Raven's Wing Poetry » women

WWP Poem #20: Intercessions (a prayer poem)

ravenswingpoetry — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:12:07 +0000

I have learned through bitter experience the one supreme lesson
is to conserve my anger, and as heat conserved is transmitted
into energy, so our anger controlled can be transmitted into
a power that can move the world.
- Mohandas K. Gandhi

I. Islam: submission

Girls who break rules
are ruled by a hand, by a fist, by a knife;
replace their throats with embers,
send the smoke up to Heaven
and hope Allah hears them. I see
one young woman in a wheelchair chariot
with suicide written all over her legs in crinkled black
and red canyon lines:
twigs for legs, burned flesh forest,
this is how young women put themselves on altars
hoping for absolution
while trying to start a forest fire that
curls it smoke fingers into noses around the world.
Can we not smell the burning?

For those who have lost hope,
seeking solace in the end of life;
for those whose hearts are broken and in desolation;
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

II. Aisha: living

Feet swift to flight,
run to escape a broken back buffeted by blows: this is how your in-laws
welcome you home. With fire, with fists,
with a life of feet bleeding your prayers
out from between prison bars shaped like
commandments. There is a hole in your heart
that dwarfs the one your husband carved into your face: trade empty for empty
until a mountain runs you through the stomach with a
desolated peak wearing lips sewn shut. No one
talks about girls made into examples and left for
dead, except the front pages of magazines. Weeks later, I hear
the camera weeping and praying for
a new nose, new ears: but you can still hear
the news hissing from between the teeth
of a transistor radio while your name
burns quiet eyes to those who wished for your candle
to be snuffed out.

For those who have been unjustly injured or scarred;
for those living in refuge who cannot return home;
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

III. Sakina: tranquility

I can see the coins strangling your neck
as they sing songs twisted like the backs of fallen angels
about the worth of a girl:
“we paid good money for you”.
And still, your husband’s family pulls the leash
while you live in white concrete shelter. Your eyes, like your name,
stand in paradox to a storm spinning around you, whirling
enough to make a Sufi dervish lose his god and implode stars
onto the Universe’s forehead. Yet you
sit, scarf-head lotus, on a bed in the corner and fight
the coins still clawing at your throat.

For those in bondage or captivity;
for those fighting for their liberty;
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

IV. Fawzia: victorious

I look at you and wonder
if night letters have ever clenched their claws
through your earlobes. Where you sit
makes your stand, and your stand
may make mountains dance, and move deserts
soaked with opium and agony like Qu’ran letters
changed into curved peacocks made out of
blood: this is the generation where your Parliament
begins to welcome women again. Beneath your feet, in the bowels of
the earth, the bodies of murdered women are
crying bismillah. Maybe you hear them.

For those who have answered the call of leadership;
for those who seek justice and equality;
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

V. Taliban: students
I wonder whose students you really are. You cannot tell me
that death looks like life and that
prison bars look like the chaste clean air that
crowns the mountain peaks of your country. You fling
blood beneath the feet of children, and call it
discipline. You break off women’s heads and write
your victories and commandments with the pen nubs
of their necks, and call it education. You bring
fire and knives to the hands of your men, and call it holy: but you cannot rewrite
the hearts of men in hard-stone scriptures and hadiths that make them
dig blades into the backs of women when
the demons inside your own arms are calling for escape! Have you
forgotten how men and women share the same flesh – or did you
ever know this in the first place?

You may think I am just an infidel woman. But I am
a landscape, a sculpture of scars. And speaking of which, there is
a woman whose body rests in the ground beneath Battle Creek
whose own scars from a slave master’s whip whisper a hushed amen
to these words: you can hear it
if you put your ear to this poem. If she were an Afghani woman
alive today, she would be wandering your countryside, speaking
sermons from those scars. And as for me, “infidel” or not,
ain’t I a woman too?

But I will pray for you. Not just because
Jesus would want me to, not just because
I have scars in my own heart that look like “whore” and “tramp”
from a life under a roof where words became daggers
and abuse was called discipline; not just because
there are women with empty hearts like bellies
and men who do not know that their real name is “gentle”;
but because you need it. I know fear. I know how
prison bars can be born behind your eyes, set up camp inside your chest,
and refuse your heart any exit. Yes, we are more alike
that you think.

For those who live in mental, spiritual, or
emotional darkness;
for those who live in fear and who cannot see light;
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

VI. Bismillah
And for all of you:
pie Iesu Domine,
dona eis pacem.
Written 9-20-10
——————————————————————-
This week’s poem is for We Write Poems Prompt #20: Exceptions to the Rule. This poem was inspired by this article in Time Magazine about the plight of Afghani women in the wake of possible negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban, the former regime in that country. I was especially struck by and angered by the story of 18 year-old Aisha (who is feature in the article and who is on the cover of the recent issue) and I was moved to write this. I’d suggest not only perusing the article, but also looking at the photo gallery of the women featured on the website to understand where this poem came from.

