Orchard Readings of James McGrath

I kept meaning to, but I never made it to a reading in James McGrath's orchard.  Since New Mexico Literary Arts, the board of which I have been president for many a year, has given James a Poetry Gratitude Award, and celebrated last week at my house.  There were 24 people here, including five from Taos because SOMOS (Society of the Muse of the Southwest) had gotten the other award. We had  Santa Fe, Albuquerque, El Rito, La Cieneguiella, Chimayo, Taos, and La Puebla all represented.
James was so sweet and so happy, I decided to go hear him read, along with Catherine Ferguson and Katherine Seluga, two friends whose work I admire heartily. Here is the watercolor by Catherine Ferguson that appeared on the invitation card:

I was still recovering from the Super Duper Moon and an even more super duper duper sleepover with my Granddaughter, Kaylee.  But I wended my way to James' orchard and never looked back.  There were over 60 people there, I know because I count.  James has hosted dozens of Orchard Readings.  He has a shed for the chairs and a sheltered and bowered space for the reading, plus snacks, plus a gathering of the lovely poetry crowd, middle school daughter of Katherine to canes in the crowd.  A plethora of years.  White hair never looked better than in this light, under these trees.  I had a lovely day, can report back to the NMLA Board that we indeed  bestowed the honor on the right fellow.  Mid 80's never looked so good or wrote so well as it does on James.  His writing seemed to blend into the natural world.  He not only wrote about that world, he enlivened it by his scene.


I don't have a photo, but there were all these lovers of poetry, in friendship, tucked in under the trees, with the hummers flitting, the words formal and just-springing, a total hour of delight.  As soon as it was over, people didn't linger, though I did.  James' guest bathroom is floor to ceiling poetry books and literary magazines. There were only two extra cars in the lot by the time I left, careful not to mow down the solar collectors.   There is more to say, but I'll let the wind say it.


In my very first appearance as PL I spoke of the many venues for readings, and mentioned orchards. It was the least I could do to visit as many of these venues as I could in these two years. I went to Warehouse 21, Church of Beethoven, Lannan, Poetry at Paul's, The Outpost in ABQ for the Youth Slam Finals, Collected Works too many times to count, and that is just to name a few.


James is off to Ireland in two weeks, his annual jaunt.  I feel that after knowing him for at least twenty years he has come more and more into focus.  Check out the orchard readings, newcomers, and check out the work of all three of these fine poets.

Today, sad

I can't wrap my head around death.  I mean, I am in for it.  Not my own death, but the fact  that I love so many people.  I keep falling for them.  Maybe the people who annoy me are blessings because I will not get so all shook up at their passing.  I am no Dhali Lama.  Yesterday I was typing about the flowers and the Dhali Lama came up only I spelled it Dahlia.  Maybe I am the Dahlia Lama.  Better go plant.


So the reason I grow so sad is that David Lescht died yesterday at 64, an age that has a familiar ring to it.
He organized the Santa Fe Bandstand, free music and a big party on the Plaza all July and August.   He also led a fabulous program called Outside In.  Musicians went into prisons, detention centers, hospitals and nursing homes and raised the roof.  My friend Alicia played accordion in nursing homes and though she's not the greatest singer, the elders got up and danced.  They loved her.  I had to call her in Vermont where she has moved and tell her of David's death.


I also found myself cruising through Cowgirl Hall of Fame where there was a gathering for David.  First cruise, I didn't see anybody I knew.  But second time an hour later, I ran into Abe and Dea and several other plaza dancers, regulars, old hippies, people who loved David.  I didn't know him very well but liked him tremendously, and admired his work.  We both got grants from Bread for the Journey one year, he let me ride into the plaza on a pedicab and bring a giant pencil and two other poets to perform, we talked in Trader Joe's. So, though only an acquaintance I am very sad.  There should be different words for how well  and how we know people.  Friend, Lover, family, aren't enough.  What about celebrities we love, artist who shake our world, people we only know when standing up and conversing in grocery stores,  people we like more than they like us, out to lunch friends (that doesn't come out right), come over to the house friends, sleepover friends, friends who are like family because you can't get rid of them but might not have chosen them if you had it to do again friends, and best friends who you haven't spoken to in years but you let them keep that status.


Maybe after the PL is over I can make names for each category of friendship and be a real poet, and change the English Language.  Now I am just left with a passel of occasional poems to wrestle down.


David Lescht, may he rest in rock and roll peace, bearded and beautiful, let the good times sadly roll.
May his programs live on.

Getting Behind

I am getting behind.  Every day has been predictable full.  Shall I break them into bite sized poetic pieces, or shall I just go bonkers on one.  My blog seems to now have 39 followers which is thirty more than I boast about.  I am  no Mark Zuckerberg.  Many days I am no Joan Logghe.  But some days I am.

