Welcome to Open Link Night!! I’m Joe Hesch and I’ll be your host. Our byword for tonight is “Confidence.” I mean confidence as a working artist and as a fellow artist among the murmuring crowd around you.
C’mere let me whisper a little secret to you. Sometimes approaching writing a poem, or any writing project, makes me feel like I’m once more in my high school French II class, looking longingly at the back of Ellen Herkenham’s head, her long brown hair tempting my teenaged nose and fingers. I want to ask her out so badly, but I can’t find the words. Or I can find the words–which I would no doubt mumble quickly and unintelligibly–but I keep them bottled inside for fear of ego-smashing rejection.
As a bartender and gadfly (but not a barfly) around here, I’ve heard so many have that same feeling when we want to write or want to show our work to someone other than the cat, dog, or bird (I have it on high authority goldfish are unread Philistines).
I tell these folks it’s okay to feel that way. Probably more than half of us have that hesitance. Never worry about mingling and sharing with this crowd. We’re all here for the weekly mixer of the poetically afflicted.
You’re all probably sick of my going on about American poet William Stafford (who, along with Ernest Hemingway and Ron Carlson, is my “teacher”), but old Bill talked about such “shyness.” he said:
“A writer must write bad poems, as they come, among the better, and not scorn the ’bad’ ones. Finicky ways can dry up the sources … To avoid the flaws might lead to one big flaw–the denying of leads that carry the writer on.”
So carry on and write free, friends. Feel as free to share your work with us without fear, because it’s YOUR work and that’s what we’re here for.
So put that poem on the bar and turn around and talk to that attractive artist behind you. He or she might be “the One” to make your evening special.
If you’re new to the pub, welcome, and here’s how you can share with us:
▪ Post a poem to your blog,
▪ Link your poem to dVerse (1 per blog, please) by clicking on the Mr.Linky button below.
▪ This opens a new screen where you’ll enter your information, and where you also choose links to read. Once you have pasted your poem’s blog url and entered your name, click Submit. Don’t worry if you don’t see your name right away.
▪ Don’t forget to let your readers know where you’re linking up and encourage them to participate by including a link to dVerse in your blog post.
▪ Visit as many other poems as you like or can, commenting as you like or can, as well.
Spread the word on the poems you enjoy if you’d like. Feel free to tweet and share on the social media of your choice.
mrsmediocrity said:
Welcome, joe, and happy open link night!
Joseph Hesch said:
Hi, Jo!
Nice to see you here first!!
Joseph Harker said:
Dang, beaten to the first comment! 🙂 Happy Tuesday, all…
Joseph Hesch said:
Joseph, I’m the bloody host and I always come in second, AT BEST! Welcome to the pub!!
Madeleine Begun Kane said:
Thanks as always for hosting this! Here’s my Leading With Limericks.
Brian Carlin said:
Here we go again…. May the festivities begin… Lookin forward to the undiscovered treasures about to be unleashed :-))
Dulce said:
Ah… this is so true- NEVER have I felt what I write is poetry… everyone’s IS poetry except mine…
Love this Joe- It gives me confdence!
Thanks for hosting and whispering that eternal truth to all us poets or Eternal-Poets-To-Be
🙂
Joseph Hesch said:
Well, if the intro doesn’t give you confidence, and this hand on your shoulder doesn’t, here, have a glass of this!
Don’t you worry, Dulce. You’re a terrific poet!
claudia said:
happy OLN…and yeah…it’s all about finding the right words…thanks for tending bar joe…looking forward to seeing you all out on the trail
Joseph Hesch said:
I’m a one-handed typist/bartender, gimpy, but I’m with you, Claudia!!
Steve King said:
Evening, Joe. Nice to be with the crowd again. Looking forward to some good reading.
Joseph Hesch said:
Can’t swing a cat around here without bumping into something you’ll like, old friend.
tashtoo said:
Wonderful, uplifting welcome, Coach…I can feel my shyness slipping right of my back 😉 Here’s to you and all you do to foster poetic relations! Happy OpenLinkNight!
