Welcome to the pub all, regular patrons and new guests alike, for our 38th Open Link Night. This is hedgewitch (Joy Ann Jones) and I’m womaning the bar, serving a word-thirsty crowd of poets come to share their own brews and swig a stein or a glass or a mug of all the very dVerse offerings on tap tonight.
If you follow the news at all, you may have heard that we lost a prominent writer of our times this week. I’m talking about American poet and essayist Adrienne Rich, who began writing poetry as a child in an upper middle class Baltimore, Maryland household, published her first work as a young Radcliffe graduate, transitioned into activism during the Viet Nam War era, and died last week at the age of 82. Poet, feminist, outspoken politically and immensely gifted, Rich won many awards, and turned down several very prominent ones, including The National Medal of The Arts in 1997, for ethical and political reasons, saying in her refusal letter that Art “…means nothing if it simply decorates the dinner table of power which holds it hostage.”
Some may know her from her most anthologized early poem, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, or another prominent longer poem, Diving into the Wreck, also the title of her 1973 collection, which won The National Book Award in 1974 . While I had read these poems and a few others, sadly, I found that I knew little of Rich, so I’m taking this opportunity to learn a bit more about her and share it at the pub, where poetry is always in the central spotlight.
In the wake of her death, a lot of obituaries and write-ups have emerged, a few of which I’ve cited and linked below for those interested in finding out more about her.
The New York Times says, “Widely read, widely anthologized, widely interviewed and widely taught, Ms. Rich was for decades among the most influential writers of the feminist movement and one of the best-known American public intellectuals. She wrote two dozen volumes of poetry and more than a half-dozen of prose…
“Triply marginalized — as a woman, a lesbian and a Jew — Ms. Rich was concerned in her poetry, and in her many essays, with identity politics long before the term was coined…
“For Ms. Rich, the personal, the political and the poetical were indissolubly linked; her body of work can be read as a series of urgent dispatches from the front. While some critics called her poetry polemical, she remained celebrated for the unflagging intensity of her vision, and for the constant formal reinvention that kept her verse — often jagged and colloquial, sometimes purposefully shocking, always controlled in tone, diction and pacing — sounding like that of few other poets…”
She has an extensive biography at The Poetry Foundation where you can read several of her poems and articles as well as see her bibliography in full.
NPR Books also has an in-depth article on her, examining her life, her approach to her work, and her poem Turbulence, from her last book, Tonight No Poetry Will Serve(2010.)
All of Rich’s poems are still under copyright, of course, most to her publisher since the 1960’s, W. W. Norton & Company. so I will leave you with just an excerpt from one of them to whet your appetite, part of her numbered series published in the pamphlet Twenty-One Love Poems (1977), incorporated into Dream of a Common Language (1978) which seems to me of interest to us as writers:
VII
What kind of beast would turn its life into words?
What atonement is this all about?
–and yet, writing words like these, I’m also living.
Is all this close to the wolverines’ howled signals,
that modulated cantata of the wild?
or, when away from you I try to create you in words,
am I simply using you, like a river or a war?
And how have I used rivers, how have I used wars
to escape writing of the worst thing of all—
not the crimes of others, not even our own death,
but the failure to want our freedom passionately enough
so that blighted elms, sick rivers, massacres would seem
mere emblems of that desecration of ourselves?
by Adrienne Rich, from The Dream of a Common Language. Norton. 1978Audre Lorde, Meridel Lesueur, Adrienne Rich 1980
(Ms. Rich is shown far right.)
by k.Kendall on flick’r shared under a Creative Commons 2.0 License
I hope this has gotten you in the mood for some poetry, because that’s what we’re all here for tonight.
If you’re new to the pub and don’t know the drill, here’s how it works:
- Post a poem on any topic to your blog,
- Link in the poem you’d like to share (1 per blog, please) by clicking on the Mr.Linky button just 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, simply click submit.
- 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, commenting as you see fit.
- Remember, we’re here for each other. Engage your fellow poets, talk, chat, comment, let them know their work is being read, and enjoy the input you also will receive. Feel free to tweet and share on the social media of your choice.
