David R. Surette kicks off October at Stone Soup Poetry.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Warning! Warning!
Mom took these pictures while she had her blinds open and sent them with the caption, "My new lookout."
Your Weekly Dose of God
A bumper sticker seen on a garage window in Mattapan.
It says, "The Better You Know JESUS, the More He Can Help You!"
As it is with work, with art, being a good person doesn't matter.
It boils down to your connections.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Next Saturday: Finding Mrs. Phillis
A writing workshop inspired by the life and work of Mrs Phillis Wheatley- Peters. Lead by Toni Bee, organized by Porsha Olayiwola. Join them next week at the Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library. Click here to reserve a spot.
Tomorrow: Poets in the Garden at Garden Giveback
Featuring Cole Rodriguez, Jeff Robinson and Tznya Pinchback. Hosted by Toni Bee. Click here to register.
Nice Way to End the Week
My poem "Dead Horse Jesus" is up now at Five Fleas Itchy Poetry. Thanks to Roberta Beach Jacobson for publishing me.
My Friday Evening Music
KRS-One courtesy of Boogie Down Productions. Recently learned about this song and it's impact on the hip-hop and rap communities.
Who Wants to Hear?
Janet Cormier's Bamboozled No More is up just in time this Friday at Oddball Magazine.
Stone Soup Croutons, 9-20-23: Commuting to Eleusis
Stone Soup Croutons is a weekly poem I write using lines and impressions selected from Stone Soup Poetry's open mic readers and features. I figure out a title (and sometimes the rest of the poem) later. You can read the other ones I've done since 2015 here.
I also have a book collecting the best of my first year of poems. Click here to purchase it.
Summer is over Randy Barish was our official last feature of the summer. It was Randy's first ever feature, and I messed up with the Zoom link, making sure his first time, like most people's was awkward and messy. I'm glad people were still able to enjoy it, and Randy did a good job bouncing from scene to scene, season to season, in his work.
It was an odd mixture of styles that night, and I'm not naturally a nature poet, so it was fun to put this short piece together.
Have to get back to work and promote Richard Spisak's feature this coming Wednesday.
Thanks for reading.
Commuting to Eleusis
Someday the sidewalk
will give you for choosing
this path, butterflying your
way out of tonight with your
hand puppet of a muse,
adding colors you can't see
While You're Waiting
Working on the Stone Soup Crouton poem from Wednesday. Until then, check out this short film using Randy Barish's poem, "Spectral Siren of the Night" courtesy of The Poets Lounge.
My Summer's End Poem for 2023
Summer 2023 Trainwrecks:
Because of a few lines half-remembered from Robert Bly's Iron John, I feel like the longer my hair goes uncut (almost eight weeks here), the more it holds the mania of prior weeks. You can't call my hair "long" by any definition, but when it looks like this, I can look like Doc Brown crossed with Ted Kaczynski, which doesn't help my mental state. When I eventually get to the barber (which I did last night), it feels like I've shed twenty pounds along with the mental anguish of summer's end.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Len Germinara and Sarah Oktay
So happy the few times I had my friend over for Stone Soup this summer. Moving forward, I am going to do more of this for the rest of the year.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Dexter Roberts
Before I get to the one last thing, I want to mention the few things I did right with Stone Soup. I'm glad the few times I could get my act together and invite friends to come back and feature online. One of them was Dexter Roberts. Toni Bee sent me this photo of him after his reading on September 13. I don't care if you were all back at school when it happened. It still counts as a summer highlight.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Ending It
A friend left a sound bowl at the Oddball Festival. I was putting off doing anything that involved travel for weeks. Finally, I bit the bullet and drove my girlfriend's car down last Friday to Malden, braving the late rush hour for an hour to finally deliver the bowl. I felt free at that point, like all my obligations were finally finished and I could say good by to another summer. There was just one more thing.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Jason Wright
Jason Wright was an MVP this summer. He volunteered at the Boston Poetry Marathon and organized the Oddball Festival the following Sunday. I'm amazed he pulled it all off. I won't blame him if he doesn't want to do it again next year.