Joseph Hesch said:
Shyness, Tash? LOL My lovely , dear friend, you brought this boy out of the darkness, too.
wcg1670 said:
welcome back Joe….glad to sip a few with you…I am dressed appropriately here, but my words this week ???…not so much
Peace
Joseph Hesch said:
Don’t you worry. We write them and leave them by roadside. Every piece is up to interpretation. Just love the process and the comments. You’ll feel better every time!
C.L. Sostarich said:
Hello Joe and happy Tuesday everyone! Looking forward to another great afternoon of reading :).
Beth Winter said:
Hiya, Joe 🙂
Hesitance is human nature. Sharing opens up the possibility that what we created won’t be appreciated. There are times when I have entered a competition and as the judge visits my work, I sit with butterflies and a sick feeling that won’t let me breathe until after the comment is posted. Nonetheless, if poetry is never shared, the voice is never heard. Sometimes, I share the crapola that I should keep tucked away and sometimes when I share crapola, I find out it isn’t as bad as I imagined.
Fabulous article and wow… what a smile.
Thanks for hosting tonight. Since I’m still at work, perhaps some coffee is in order. I just picked up my car from the repair shop and they would prefer that I stay awake while driving so they don’t have to patch it together again.
Joseph Hesch said:
Need all those faculties to navigate those rolling ocean roads of Kansas, Beth. Be careful! We’ll be here when you get home!
Laurie Kolp said:
Five minutes and I’m #39!
Laurie Kolp said:
…make that 42 after refreshment.
Joseph Hesch said:
My computer said 2:59PM and I refreshed and there it was. Even the host is a minute behind, Laurie. Typical Joe, though. Psyched to see you here!!!!!
Laurie Kolp said:
Thanks… I came back to tell you how much I love your post… and thank you for it. I always feel so comfortable around everyone here.
Linda Kruschke said:
Thanks for hosting Joe! Can I get some peanuts to go with this ale? Okay, off to read at least the 4 who beat me on the Mr. Linky list even though Mr. Linky taunted me by saying I was first. 😉 Peace, Linda
Joseph Hesch said:
Linda, just realize NO ONE beats Anthony to the #1 spot. Takes a lot of pressure off. LOL
Welcome to the Pub!
Linda Kruschke said:
Joe, I was actually quite happy with the #5 spot. For one, it’s my favorite number, and the highest rank I’ve had before is #20. 🙂 The real fun is in reading as many poems as I can get in on my lunch. Linda
~L said:
A short write this week after my previous post has taken so much mental confusion out of me I just feel stuck… I’m thankful to read and share words with so many others!
~L
Joseph Hesch said:
The quality is the key here, ~L. And yours is prime quality verse!!
Daydreamertoo said:
Thanks to Joe for hosting and to everyone at dVerse for running such a great pub. Have a fab night all 🙂
Amy Jo Sprague said:
Joe! Good to see you here! ( I’m kinda new) and you’re in excellent voice! I’m glad you talked about that because I’m having major shyness issues and self-criticizing (well poem-criticizing) my work. Im excited! And again, great to hear your talented voice!
Joseph Hesch said:
Thrilled to see you, Amy! Always love speaking to you. Don’t be shy. You’ll be great!!
Buddah Moskowitz said:
Hi everyone, Have a great time and if anyone needs a designated driver, I’m your man. – Mosk
Gwen Dubeau said:
Happy open link everyone…nice statement Joe!
I brought some winter beauty to the party tonight. People and places like this allow poets to grow and be as good as they are. Thanks to all for that opportunity!
Have a good night.
Joseph Hesch said:
Hi, Gwen. Your packages of photos and verse dress up every week, heck every day. Thanks for stopping by!!
Mary Mansfield said:
Wow, already a bit crowded in here tonight! I linked up something a bit on the sassy side, just the kind of mood I’m in today. Have a great night everyone! 😛
ladynyo said:
I LOVE William Stafford…haven’t heard anyone lately mention him, but he…along with Frost and a few others, have been some of my favorites.
Today I post “Olsen’s Pond”….a Winter poem. Unfortunately, we have been robbed of any Winter here in the south…..sob.
Lady Nyo
Joseph Hesch said:
Hi! I was turned onto Stafford by one of my oldest dearest friends who I connected with after 30 years!! Her husband was a student of Stafford and together they are major members of the Friends of William Stafford.
