John Sibley Williams' Poetry Blog

From Colder Climates on Nook and Kindle

2012-01-26T23:46:00.002-05:00

From Colder Climates is now available for for your Kindle! CLICK HERE to read it.

Also available for your Nook! CLICK HERE to read it.

Both versions are only 99 cents!

The Longest Compass now out!

2012-01-26T23:40:00.004-05:00

My latest chapbook, The Longest Compass, has just been released from Finishing Line Press!

CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase.

Reveling in the pleasures of language, this work speaks with those "...words born of soul," words that do indeed "belong to neither the object nor the poet." As he evokes a world lit by multiple and masked suns, John Sibley Williams gives us oblique glimpses--objects viewed through the lenses of shadow, halo, dust, and fog. His poetry possesses the lyric power to "...hold together like a mouth/ the hard sea, harder earth,/ and what falls from our hands/ along the way."

- Paulann Petersen
Oregon Poet Laureate

- - - - -
John Sibley Williams opens his chapbook with a question: "Why fret the vastness of the world?" His answer is no matter where you are, every moment is an experience uniquely your own. It is regardless of whether you're in an Alpine meadows, or on the banks of the Danube, or somewhere in Vienna but what you make of the moment that Williams focuses on. "One bouquet takes the place of success, happiness." This chapbook is very much about living and relishing the moment, wherever that moment happens to be.

- J.P. Dancing Bear
Editor, The American Poetry Journal

Cream City Review

2012-01-13T18:26:00.001-05:00

I'm honored to the Cream City Review will be publishing my poem "Older Testaments" in their upcoming Spring 2012 issue!

From Colder Climates - out now!

2012-01-12T21:19:00.001-05:00

I'm excited and honored to have my latest chapbook, From Colder Climates, arrive today, featuring the mysterious and fascinating artwork of Mark S Struzan. There are two versions, the $7 'green' edition and the $12 'signature' edition. Alth...ough both are beautifully done, I'm truly taken aback by the latter version, which incorporates so many different paper types and hand-sewn designs and includes a stark black cover.

Thank you again Folded Word Press and its editor Jessica Sudborough Graustein for publishing it!

Book and ordering info is HERE.

Or you can always get it through me, and I'll include a nifty signed postcard from the book! :)

From Colder Climates now available

2011-12-26T11:20:00.005-05:00

CLICK HERE to order:

From Colder Climates
by John Sibley Williams

ISBN 978-1-61019-904-9 (Signature Edition) $12 + shipping
ISBN 978-1-61019-206-4 (Green Edition) $6 + shipping
ISBN 978-1-61019-008-4 (eBook Edition) $0.99

In this poetry collection, John Sibley Williams explores the inner and outer landscapes encountered on a journey to Iceland. As with physical landscapes, surprising perspectives are revealed by each step. Lava and ice, civilization and wilderness, family and solitude–these apparent contradictions collide inside poems which beg to be read aloud, just as their Nordic ancestors were around Iceland’s first man made fires.

Pre-orders are open now at our shop; the pre-order period will end on 7 January 2012. Customers who pre-order print copies will receive a free e-edition of the chapbook. Orders will ship beginning 8 January 2012, in the order in which they were received.

Signature Edition Broadside and Signed Chapbook

2011-12-20T22:51:00.002-05:00

This is a limited edition print broadside that features the poem "Winter" from the chapbook FROM COLDER CLIMATES by John Sibley Williams. Only five prints will be made, two of which are available for general sale immediately. Purchase of the broadside will include a Signature Edition of the chapbook. Shipping is included in the price.

CLICK HERE to view and perhaps order!

2011 Pushcart Nomination

2011-10-21T20:09:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to hear that Folded Word Press has nominated my work for this year's Pushcart Prize. Special thanks to J.S. Graustein, the Editor-in-Chief!

Click HERE for further information and the list of other nominees!

Sugar House Review

2011-10-05T20:56:00.002-04:00

I’m honored to find Sugar House Review has accepted my poem ‘Neglect‘ for their forthcoming issue.

Sugar House Review is an independent, semiannual print poetry journal based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Chaffin Journal

2011-09-30T17:42:00.003-04:00

I'm honored to say The Chaffin Journal has accepted my poem "The Voice in the Shell" for publication in their annual literary magazine.

Bryant Literary Review

2011-09-12T22:02:00.001-04:00

Wonderful news! I'm honored to hear Bryant Literary Review has accepted two of my new poems for publication in their next issue.

The End of Mythology- new chapbook acceptance

2011-09-07T16:38:00.003-04:00

I am honored to say that a joint chapbook, round-robin designed, with Anatoly Molotkov and I's work together, has just been accepted by Virgogray Press for 2012 publication!

