In The Company Of Women NOW Available on Amazon!

*A portion of the proceeds for each book sold will be donated to Doctors Without Borders*

 Get your copy on Amazon today by utilizing the following link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/057810248X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER 

I am a story… ~Cklara Moradian

The elephant in the room is armed 

with breastplates Each time a woman’s 

name is called we hurl our collective 

breath ~Barbara Moore

Bella was forever Mrs. Peacock 

in the library, rope in hand, 

hanging on harsh words ~Apryl Skies

for all the wild ponies in my life

may we always run free…~Alicia Winski

Dear Friends, 

In celebration of International Women's History Month (March) and National poetry month (April) We cordially invite you to the official & much anticipated Online Book Launch for In the Company of Women; including the work of over 40 talented women from across the globe! 

This is so exciting for all of us and we know you will enjoy the collection of over 100 carefully selected pieces of literature. Our goals of becoming a best seller on Amazon is only a touch away...by purchasing your copy on the day of release March 14th 2012 you can help! We want to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your time in reading this and hope you will consider this collection for purchase. You will not be disappointed.

Proud contributors are Alicia Winski, Amanda LaPera, Annie Brodrick, Annie Hilerio, April Michelle Bratten, Apryl Skies, Barbara Moore, Bina Gupta, Camille Solari, Candice James, Carol Knepper, Carol McAdoo Rehme, Catharine Grasty

Cristina Umpfenbach-Smyth, Cklara Moradian, Gillian Prew, Gloria J. Wimberley, Helena Hunter, Jacqui Corcoran, Jessica Wilson, Karen Jones, Kate Lamberg, Katherine L. Gordon, Kimberley Rockdale, Lauri Langston

Leila A. Fortier, L.K. Thayer, Lois Michal Unger, Martina Reisz Newberry, Melissa Grossman, Pam Lampe, Pd Edwards, Peggy Anne Larson, Petra Whiteley, R. V. Reyes, Sadie Harris, Samantha Ledger, Sheila Crawford, Sheila Hageman, Silver Corbin, Sophia Argyris, Stephanie Bryant Anderson, Teri Louise Kelly, Tracie Skarbo, Trish Falin

Wanda Morrow Clevenger

For more info please visit our website: www.EdgarAllanPoet.com!

With much love and inspiration!

Los Angeles Author & Poet Kelly Giles Writes Poetry For Peace

Los Angeles Author & Poet Kelly Giles 

Writes Poetry For Peace

(click on above link or image for full editorial)

1. What inspires you most to write?  

A search for authenticity, a desire to explore emotional depths which lay buried for much of my life...

2. When was the poetic turning point in your life when you began writing poetry more seriously?  

I had trusted someone I'd known for close to twenty years, when, in the fall of 2009, that trust was deeply betrayed.  After about 6 months of being so stunned by the betrayal that I was completely creatively blocked, the dam suddenly burst around Easter of 2010, and I began writing poetry prolifically in order to help heal from the trauma of that betrayal. 

3. Where can people buy your books?  

They can find my current collection, "Swimming in a Thunderstorm" on lulu.com for now, at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kellyab3.  There is a direct link to that site from my writer website, www.kgstoryteller.com, and people can find more recent poems of mine on the writer's blog www.booksbyprescription.com, where I blog as kgstoryteller.  I am hoping to have Swimming in a Thunderstorm available on Amazon as well sometime within the next few weeks. 

4. When is the forthcoming sequel hitting the streets?   

I am hoping to publish the sequel "Surfing the Tsunami" within the next few weeks on lulu as well. 

**UPDATE this publication is now available through Lulu on the following link: 

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kellyab3

5. What do you want your readers to know about you as a person?  

Through both my work as an immigration lawyer and through my poetry, I have always strived, in the words of Simone Weil, the French mystic, "be there for others at the supreme moment of their need".   That sacrificial love is what makes life worthwhile, but also that when that sacrificial love is abused by power, it can be a painful reminder that before one can truly love others sacrificially, one must love oneself.

…&  about your work?  

My poetry is healing poetry.  I write, first and foremost, to heal myself from a lifetime of trauma, from the traumas of adoptive abandonment to the traumas of abuse and betrayal, and in doing so, I hope to encourage others to explore their emotional depths as well, for I believe that it is only in diving to the depths of our shadows, that we can find both healing and a deeper purpose for the pain buried beneath the surface.  