Last week was a biggie and I feel relieved it is over.  My car is in the shop getting new brakes.  Think metaphorically you 39 readers.  I, of course, originally wrote "new breaks" and maybe I need a break.

Countdown in My PL life included:

Saturday: Workshop for a group of psychotherapists and Dolores McCarthy. It turns out to be more fun than I thought.  When I read a poem and leave out one part (for length) the man asks, "And what did you leave out?"

Sunday, reading at high Mayhem Studio, the name says it all.  My kids and grandkids showed up looking stunning and surprised me.

Monday: Something happened, I am sure of it, but I forget what.

Tuesday:  Joan and the Giant Pencil" with Jeremy, see the poems written below.  I love the one about Mexico.

Wednesday: Tres Chicas Meeting to discuss vision for the press

Thursday: I recuse myself from PL committee since my friends are being considered.

Friday: Reading with Arthus Sze and Valerie Martinez, "Just Words Away," at the NM History Museum.

Saturday: Four hour workshop at Odes & Offerings.  

Sunday: New Mexico Literary Arts Poetry Gratitude Award at our house. 24 people.  Whew.

That was one fun week.  Siting on the porch I realize that I am in poetry heaven.  Now I am relieved to be back on earth. 

I just looked at my contract and I am technically ON until end of June.  Hmm, who is waiting in the wings to tote this barge, lift this pencil?

Here are the poems from Turquoise Train, Jeff Davis' fifth grade:

From: Joan Logghe [mailto:joanlogghe@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 7:22 AM
To: JEFFREY DAVIS
Subject: Re: poems

You are so sweet to say this and to take times to type in the kids' work.

Do you think I can print on my blog and then on facebook?  I don't have last names,but don't want to

take advantage of these sweet guys.

Otherwise I will just put them in my personal scrapbook.  The poems are lovely.  I can see a little booklet of their work.

Thank you for being such a great teacher..... JL

On Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 6:43 AM, JEFFREY DAVIS 

HI Joan

Here are the poems from that day you were in my class.

Thanks again for coming.  The kids really liked the show and the activity

You have been a GREAT PL!

You have raised the bar.

I hope subsequent PLs can measure up J

Jd

I…

I will wake up at midnight and go to my dad’s house …

Go outside and sit …

Sit with him on the steps.

The steps feel bumpy like a small rock.

The air…

Air smells like smores.  When I look around the house, it makes me feel safe …

Safe like you’re all by yourself in a warm room.

When I am on the stops with my dad,

It reminds  when I was little.

When we would sit on the s tops and he would sing to me.

I felt like I’m loved.

I’m loved.

I miss my dad …

I’m gonna go to my dad pretty soon.

I will be missed by my dad.

Dad …

Angelica

Indiana is my special place

Because it is where my grandpa is

And were mosquitoes and tree frogs grow.

Nathan

Love

Love, love dreams about becoming a wish.

Love wants to fly and be something that might come true,

Someday …

Someday love will have the power to be both.

Love…

Love is like a wish.

Love dreams to be a child’s wish that might come true.

How do you think about love dreaming to be a wish?

Someday his wish will come true

Angel

Truchas

The best part of New Mexico.

I see pheasant s fly over me.

I see mallards and wild turkey racing to the pond

Oh I can’t wait to go back

I wish I lived there

My dogs splashing across the pond

Oh how I wish for Truchas

Justin

My house inspires me because it has a lot of insects, dogs, trees, and wide open space.

The reason my house inspires me is because it is always calm outside

So I can write my poems.

I normally write about two poems every day

I go outside.

Fabian

What do clouds dream of?

Do they dream of playing in the sun?

Do they dream of being a human?

Do they dream of being red?

Oh, what do clouds dream of?

Fabian

Mountains

My special place is the mountains.

It is quiet

I listen to the animals

I love the wind in my hair

The water with the fishes

The rock going down the mountains

My mom comes to get me

I say good bye.

Justine

Dreams

I wonder if toys dream of kids

Playing with them.

Do trees dream of water every day?

Do ear rings wonder when

And where

They are going to be worn?

Does batman wonder why he is a super hero?

Do computers know when they are going to be used?

Stormie

I will arise and go now to Mexico.

I hear horses gallop

I hear chickens chirping

The bell of church rings

I see kids playing and running

Women making dinner

Husbands riding horses

The stores are closing

Kids ask parents for corimas to get ice cream

Elder men getting out of church.

I see my family relaxing

Oh how I love Mexico

I see lights go out in Arasichi

The sun sets while

The mountains cover it.

I like my horse outside

The wind blows my hair different directions.

I smell nothing but plants

I see people eating dinner

I close my eyes and think,

Oh Mexico,

How I love you

I open my eyes,

I’m on my bed

Laying down

It was only a dream.

