Mandatory National Poetry Month Post

For the Young Who Want To

by Marge Piercy

“Talent is what they say

you have after the novel

is published and favorably

reviewed. Beforehand what

you have is a tedious

delusion, a hobby like knitting.

Work is what you have done

after the play is produced

and the audience claps.

Before that friends keep asking

when you are planning to go

out and get a job.

Genius is what they know you

had after the third volume

of remarkable poems. Earlier

they accuse you of withdrawing,

ask why you don’t have a baby,

call you a bum.

The reason people want M.F.A.’s,

take workshops with fancy names

when all you can really

learn is a few techniques,

typing instructions and some-

body else’s mannerisms

is that every artist lacks

a license to hang on the wall

like your optician, your vet

proving you may be a clumsy sadist

whose fillings fall into the stew

but you’re certified a dentist.

The real writer is one

who really writes. Talent

is an invention like phlogiston

after the fact of fire.

Work is its own cure. You have to

like it better than being loved.”

Ahh, poetry…

I discovered this particular poem through Karen Finneyfrock’s blog. If you haven’t read any of her work, I would recommend taking a look at Ceremony for the Choking Ghost. She kind of reminds me of Billy Collins, as he is the only other contemporary poet that I find myself capable of reading. Also, the cover is quite aesthetically pleasing. This is a plus for me, as I purchased my copy at its full retail price over at Elliott Bay Books. Which I will occasionally do because I love that bookstore.

neck + tattoo = x-core

Anyway, Finneyfrock is awesome, and due to her position as one of the two writers-in-residence over at the Richard Hugo House here in Seattle, available to chat about her awesomeness. Or your own desire for awesomeness.

I’m still debating whether or not I should request such a consult. Which I’m actually serious about. Well, both of the previously stated things. Both that she is available to meet to discuss writing, and my consideration.

Since I never know what to ask in these situations, situations where you’re free to pick one’s brain, I’m hoping that someone, anyone, will leave a comment with viable questions that will make me either sound ambitious or professional. Professionalism trumps ambition, but their viability is essential. If I go in there without fully-formed questions or ideas, my overriding impulses will make it an incredibly awkward situation for both of us. Mostly her.

Anyone got anything good? General suggestions will suffice.