6. Are you a native to Cali? If not what brought you here?  

 I grew up in British Columbia, Canada, mostly in Victoria. I came to Cali to go to Pepperdine for Law School, which, in retrospect, is just one in a series of places where I seemed to find myself throughout my life as the "Eternal Outsider".  For, as Tim Burton once wrote, whenever you've once felt a sense of being an outsider, or disconnected, that feeling never really leaves you.  But my follow up to that would be that by embracing that sense of otherness, I believe it's possible to build bridges where none were dreamed possible before.

7. What do find most inspiring about the poetry movement here?  

I love the incredible diversity, depth of talent, and supportive spirit I've found in the poetry movement here.  As someone still quite new to this community, I have found myself greatly encouraged by the openness and support I have received from my fellow poets.

8. Do you plan on reading live anywhere in the near future and if so where can we see you perform?

 I have been taking a break for the past month or so to attend to a family medical emergency, but hope to return to the open mic circuit some time within the next few weeks.  A couple of groups and/or venues I perform with or at most frequently are the Paloma Room Poets (http://www.facebook.com/paloma.poets) and at the Cobalt Cafe (http://www.cobaltcafe.com/) on Tuesday nights.

9. Aside from poetry what are you most passionate about?  

Aside from poetry, I am most passionate about exploring the universality oftrauma, about exploring the centrality of spirituality and relationships in our quest for wholeness, and about fighting for justice for immigrants in my work as an immigration lawyer.  Very early on in my career, one of my Chinese calligrapher clients gave me a beautiful calligraphy scroll on which  was expressed the vision that "I would help many people with the power of my words".  Having done so for over 20 years as an immigration lawyer, it is now one of my deepest desires to continue doing so from this moment on as a poet as well.

To read more poetry by Kelly Giles utilize the following links:

Kelly Giles on Facebook

Kelly Giles Storyteller

Spotlight on Kelly Giles

Interview With L.K. Thayer

L.K. Thayer Has Her Finger on the Trigger 

of LA's Poetry Scene

Interview with L.K. Thayer:


L.K. Thayer has her finger on the trigger of LA's poetry scene

1. What inspires you the most?


Art, photography, playing with words, other great artists, singers, dancers, painters, musicians, poets, all walks of life!


2. Who are some of your favorite writers past or present? Why?


Charles Bukowski, Anne Sexton are my 2 favorites. The raw truthfulness of their experience, their bravery inspires me. Pablo Neruda, Henry Miller, too many to name!


3. How would you describe your poetry? 


Hard hitting, edgy, lyrical, emotional, at times humorous & witty! (hopefully)


4. What is the best advice you have to offer new writers?


Be fearless, write from your gut experience & write what you see and feel around you, take it all in, as my teacher Jack Grapes would say  "find your deep voice." 


5. In regards to your writing, what do you feel are your strengths? weaknesses?


Weakness, I don't read or write enough...strength would be I have a good ear and am very musical, I love playing with words!


6. How would you describe the ideal moment/place for writing? EX: Do you like it quiet? Do you listen to music? Do you type or write on paper? Do prefer to write indoors or outside? (This might seem like a weird question but I would like to know :)


For me I work best in complete silence, even music can distract my train of thought...I am extremely sensitive to noise so I need as much peace and solitude as possible. Everyone is different that way...


7. You are a photographer as well. How do these two mediums connect? How are they different? 


I find poetry in photography & photography or visual images in poetry. They compliment each other. Each is detail oriented, visual, sensual, both are tremendously gratifying...photography has me by the throat right now...and I hope it never lets go! I have great passion for both.


8.What has been the highlight of your writing experience? 

Being able to perform & read my poetry around Los Angeles, creating my poetry website The Juice Bar and studying with my writing teacher Jack Grapes and the people in my class are priceless!


9. What goals do you have for the future?


I need to get more books going...self publish or be published.


10. You have a book coming out, Whores Don't Kiss, Please tell us a little about this?


Well, I'm still editing it, it's a process, I had photos with it first,now I think it will just be poetry...it's the title of one of my poems.I grew up in Hollywood since I was 20 and "Whores Don't Kiss" means, you don't have to give it all away, save something for yourself...