Summer 2023 Trainwrecks: Oddball Festival
The Saturday before Oddball Festival, I was visiting my Mom. I was still so tired from the Boston Poetry Marathon the prior week. I ended up putting diesel fuel in my girlfriend's car. I ended up staying over my Mom's while getting my car towed to a garage.
I took my Mom's car to the festival the following morning and somehow ended up making it and served as one of the performers and one of the hosts as planned. It was fun introducing and even recording features like The Garage poets, but I was waiting to leave so I could get home and check up on the car.
The first ever Oddball Festival was a success. I was a miserable failure before I even got there.
Eventually I got the car back the next day, but it was all stressful as hell. Those three days led me to cancel the rest of Stone Soup Poetry for August. I'm left not even sure I'll do the festival again next year. I don't even want to risk making the same mistakes next year.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Tonight: Tiffany Davenport at the Virtual Dire Literary Series
Hosted by Timothy Gager. Click here to join the group and get information on how to join the call.
And don't forget this interview with the author.
Remembering Bluu Kollar
Ten years ago today, Brendan Trider, aka Bluu Kollar, featured at Stone Soup Poetry. He passed away just over two years later.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Boston Poetry Marathon
For the first time since I've been reading at this event, I participated in the event not only as a performer but also as an co-organizer.
I started and managed the Gofundme page to raise the funds to pay for the event. I was there both days doing media work and documenting the event.
I even took the podium as a host and probably made an ass of myself like I normally do. Doesn't matter. I did everything I could to help make this happen with the help of Christina Liu, Xtina Strong, Suzanne Mercury and departing organizer Bridget Eileen.
I'm gathering my thoughts as summer comes to an end so I can send out a much delayed final message to wrap up the year and prepare for next August.
Ain’t No Walk in the Park
Looks like James Van Looy is back from his trip! Just as I used up all the poems he sent me to publish while he was away, he just sent me something new for today's poem column. Read the very newest It's All One Thing now at Oddball Magazine.
A Preview from Janet
Above is Long Distance, one of Janet Cormier's painting that will be available this Saturday, September 23, as part of Jamaica Plain Open Studios at Curtis Hall on 20 South Street.
For Janet's written work, read her Bamboozled No More! column every Friday at Oddball Magazine.
Randy Barish at Stone Soup Poetry, 9-20-23
From this week's online gathering. Very happy to host Randy's first ever feature. Be sure to pick up his new collection, Garden of the Mind. You can also donate to his PayPal at randallbarish@gmail.com.
It's Randy's First Goodbye Wave as a Feature
Thanks to everyone who came out last night, and thanks to special feature Randy Barish for pulling off his first feature ever with style. Don't forget to get his first ever poetry collection, Garden of the Mind. If you can, you can also donate to him via his Paypal at randallbarish@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more announcements as we prepare for next week with feature Richard Spisak.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Leaving
Stone Soup Poetry with Randy Barish is happening in less than three hours. Join me tonight, and let us enjoy words together.
Standing Alone at the End
Closing out we have edo strannikov with nice moody photography by Jennifer Matthews. Thank you for checking out Oddball Magazine on a Wednesday. We promise it will always worth doing.
Those Meddling Kids
From hanging with my girlfriend's family. Is it still considered photobombing if there's more of their face in the shot than mine? Seems more like a photo invasion.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Hangtime
It was fun goofing around with my girlfriend's nieces while celebrating her dad's birthday. For some reason, they liked picking plants from the ground and putting them to my head whenever I wanted to take selfies .
Summer 2023 Sad Moments: Losing Sinéad O'Connor
So sad to have never seen her perform live. I was planning on posting Sinéad O'Connor material in the fall with the foolish hope she might find me online and strike up a conversation. So happy I got writers and artists to do tributes, including this amazing at from Donna A Black.
Summer 2023 Disappointments: Family Health Scare
All I'll say is that the worst did not happen. That's why it's still a disappointment and not a tragedy. There are still questions we're hoping to get answers for later this fall. Until then, all we can do is wait and be glad everyone's walking around and occasionally kicking.
