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Poetical Moments

Do we really know when does appear the unique poetical moment? Are we sure that all the poems are actually the manifestation of that peerless poetical moment? Don’t we know that most of the poems are actually the outcome of editorial compulsions? If one asks any individual poet, I believe the answers would certainly be different. One can always ask, whether this poetical moment is actually a rare phenomenon or a common one. Those who are prolific writers, do they actually live in a constant flux of poetical moment? Otherwise how can one produce volumes of poetical creations years together?  Every moment is actually the manifestation of instantaneous time span. So I ponder whether these unique poetical moments do appear constantly in the creative mind of the great poets.

It seems that these unique poetical moments occur more often in those poets whose sensitivities are too deep and widely spread. It is only so that the poetical creations of these poets move their readers with great vigor. And we the readers follow those poets so eagerly. I do believe this is the foundation of their superiority. Yes those rare poetical moments of which we are discussing, are really peerless, which have seas of sensitivities of great poetical minds in the background. And without these sensitivities I don’t think poetical miracle is possible. And here is the difference between the great poets and the common poets. We come to this truth only when we realize world literature in its true sense.

Suppose all the great poets have been offered to discuss the actual stories of those poetical moments of their famous creations. They have to narrate the innermost feelings of any particular moment of which their famous poems have been written down. Those poems which kept us bemused down memory lane. Those poems that had been rediscovered again and again by different eras, according to their own values; the poems that reveal universal truths; the poems that had reformed the literary cultures of the upcoming times; suppose if it was possible to know the true stories behind those famous poems!  Besides those originals poems! Can we imagine the experiences?

Might be that most of us would have been taken aback. If the real truth would emerge out of the blue, I fear, most of us would find it really embarrassing to know the innermost secret after comparing it with one’s own interpretations. Again to many readers, it would have been a great opportunity to get poet’s own story about the poem itself. Yet many critics would certainly raise an argument that this may confine the literary strength of the poem itself. The inherent power of poetry lies in its multi various dimensions of different interpretations among its readers. Even the different literary eras may differ in their literary interpretation of the same poetry. Now if the readers depend on the poet’s story then the poem will remain standstill and lose its progression among time and space. Different readers and different eras would react in the same manner which would eventually kill the splendor and mysticism of the original poetry. Then how can a reader take shelter in his or her beloved poems when all the mysteries are lost?

Actually if everything is get discovered there wouldn’t be any space to fathom farther. So also with the poetry, if we see the curtain raised reveling the actual stories of the poetical moments then all the enigma associated with the poem would certainly evaporate into thin air. Yes, there will be the end of the poem.  Many readers and critics may agree with these arguments. But if this is the real case, then it will be real calamity for the lover of poetry. Only for the literary researchers this may open up new dimensions for their works. The deep inherent chemistry between the poets and their poetry may reveal new truths, which may be real blessings for literary researchers.

Yes this may be the reactions of readers of poetry. That may still differ from person to person, which is quite natural. Now let’s try to understand how these amazing poetical moments actually occur. That creates some deep impacts in poets’ consciousness. A poet is a good translator of these deep impacts through his words and phrases. Already it has been discussed earlier that these poetical moments vastly depends on the magnitude and the depth of poet’s sensitivities. It may differ from poet to poet still it is important how a poet actually interprets his time and space, how he or she interacts with his or her surroundings through personal emotions and intuitions. How best one can recreate the innermost feelings into the canvas of personal wisdom? These poetical moments when germinate through poet’s experience of life and cultivate through poet’s wisdom of time and space can only be enriched in universal and eternal truth. And that is the time frame when a great poem actually emerges. The readers can find shelter and take rest in that poem. The poem that can extends human values among its audience in the literary horizons year after year; the poem that will bear the poet’s signature in the literary fraternities of world literature is the true significance of the poetical moment of any poetry.

It hardly matters, that we try to discover those poetical moments or not. Even it hardly matters for the world literature also. Even for the poet himself or herself it matters little because already that poetical creation has become complete that will tune up the eternal truth in universal time and space which will remain as the light house for the readers of world literature for years together. The poet’s word will then carry the flag of the civilization in its literary beauty.