11. Where can we read more of your work? See you perform?


You can always read my work on The Juice Bar http:lkthayer.wordpress.com/and I will be reading Jan. 14th with "Poetry In Motion" at Beyond Baroque...I'm reading this Friday night with "Girls Just Wanna Write Poems", me, Eve Brandstein & Susan Hayden, great poets, but I have to look up where!!




L. K. (Lisa) Thayer - The Juice Bar by L.K. Thayer http.lkthayer.wordpress.com/ 

This Same Small Town In Each Of Us

Edgar & Lenore's is pleased and honored to present a new publication: This Same Small Town In Each Of Us by Wanda Morrow Clevenger is now available for pre-order! This new collection of short story, memoir & poetry will make you laugh & will touch your heart. 

GET YOUR SIGNED COPY TODAY!

To preview some of the work contained in this collection visit the following links:

Ewing

In Lincoln Park

When I Loved You 

Uncharted Territory

Edgar Allan Poet's Macabre Manifesto

Happy  Halloween. Join us for a decadent macabre treat and read some of our featured dark chocolate for the soul.

(Click on the image or text to be rerouted.)

The Pen & The Pearl by Apryl Skies

Please click on the link to be redirected to this poetry & audio 

The Pen & The Pearl

Young Filmmaker Trevor Bernard Remembers Scott Wannberg, Beloved L.A. Poet

Young Filmmaker Remembers Scott Wannberg, Beloved L.A. Poet, Deceased at Age 58, Written by Susanne Swanson-Bernard, Edited by Apryl Skies

Writers' Row: School's in Session

Writers' Row: School's in Session

Come join us for Writers' Row! Wednesday, September 14 · 7:30pm - 10:00pm

Location:       
The Last Bookstore453 S. Spring St. (across from Alexandria Hotel at 5th and Spring St) Los Angeles, CA

This month, Writers' Row features work in the realms of fiction, poetry, and the in between!

Writers' Row is downtown LA's Official Written Art Showcase held at the literary and extravagant Last Bookstore! Hosted by Jessica Wilson

Featured Poets:

Pete Justus
Amanda La Pera
Rolando Poet Ortiz
Katharina Harer

Other Outstanding Performances Include:

Apryl Skies
Cklara Moradian
David Beal
& L.K. Thayer

The event is free to the public. Refreshments provided by Los Angeles Poet Society.

OPEN MIC (5 mins, 2 pieces) RSVP venicesoapboxpoets@gmail.com to get on the open mic list.

Buy books, network, relax and take it all in!

Love Is A Can of Peaches

Love Is A Can Of Peaches  

By Apryl Skies

Published by The Juice Bar

The Girl With The Butterfly Eyes by Apryl Skies

The Girl With The Butterfly Eyes

by Apryl Skies

From The Collection of poetry 

A Song Beneath Silence

[Please Click on the link above or the photograph to view the poem in its entirety]

KOTORI MAGAZINE - The Ladies Take the Stage

Celebrating Women Writers 

Jessica Wilson Hosts an outstanding poetry reading event 

at the Last Book Store in down Town LA

KOTORI MAGAZINE - The Ladies Take the Stage

View the Spoken word performances of several 
of the featured ladies on 
www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Yvonne de la Vega – A Soul Wide Open

 

In case you missed my most recent article please take a moment to read the wise and insightful words of Yvonne de La Vega. New poetry and a sneak peek at her new book not to mention exciting new UPDATES on 100 Thousand Poets For Change! Please help support the poetry efforts and our writers by liking the page from the examiner site. Thanks So much everyone for your constant support and encouragement it means the world to me.

Yvonne de la Vega – A Soul Wide Open

Sherman Oaks Publishing House Celebrates Women Literature

Sherman Oaks small press publisher Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House celebrates women’s artistry & literature with a brand new website & poetry archive. The publisher’s master website www.EdgarAllanPoet.com has come along way since 2006, when it was only one page highlighting poetry by only a few select poets. Now featuring poets and writer’s from all over the world the site takes an artistic approach to contemporary publishing and offers a Master Library where viewers can look up content by title and or by a List of Writers.

Calliope’s Closet, the new website features select poetry and artistry by women from across the globe, including several talented local Los Angeles poets and writer’s such as  Alicia Winski, Amanda LaPera, Camille Solari, Helena Hunter, Jessica Wilson, M. K. Presson, Sheila Crawford, Trish Falin and myself, Apryl Skies.