- Finally, enjoy. We’re here to share, appreciate, and learn from each other.
brian miller said:
great intro hedge….and sadly a poet that i never really got to know prior to her death….seeing all the tributes this week has been something of an education
hedgewitch said:
Thanks, brian. It’s sad that it takes someone’s death to get a headline in this world.
brian miller said:
true that hedge
brian miller said:
did someone here order non fat jelly filled chocolate covered doughnuts?
hedgewitch said:
Don’t torcher me bri–and if i get my jaws on a pastry, it better NOT be non-fat!
brian miller said:
smiles….
Wander said:
I wouldn’t mind a Bismark…Maybe with a glass of very cold milk 🙂
I always post so late…I’ll be around checking out the words in play today!
Wander
Daydreamertoo said:
Thanks for hosting tonight Hedgewitch/Joy. I never heard of this lady but, will certainly go read up on her now.
Thanks to all at the pub and, have a great night all.
ManicDdaily said:
Hi Joy, Thanks so much for all of that. I’ve been working on a poem inspired by Rich but it is still pretty run-on and fragmentary, but hopefully will get it together before 82. I also had read bits here and there but not enough.
I’m sorry btw to have wasted your time this morning; I did pull together something a little bit scalpelesque. Ha.
What a world. k.
hedgewitch said:
Waste my time? I enjoyed that scalpel slicing and dicing. I’ll be back though to see what else you’ve been up to.
theparakeetlady said:
she does sound amazing. I look forward to reading her, Joy. Thanks for introducing her to me. That rivers and words line is just magnificent in a gorgeous poem.
And yes word thirsty indeed — perfect way to describe this poem insatiety of our Tuesday link madness.
Mama Zen said:
What a loss for us all.
hedgewitch said:
Yes, but 82–and she had a lot of pain. I feel like the loss is my fault for not getting around to reading her much. Thanks for checking in, MZ.
John (@bookdreamer) said:
Revisited a biographical poem I wrote 4 years ago about the death of a friend.
John (@bookdreamer) said:
Coincidence that your introduction also linked to a death. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of her. But then I have more fingers then poets I do know. 😦
hedgewitch said:
It’s not easy to gain recognition as a poet, for sure. especially when you tend to annoy those in authority. I’m always finding new poets, especially of current vintage, that I’ve never read. Talent does not equate to celebrity–sort of stating the obvious, eh. Thanks for joining us tonight, John.
hedgewitch said:
Welcome one and all. We’re off for a wild ride tonight on words, and I look forward to seeing what everyone’s chosen to share with us. Don’t be shy, come join us, and don’t fret if your link takes a few minutes to show up–the crowd kind of rushes the door at opening time around here.
chris said:
Wonderful intro and celebration of Adrienne Rich.
*** said:
What an elegant post about this lady of strong lines.
Thank you for acquainting me with her.
hedgewitch said:
You’re very welcome, and thanks for your comments at my place. Always good to find a fellow lover of Thalia.
claudia said:
i have not heard about her until today… but def. will check her out… she seems to be a fascinating woman and excellent poet…thanks hedge for throwing some spotlight on her and for tending bar…and happy open link night everyone…
Becky said:
Yay!!
Ready…. Go!
beckykilsby said:
Yes, an important poet for sure and one I read a few years ago..she made a deep impression. Thanks for hosting, hedge and look forward to sharing The Knowledge.
A toast to diving into wrecks i think.. 🙂
hedgewitch said:
They say it’s safe if you have the proper gear. *lifts glass*
beckykilsby said:
*clink*
hobgoblin2011 said:
Hedge, thanks for hosting OLN this week. Should be a good one. Thanks
hedgewitch said:
Welcome, Fred–always a good one when I get to your place.
Anna Montgomery said:
‘but the failure to want our freedom passionately enough
so that blighted elms, sick rivers, massacres would seem
mere emblems of that desecration of ourselves?’