Its title is 'The End of Mythology' and features short, distinct poems designed to work together as a conversation.

All our thanks to Michael Aaron Casares, the Press' editor!

First Wednesday Poetry Reading

2011-08-31T13:34:00.001-04:00

Come join us for First Wednesday, a series of readings, performances and wine-tasting, held at the Blackbird Wineshop & Atomic Cheese, 4323 NE Fremont, PDX.

Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 7-9pm.

This month's readers are Verlena Orr, Alissa Nielsen, and John Sibley Williams.

This show is 21 and over.

Autobiography of Fever (chapbook) now out!

2011-08-21T17:13:00.000-04:00

I'm honored to announce the release of my new chapbook, Autobiography of Fever. It's Bedouin Books' 2011 Annual Poetry Chapbook.

ISBN: 978-09832987-3-1 / 20pp.

$5.00

It's available via Bedouin Books, and there are excerpts posted to see if you enjoy what you'll read :)

I hope you pick it up and, more importantly, that it resonates.

Here's the back cover blurb:

‎'John Sibley Williams' poems carry Michael McClure's conversational tone along with H.D.'s explorations in an auto-mythology. we are taken to the poet's place of parallel lines along the path to a city still being constructed at once with doors, bridges, hydrangeas and rhododendrons. the machine in the garden rusts here as the poet pleads, sings and questions for all that is solid to melt into air with the feverish flight of the hummingbird. '

Counterexample Poetics

2011-08-21T12:16:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the editors of Counterexample Poetics for publishing a short suite of poems from my book Controlled Hallucinations. CLICK HERE to read it!

The Pinch Literary Journal Poetry Contest

2011-08-03T17:57:00.001-04:00

I'm honored that my poem "Description of the Sky" has just won 2nd place in The Pinch Literary Journal's annual Poetry Contest. The issue in which the poem appears should be out by September, 2011...

Talking Earth Reading and Discussion

2011-07-31T12:38:00.001-04:00

Chris Ridenour, John Sibley Williams and A. Molotkov on The Talking Earth,
KBOO 90.7 FM
Portland, OR, July 18, 2011

Hosted by Barbara LaMorticella, tech by Patrick Bocarde

http://www.amolotkov.com/TalkingEarth/

John Sibley Williams Book Launch and Art Party (5 poets, 2 artists)

2011-07-27T14:00:00.003-04:00

When: Thursday, Aug. 25, 6:30pm - (around) Midnight

Where: Oubliette Arthouse, 4705 N. Vancouver Ave, Portland, OR

To celebrate the launch of John Sibley Williams’ latest chapbook from Bedouin Books, Autobiography of Fever, there will be an exciting all night reading and art gathering at Oubliette Arthouse.

Poets A. Molotkov, Carrie Seitzinger, Johnny No Bueno, and Karen Wood Hepner will add their diverse poetic voices in two sets of readings, starting at 8pm and 9:15pm respectively.

This event is also part of the Alberta Art Walk, which this month will feature the incredible talents of local artists Staci M. Cole and Mark Struzan.

Doors open at 6:30pm and will remain open until the close of the Art Walk, so please stop in and experience these diverse poetic and artistic talents. Listen to some poetry, speak with the artists about their work, enjoy the full-stocked bar, and mingle with some of Portland’s finest emerging voices.

Controlled Hallucinations

2011-07-06T15:37:00.002-04:00

A short suite from my book Controlled Hallucinations is now available via Small Doggies, a Portland-based literary and arts magazine.

Click HERE to read them!

Two Acceptances

2011-07-05T14:39:00.003-04:00

I'm honored that today I received two acceptances for my work!

White Whale Review has accepted my new poem Today's Headlines and MAYDAY has taken two poems, What is Light and The Language of Shadows.

Review of David Tomaloff's chapbook "Exit Strategies"

2011-06-24T10:53:00.002-04:00

I recently reviewed David Tomaloff's new chapbook, "Exit Strategies", for Prick of the Spindle. I'd highly suggest reading the chapbook, which is available online for free!

CLICK HERE to read "Exit Strategies".

In this short collection of six conceptually and stylistically linked prose poems, David Tomaloff asks us to set aside our notions of reality in favor of his reimagined world of melting knives, neglectful wolves, revenge-seeking seas, and murderous punctuation marks. It turns out setting aside preconceived reality is easy when guided by the right hand.CLICK HERE to read the full review.