To read the editorial in its entirety click on the following link:

Sherman Oaks Publisher Celebrates Women's Literature

As If...

As If...

by Apryl Skies

From the poetry collection

A Song Beneath Silence

Sherman Oaks Author Finds Inner Peace Through Poetry

 “For me, the very process of composing poems embodies letting go of control.”  Danny Miller

Danny Miller of Sherman Oaks, author of Losing Control, Finding Serenity has achieved an impressive share of success, but it wasn’t until he let go of control in his life that he was able to find true happiness and peace of mind.

As a highly trusted and successful real estate instructor and author of best-selling book How to Invest in Real Estate Syndicates (Dow Jones-Irwin), by his 30’s Miller was at the height of his career & had everything money could buy, but as an individual driven to control every aspect of his life, he was haunted by a proverbial unease, consumed by fear, anxiety and anger.

After a series of personal setbacks & a humbling battle with cancer, he realized his life had to change and turned 360 degrees toward a more profound success as a poet and painter. Releasing the tensions of control and choosing to move with the currents of life rather than fighting against them, Danny Miller found peace, greater understanding & true purpose.

Inspired by Khalil Gibran, reading Danny Miller’s poetry has the feeling of mantra, a poetic, zen-like reminder or ode. It’s the type of poetry you want to remember in the back of your mind as to allow it to expose itself when the hammer falls and the need bares its teeth.

LIFE’S LANTERN Obsessed with Control, We can’t let go. But shorten life's list, The more we resist. Relinquish, No longer diminish. Let things be, Begin to feel free. To travel this Path, Use its new Math. Accept and allow— Even meow. Look to the Waves, Follow their Sways. Cresting in the Wind Nature's magic Within. Sometimes in tandem, Always random. Release, Feel the Peace. Life’s Rhythm of Truth, Lost in Youth, Follows no pattern, yet Brightens Life's Lantern.

“Painting is like poetry in that they both evoke feelings and truths that are made more powerful because they are intuitively felt rather than articulated and in that sense they are both highly spiritual. They also both flourish when we are willing to let go of control of the creative process by moderating our expectations and not over-thinking the pieces. When we loosen the reins, freedom and open-ness of ideas and process seamlessly gel with knowledge and technique to produce original works of beauty and meaning.” Danny Miller

As a talented poet, painter and author of Losing Control Finding Serenity, Miller shares his journey of letting go, his first step toward true happiness. On this journey to serenity, he becomes a better person, family man and gains the inner peace he never thought possible, which he explains, is now his most valuable asset. Poetry has allowed Danny to discover his inner most truths, to express himself in a more positive way and find his true spiritual self.

In his new book, he explores the dangerous elements of control, fear & avoidance, guiding us through the lessons he has learned as he shares his secrets, his poetry and holds nothing back. Dedicated to helping others face their fears, no matter how intense, Losing Control Finding Serenity is poetic, philosophical and unselfish; a guidebook to true success, happiness and peace of mind.

We all have scars, some are more obvious than others, but Losing Control, Finding Serenity teaches us not to be defined by them. Available on Amazon, this book has achieved high acclaim and favorable reviews by mind, body, spirit publications and media and has been embraced by poetry lovers worldwide. An empowering collection of modern philosophy and poetry by a profoundly inspiring writer, highly recommended.

To find out more about this book, to view paintings or to read more of Danny Miller’s work please visit his website:

http://losingcontrolfindingserenity.com/

In The Company Of Women

A Call For Submissions for a new 2012 publication 

In The Company Of Women

In The Company of Women is an enthusiastic look at the heartfelt dynamics of the relationships between women presented in varying forms of poetry, memoir, commentary, quotes and artwork.
From laughter to tears, Company is a book born of life histories and the journeys taken and navigated by women of wit and wisdom.

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"

~ Anais Nin ~

In late 2009, Apryl Skies and Alicia Winski spent quite a bit of time collaborating on the idea of a "conversation" poem.

The theme of the poem was based on the impact women in their lives have had on them both positively and negatively. In short; how did the presence of women, or a woman affect their thinking? How did they color their view of lives and perhaps change the course of them?