She knew how to call us out and you’ve written an excellent introduction to her work. I must admit she fired me up and I’m on my highhorse tonight about environmental ethics. I apologize for any spelling errors up front. With NaMoWriMo and business commitments I have been a bit hurried. Thank you immensely for the article and hosting.
hedgewitch said:
Always good to see you at the pub, Anna.
James Rainsford said:
Something seasonal and humorous from me for Easter.
Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/GBdjLk
claudia said:
smiles yes…was a fun poem..
kelly said:
I was so sad to hear about Adrienne Rich, it was a loss for the poetry world.
Glad we are all here to, in part, honor her passing.
skyraftwanderer said:
Many thanks Hedgewitch for the hosting.
Should be a great poetical night. Squee! Going on 25 ain’t been half bad.
Mary Mansfield said:
Glad to see everyone in the Pub today! I linked up a quatern I finished up earlier today. Looking forward to reading some great poetry! 🙂
Anthony Desmond said:
Hi Hedge, nice intro! didnt know about Adrienne Rich until her passing – ugh…
hedgewitch said:
Yes, as poets, we need to get used to the idea that our names are probably not going to be household words. Good to see you, Anthony–number one as always, too!
Hannah Gosselin said:
Wordthirsty indeed, Hedge!! Thank you, for hosting! Cheers and smiles all @!
hedgewitch said:
Good to see you hannah–welcome. We’ll try to quench your thirst.
Hannah Gosselin said:
I always leave here quenched! A well-spring of worth in words! Thank you, Joy-Hedge!!
claudia said:
i always leave here drunk…just saying…smiles
claudia said:
on poetry of course…
hedgewitch said:
Of course–that’s why we’re all stumbling into bed at 3 AM. ;_)
*** said:
Is poetry good for the liver, you reckon 🙂 ?
hedgewitch said:
Better than the alternative–I hear no poetry will drive you to drink.
brian miller said:
in poe-
try, i hear
makes your live(r)
quiver
Hannah Gosselin said:
Inebriated indeed!! 🙂
brian miller said:
dish umboby sez sumfin?
Hannah Gosselin said:
Hehehehe!! Dunno can’t member… 😉
stu mcp (hate & hope) said:
Great intro and article hedge…as usual cannot WAIT to see what people have penned this week…always a blast
hedgewitch said:
Loved yours, Stu–classic stuff.
Brendan said:
Looking forward to a fun fray! Glad we have so august and feral a person manning, uh, womanising, uh, operating the, er, taps tonight. You set the “bar” plenty high with your fine lead on Adrienne Rich. “Modulated cantata of the wild,” indeedy. It may have been Rich who asserted that poetry is the animal expression of our human nature, very primal, the very thing that both makes us and devours us. Well, here’s to good eatin’ tonight. Over at the Well, Beatrice helps herself to a Dante manwich — and finds it lacking. Sorry Charlie …
hedgewitch said:
‘Kay, no fair making the bartendress(?) laugh so hard she spills the brewskis all over the customers, Brendan. Yes, that line about the wolverines caught at me, as well. She was excellent with short sharp images like that. The images in your own piece of the Inferno are rather towering, themselves ,even if the Dagwood effect makes them fall over at times, and that skewer of Venus/Beatrice would be great for an ego kabob.
ladynyo said:
Joy, thank you for these words on Adrienne Rich. I didn’t read her extensively…but kept coming across her name and quotes by her in different poetry books. What I did read was refreshing, and off the beaten track in my opinion. I will definitely delve more into her poems in a serious way. Yes, sad that we find this poet, who has been amongst us for 82 years….only when she has died.
For those who commented last week, thank you. I have had vertigo, and it has really constrained my reading and writing. Also my responding and visiting other sites. I am recovering, and will this week make a better attempt at the rounds.
Right before I went into hospital I wrote this blog entry on Haiku, Tanka and the Troubling issues of Yugen and Mono-no-aware. I tried to learn more about the above and cobbled some new haiku and a poem….all related to Spring and my work (cut short) in the garden. I have really missed the study of haiku, and poetry in general. Make hay (poetry) while we can!