Yes, we in our limited capacity do try to nurture that poetical moments in this monthly web journal. This month we are presenting near about three hundreds of romantic poems of eighty poets from all over the world. We are really overwhelmed to get the response from our poets to make this Romantic Poetry Special Edition an authoritative one.

Our Poetry Archive is pleased to introduce poet Scott Thomas Outlar as the Poet of The Month. We hope our readers will enjoy his interview. Those who would like to participate in our upcoming editions, please send three poems and a profile picture, a short Bio written only in 3^rd person narrative along with the explicit confirmation of author’s permission for publication of the copyrighted materials in Our Poetry Archive well before the 20th of every month. Please specify, in the subject line of your email, which edition you are submitting to, to avoid any confusion, and to assure your poems are published in the correct edition. Those who are submitting to any Special Edition, please state your country of origin, mother language, nationality, and where you reside. Thank you! Our Poetry Archive’s email address is: ourpoetryarchive@gmail.com

From The Editorial Desk

OPA

A

WORLDWIDE WRITERS’ WEB

PRESENTATION!

PUBLISHED BY

OPA

OUR

POETRY ARCHIVE

ONLINE MONTHLY POETRY JOURNAL

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SCOTT THOMAS OUTLAR

OUR POETRY ARCHIVE FEATURED

POET OF THE MONTH

SCOTT

THOMAS OUTLAR

DECEMBER 2017

OPA How long have you been writing Poetry? We would like to know the early stories about your growing up as a poet or writer in general. Who are your favorite Poets? What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write? Had they inspired you a lot, do you believe in inspiration as a guiding force behind writings at all?

SCOTT: I’ve been writing poetry in a general sense for going on close to twenty years at this point, but much of that time was spent simply experimenting with different modes of expression as I developed my overall style. It is only in the past three and a half years that I would consider myself to be a serious poet, committed to the craft itself and the process of publishing for an audience. Poetry has always called to me through music, and I’ve been drawn to song lyrics since I was a child. But while growing up and attending classes in school, I admit that the cannon of classical poetry seemed stale to me, and it didn’t capture my attention or interest in those early years. My mind wandered more toward the imaginative visions provided by comic books, science fiction, and fantasy in those days, and these types of stories are what I emulated in my own writings as a youth. Now, though, I am a great admirer of contemporary poetry and have a desire to devour the work of those who are alive and relevant to the social structure in this current climate. It is those creating art today who wield the power and responsibility of setting the path toward a potentially brighter tomorrow. This is where my focus remains centered.

           

OPA What has been the toughest criticism given to you as a writer? What was the biggest compliment? Did that change how or what you write?  What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

SCOTT: Critiques of one’s work, I believe, are a necessary and important aspect of the process. To receive an honest review from contemporaries can be helpful in many cases. Having several subjective perspectives from respected readers can lead toward a larger objective understanding of the material; its strengths and potential weaknesses. However, there is also criticism born of jealousy and ego, and this type of nonsense I simply cannot abide. Readers and editors have been very kind toward my work, generally speaking, and for this I am extremely grateful. Perhaps the biggest compliment I’ve received so far has come in the form of Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominations.

OPA What is your favorite poem you have ever written? Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

SCOTT: It’s difficult to choose a single poem in this regard. Much of the decision depends on what my current mood might happen to be and which piece best fits that particular energy. The opening poem in my forthcoming book, Abstract Visions of Light, is titled “Transcending Definitions.” It has been translated into Albanian, Afrikaans, and Italian during the past year. So I’m proud that it has been able to reach several distinct audiences. Its theme deals with the true spirit of art being less about monetary gains (though this is also important in life) than it is about originating from the true depths of one’s creative expression. My style has hopefully progressed and evolved since I first began writing poetry. In the beginning I was focused more on crafting lyrics that had melody and musicality in mind. So there was more rhyming and an intention of making sure stanzas had similar rhythms in the structure of their dancing syllables. I still enjoy this method on occasion, but overwhelmingly my poetry is written more in free verse form at this point. I liken it to photography in the sense that I’m trying to capture a snapshot of time. Crystallizing a certain emotion or particular energy of the moment.