Have a book signed by Kim Stafford, too. Old Bill IS American poetry of the mid-20th Century for me.
Thanks, Lady Nyo!
ladynyo said:
I’ll have to look into this society, Joe. Stafford is one of the best and most unread of poets that have a reason to be read by students of lyrical poetry. Stafford sings for me in his work.
Thanks, Joe, for reminding us of his incredible contributions to mid-century work.
Lady Nyo
Ruth said:
had fun with this one… happy OLN, everyone!
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
A long queue for the bar again I see. “Set ’em up Joe (not the first time you’ve heard that I bet) Igot a little story I think you should know” about Paris in the early 20th century and the poets, painters, dancers, artists, women who wanted freedom, people who wanted a drink (prohibition here) and fled to the city of lights. Come along then the cows are on fire! Be seeing you guys out on the trail.
Joseph Hesch said:
So good to see and hear you, lovely lady!!!
Thank you for being here to help prop up this gimpy old poet guy!
hedgewitch said:
Thanks for hosting, Joe. That intro sure describes me when I first started blogging–I was afraid to even let my poems be seen for awhile, then I took a gulp and jumped in, and it’s been a great experience ever since.
I’ve posted mine, but I’m having some difficulties with my right arm that make typing excruciating, so I may not be able to visit as much as usual till that calms down. In fact, I’m heading back to the ice pack and pillows as we speak. I’ll miss you guys till I get back functional.
Joseph Hesch said:
Dear Joy, I’m doing this one-handed myself. Broke a left rib Thursday morning. Excruciating!
But I’m working on Tasha’s poetry high!! 😉
OK, and better living through chemistry. LOL
Thanks for commenting! Be well, dear!
hedgewitch said:
Sorry to hear that Joe–that smarts! If I had a little of that chemical help I’d be doing a bit better myself, ;_) But Tash will def psyche you up for some poetry.
Joe Hesch said:
The dear girl is a force of nature, Joy. I call her my North Star.
Anna Montgomery said:
I hope you feel better very soon Joy!
hedgewitch said:
Thanks, Anna. Better today.
CC Champagne said:
Wohooooo! I’m so happy to join in again… Feeling the creative juices returning slowly, but here I am! Oh, and for those of you on Blogger/Blogspot, I am having problems commenting there at the moment, so please interpret my silence as if I’ve read your poem and loved it (for now)! *blushing*
Joseph Hesch said:
Hi, CC. Your comment came through loud and clear.
Secret #2: I’m not known for being the most romantic poet guy, myself. But sometimes the heart cracks open and you never know what’ll gush forth.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jody (@costa_jl) said:
New post on the open link night, woop woop! An oldie but one of my favorites: Rio http://www.presssendpoetry.com/2010/02/rio.html
Adrian Giannini said:
Morning all from Oz…once again I need coffee, maybe some toast? lol
Myrna said:
Thank you Joseph. Your words are so encouraging. I always feel a little out of place here, among so many talented writers. But, so nice that you accept whatever comes from the heart, regardless of flaws.
Now, with a little more confidence, I post my poem.
Joseph Hesch said:
Heck, Myrna, “I” feel out of place here most of the time! So many of us feel like the artistic outsiders.
If I have any effect on this place, this night, it’s to help you feel confident enough to join in.
See you around!!
claudia said:
it’s great to see you in the pub myrna…don’t ever feel out of place here… and hey….you could teach us some zumba later…smiles
wordsandthoughtspjs said:
Linking up a poem written during the summer. Happy open link all!
Pamela
Ginny Brannan said:
Hi Joe, Thanks for hosting today, and thank you for voicing exactly how I feel with every piece I’ve ever written; timid, anxious– wondering is it fair, does it work, or is it just plain horrible. Nice to know I’m not alone!! I’m saving that quote by Stafford as a reminder that it’s okay to feel this way, and the important thing is to keep writing.
Good to be here with this wonderful crowd that’s gathering. See you inside!
Joseph Hesch said:
It’s from a book of essays and interviews by Stafford called “Writing the Australian Crawl.”