Lady Nyo
hedgewitch said:
Good to see you here as always, Jane, and glad to hear you’re feeling better. Take it easy–we like having you around.
tashtoo said:
Fantastic welcome tonight, Joy! Thanks for sharing this wonderful poet who’s words have shaped more than a generation…
hedgewitch said:
She’s right up your alley, Natasha–lots of attitude about speaking truth to power.
CC Champagne said:
Feeling so much better this week, I think I might actually pay a round tonight!!! *smile* From the deepest dark last week to something far more cynic but less suicidal this week… Though I’m not sure it’s really done… Anyway, would love to hear thoughts on my NaPoMo inspired Epith… Epitham… Epithalamamamumion… Epithalamium. *cheers*
yelena said:
thanks for introducing to a wonderful poet i did not know…and thanks for hosting the night, hedgewitch 🙂
hedgewitch said:
You’re most welcome, yelena. So glad to see you here and sharing your excellent poetry with us.
kez said:
So nice to see familiar names here …some will forever live in my mind and inspire me , who needs international recognition with such great writers and creative s that participate here …great that sometimes something we may write may inspire just one person. The poet you have spoken about will live I’m sure in many peoples minds and hearts for their eternity …..thank you so much for hosting and fab intro x x
darkangelwrites said:
Happy glorious Tuesday everybody! Its actually grey and drizzly here… guess the sunshine is the inside. Thanks for hosting Hedge 🙂
hedgewitch said:
Yes, it’s been raining here since early morning, too–but as a gardener I am not complaining, and I know you’ve undoubtedly written something to keep us warm, DA.
darkangelwrites said:
😉
brian miller said:
shine on darkangel…smiles…
hedgewitch said:
No lie, woman.
~L said:
I’m I grateful for the dedication you all put into this site…
Joseph Harker said:
Wonderful tribute, thank you!
hedgewitch said:
You’re welcome. Good to see you, Joseph.
Edward Rinaldi (@blindedbeatpoet) said:
Great opening…Adrienne Rich was one of most fiercely determined heralds of our lucid humanity i have ever read…loved the passage you selected for your introduction…thank you for doing so…
hedgewitch said:
You’re most welcome, Edward. I was trying for something that hadn’t been put up everywhere–that whole series of twenty one love poems is just extraordinary, I thought, going so far into love and out the other side, using that lens. Glad you enjoyed the article–it’s just a skimming of the surface.
charlesmashburn said:
Something silly with a serious side to it today. Happy reading, y’all!
Ruth said:
yes, great tribute, Joy – mine is something else again…
Rachel said:
Thank you for all that info on Ms. Rich. I haven’t heard of her and love learning about more strong female role models.
My entry: Hacktivism
Adrian Giannini said:
Morning all, now first an apology, as I have been busy with w$#k and so run down I have neglected to read to many writes this last few weeks, I will endeavour to rectify this and read read read, once Im home from w$#k 🙂
Ginny Brannan said:
Thanks Joy, for sharing the interesting and informative write up on Adrienne Rich. What a fascinating person she was indeed!
Running a bit late, I see I’ve missed the opening rush, but glad to have made it! Sharing something (actually a two-for-one) I wrote yesterday inspired by a photo prompt from The Mag. See everyone inside!!
brian miller said:
never too late and i am glad you put your bird piece in…i really enjoyed it ginny…def recommend a visit your way…smiles.
Ginny Brannan said:
Thanks, Brian! 🙂
Rosemary Nissen-Wade said:
I applaud your tribute to this great poet and hero!
PoppySilver said:
Wonderful tribute, sad loss, an excellent poetess 🙂 Love to all, have a good day/evening xoxo
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
Hi Joy. I was given a volume of her work five years ago, and have been reading her since. She is a shining beacon for women. I was saddened to hear of her passing this week. There have been many tributes on my fb pages.
Sorry my comment comes so late, we had an electrical storm and tornado alerts all afternoon and I lost power. Just restored a few minutes ago. Lost internet too, of course. Apparently tornadoes hitting all around me. One a few blocks away. Thankfully everything here is OK.
So I want to thank everyone who has come by to read the fairy tale I started some time back in response to Claudia’s poetics prompt.