-Nicole

————————————————————

Stumble It!

Filed under: Poems, WWP Prompt Poem Tagged: Afghan government, Afghanistan, intercessions, Islam, Muslims, Poems, poetry, poets, prayer, prompt, prompt poem, Prompt Poems, Taliban, We Write Poets, women, women's rights, WWP Poem Prompt, WWP Prompt

Protected: NaPoWriMo Poem #13: Six Things About the Asperger Woman

ravenswingpoetry — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:17:40 +0000

This post is password protected. You must visit the website and enter the password to continue reading.

Filed under: Asperger Poetry, NaPoWriMo 2010, Poems Tagged: asperger, asperger syndrome, aspergers syndrome, autism, autism spectrum disorders, difference, NaPoWriMo, NaPoWriMo 2010, neurodiversity, Poems, poet, poetry, poets, read write poem, women, women with asperger's

Chauncey Beaty Features @ Writer’s Block First Draft, Friday, March 19, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:52:28 +0000

From Joanna Schroeder, the host of Writer’s Block First Draft:

“Fresh off the WoWps finals stage – First Draft is proud to present a feature of all new work by hometown favorite Chauncey Beaty. If you’ve been writing all week off the endorphin high of seeing Columbus’ first national poetry event storm our local stages last weekend – bring out what you’ve got and share it with an audience that loves new poems and new poets!

Chauncey Beaty is an Atlanta-based poet (and OSU alum) who rocked the Women of the World poetry slam all the way to the final round of the competition. She is also an artist who uses her words to effect change in the world through her dedication to writing. Her annual Hope Springs Writing Retreat has been described as a nourishing and transformative experience for the women who attend. Come out to experience the intensity of her work and stay for her lightning fast metaphors. Some people win the Super Bowl and then go to Disneyland. Chauncey Beaty was crowned the third-best female slammer at WoW and she is coming to First Draft. Come out and hear what new change is jangling in her pockets.

Chauncey’s feature will be followed by the traditional First Draft Open Mic where new poems and new poets are always welcome. Bring us the new and shiny, or the dusty journal you had stashed behind the couch. If it is new, or has never been performed before, we will give you and your piece mad love and applause.

Hope to see you there!”

First Draft Open Mic
Kafe Kerouac
2250 N High Street
March 19, 2010
8pm
$3 Cover

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, Chauncey Beaty, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, first draft, First Draft Poetry, First Draft Poetry Night, Joanna Schroeder, live poetry, new poems, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, poets, Rare, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, writer’s block poetry, writer’s-block

Sierra DeMulder and Colin Gilbert Double Feature @Writing Wrongs March 16, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:05:37 +0000

Sierra Mulder and Colin Gilbert

From the Writing Wrongs Poetry Mailing List:

“If you’ve got a hangover from the Women of the World Poetry Slam, then Writing Wrongs has a cure for what ails you. Sierra DeMulder and Colin Gilbert are giving a double feature!

Sierra DeMulder has had one of the most successful years in poetry slam’s recent history. After being on the St. Paul National Poetry Slam Championship Team in 2009, Sierra followed that up by becoming a finalist at both the 2010 Individual and Women of the World Poetry Slams.

Colin Gilbert is a multiple Dallas, TX all city champ and 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam Finalist.

You don’t want to miss these two perform!”

Tuesday, March 16 (That’s Tonight, Folks!)
Urban Spirit Coffee Shop
893 E Long St, Columbus, OH (View Map)
$5 admission, $4 w/ student ID
8pm Start time

Check out Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam.

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, Colin Gilbert, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, live poetry, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, Sierra Mulder, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, Writing Wrongs, Writing Wrongs Poetry, Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam

First Draft, March 13, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:05:05 +0000

Because of the Women of the World Poetry Slam this week, Writer’s Block has the pleasure of holding its First Draft Poetry show during the Slam this month.

This Saturday, March 13, your regularly scheduled First Draft Poetry show will be happening 12:00 – 1:30 PM at the Columbus State Community College Ballroom. The Conference Center Ballroom is located on the 4th floor of the Center for Workforce Development Building (right next to the Discovery Zone Bookstore). Come out and share your new, never-performed poems on this show’s open mic hotness!

For the full schedule of WoWPS events, see the WoWPS 2010 Schedule of Events.