Saturday, June 18 at Noon- Market Day Poetry Reading

2011-06-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

Rumi Prize for Poetry Finalist

2011-06-11T01:01:00.002-04:00

I'm honored that my work was a Finalist in Arts & Letter's Rumi Prize for Poetry. My sincere thanks to the editors and judges of this year's contest...

Spring Edition of Poetry Quarterly is here...and it's FREE

2011-05-25T01:49:00.003-04:00

Spring 2011 Edition of Poetry Quarterly is now available both in print and FREE on their website. I'm honored that includes one of my poems.

CLICK HERE to give it a read!

Interview

2011-05-20T20:26:00.002-04:00

The Knives Forks and Spoons Press interviewed me about process, tropes, and all assorted goodies pertaining to my new chapbook they just released, The Art of Raining.

Just posted it to their blog. Click HERE to give it a read!

The Art of Raining is out now!

2011-05-18T14:37:00.001-04:00

My newest chapbook, The Art of Raining, is now available for purchase through The Knives Forks and Spoons Press. Click on the link to order. It's on their home page.

The book is going to print within the week, so hopefully the hard copies will be in my hands soon. It's 5 pounds (it's a UK press) or around $8.

I'd be honored if you'll give it a read!

Art/Words Reading

2011-05-09T19:51:00.001-04:00

Object Stories

Portland Art Museum- 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Friday, May 27
6:00 P - 7:00 P

Throughout the Portland Museum galleries, listen to local wordsmiths from the community as they share their stories, poetry, and short fiction in front of art objects that inspired these writings. Participants may include members of Write Around Portland, Literary Arts’ Writers in the Schools, and the Portland State University writing program.

I'll be reading my poem "Sleepless Harbor".

More info: CLICK HERE.

Oregon Poetic Voices

2011-05-04T11:54:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to join the Oregon Poetic Voices community...

Here's the link to my page.

Autobiography of Fever to be published in summer 2011

2011-05-03T20:56:00.004-04:00

My experiment with longer poems, Autobiography of Fever, has been accepted for late summer 2011 publication by Bedouin Books as part of their annual poetry series.

I'm particularly honored as Bedouin only releases one chapbook each year.

Bedouin is putting together a launch party, perhaps in September. Details to follow...

Barnwood International

2011-04-29T01:42:00.003-04:00

I'm honored to find one of my new poems in this issue of Barnwood International, a journal I've enjoyed for years. The poem is part of my nearly-completed book, Controlled Hallucinations.

Click HERE to give it a read!

First review of my chapbook: The Longest Compass

2011-04-27T16:07:00.002-04:00

By Paul Merchant- poet, translator, professor, William Stafford archivist

Donald Rumsfeld was frustrated by the "old Europe," where history is made gradually rather than in haste. By contrast, John Sibley Williams has gathered in The Longest Compass a sequence of poems celebrating those mature cultures. Moving from Vienna and Prague to Turkey and Greece, these subtle, perceptive poems enact a journey into a hard-won appreciation. They move from the bewilderment of "flowers without names" and "the wilderness below the surface" to gracious acceptance in the final poem, "Foreigner": "Comfort me, ignorance. / All these tongues / detach, reunite, / roll me in their mouth."

The early poems in this collection are illuminated by love for the poet's companion, and by the end we see the same love expressed in particulars: "Imagine mastering a landscape, even a single stairway." This poet has a tender heart, and can turn a memorable phrase. "Why fret the vastness of the world?" he says in the prefatory poem, in which "the world / fits snugly an eye socket, / is the size of the last dime / in your pocket / you've been saving / to quench your thirst." These poems have traveled a long way, and come to us loaded with experience. The Longest Compass is full of fresh and novel poems that unpack old secrets.

- - - - - - -

The Longest Compass is due out later in 2011 by Finishing Line Press.

John Sibley Williams: Agent & Publicist

2011-04-25T10:56:00.001-04:00

Dear fellor writers and friends,

To help support emerging and established poets and writers, especially those in our shared local community, I have set up a marketing and publicity agency geared toward those who want to ensure that their work reaches the largest possible audience, that their manuscript find publication, and that they have time to simply write without the burden of everything else involved in the publishing process.

More information can be found at www.johnsibleywilliams.wordpress.com.