OPA What has been your favorite part of being a poet or and author? What has been your least favorite?

SCOTT: My favorite part of writing is the freedom of expression it allows. It can be a therapeutic practice when necessary, and this can serve to be positive for personal reasons. But mainly what brings the greatest joy is when I’m able to bring my individual perspective on a micro level to a larger audience and connect with readers on a macro level of the basic human condition. Perhaps the only worry I have at times is when I overextend myself and take on more projects, or offer more promises, than my plate can hold. I never want to let others down, but learning how to kindly say no to certain requests has been an important step for me to learn in life. 

OPA Did you get to quit your day job and become a writer and/or author, or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

SCOTT: I’ve held several sorts of jobs in the past. Working in a book store, helping manage the operations of a painting contractor business, delivering newspapers, and supervising a discount grocery warehouse that catered to low income families, among others. Right now, I am interested in the prospect of working at a juice bar, as one day owning a health food restaurant is a goal I’ve long dreamed of. In the end, jobs are one thing, but I always consider writing to be the true work that fulfills my purpose and mission in life.

OPA Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do? What genre are you most looking forward to explore during your writing career? Why?

SCOTT: Some hobbies that I enjoy all fall into the general category of health and wellness. I love to take mindful walks around the city where I live, especially to local parks where I can sit in the woods and work. I played baseball in my youth, but now tennis has become my favorite sport because of the physical and mental pressure it creates that forces one to remain focused on the present point, not letting momentum ever swing out of control. I also enjoy researching nutrition, diet, and living food supplementation in the effort of maintaining the highest degree of health I possibly can on every level. Mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Though I must readily admit that a nice bottle of wine along with a feast of seafood is also on the list somewhere. We must have some semblance of balance in life after all! One genre that I would like to explore more in depth is non-fiction, as I’d eventually be interested in writing a memoir about my life’s journey thus far. However, there are a few more chapters that need to still be lived before I seek to pen such a tale in detail.

OPA: Do you think literature or poetry is essential in our life? If so why? How does it relate to the general history of mankind?

SCOTT: I would assume that there are certain people and/or groups/societies that are able to peacefully and happily live without having poetry or literature play a role in their everyday lives. Certain tribes in remote areas, indeed, have no written language to this day. Yet they survive, though likely with some sort of oral tradition that is passed down. In the end, human interaction is all that is truly necessary for the spirit to survive. But to thrive? This is an entirely different question altogether! Our experiences, short of being shared telepathically (which I do believe is possible to some degree), need to be written down so that they can be passed along through the generations. In the beginning came the word, then the shelter of caves, and eventually painting upon the cavernous walls followed suit. Thus arrived the first documented expressions of art/poetic thought. There was an inherent desire for one person to pass on the lessons learned from their life to whomever might happen to glance upon those primitive etchings. Was it, though, the thought of helping the next hunter down the line understand where the buffalo roam? Or just that tricky ancient artist ego bubbling up and wanting someone to admire their beautiful mind writ large? It’s like the age old question of how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop. The world may never know.   

OPA Our readers would like to know your own personal experience regarding the importance of literature and poetry in your life.

SCOTT: Literature (especially comic books in my formative years) served to expand my mind, develop my vocabulary, and spark my initial interest in becoming a writer. The most important aspect poetry has played in more recent years since I began publishing has been introducing me to an incredible network of friends and contemporaries from around the world in various circles. Our shared love of the written word has led to some of the more memorable experiences I’ve enjoyed thus far in life. One of which was having the opportunity to visit London, England this past October and perform at The Poetry Café alongside Heath Brougher and Matt Duggan. As thrilling as the journey has been to this point, I’m even more excited about what the future has in store moving forward.