A must-read, as Tash would say, for ANY writer. He talks about his process, submitting, “artists.” It’s a go-to book I keep next to “Ron Carlson Writes a Story” and “The Sun Also Rises.”
Lovely to see you, Ginny. Hope evrythings going well for you and your family!!
Ginny Brannan said:
Appreciate the info on the book, will definitely have to pick that up to read and keep for reference. All is well here, thanks for asking! And again, thanks for hosting! Always a pleasure to hear from you and read what you have to say!
Kavita said:
It’s always a pleasure being here…
Joseph Hesch said:
And it’s always a joy to see you, Kavita.
Adura Ojo said:
Hi guys!
Nice to be here again after a long Christmas/New Year break.
Shaista said:
Wow, the speed at which dverse poets write and enter their links takes my breath away!!! It’s kind of fun – like being in a race just for the heck of it – just to run, to fly, to be inside of speed, and feel the whirlwind of other poems carrying yours along.
claudia said:
yes….and it’s wonderful….love the cumulated poetic energy…smiles
ManicDdaily said:
Hi Joe! I am not very early today. A lot on my mind, but so glad to see you. Thanks for your post. K.
Joe Hesch said:
Glad to see you, K.
Believe me, I know the crowded mind better than I know the crowded pub. You’re here; we’re happy you are.
It’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned!
colleen said:
Michael Meade told a story about William Stafford writing a poem a day and when someone questioned how that could be done, Stafford said, “Lower your standards.”
I rowed in my moonboat over here.
claudia said:
and you brought the blue sea with you…smiles
brian miller said:
seriously joe…i dunno what you are doing but we may make you host all the time…100 people in just over 2 hours…goodness gracious…smiles…this is an excellent intro as well as i said on twitter…perfect man…see you out on the trail…
Joe Hesch said:
I don’t know, Brian. I think folks have just been waiting for a post-holiday week to hang loose, kick back and express themselves about life.
Or maybe it’s just kismet, which is a fancy poet word for what I would call dumb luck.
Glad you’re pleased.
Ravenblack said:
Great post, Joe. 🙂 My offering this week seems to fit as I had doubting myself a lot lately.
Cheers!
Joe Hesch said:
Cheers to you, Raven!
As you can see, doubt may be as much a part of this poet stuff as paper and pen.
claudia said:
106 poems linked up before i go to bed…this is a new record…goodness…this place is crowded and i LOVE it!!!
brian said:
sleep well claudia…
yelena said:
Hello, everyone..I’m new and a bit shy ))Have discovered many wonderful poets here. Thanks for open linking and all the best 🙂
Yelena.
brian said:
welcome…hey we are all human underneath these poetic disguises…and always great o have fresh faces in the crowd…
Daniel said:
Ah, food for my soul! Need poetry this week. Actually, I need poetry every day! 🙂
Two offerings from me this week, going for the lyrical approach, so if anyone would care to put them to music?
http://djwpoet.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/we-belong/
http://djwpoet.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/all-i-can-do/
Misfit said:
Happy OLN!!1
Eve Redwater said:
I got in there at 108! 😀
brian said:
woot woot that is a covetted spot btw….smiles. great to see you again…
Eve Redwater said:
Cheers Brian! Well, I do like the number 8… 😛
Jody Collins said:
Hate that I have a day job……….always feel like I’m late to the party over here on the West Coast, submitting at #114…..but Thanks for the invite anyway!
seingraham said:
Well – first of all – welcome Joe! This is a great prompt even if I did end up falling back on something in my pack-sack, as it were … the confidence thing is an ongoing topic for sure and don’t we all go through the peaks and valleys every blessed day (or so it seems?)
Joe Hesch said:
And that’s what makes what we do so wonderful.
Thanks for stopping by and your comment.
Jerryj said:
I have been a little hesitant to link lately because of lack of time to drink some poetry…ah, maybe a coupla shots. My 26th anniversary and V day is coming up so here’s a little syrup in the mix.
brian said:
wow 26 years…that is awesome jerry
CM @ A Little Lilac said:
I linked up for the first time. Not really a poem, more like free flowing prose 🙂
brian said:
yay great to see you CM!