Thanks again, Joy for all you do at dVerse and for tending the poetic bar tonight.
brian miller said:
be safe gay…saw the storms on the new wire…prayers to you…and lovely piece…great story telling…
hedgewitch said:
Yes, stay safe–Dallas got the big double hit apparently, but the storms are up and walking around and you never know where they’ll end up.
Chazinator said:
She was definitely an excellent poet. I haven’t had time to look at all of her work, but what I have liked immensely.
hedgewitch said:
She has the gift of being direct, though many of her poems are really long. So many poets I’d like to be reading…never enough time.
Kelly (Simply) said:
My computer doesn’t let me submit comments to other blogs. Regardless if it’s wordpress, blogger ect… Does anyone know why this might be?
But I have been reading your poetry and I love it!
Kelly
Kelly (Simply) said:
I can’t even reply to comments on my own blog!
brian miller said:
try signing out and then clearing the cookies on your internet service…be it internet explorer or firefox or whatever…it is usually found under ‘Tools’
hedgewitch said:
Okay patrons, I’m taking a dinner break–no jelly doughnuts, more’s the pity–but I’ll be back later, as long as the power stays on.
claudia said:
nice…enjoy your dinner hedge… i’m taking a sleeping break…good night poets..
brian miller said:
good night claudia…sleep well…
good eats hedge…
will hang around a bit and tend as needed…smiles.
hedgewitch said:
You’re great when it comes to pulling an extra shift, boss. You can leave the dirty glasses, and I’ll wash up after closing.
whimsygizmo said:
Wrote a poem this week patterned after after her “Dedications.” Have now shared on Linky. Thank you! Cheers! de
brian miller said:
cool…on my way over…
hedgewitch said:
really liked it, de.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks for a wonderful opening, Joy Ann, and your write-up about Adrienne Rich. Sorry to be late to the pub, as usual. Is my time zone an acceptable excuse? Or maybe that, in the winter, Tuesday is golf day!
brian miller said:
depends…how did you shoot? smiles.
welshstream said:
Just found this! What an excellent watering hole. Only started my poetry blog three days ago and looking forward to joining you all to drink in all the words.
brian miller said:
welcome man….come on in
Ravenblack said:
Posted mine. I’ll be hopping. Such a crowd!
brian miller said:
love the ride you took us on…buses and trains are def a fav of mine…
d smith kaich jones said:
my first time here. reading poetry as hail & rain pound the outside. kinda cool.
brian miller said:
welcome to the pub!
Semaphore / S. Peralta said:
Joy, that was a wonderful tribute to Adrienne Rich, and fitting that you’ve reminded us of her work tonight. The beauty of poetry is that it forges for us a little immortality – and through her poems, some part of Adrienne Rich lives on.
… For me, work, as usual, took a while, so I’ve just come by… and wow, what a crowd! I’m going to go get a bite to eat first, and after that will settle in for some poetry reading.
Looking forward to it!
brian miller said:
sam, great to see you…and a beautiful love poem you presented us with today man…
hedgewitch said:
Thanks, Sam. I agree, her poems keep her in our lives, as we hope will happen for us. Enjoyed your adaptation, a love poem of love poems.
Life: Between the lines said:
Glad to be linking in!
hedgewitch said:
It’s been an exciting evening, I’ve read some amazing stuff, and now it’s time for tired hedgewitches to climb on their brooms and fly away to their lonely, cobwebbed , toad-infested huts in the woods. I shall return tomorrow for a final round. Meanwhile, keep those hits coming people, we’re here till Wednesday midnite.
Lady Joanne said:
Thanks also from me, Hedgewitch, for the Adrienne Rich opening. Well done intro/summary of who she chose to be. I had heard of her, but I think only read one of her poems, and maybe an article about her. Loved the excerpt. A real deep gotcha.
Sorry to have been away so long. Muse went on vacation, I think, and I lost my little group I was doing pre-poetic meditations with. Found an interesting way to get connected to imagery and message again. I’ll be more regular. Really looking forward to getting back into checking out everyone’s stuff on my Google reader.