OPA Do you think people in general bother about literature in general?  Do you think this consumerist world is turning the average man away from serious literature?

SCOTT: I think it’s fair to say that the love for literature in the United States has declined in recent decades. I can only comment about where I’ve personally lived. In part, the style of rote memorization in the education system is at fault, but there is also a noticeable drop off in attention spans that comes from easy access to television, internet, and various technological gadgets that can be found constantly in the palm of our hands. Having said that, I do believe the pendulum will swing, the scales will shift, and humanity’s will to evolve will shine through again. There will surely arrive a new cycle in which an appreciation for intellectual pursuits enjoys a righteous return to glory.

OPA If humanity tries to understand tradition and modernism; do you think literature can play a pivotal role in obtaining understanding?  If so, how? Again, how can an individual writer relate himself or herself with the tradition and modernism?

SCOTT: Literature can certainly play a role in this regard, as general trends, styles, cultural mores, traditions, fashions, dialects, philosophies, and religions of each era are captured and crystallized by the writers who served as sociologists of their time by creating fossils that can be looked back upon by future generations to compare and contrast. In this way, current writers have a basic foundation upon which to stand as they craft new editions to this reciprocal cycle.

OPA Do you think society is a factor in shaping you as a poet, or your poetry altogether?

SCOTT: The political and economic atmosphere inside and outsideof the United States has served as a key influence in my writing. I have been contributing a weekly poem at Dissident Voice since the summer of 2014, and my work there often deals with subjects of cultural and societal concern. Speaking out against corruption in high places and standing tall against entrenched institutions that are disempowering to the human species are important aspects for any artist to tackle. It is not the most enjoyable material to deeply research or pen, but it is vital nonetheless.

OPA We would like to know about any influences that has inspired your poetry and writings.

SCOTT: Through the years I’ve been inspired greatly by countless authors, artists, musicians, and teachers, but a short list of some of the most important would include: my mother and father, Hunter S. Thompson, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Campbell, Joe Casey, Roger Zelazny, Robert Silverberg, Eddie Vedder, Maynard James Keenan, Charles Bukowski, ThichNhat Hanh, Jesus Christ, Lao Tzu, and the Buddha.

OPA We would also like to know; how do you relate the present literary trends with the literary heritage of your country? 

SCOTT: I am far from being a scholar or expert on the literary heritage of the USA, but generally speaking I think that the trends of this society have always been multicultural because of the melting pot aspect of how many different types of people have travelled here from other countries to assimilate. And so this has been reflected in there being many strains of literature available, if not in academic circles then at least in smaller cliques, cults, and scenes of the underground. To this day, it seems that the same type of energy is reflected in the wide breadth of material that can be discovered if one but peers beyond the institutionalized cannon and sets eyes upon the small market and independent presses that publish such great work.

OPA Do you believe that all writers are the product of their nationality? Is it an incentive or an obstacle in becoming an international writer?

SCOTT: It seems to me that local cultures within the larger nation state serve to influence individual writers more than anything. The experiences of their core environment (family and general community) are more important in shaping their views. To consider another perspective, however, in this age where the internet connects almost the entire world at the press of a button, all cultures have begun blending to a certain degree. Perhaps now the path toward being an international writer is more wide open than at any other point in history.

OPA What 7 words would you use to describe yourself?

SCOTT: Dreamer, Romantic, Hopeful, Peaceful, Spiritual, Simplistic, Optimistic.

OPA   Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

SCOTT: I would just like to take a moment to appreciate the editorial staff at Our Poetry Archive for supporting my work and providing an opportunity to answer these questions. It has been a wonderful experience for me, and I hope that the readers at your venue will consider picking up one of my books if they find enjoyment in my work. Thank you!

SCOTT THOMAS OUTLAR hosts the site 17Numa.wordpress.com where links to his published poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, reviews, live performances, and books can be found.

The editorial staff of this project: Stacia Lynn Reynolds and Deborah Brooks Langford; sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.