I can’t wait to go back home to Mexico.

Amber

The forest things

I will go to the depths of the woods

The little birds will sing

The bears will try to climb all the trees

Wolves will howl

When the moon is full

And just listen to their moans will make you fear the night.

Izabella

Dreams of words

Words dream of being said

They want to be repeated

Over and over again

Wanting to be written on lined paper

Or be the name of a painting

The words dream day and night

For they are soon to be spoken.

Izabella

I will arise and go now

And go to Iowa

And see all the beautiful trees

And my only great grandma.

Others, I miss them all

So much I wish I was there now

I bet they miss me

I hardly ever see them

My other great grandparents watch over me

I miss them all.

Alena

Water dreams of being drunk

Swum in

Used to wash things

Used to keep fires away

Water dreams of being scared

Alena

I will go to Las Vegas, Nevada

To see all the lights

And casinos

I love  to go and just walk around

Go to all kinds of stores

Sleep in a nice hotel

See the sunset and

See the sunrise

The sky will be all kinds of colors

Like neon blue, neon pink, neon purple, neon green, neon orange

My car will be the same colors of the sky

The seats will be leather

With all the colors of the sky

My wells will be the same color – everything in my car will be the color of the kiy I will have to be rich

If I wanted that kind of car

Oh yeah, I want a camaro

I would love to go to different states

I would travel to all 49 states

That would my life and I would take my family and friends.

Makayla

Jeff Davis

Teacher, Turquoise Trail Charter School

Fellow, Yale National Initiative, 2007 - 2010

TTCS, 13A San Marcos Loop

Santa Fe,  NM  87508

Two Posts in One day.

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! somebody once said.  Maybe he was talking about today.


We had a great meeting with Sunstone Press and they are indeed going to publish Odes & Offerings, the book of both poems and images from the visuals artists.  Rod Lambert is on board and Sabrina Pratt from the Community Gallery and Santa Fe Arts Commission respectively. I am sort of jazzed and totally happy that the artists and poets will get a little longevity through print.   And you know, I am a bookish girl thanks to my late mother, the famous Beti, where it all began with Dr. Seuss and Robert Louis Stevenson.   Beti would be thrilled that my education led to something, besides raising chickens and veggies,  and becoming a grandmother, though she was called GG by her one "Great" as they call the third generation.


Then I was on Honey Harris' show.  She is delightful, I never met her before.  I was so psyched about getting there on time that I never mentioned the book.  But I did pretty well for seven minutes.  
Here it is:http://www.santafe.com/podcasts/listen/honey-visits-with-santa-fe-poet-laureate-joan-logghe

Then I rushed back to the Palace Press and got a knock out poster for the reading, 
JUST WORDS AWAY, with Valerie Martinez and Arthus Sze on April 27, Friday at 6:00 at the auditorium of the New Mexico History Museum.


THEN... I went to the gallery and ran into Jessie White and had a good chat.  She liked the show very much and so will you. Artist Kuzana Ogg's friends Stephanie and Margaret were there and very lovely.  I want to just move a futon there and live in the gallery, but I fear that is a bit extreme.


Then I got invited to be the speaker for the Nava Elementary sixth grade "continuance."
I have never been invited to a continuance before and accepted with great solemnity.  
I feel so touched by this. 


See what I mean about when things are finishing up.  It's perfectly ecstatic. And WS Merwin tonight at the Lannan Foundation.  Do you think after meeting him last year I can call him WS?


May I repeat myself again---   


O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!  
     ("Jabberwocky," just in case you didn't have Beti to read to you as a child.)

But who is Counting? I am.

One month and twenty days left as PL.  Now everybody is asking me what will I do afterwards.
Sometimes I make a joke, "You mean Post Poet Laureate Stress Syndrome?" It's a joke nobody finds funny, so of bad taste I guess.  Sometimes I know I have been doing this same work for thirty years and it won't be exactly a shock.  Sometimes I am feeling I can't wait for peace and quiet to rear up again. And sometimes I think, who knows, the creative life has its mystery.

But in the meantime I have been full tilt, non-stop, having a blast spreading the poetic joy. If I never hear the words April Is Poetry Month again, it's okay.  Today I have to drive in and out of Santa Fe twice, early and late for all the right reasons, a possible book, a radio appearance which is an oxymoron, and hearing WS Merwin who I got to intro exactly a year ago at the Egyptian Theater in Boise.  He doesn't use punctuation when we writes poetry and he doesn't use capital letters when he speaks.

This I what I did this week.  Jeremy Bleich and I did Joan and the Giant Pencil to about 90 wiggling and wonderful second graders at Cesar Chavez Elementary.  Their teacher, Reverie Escobedo, should teach the goddess class in classroom management.  She has them clapping, singing, and listening into silence in English and Spanish.

