I had meant this to be a post about things I missed out of the last post. That was, itself, started to say something I’d missed out of the one before.
Optimism of a Moorhen building a nest
Thoughts can be like that. You start a new one before the old one is finished and as you finish one you forget what it was you meant to write about.
I could continue this line of thought, but if I do, I will undoubtedly start to muse on the decline of my mental capabilities, and from thoughts of low intellect, I will pass on to discussing politicians.
I don’t want to do either of those things. I may, at some point in the future, touch on the matter of Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York, and his announcement that he was going to ask King Charles for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India. At the moment I will just give him 10/10 for political grandstanding and ask if his enthusiasm for returning things to their “owners” extends to handing New York back to the British.
Mallards
Meanwhile, back in the world of poetry, I forgot to mention, regarding editors, that some of them really don’t like poets. I’d noticed this way back and then let it pass from my mind. There are one or two in Japanese-style poetry who seem a bit snippy but I got round that by ignoring them and sending my poetry elsewhere. Now I start looking at free verse again, am noticing them more and more. They seem commoner in this sector. I will just have to see what happens.
Meanwhile, my copy of Ribbons, the journal of the Tanka Society of American arrived by email. They turned down my last tanka prose submission so I have mixed feelings about this edition, though I do have two tanka in. Xenia Tran also has two in. I don’t see her about so much on here these days but she can be found here.
Mallard duckling – Arnot Hill Park
Of course, there is a reason for me mentioning Ribbons. They run a Reader’s Choice Award each issue and it seems that I got an Honorable Mention for one of my poems in the last issue. There is one winner and three poems are given Honorable mentions, so it’s nice to be one. It might be nicer to be a winner, but on the other hand if you win, you have to choose the next winner and write a commentary.
This month will also see the new issue of Eucalypt and I was one of the winners in the last issue. I’ve already mentioned this, I know, and I’m not doing it to show off, just to mention that I’m going to have to choose a winner (big responsibility) and write a commentary (big danger of looking like an idiot). Not sure I’m looking forward to it . . .
Yellow Flag Irises
Have to admit, I am a huge fan of Mamdani. I was thrilled when he won. How much he will be able to accomplish, I do not know. But he sure shook up the Democratic establishment, which is just what they needed.
It’s always interesting to hear the views of people about this sort of thing as it’s often difficult to understand the USA as our systems are so different and I lack the context follow a lot of what happens with you.
Follow the ducks and the flow
That is one of the more poetic comments I have had . . .
I will do it.
Your photos look like they would inspire good poems, especially the duckling and the yellow flag irises. Each photo has a story of some sort. Keep writing! Rattle the door knobs!
I intend to. No point stopping now.
you know how I feel.about Mamdani….
I could only find a couple of passing references, but they didn’t seem particularly warm. 🙂
that’s an understatement
You see, I can interpret your views from a few inferences. However, recent history tends to suggest that saints don’t end up as mayor of New York. 🙂
the thing is realizing that no one gets to a position of power by being a saint
How about the Pope? 🙂
especially not him
I’m rapidly closing in on 70, so am going to avoid saying anything which I may later regret if I am proved wrong and there really is an afterlife. You are young enough not to worry about such things. 🙂
The perils of success! I am happy to say that I have never had to face them.
There is still time! 🙂