SCOTT THOMAS OUTLER

SCOTT THOMAS OUTLER

WHIMSICALLY BLISSFUL

Missing pieces

are plucked

from your heart

and mine

to build a bridge

that crosses

the ancient divide

with a single path

that aligns

what each of us needs

to complete

the divine puzzle

of our new life.

 

COMING OF AGE

The poet speaks of love

as an abstract emotion,

as a pure essence,

as a longing of the heart,

as a grasp toward the ineffable,

as a projection of mystery,

as a hope for better days,

as a journey through life’s labyrinthine maze,

as a path through the murky haze,

as a whisper of something whimsical,

as a passion without boundaries,

as an effort to reach a state of perfect peace.

Yes, a poet speaks of love

in this way

until love is finally found,

and then a poet learns

to speak of love

as fact,

as certainty,

as purpose,

as principle,

as absolute truth

born from eternal salvation.

 

FOREVER MUSE

I can taste

fifty years

on the tip

of my tongue

in the blink

of an eye

and all that time

you will reside

as the brightest light

that constantly shines

in the front

of my loving mind.

The star of my sky.

The age of good wine.

The sweetest of sighs.

The blessed divine.

If I can accomplish

just one thing

every day

for the rest

of my life

it will be

to find

new ways

each morning

in which to adore you.

 

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

The girl with a song

for every occasion

helps me learn

a new lesson about love

every morning when

my eyes open to the world

as her music greets

the romantic space in my soul

that's been waiting asleep

until the dream finally awakened

The girl with thirteen

turquoise jewels in her hair

has diamonds for eyes

that shine brighter than gold

from the depths of the sky

down upon an open field

full of yellow stargazer lilies

lighting up the world

with their fresh scent of hope

 

TRANSCENDING DEFINITIONS

Art is not an institution…

it is an inner fire

born out of those

whose eyes pierce deeply

into hidden burning beauty.

Art is not a class taught by Academia…

it is a holy vibration

pulsing through the veins

of those who sense the truth

of this world’s perfect purity.

Art is not a transaction…

it is a soulful expression

that has no choice

but to be released

as a reflection of the Source.

Art is not a sales pitch…

it is an intense emotion

coupled with a vision

of crystalline transcendence

that ruptures open new dimensions.

Art is not yet ready for the grave…

it is a raging protest

against the mortal flesh

that sings the sweetest melody

about overcoming life’s suffering.

SCOTT THOMAS OUTLER

MIRLINDA KOXHA

MIRLINDA KOXHA

COLL FOR THE LOVERS

As autumn leaves lieon  the ground.

I won't to sleep on the lukewarm....

the clutter stinks with fire.

To day i am writing from the bottom of the soul!

February adorned completely

With heort ond words, images

With red robe.....

They also require a day

To beautify the warld,

Just for a day to love...

even though somebody with a lump

of fever.

To a waken the feeling of love

Forever...

Can not stand this

beauti ful leaf.

Now this completely dried sound.

Form your Sights or world,

These sensations disconn

E cted from myself....

The female feeling strikes

hard

Aver these ...!

Repetition always

On the male side..

'You like me ,you like me'

I won't to uproot this word,

From my fading heort!

MIRACLES

On the vase moved,

I waved my hand

and courageous

hand embroidered,

In mind, I started to squeeze ...

Three verses on business,

where they were hiding

in the fabulous "oasis" ...

The miracles continued,

nice to spill:

"At the edge of the star ...

enchanted by the forest ...

a whole nature ... ".

I thought I forgot

since I started ...

A voice was released to me,

deep somewhere in me, ...

The miracle began,

Started the miracle, ...

Inside me

something was boiling,

all of a sudden ...

It seemed to me

that I was sleeping ... on fantasies

With my heart I felt

that I was grown ...

Touch with hands and mind

All Miracles ...

MY GREETING

I have the mon mon,

Skinned in the sky,

I proy to mother

Why didnot i sumbathe..

Ifi was sunny,

Up in blue,

I would like to have a bride

The nazi moon itself

Stones on the ring

I would have the star's...

MIRLINDA KOXHA