A Message from the President, July 2010
by Susan T. Moss, ISPS President
Now that we are in the thick of summer and the National Federation of State
Poetry Societies convention is over, I would like to share some thoughts about
my time in Memphis, Tennessee, where it was held. The first noteworthy point
is that ISPS received four awards for participation in various events including National Poetry Day and Poetry Month, serving as an example of Order and Method in our organization, Award of Merit for Outstanding Youth Activities
plus state participation in the 2010 Manningham Poetry Contest. We were among
the highest recognized states due to members' interest and efforts to grow our society.
An enduring impression I have is how poetry is a natural icebreaker. The poets were on equal footing and eager to share their work at morning and evening open mics and to discuss the operating procedures of their state societies. There were also several presentations about poetry and related areas plus a book room to sell our own work. Although state groups vary in organization styles, the goals are the same—share ideas and words that create a poetic environment.
Some of those ideas were more formally offered by invited poets and speakers
during the morning and afternoon sessions. For example, Cathy Moran from
Arkansas stated that poems should have "an angle" or specific "view" and could
start with something like "I knew the minute I walked in the door..." or "I didn't mean to tell you...." She also suggested avoiding common word use and to write with active verbs and vivid description. In related but more philosophical points shared by Mississippian Randy Smith, "We write about what we know to discover and understand what we don't know." Creating metaphors can help do the search and say so much more than explaining in straight narrative or conversation. Smith also quoted Robert Frost who said, "If the poem doesn't offer surprises to the poet then there won't be a surprise for the reader."
From a historical view, Jonathan Randle, also from Mississippi, pointed out
that the paradigm of poetry spans four thousand years and continues to "privilege the scope of emotions, immaterial, and intimacy poetry embraces."
As in Aristotle's "mean between two extremes," a good poem captures rather
than strains content and style. Dr. Randle finished with the concept that we poets share a community of exchange to hold something in common which can change our culture and stop "the mud slide."
An added attraction was the keynote speaker and poet Lola Haskins who shared
some of her poetry relating to the 1860s in Florida where she lives. Her writing, energy and performance were part of the highlights of the convention.
I would like to mention that the next NFSPS convention will be June 16-19, 2011,
in Dearborn, Michigan, at the Dearborn Inn. A feeling of esprit de corps with
poets including from Illinois, learning first hand that three ISPS members won something in various contest categories, hearing views that might be new or
worth revisiting, laughter and experiencing Southern hospitality are some of the things that I enjoyed. It would be worthwhile for members to consider attending next year.
On another note, Bonnie Matheis, from the Illinois Center for the Book, has asked me to request members who have book and biographical information on the Illinois Authors website to update their profiles. This would be very helpful for all concerned.
Finally, members should be aware of future events in October. We have been invited for a second month long display of our poetry in the Evanston Public Library where we had a show in April. The other invitation is from the Northbrook Public Library for their annual arts night on October 1, 2010. We have been asked to read our poetry again and share in the reception beforehand. Further details will be forthcoming for both these opportunities.
Happy writing,
Susan T. Moss
stm48@hotmail.com
Poetry readings will be featured at The Brewed Awakening, 19 W. Quincy Street, Westmont, on Sunday, September 26. Featured poets and poetry open mic from noon to 1:30; music from 1:30-2:00 pm.
Cover charge of $5.00 includes coffee or tea and a muffin. This event is sponsored by the Illinois State Poetry Society, the Westmont Area Friends of the Arts and Brewed Awakening.
