She rocks harder than ever on the
pulse-pounding tale of helplessness and hope, “Fall From Grace.” She goes
a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll with Dixie Chick Natalie
Maines on “Too Far From Texas,” and kicks Macy Gray’s butt when she
duets with her on the sultry, sassy, reggae tune “Bombay Sapphires." In
this song, Stevie regains her roll as leading lady and powerful vixen when
she belts out, “It is blue, it is not about you.”
What is the bottom line? You can put yourself into any of the story lines
that exist within Stevie’s intricately written, hand-woven songs, and feel
like you’ve been there sometime before. You can listen to “Garbo”, with
the lines, “In this town full of strangers/In this town full of fools/Venus
doesn’t glitter/When she stands next to you,” and be glad that you didn’t
choose to lead the Hollywood lifestyle as well. You can go to a Stevie
Nicks concert in 2001 and feel comfortable seated between someone in
his mid-40’s and someone in her teens, and share in their smiles. In 1977,
she sang, “Rock on, gold dust woman,” and she has been, and will
continue to for many years to come.
contact: willymiller02
On Poetry:
Helpful Hints For Aspiring Poets (and Professionals, Too)
by Tim Bruderek
Once upon a long ago, or once upon a time, or however you suggest I
should begin this sentence, I was given an assignment by my 9th grade
English teacher. The assignment was to take the plain, white booklet that
contained 26 sheets of white, unlined paper that was handed out to each
member of the class, and turn it into something personal and creative. We
had to fill it with poems, each one handwritten and created from our own
young, feeble, gifted minds. This was not exactly something I was looking
forward to doing. Not only had I never written my own (meaningful)
poetry before, but also I did not know how to or where to begin. But
being the diligent, hardworking student that I was, I took a stab at it.
I decided to write my first poem about something I knew well: music. It
was about John Lennon; it was a mini-biography of his life, career, death,
legacy, and message. Looking back on it, it sucks. The rhymes were
forced and there were countless typos, but it worked and it was the first
step to completing this book. In the process of filling 15 pages of this
tiny, creative almost-masterpiece, I enjoyed a powerful revelation: I like
this! Poetry is for me! Hoorah! I took joy expressing myself and putting my
own thoughts into words and crafting them into a few short lines that
actually made sense. I was proud of my talent and my hard work. And so
it began…
Now, half of a decade later, I have improved drastically. My form,
inspiration, style, and format has changed, and I believe that my poems
are better than they were when I was 14 years old. Over these past few
years, I have learned a great deal about writing poems. I have picked up
many helpful hints from teachers, books, other poets, and most of all,
myself. Some of the points I learned along the way have been discarded,
and some have been taken to heart and put into practice. I thought I
would share some of the tips that have helped me create acceptable
poems that are meaningful to me, and hopefully to my readers as well. I
am in no way a professional or a master at this craft, but I do think that I
can present some positive tools that may help another young, aspiring
writer who is just starting out. So here goes:
1. Don’t feel like you need to use rhyme. Rhyme is very difficult to do. If it
is done correctly, it can beautify your poem. If it’s done incorrectly, it
may take away the poem’s meaning, and it may sound forced. Start out
writing in free verse and work your way into rhyme.
2. Don’t discard old poems. If you look back on your old works and they
sound and look bad, don’t send them into the paper shredder. Don’t even
change them. Reading your older poems can help you improve, understand
what you did wrong, and prevent you from repeating your mistakes.
3. You hear great things all around you. If you hear a line, a word, or a
phrase that may sound poetic, tuck it away in your memory. You never
know what can inspire you to write a great poem. Write these words and
ideas down, they may help you fill in a word or line somewhere.
4. Use action words. Action words bring life and energy into your poem.
Try to stay clear of plain, boring, passive verbs such as ‘is,’ ‘be,’ ‘was,’
‘are,’ ‘have,’ ‘do,’ etc. Use predicates, they make a world of difference.
And don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus! These little books are very helpful,
and they can bring animation into your work. Also, try to use concrete
images as much as you can. Sometimes the reader may get lost in illusive
terms and lose the meaning of the poem.
5. Try to stay clear of cliches. I know that this may be difficult;
sometimes you may not even be aware that you’re using one. Everyone
has heard phrases such as “broken heart,” “twinkling stars,” “over the
rainbow,” and “tears in my eyes” before. Try to transform these images
into something that is new, fresh, and exciting.
6. If you are not making progress with your poem or you are stuck and/or
unable to finish it, don’t get frustrated. It happens. Haven’t you heard of
“writer’s block?” I suggest that you take a short break from it, relax, clear
your mind, and have another go at it at a later time. Some good poems
can take years to write, while others take seconds.
7. Keep writing! You’ll only get better as you obtain more experience and
practice.