I’ve missed you all. 🙂
brian miller said:
welcome back joanne…glad your muse found you ready….
claudia said:
good morning,,, need a coffee and then back to read the overnights…
brian miller said:
nice….enjoy that coffee and the verse as well…have a great day and see you in the morning claudia…smiles.
brian miller said:
alright…heading to bed a bit early myself…will be back in the pub in the morning to catch the overnights….peace poets
claudia said:
peace..and sleep well…smiles
Colleen@LooseLeafNotes said:
She asks such thoughtful questions … what kind of beast? …. and … I am using you?
claudia said:
yep…met her only yesterday but she seems to have great depth in her writing..
Apryl Gonzales Sweet (@SweetApryl) said:
It has been a while and I’m excited to be able to join this poetic community once again 🙂
claudia said:
woohoo…apryl’s in the house.. great to see you
Amy Jo Sprague said:
I’m here and excited! Better late than never, right?
amy
claudia said:
ha..true that..welcome in the pub amy
hedgewitch said:
Glad you could make it , Amy
D.C. Lutz said:
So glad to have made it back to open link night. It looks as if I have a lot of great reading to do!
claudia said:
wow..haven’t seen you for a long time dustin….cool having you…will jump over to read in a bit..
Yousei Hime said:
At the bottom of the barrel. 😉 I’m not posting my own. Tonight I have an interview with poet-artist Marty Smith. This is in conjunction with Couplets: multi-author poetry blog tour. Come and read. Marty will read it too, so you can address comments to him, if you’d like.
claudia said:
that was an interesting interview.. enjoyed it..
Yousei Hime said:
Thank you. I enjoyed doing it. I’ll be doing another one later in the month. I’ll probably post it on OLN as well. Hopefully earlier than I did this one, lol.
1emeraldcity said:
A little late….but enjoying your brew tonight, Hedge. Cheers!
brian miller said:
had an early morning meeting so just making it back for the over nights…hope everyone is having a great day…in the 70s and sunny here…and ready to read some poetry…
Tino said:
Its been awhile, thought I would join you all for once and enjoy reading some of the many fine offerings. I can’t read them all, if I don’t manage to read yours, my apologies.
shamsud said:
This is my second month with Dversepoets and I amuct say that this is one of the best place in the web. I have shared a poem of mine for you all nice poets to review. Thank you for creating this wonderful space for learning and sharing
brian miller said:
why thank you…we like to think so…smiles….be over shortly…
Zouxzoux said:
Late, as usual! I’m linking to a poem I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Hope y’all had a fun night last night!
brian miller said:
really enjoyed it…your description really brought that bar alive…and nice characterization too of the musician…
tigerbrite said:
Just scraped in with a favourite of mine. I wrote new work for the last two prompts but was not in time to post either of them. Will enjoy reading. Thanks.
a. m. f. said:
I think I’m just under the wire…hello, HW. I just visited your place (and Marks) and read you were hosting with a tribute to Ms. Rich. I’ve posted the poem I wrote soon after her passing…but it isn’t very good. Rich was such an inspiration after I discovered her several years ago. Revisiting her work and thoughts reminds me to stay true to my voice…that it is okay for a reader to have to work when reading a poem. She also has reminded me that we must remember to honor our own, especially in the arts, women artists must be equal in ranks. Our talent is just a great. Thank you for this tribute, cheers ~ angela
claudia said:
good morning…..(stumbles in with tousled hair..) played some catch up with the overnights and closing the door now….pssshhhh… and sneaking out…smiles
Lydia said:
Great post, Joy. I quickly read a short obit in the newspaper, but your tribute got my full attention and I will check out some of the links. Many thanks for the educational and pleasing tribute.
hedgewitch said:
You’re very welcome Lydia. i enjoyed learning more about her myself. Taking a leaf from your book, as every Wednesday you educate me via your postcard meme.
Steve E said:
GOL DANG IT!! I missed the boat…maybe put mine up next week, but I guess that would be cheating. Hey, ENJOY the Easter weekend…EVERYBODY!
LOVE and PEACE!
Steve E