Summer 2023 Disappointments: Twig Getting Hurt
On top of family health issues I've not expanded on here for obvious reasons, my adopted brother Twig broke a bone or two jumping off a chair. With his refusal to keep still, things felt touch and go for a while. However, I'm happy to report that the doctor gave him a clean bill of health yesterday. He will probably have arthritis in the future, but for now I won't feel so bad the next time he jumps at me.
Another New Voice
Glad to have artwork by returning contributor Luis Lázaro Tijerina to go with our newest contributor, Atullya. Glad to give you more new voices on this Wednesday at Oddball Magazine.
A Moment of Comics
Cartoonist Joe Matt passed away on Monday. In life, he represented both the best and worst tropes of autobiographical comics. Even when people in the nineties were labelling alternative cartoonists telling stories about their lives as naval gazing whiners obsessing over masturbation and other bodily functions, Joe Matt never changed his style. His angry self-pitying character in his Peep Show comic was laid out for the audience to wonder at, sometimes in disgust or with pity for him. His final book, Spent, was too much for a lot of people. It could only be classified as either an act of bravery or obsession or both.
Joe Matt never wavered from who he was, even if he might have wanted to. As someone who also can't help being who they are, the life he depicted in his stories was equal parts cautionary and inspiring. I hope he is at peace now and that his body of work (including anything else he was working on) survives him.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Spotting a Hate Crime?
This is a very strange flyer to see in Provincetown. Advertising "Live Music, Less Gay" is certainly one thing. Then there's this: "An Anti-Pop Production Never Featuring," followed by a list of artists that are no doubt part of any drag performer's Spotify list. Haven't found anything on this group or band online. Searching for "Cassette Cleaner" on the internet yields too many results. Putting a pin on this for now.
American Haiku: Leftist Jews Meet Trump's Right Boot
When I started my Sarcastic Haiku series, I wrote my first American Haiku. An American Haiku doesn't care about tradition, formality or history. it takes as long as it wants to make its point because America. You can read others I've written since by clicking here and scrolling down.
American Haiku: Potential Crime Scene for Sale
Dear Jewish people:
Those who repeat history...October 4: David R. Surette Gives Stone Soup His Latest Tonic
Of all the south shore friends I made when I started going out reading
my work in 2003, David R. Surette has read at Stone Soup Poetry the most. No
surprise, given how prolific he's been. It's great to have him come back to Stone Soup virtually to kick off our October features.
Every feature, David shares his life story from teaching to caring for
horses, from Malden, Massachusetts to the south shore to Cape Cod. It
will be great to hear the latest part of his journey. Be sure to order a
copy of his latest poetry collection, Tonic.
Join us on September 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 835 5703 8430
Password: stonesoup
Your Wednesday Morning Poetry
Years ago, Lo Gallucccio sang the e.e. cummings poem "the boys i mean are not refined" at Stone Soup Poetry. Going down memory lane made me want to look up the poem again. Here it is, courtesy of AllPoetry.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
A Reminder from Janet Cormier
From Janet:
Hi All,
I will be exhibiting my paintings at JPOS (JAMAICA PLAIN OPEN STUDIOS) with 8 fab artists for one day only...
See below for details:
Curtis Hall (INSIDE)
20 South St., JP MA
on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
at 20 South Street
Jamaica Plain,
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Check us out!!!!
Look forward to seeing you...
PS bring friends
Hi All,
I will be exhibiting my paintings at JPOS (JAMAICA PLAIN OPEN STUDIOS) with 8 fab artists for one day only...
See below for details:
Curtis Hall (INSIDE)
20 South St., JP MA
on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
at 20 South Street
Jamaica Plain,
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Check us out!!!!
Look forward to seeing you...
PS bring friends
Oddball Show Presents The Week That Was for September 11-17, 2023
What happened last week at Oddball Magazine? Check the recap with Chad and Jason!
This Thursday: Tiffany Davenport at the Virtual Dire Literary Series
Too Easy
Jason Wright's poem column comes through again. Read his latest Jagged Thought at Oddball Magazine.
September 27: Richard Spisak Adds Extra Stone to Stone Soup
Join us on September 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 847 7712 6938
Password: stonesoup
Lies and the Lying Liars that Tell Them
Returning contributors, poet Sandra Wyllie and artist Edward Michael Supranowicz, kick off Tuesday at Oddball Magazine.
