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National Poetry Month

Xylophone

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The length of the bars determine the sound
Vibrations ring out as hammer comes down

Melodic music of depth and of tone
That strange little instrument…the Xy-o-lo-phone!

One note struck…or sometimes two
At the same time, as we players will do

Beautiful harmony, sings out through the air
At home football game or State country fair

I stand at the back, of the orchestra pit
Or right up in front…I sometimes will sit

Playing my chimes, with dings and with dongs
Adding so much, to the orchestra’s songs

As kids we all got one, on Christmas tree morn
We banged on its bars, till Dad’s ears were torn

The one in the orchestra, sounds much better now
The chimes are in tune, with the conductor’s deep bow

Now I don’t have to play, in my room all alone
The crowd they all love…my XY-O-LA-PHONE!

—David Kettler

David Kettler
David Kettler

WOK National Poetry Month Project 2015

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Terry Redman
Terry Redman

April is National Poetry Month.

Many groups are hosting poetry challenges during the month. If you are engaged in one of these Writers of Kern celebrates your participation.

Writers of Kern invites its members to celebrate locally by submitting original poems to the WOK Blog.  In that way, you can share your poetry and receive comments from fellow members.

Here’s how it works:

  • Send your poem(s) to submissions@writersofkern.com between April 1-30, 2015. Send one, five, or more poems as the spirit moves you.
  • Important: Include a headshot so we know who you are. “Hey, I know that poet.”
  • Be sure to visit the blog to read and comment on poetry by others. Repeat often.
  • If you are posting to another poetry site or participating in a poetry challenge, feel free to share your poems with WOK as well.
  • Always remember, poetry is for fun, for expressing the soul, for sharing with others.
  • No grand prizes, just poetry from the heart to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Please check out Portia Choi’s post on National Poetry Month events around Bakersfield.

 

Words of the Valley: Poetry

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April is National Poetry Month inaugurated by Academy of American Poets in 1996.  In Kern County, National Poetry Month started 2010; now an annual event.  Initiating the events in Kern County was influenced by two poets who have passed on.  They are Helen Shanley, who was a founding member of Writers of Kern, and Lee McCarthy.  They influenced poets while they were living; and continue their influence from the memory of them and the beauty and truth of their poetry.

This year, three college/university campuses will have poetry events:

  • NPM kick-off event Valley Life:  Poetry about our Community, April 9, 7:00 p.m., Levan Center for the Humanities, Bakersfield College
  • Readings by Local Poets, April 21, 7:00 p.m., CSU Bakersfield, Dezember Room of Stiern Library
  • Reading by New York Times Published Poet Joseph Lease, April 30, 1:10 pm to 2:25 p.m., Taft College Cougar Room
  • April is Jazz Appreciation Month: Jazz and Poetry, April 26 at 2:00 p.m., Center for Spiritual Living

Other events are:

  • Poetry Open Mic featuring LisaAnn LoBasso, April 3, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee
  • Feel, Heal, Write: Poems by Portia Choi, April 18, 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Art and Spirituality Center, Mercy Hospital,  2215 Truxtun Ave.

All events free to the public.  For more information call (661) 717-1346 or email ssportia@aol.com.