A broad conversation that was clearly larger than themselves. After much discussion, they felt that certainly, this was a conversation that needed far more than two voices; it needed a multitude of voices. And with so many women possessing so many touching stories, memories and thoughts, they felt it to be almost criminal not to include them in this conversation. And so, a new and exciting journey has begun.

They are now currently accepting submissions to be included in this project entitled, “In The Company of Women”; an anthology project written by women of wit and wisdom, that is very dear to them.

PLEASE READ THESE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

If you would care to submit your poetry, short stories, quotes, memoirs,  musings, old recipes, even some photos/artwork reflecting how a woman or women have impacted your life for consideration, please send them to Alicia Winski and Apryl Skies at eappublishing@gmail.com. You can also send your submissions to them via their Facebook page. Please stay on topic and please make sure you put the word “submission” in the subject line. Also, please send no more than five pieces.

We also want to reiterate that this is not a paying endeavor. This is a project born of the desire to give women authors a voice and to get their work published. Authors will retain all rights to their work and will be able to purchase copies of this anthology at an extremely discounted price, upon publication. This will enable the authors to resell via their sites or other venues of their choosing. Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House will be promoting this anthology on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com and Calliope’s Closet, an upcoming site designed solely to promote the artistic endeavors of women. This includes poetry, short stories, artwork, jewelry, etc. E&L will also donate $1.00 per book to an organization supporting the care and nurturing of women/children in a safe environment. Any other proceeds received by E&L will be used to cover costs of publishing, advertising and promotion. Any authors who prefer to submit their work to a paying venue should contact Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing house and advise of this.

As previously stated, we are anticipating publication of this anthology in early 2012 and would love to hear from you wise and witty women! And if you know any wise and witty women who might like to submit their thoughts/work to us, please feel free to pass it along.

“In The Company of Women”

an anthology of musings edited by Apryl Skies and Alicia Winski.

Also Coming in 2012

The Panty Drawer

  

Please don't forget to visit the link and "Like" the page!

In the Company of Women Facebook Page

“IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN” 

Coming in 2012
Brought to you 
by 

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Wyatt Underwood: Poetry (Luna)tic

“Sometimes it seems [I have] been trying to learn the language all [my] life, but what a great game! Give it the structures and strictures of poetry and it's even more rewarding.”

~Wyatt Underwood

Wyatt Underwood, originally from Albuquerque New Mexico, spent much of his childhood in Brazil and has since migrated to southern California. He is a lover of physics who still acknowledges Pluto as a planet, a poet and the author of four books. He enjoys long motorcycle rides on his Harley and adores his wife Lindy of 28 years. Underwood, whose voice sounds a bit like James Earl Jones with a slight curl to it, has recently taken to the stage to perform at some of the valley’s favorite readings, including Soapbox Sessions & The Cobalt Cafe.

Underwood assisted in mapping 95% of the moon and if that isn’t enough he writes incredibly moving poetry. Wyatt studied physics and poetry and worked on the programs that tracked robots for several Lunar Orbiter flights, an unmanned exploration of space before the moon landing by Apollo 11 in July of 1969. During his time in the field, he worked on missions studying every planet except Mercury and Pluto.

In addition to his moon missions, Wyatt loves to write about women, which is quite evident in his more charming pieces such as How, Questions & Requiem, a very heart-felt & tear-stained letter. As a well-rounded writer you will find elements of Bukowski in Underwood’s poems such as Just Walkin’ & Bukowski, as well as a nice slice of William Carlos Williams whom he ascribes for his love of written word.

Hearing Wyatt recite his poem, Requiem (shown below) will bring you to tears & make you want to reach inside the poem & change the consequences. What Wyatt brings to the page is always genuine, tender and honest, a lot of which is inspired by actual events and real people. Wyatt’s work is biographical, observational and timeless. It has the ability to make you laugh and cry, sometimes even within the same poem. It’s touching and tangible and contains stories that once read will leave footprints on your soul.

Wyatt Underwood who describes his poems as “experiences” and concludes his major influences are his mentor, Keith Wilson, whom For Keith was inspired by & who was resident poet at New Mexico State University for years. in addition, he is inspired by Charles Bukowski, William Butler Yeats, Robert Frost, e. e. cummings, and many others.