Here we are. That's Reverie, Jeremy with the beard and drums, me, and some kids reading in Spanish and playing rainsticks.

Then yesterday, in my hometown of Española, I got to spend three hours with a program called The First Year Experience Program at Northern New Mexico College.  The idea is that if people can make it through their first year of college, they are well on their way. I saw half a dozen instructors I knew and read poems, lectured at great and embarrassing lengths, and wrote with about 80 people.  Terry Mulert, one of the instructors actually said, "Would you do me a favor?  Please talk about yourself."  That was the most hysterically funny thing said to me in the two years as PL and non-stop self promotion.  And here we are:

New Poet Laureate in Burque

You probably know, I mean how couldn't you.  Hakim Bellamy was named the first PL of ABQ.
I got to be there and be surprised, though there was no drum roll except in my stomach, and Mayor Berry just let the sleepy cat out of the bag.  And I had been so careful not to find out.  Like not knowing the ending of a football game you had prerecorded.

But still, that didn't take away the joy at being there, getting to read, and feel the absolute right choice being made.  There they are, Levi Romero, Stewart Warren, Susan McCallister, Don McIver, Mindy Grossberg, Mayor Richard Berry, Hakim Bellamy, Me, and Valerie Martinez.  We have two SF PL's, one mayor of a growing western city, one Centennial poet since we are 100 this year as my mother would have been and the Titanic,  four poetry activists, an esteemed group.

I am noticing that I used to be tall and in the back row. Something has changed.  Thanks for noticing my green decor, I got these dynamite green jeans at St. Vinvcent de Paul.  But enough about me.

I am going to try and paste in Hakim's speech:  By gosh, I think I did it.

I rode the train home, so windy you couldn't see the Sandia Mountains, not even a smudge where they belonged.  I was just so happy and singing inside, too tired to tell the Sex in the City beautiful lawyers from Houston who worked in immigration rights and could have been my new RailRunner best friends, how happy I was.  I made it home, breezily.  I was so tired, you'd think I did something.

I want to tell Hakim, that he has already been doing the work.  I know that I just did my life to the nth power, no back burner, on steroids.  I got asked to do a lot more things, some great fun like the Santa Fe High Graduation keynote and Joan & the Giant Pencil (one tomorrow!!), and some deeply odd.  But I think I enjoyed almost every one.  I only lost my voice at the end of two.  Note to self:  Don't read at the Cooperage on graduation weekend.

But do go to Odes & Offerings and the listing of PL events at Santa Fe Arts Commission website. Don't go on Sunday or Monday as the gallery is closed as many people have been telling me.

Michael Namingha of the Arts Commish is tweeting my haiku to folks to drum up good applicants for Santa Fe's next PL.  Nobody tweets me because I just learned to text.  I have a new motto, gleaned from the work at the Community Gallery.  "Text is the new Next."  I think it's catchy.  ABQ has a motto, "On the page, on the stage."  I like it.  I like everything about it, except how short I look in the line-up.

Offerings redux

I remember the good old days when we made and delivered Valentines and I was the good PL.
Now I am on the outs with about half my friends, there is a buzz both good and bitter, and I thought I was going to have to eat my words about the SF Reporter, but they managed to have an article this week (yay!) and not mention my part in  (O & O) even though the picture they included was Bernadette Freer's process in tackling my poem, "Unpunctuated Awe" to WS Merwiin.

Here is a nostalgic look at the good old days. The carefree Poet Laureate Living La Vida Local Life.

Now I am feeling like a cross between Judy Chicago on a bad day, and Grandma Moses on a good.
My sophistication and naivté at war with one another.  You see, though the art show is fabulous, the most in attendance ever at Community Gallery, and most people happy.  The poets are fuming.
It seems that though I was advised to not display the poems, and pictured people milling around, studiously, with booklets of poems in hand that they pour over, the poets wanted wall space.  I understand, honestly I do.  I would be bad-mouthing myself if I weren't me.  I would be critical in the nicest of ways, "What was Joan thinking? This PL thing has addled her, gone to her head, and forgot to post the poems."  But no, friends of mine who are miffed, we thought we were doing a good thing, and it has, indeed set up a longing for the poems, a magnetism, a conversation about art and poetry.

Forgive me my perspective, though Michael forbids me to say I am sorry. I guess that is what love is also, getting to tell a person you are not sorry.  I am, though.  I hate to roil the poetic waters, muddy the iambics, ruffle the swan feathers.  At least, I told Mike, I was not swanning around at the Opening, but handing out name tags and answering the phone from my friend Robin who was robbed.

Get people hither to the show!  Booklets are there, the air is clear and clean, you can see the work and read the poems at your leisure.  Closed Sunday and Monday.