This Week's Most Distinguished Network Name
It's amazing what people will name their online networks. I'm always trying to hijack Wi-Fi when I'm commuting, so I often come across a number of interesting names. Every Tuesday, I post the most impressive and/or cringe-inducing names.
 |
| There's FBI surveillance vans and then there's... |
Summer 2023 Highlights: Lots of Good video for TikTok
Today I finally did that Seagull video I wanted to do with that song from Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar. I have more TikTok videos coming.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Napi's Restaurant
I ate at a lot of great restaurants this summer. Especially in Provincetown. Napi's was the only one I took a picture of. Mostly because my girlfriend and I were interested in its design.
Summer 2023 Highlights: This Photo
"Burst" was taken on the night of July Fourth. A one in a million shot if you take into account the nine hundred thousand nine hundred and ninety eight shots that sucked.
Summer 2023 Highlights: A Quiet Fourth of July
July Fourth was on a Tuesday. Not worth it to drive anywhere. Plus they postponed the fireworks in Bellingham to the middle of August. I went out walking and caught random Americana on my iPhone camera. Made this City Haiku and TikTok Haiku based on my walk.
Monday, September 18, 2023
Recaptured but Not Forgotten
Another acrostic picked from the news by Mike Mesterton-Gibbons. Read it now at Oddball Magazine.
This Tuesday, September 19: The First & Last Word Poetry Series Online
Featuring Mary Bonina and Mark Pawlak.
Q & A Open Mic .
Sep 19, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada.
Email Harris Gardner at tapestryofvoices@yahoo.com for Zoom link information.
Don't Want to Score ANY Points on This Test
Anne Skove is back with a almost-too-scary-to=be-funny comic this week. Read "She Who Laughs Lasts" at Oddball Magazine.
Submissions Open Today for MIDLVLMAG's DRESS CODE Issue
From the Mid-Level Management Literary Magazine (MIDLVLMAG) submission page:
DRESS CODE is the clothing we wear, the image we present, the requirements set before us by corporations in the pursuit of uniformity and consistency.
DRESS CODE is personal, intimate, a klaxon / clarion call to let others know who we are.
DRESS CODE is the compromise we make to put food on the table, the morals we sacrifice to fit in, the opportunities we take to get ahead.
DRESS CODE is our innermost self as expression, as art, as code, as signal, as call and response. DRESS CODE is ubiquitous camouflage, overt isms, the way it’s always been.
Click here to find out how to submit.
Summer 2023 Disappointments: Deta Galloway Leaving
Earlier this summer, I heard Deta was heading back to Georgia. I though I could help with the move, but I couldn't even scramble for the time or energy to grab boxes.
For all I know, she has already left. She deserved a hero's farewell. I just hope I can see her one more time.
New Breakout Character
So this is what happens when Chat GPT writes your comic. See last week's strip to catch up and then read this week's "The Secrets of Skinny People by Geoffrey Fallon. Kicking Monday off with style at Oddball Magazine.
You Go, Girl
On Sunday, the news cycle celebrated Vanessa Williams becoming the first black Miss America ever only to have her relinquish her crown due to nude photos that surfaced. When her music career took off, "In Living Color" put out this music video that probably summed up her true feelings about the ordeal.
Last Submission for the Summer
Finally submitted to the latest limerick-off from Madeleine Begun Kane. You have until October 14 to submit your own limerick with "find," "fined," "defined," "refined" or "confined" at the end of any one line (or one on the theme of feet, or a generated random word challenge).
Summer 2023 Highlights: Memes for Dying Twitter
The memes while Twitter was burning to the ground were priceless.
Summer 2023 Highlights: The New Verse News
I try to post events in chronological order, but I went back and forth on this one because the OceanGate travesty happened just before summer. Then I realized the poem I wrote about it, "Tourist Trap," was published right at the very start of summer. Proud of what I wrote on such short notice. Hope to have a video reading of this poem up soon.
Summer 2023 Highlights: Boston Pizza Festival
First time ever going to the event. First time having a Sicilian in ages.
Winning. Plus I got a funny TikTok video out of it.
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