~L said:
LOL! I totally added the wrong post!!!!!!!!!! IT was a post about PMS… that is not what I meant to share:) lol!!!! oops~ here is the real post:) http://untitledmoments.com/2012/01/31/untitled-i-cant-title-a-moment-if-i-really-dont-know-what-it-is-it-just-is-untitled/
brian said:
hey it was…interesting…smiles…
Joe Hesch said:
You know, I dig emotion and feeling in any form of literature. And, living with nothing but women in my home, I KNOW PMS!!
Welcome back, ~L!
Glenn Buttkus said:
No alcohol for me, Joe–write better on diet Coke.
You make a hell of a fine host, sir, and your bar-tending
skills are superb. You realize that you have to be a
social worker and shrink too, part-muse and part
patriarch for the fledglings and old birds alike. Thanks.
Came late, but with a double handful of sweet
poetics.
Joseph Hesch said:
So glad to see you, Glenn. Yeah, sometimes this old guy even has to turn his collar around and read some of those confessional poems. But I keep secrets well.
I was light with the ice in that Coke, buddy. Enjoy.
Sheila said:
thanks, Joe. Great encouraging post here! Hate to be late but the pen was a bit dry today until a conversation between my daughter and I happened about thirty minutes ago.
brian said:
that was a hoot sheila
Joe Hesch said:
Just write, Sheila. That’s the lesson.
I wish I could do it every day, but that damn Life thing keeps sticking its leg out and tripping me.
Just glad that you posted, and more so that you stopped to chat!!
claudia said:
good morning poets… snow over here and freezing cold…this will be a bit of a slippery ride to work…should go back to bed..smiles
already did some fencing 5:30 am in the kitchen with the potato peeler against some rebellious oranges….ha… my son just shook his head…
will catch up with the overnight crowd in the evening as i need to start work early today.. see you…
brian said:
travel light claudia and be safe out there…the fencing sound…um intersting…smiles…a good group tonight…and now that you are awake i can go to bed…
145 poets…blowing my mind tonight…will see you all in the morning to catch the overnights….great night tonight all….
gracefulglider said:
Time zone difference makes me slightly late but happy to join the wagon. Good to meet y’all.
Joe Hesch said:
Welcome, Wanjiku!
I fight time zones every day with my dear friends in the UK, South Africa and Australia.
But, compared to Anthony Desmond, we’re all behind! 😉
Cheers!!
Duane said:
Late getting to the party,little verse I penned over the weekend. Long day at work.
Joe Hesch said:
Hi, Duane!
Work and the rest of my “real” life steal too much of my “want-to” writer life. Glad you could get it on paper and join us!!
Seek the Sun said:
Finally made it to the pub. Better (really) late than never. Month of January was tough and my poems flat-lined for awhile. Too much personal drama. Thanks for jump starting my urge to find my way back to words. Not sure about anything anymore except I love to paint word pictures. I’ll take that drink now…thanks
Joe Hesch said:
Better than half-way there. I’ve flat-lined so many times!
You’re doing great!! What’ll you have? I’m listenin’
Tony said:
Wow it’s busy in here! I come in for a quiet coffee and find 156 people here before me!
Good to be back after a couple of weeks vacation.
Joe Hesch said:
Yeah, it’s hard to be shy when you have to Vasoline your hips to get through this intimate little crowd to the bar. So glad you made it, though!!
patriciaspreng said:
Bah… I screwed up my posting… and have tried again. =) Thanks Joe for hosting… as always.
Shawna said:
I was out with the kids all day/evening yesterday. Sorry I’m jumping in so late. But I’ll catch up today.
And oh my, over 160 poems to read! 🙂
Joe Hesch said:
Glad you made it, Shawna!
brian miller said:
goodness gracious poets…jumping in at lunch to catch a couple before i am back to work…lots of good versing going on…
Joe Hesch said:
It’s a beautiful thing, Brian. I’m glad I could be part of it.
I’m especially glad because I have to type everything through a narcotic fog with one hand! This has been good medicine, brother!!
dani said:
i’ll be back to have a g & t and visit everyone tonight! ♥
brian said:
officially our largest gathering ever….wow…
claudia said:
1182 views just on tuesday…
Shawna said:
Awesome. 🙂