Requiem

a friend's funeral happened
a thousand miles away
a dozen people held umbrellas
rain fell desultorily
a man who meant well
spoke of a life he hadn't known
I wonder what I would have said
we'd not been close nearly ten years
she loved life when I knew her
rode horses and climbed rock
sat on a cliff's edge and laughed
until I grimaced and joined her
trees I knew grew fifty feet tall at least
looked like dollhouse toys
"I'd take the fast way down"
she laughed, "if I could make the stop soft"
she grinned at me
"I couldn't stand to miss tomorrow,
what all might happen?"
but last week she put a gun into her mouth
and blew the pain away, so close friends say
I hope her way made the stop soft

Wyatt Underwood © 2011

Allerednic

I walked in darkness and an angel
found me or I found her
I never could be sure
and though she'd lost her wings and halo
she took me close enough to heaven
while she kept my feet on the ground
it is the story of my three loves
but heaven was never quite what I expected
it has its own demands and strictures
even when it stays close to Earth
I walked out of one, not sure I was ready
I lost one, sure I was unready
and so far have worked well enough
to remain in the third
thank you, angels, for all the ways you cared
for loving me when you did, and loving me as you do
I'm pretty sure no heaven awaits me when I die
but how could I need it, having shared yours?

Wyatt Underwood © 2011

For Keith

I knew a man
who warred
way back when
Korea we protected
he came back and shot flies
with a .22
because a .45
would have been overkill
he came back from that too
and found in words
in beauties
in Zen
and finally in love
a calm
that needed no flies to shoot
he played with words
until they celebrated
beauties, Zen, love,
historical houses saved
by people living in them,
secret gardens,
ranchers,
and ghosts,
ghosts of old times
and ghosts of young men
who hurried off to war
because their country sent them,
hurried off and did not return
nor shoot flies with a .22
ghosts of men buried in Korea
and men not buried anywhere
ghosts who came to him for his calm,
his Zen,
and maybe for his beauties, or his love
I knew a man

Wyatt Underwood © 2011

Wyatt Underwood’s book titles are available on Lulu. Fixes For No Problems is highly recommended as is Haiku Foryu which contains over 100 haikus. If you’d like to hear Wyatt live he will be featured at the Border’s in Woodland Hills on May 28^th at 6:00 PM.

To read more from this author follow him on Edgar & Lenore's Publishing House, Lulu, Facebook

Review by Apryl Skies 

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Hart D. Fisher: Poet & Horror Kingpin Spills His Guts... Again.

Reader discretion advised. The following Feature is for adults only and depicts images and poetry that may be disturbing to some readers. Readers are fore-warned, proceed at your own risk.

“I’m still just another scream walking like a man.” H.D.Fisher

Hart D. Fisher is an assault to the senses & by all accounts the most controversial figure in the poetry community. Early in his career he established his own publishing company Boneyard Press and is author of Poems for the Dead & Still Dead. Fisher has clawed through every bloody facet of the entertainment industry in both main stream & underground arenas. Besides running Glenn Danzig's comic line Verotik, he designed concept illustrations for Marilyn Manson, mentored Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance & was a key lynchpin in his comic career. Hart Fisher first published Stephen Elliott's poetry in Flowers on the Razorwire & fittingly James Franco is slated to star in an upcoming Elliott-based film. Hart has directed & developed countless films & music videos; recently editing Danzig’s "On A Wicked Night". Regarding Hart Fisher's career experience...the list goes on.

Currently, Fisher has alchemized a riveting new project American Horrors, a media juggernaut hungry to devour the world of horror & stomp it the way Disney dominates the family genre. It is a powerhouse venture set to light the horror genre ablaze by monetizing distribution, production, publishing & the television horror networks; not to mention hell-bent on testing the limits of entertainment, giving horror fans the content they truly deserve.

Life has a way of severing dreams, leaving them hanging off a butcher’s hook & that is what Hart Fisher is able to do with a pen. His poetry comes from personal struggle, be it raw or taboo Hart lives his poetry. It is honesty at its most horrific or beautiful, always “stripped to the bone, directly naked”. It is his sordid legacy to art & the pulse of his creativity. He concludes that poetry, of all his creative endeavors best describes him as an artist & has opened the most doors for him; that being a huge kiss on the brow of the poetry community.