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, CCSC Ballroom, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, Columbus State Community College, first draft, First Draft Poetry, First Draft Poetry Night, Joanna Schroeder, live poetry, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, writer’s block poetry, writer’s-block

WoWPS Finals @ the Lincoln Theatre, March 13, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:02 +0000

The finals for the 2010 Women of the World Poetry Slam will be held at the historic Lincoln Theater on Saturday, March 13 @ 8:00 P.M. (View Map)

Since the theater will most likely be packed and tickets will be more at the door, PSI suggests that you buy tickets ahead of time. They say “Ticketmaster charges you more. Or you can pay more at the door. Twenty-two bucks each to put your tail in the hottest show in town.”

For the full schedule of events, see the WoWPS 2010 Schedule of Events.

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, finals, Lincoln Theater, live poetry, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, writer’s block poetry, writer’s-block

Writer’s Block Hosts WoWPS Kickoff @ Callahan’s, March 10, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:41:56 +0000

Writer’s Block Poetry is hosting the kickoff for the Women of the World Poetry Slam at Callahan’s on March 10 (View Map).

The night will begin with the traditional Writer’s Block Open Mic from 8:00 PM until 9:00 PM, followed by the Last Chance Slam from 9:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Ladies, if you missed your chance the first time around to slam to get into WoWPS, this Slam is literally your LAST CHANCE to try to compete in WoWPS.

All of this is followed by the Welcome Party, which begins at 11:00 PM and goes until whenever.

For the full schedule of events, see the WoWPS 2010 Schedule of Events.

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, Callahan's, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, kickoff, Last Chance Slam, live poetry, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, writer's block poetry, writer's-block

Women’s Panel and Workshop @ Writing Wrongs, Thursday, March 11, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:30:03 +0000

The folks over at Writing Wrongs Poetry say, “stop by for an incredible workshop and panel with four of Poetry Slam’s most amazing Ladies!

Dee Matthews (Detroit), Gypsee Yo (Atlanta), Sonya Renee (D.C.) & Mahogany L Browne (Brooklyn) make up an amazing panel of poets that will be conducting a workshop during the Women of the World Poetry Slam. This event has been one of the highlights of the past couple of years and this promises to have the same impact.

Admission is Free for participants, volunteers and staff for the Women of the World Poetry Slam. $5 for General Admission.”

When: Thursday, March 11 from 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Where: Urban Spirit Coffee Shop, 893 E. Long Street, Columbus OH (View Map)

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, Airea Dee Matthews, announcement, Announcements, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, Dee Matthews, Gyspy Yo, live poetry, Mahogany Browne, Mahogany L. Browne, Mo Browne, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, poetry workshop, poets, slam, Sonya Renee, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, workshop, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010, Writing Wrongs, Writing Wrongs Poetry, Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam

Rachel McKibbens Features @ Writing Wrongs, March 9, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:46:58 +0000

THE Rachel McKibbens will be featuring at Writing Wrongs Poetry on March 9, 2010.

Yes, you read right.

She will feature there, shortly before the Women of the World Poetry Slam. She is also competing in the slam.

The founders of WW have this to say about the show:

“Rachel McKibbens is many, many things including the author of the beloved ‘Pink Elephant’ and the 2009 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion. She is coming back to Columbus to do a full set for Writing Wrongs and you don’t want to miss it.

There will also be an 8 woman slam off comprised of some of the nation’s best.

All this plays up to a night you CAN’T miss.”

When: March 9, 2010 @ 8:00 PM
Where: Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam @ Urban Spirit Coffee Shop, 893 E. Long Street, Columbus OH (View Map)

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, live poetry, McKibbens, open mic poetry, open-mic, Pink Elephant, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, Rachel McKibbens, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010

Women of the World Poetry Slam in Columbus Oh, March 10-13, 2010

ravenswingpoetry — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:18:30 +0000

In case you haven’t heard by now, I’ll mention that Columbus, Ohio is hosting the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2010. WOWPS will be held March 10 – 13 at various venues in the city (see below for details).

From Poetry Slam, Inc.:

“As one of the 20 biggest cities in the US and the largest city in Ohio, Columbus offers all the resource, venue and location needs for this event catering to hundreds of participants including competitors, organizers, volunteers, audience members and emcees.”

The city and the poetry nights around Columbus are proud and excited to have this event coming. Please, if you are in or near Columbus, I urge you to come out and support this event, which is sure to be high-energy, electric, exciting, and an advancement of the art of poetry slam.

The WOWPS website has a wealth of information, schedules, and etc. for this year’s slam. Please check out the following links for more information:

Stumble It!

Filed under: Announcements, Events and Venues Tagged: 2010, 2010 Slam Season, announcement, Announcements, columbus, columbus oh, Columbus Poetry, columbus poetry scene, live poetry, open mic poetry, open-mic, poet, poetry, poetry slam, Poetry Slam Inc, poets, PSI, slam, women, Women of the World Poetry Slam, WOWPS, WOWPS 2010