Well, I hope I helped you out a little. Now, get out a piece of paper and a
pen or pencil, and start writing. You have the talent, so go put it to good
use!
contact: willymiller02
On Music:
Hits and History: A Review of Paul McCartney's
Wingspan
by Tim Bruderek
On May 8, 2001, Paul McCartney released the “definitive Wings
collection,” entitled Wingspan. Wingspan is a double CD, which is
conveniently priced at the cost of a single disc (for once the recording
industry isn’t ripping us off!). The first disc is entitled “Hits,” and includes
18 of Paul McCartney/Wings’ top-selling singles, while the second disc is
entitled “History,” and includes 22 not-so-popular tunes that stand out
from the albums.
This is a great music package for people who are just getting started on
listening to Paul McCartney and/or Wings’ music. But, for faithful Macca
fans, “Hits” doesn't really offer much of anything new. If you already own
1978’s release Wings Greatest and 1987’s release All the Best, then this is
just a third copy of “Jet” and “Silly Love Songs.” Paul also decided to
sneak in a few of his own songs on this anthology of Wings’ classics. I
guess this disc’s “wingspan” stretches into Paul’s solo albums as well.
“Hits” contains four of McCartney’s solo songs, including “Another Day,”
“Pipes Of Peace,” “Coming Up,” and “No More Lonely Nights,” as well as
the 'I don’t know if this really counts as Wings' classic “Uncle
Albert/Admiral Halsey,” released on the 1971 album Ram. Shouldn’t these
songs be saved for Paul McCartney’s Greatest Hits? Oh wait, they’re all on
All The Best! So in other words, for Paul fans, “Hits” is unnecessary. I
enjoy “Hits” solely for the reason that I don’t own a copy of “Mull of
Kintyre” on any other CD.
For me, “History” is the basic reason I bought this double-disc Wings
bundle (besides the fact that I must buy every McCartney CD for
collection’s sake). These are some of Paul McCartney and Wings’ best
songs that were overlooked. “History” includes Paul’s classically beautiful
piano ballad “Maybe I’m Amazed,” which should have been the single
spawned from his debut solo album, McCartney. Other non-hit singles on
this disc are the rocking, synthesizer-laden driving song “Helen Wheels,”
the mediocre, yet interesting wannabe rock single “Take It Away,” thearena sing-a-long medley “Venus and Mars/Rockshow,” the painfully
boring “Waterfalls,” and the hopeful peace ballad “Tug Of War.” These
songs didn’t hit big, but still deserve to be included as some of Paul
McCartney’s best. Well, except for “Waterfalls.” The lyrics, including the
lines, “Don’t go jumping waterfalls/ please stick to the lakes/ people who
jump waterfalls/sometimes can make mistakes,” are acceptable, but when
he starts singing about polar bears, it’s time to cut the tape.
Another song that should have been kept in the dumpster is the
high-pitched, Michael Jackson covered, London Town tune “Girlfriend.”
Ew. And what’s with the disco version of “No More Lonely Nights”? Jeez,
we heard this song on the first disc, and it was great. Why kill it with this
“playout version” that is bound to be skipped? “Call Me Back Again” and
“Rockestra Theme” are good, but something else could have and should
have been included in their place. Let’s add the not-as-popular power
ballad “Letting Go” and the relaxing love song “Warm and Beautiful.” I’m
very satisfied with track number 21, an unreleased, live, acoustic
performance of two great sing-along songs, “Bip Bop” and “Hey Diddle,”
here as a medley. They’re fun, simple, and very catchy. “Bluebird,” “Junk,”
“Heart Of the Country,” and “The Lovely Linda” are perfect Paul gems
that are right for inclusion.
Don’t get me wrong, I am one of the biggest Paul McCartney fans out
there. I have every released album, most of which weren’t really that
good, but still classic to the Macca-maniac. I just think that the listening
public is tired of some of these hits. “Silly Love Songs,” “Let ‘Em In” and
“Goodnight Tonight” weren’t even that great in the first place, but they
are respected as pieces of gold in the McCartney library. Some songs,
such as “Band On The Run,” “Junior’s Farm,” and “No More Lonely Nights,”
are still as spectacular after hearing them a few hundred times, but the
rest become stale after a while. As a whole, Wingspan is a good little
package. You’ve got your hits, and you’ve got your historic
McCartney-penned treasures. For an amateur Wings listener, this set gets
an A. As a hardcore fan, I have to give it a C+. Well, at least “Say, Say,
Say” is nowhere in sight!
contact: willymiller02
Poetry:
On Being A Woman
by Echo Poetica
Being a woman has everything to do with Mary.
I do not care whose mother she was,
But on Michaelangelo's "Pieta,"
she sits tense astride,
As if regiving birth before he died.
He is not a saviour,
he is just her son.
The artist had those
softspoken hands to make the
edge of her clothing feel real to my eyes;
Un - dry.
Her tears were more innocent than
Jesus ever could have been.
contact: sgtpprsgrl
For more info: thepaperbackwriter.com/79wpm
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