Hart Fisher is a multi-faceted talent but insists, it’s not a result of strict focus. A self-proclaimed “crazy Gemini” he excels having multiple projects going on at a time. With all his creative outlets he hadn’t thought of himself as a poet until the shooting of his first film The Garbage Man, during which his girlfriend was violently raped & murdered. This led to a mental breakdown, but would also shape-shift Hart’s writing career, resurrecting him a beast of extraordinary emotion & intensity. His work has been the target of censorship and damnation throughout his career, but he describes his work as a spontaneous “fit or seizure” an uncontrollable possession within him, a purge or bleed-out caused by the inhumanity of humanity, a manic urgency that “burns the methane” of grief and rage.

Moving to Los Angeles, Hart continues to shovel bones, haunting stages like a macabre character ascending from the ashes of an Anne Rice novel. Those who have seen him read live might assume he sleeps upside-down. His work is impossible to define in a traditional sense because he has the bewitching ability to blur the lines of poetry & horror. Critics always want to shove art into a box & what’s rare about Hart Fisher’s work is that it’s confessional & uncompromising, it will burn through any box it’s placed in. He is a literary necromancer whose words are seething, visceral & the hemorrhage of raw impulse. Hart Fisher’s poetry is like the taste of metal or biting a live wire, it has electricity to it...high voltage.

So, for such an insanely functional icon what could possibly be left to conquer? For Hart Fisher, a heavy-hitter in horror genre & impossible to hog-tie, American Horrors is running with full steam, his YouTube channel CrimePaysHart is in full force & you can read the inside scoop from the recent South By Southwest event in Waco Texas at American Horrors, he has new poetry on Facebook & plans to publish more titles soon, including works from otherwise out-of-print editions.

The following poems are previously unpublished works and are subject to restriction and copyright. Reader & viewer discretion advised. All Rights Reserved. Images are subject to restriction & protected and property of Hart D. Fisher

UNTITLED

I remember how I found you

Like a sleeping girl

Waiting for christmas

Waiting for morning

Tiny pink dress

Just a little worn

Stray threads like so many faded days.

I remember how I found you

Lying so still

Cheeks still rosey

Lips still pert.

Your hair was bound back with a ribbon

Crusty and dirty

A piece of some kind of dream

Some kind of hope

Threaded through straw.

I remember how I found you

Crumpled in the grass

The sun was shinning

You had one shoe

One sock

Old polish on your toes

Out of place under a blue sky

Clouds like soft fur.

I remember how I found you

Your mouth was half open

Fingers curled up tight

There was an insect

Trapped away under your eyelid

It pushed and twisted in the sun

Little legs scrabbling

And the rope…

The rope…

I began to scream.

Hart D. Fisher © 2011

white hot heat surging from the years behind

up my skin

through my nerves

crawling down the street

a thundering pulse beat that makes my vision swim.

A fire without hope

Ticks in the face

I’m watching you

I’m feeling you breathe

Shuddering

From a shadow

A black cat eager to cross your path

Carrion feeder

A mangled priest with one hand down his pants and the other on the holy mother cross

Transgressing

I howl with the wolves

A hungry beggar at the dumpster

We jump in place

Super sized and found wanting

One pimp to another

Two jungle cats eyeing meat.

In the shadow

It’s not even my smile.

It’s his

A grin with no pity

Trembling in my car I dream of all that blood on my naked skin

Out on the street

Watching your window

Waiting for the lights to go out.

Hart D. Fisher © 2011

UNTITLED

Lying at the bottom of the tub

Looking up at the sky

The rain burns like old memories

Smothering my face

Tattooing my lips

Slowly

Patiently

Without passion

Burning

Like a corpse on fire

Like a flag falling to the ground

I burn

Moving down the street

Watching the squatters shuffle and die before our eyes

So many petals before the savior

I burn

The end of the wick

The sputtering candle in her corner

Never enough to keep the night at bay

Her fears at the end of a knife

The twist of it’s edge

I burn

Slowly

Patiently

Without pity

Without you.

Hart D. Fisher © 2011

Look for more from Hart D. Fisher on the following links:

Boneyard Press

Twitter

Hart Fisher on Larry King

An Introduction to The Garbage Man with Hart D. Fisher

The Verminators Pt. 1

The Verminators pt. 2

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 Review by Apryl Skies

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com