Warmly,

John Sibley Williams

Bio:

John Sibley Williams is a poet and agent/publicist residing in Portland, OR. He has two Master’s Degrees (Creative Writing and Book Publishing) and has served as Acquisitions Manager of Ooligan Press and freelance agent/publicist for Three Muses Press, Carpe Articulum Literary Review, HoboEye, and individual authors. John has also worked with organizations, such as the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

His poetry was nominated for the 2009 Pushcart Prize and won the 2011 Heart Poetry Award. His chapbooks include A Pure River (The Last Automat Press, 2010), Door, Door (Red Ochre Press, 2011), From Colder Climates (Folded Word, forthcoming), The Longest Compass (Finishing Line Press, forthcoming), and The Art of Raining (The Knives Forks and Spoons Press, forthcoming). Some of his over 200 previous or upcoming publications include: The Evansville Review, RHINO, Rosebud, Ellipsis, Flint Hills Review, and Poetry Quarterly. John cofounded the Inflectionist poetry movement and works with the Moonlit Poetry Caravan critique group. He frequently performs his poetry and hosts discussions and workshops. His schedule is listed on his site, The Art of Raining.com.

Poets and Artists!

2011-04-21T14:22:00.002-04:00

Poets and Artists has just published two of my poems with accompanying audio recordings on their online journal.

Click HERE to give them a read and listen! They're listed on the right sidebar.

The Delinquent- Issue 14

2011-04-12T00:34:00.002-04:00

Issue 14 of The Delinquent, a UK-based publisher of short stories and poetry, is now available for purchase as a $1.50 download or $5 print edition! It's an attractive, 118 page book, containing two of my poems.

CLICK HERE to give it a read!

The Trouble With Resonance XIX

2011-04-09T02:21:00.002-04:00

I recently rediscovered a chapbook manuscript I was working on a year or two ago, tweaked and edited it, and began submitting portions of it this morning to various journals. The book is titled "The Trouble With Resonance" and is a very experimental work based on human attempts to approach the mathematically-impossible concept of squaring a circle and realizing in architecture and art nature's Golden Ratio. Definitions of these are below.

Good news? Within a few hours, Calliope Nerve accepted and published the last poem in the collection, Section XIX. CLICK HERE to give it a read!

Squaring a circle: Ancient geometers have proved impossible the task of precisely converting the area of a circle into a square in a finite number of steps with a compass and straightedge. As pi is a transcendental number, squaring is doomed to non-perfect accuracy, though man will never cease his attempts.

Golden Ratio: Two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio between the sum of those quantities and the larger one is the same as the ratio between the larger one and the smaller. In mathematics, it is the best known irrational constant. In the arts, this proportion is historically considered harmonious and aesthetically pleasing, spurring entire artistic and scientific movements.

Psychic Meatloaf Issue 3 out now!

2011-04-08T01:51:00.003-04:00

Issue 3 of Psychic Meatloaf is now available! I'm honored that it contains two of my poems. Similarly, I had work published in Issue 2, and the poetry in this journal is often quite striking and the voices unique. I'd suggest picking one up, and certainly not just for my work!

CLICK HERE to order a copy!

BluePrint

2011-04-06T12:10:00.001-04:00

When BluePrintReview editor, Dorothee Lang, discovered that two pairs of Issue 27 collaborators (Farfel Lombard with Rosemary Lombard and Staci Cole and I) lived in the Portland, Oregon, area and that Rosemary and I were friends, she suggested we blog about it. In fact, I was recently honored to present a discussion on my poetry process to Last Monday Poetry, which Rosemary co-directs.

Both Rosemary and I got the idea to submit from a mutual friend, Anatoly Molotkov (fine poet, novelist, musician, artist), when he posted the journal information on Facebook. If, back at submittal time we had mentioned sending our work to BluePrintReview, we wouldn't have been so surprised when it converged in a journal on the other side of the far ocean.

----------
Process:

The artwork for “Overtures” had already been completed by Staci Cole. When I saw the piece, I felt an immediate emotional resonance and also believed there was a story hidden within it— the ambiguity of poetry and concreteness of fiction. I set out to compose a poem wholly within my own style, using my own tropes, that both matched the mood of the piece and provided it with a literary context.

We have used this process on another work together and hope to eventually build a hybrid chapbook series of art/poem conversations similar to “Overtures”. Staci is also working on the cover art for my upcoming chapbook, The Longest Compass, due out late 2011/early 2012 by Finishing Line Press.

My Chapbook Door, Door is now out!

2011-03-30T21:34:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to announce my e-chapbook, Door, Door, is now available for FREE pdf viewing via Red Ochre Lit.

Click HERE to give it a read!

Door, Door is a 5-poem chapbook with a specific structure and theme and investigation (or so it seems to me).

I truly hope you enjoy it.

And do contact me (jswilliams1307@gmail.com) if you'd like a limited edition, signed and numbered, hand-made version of Door, Door. I only made 30 of them to provide at my readings, but I'd love for them to fly both near and far. Only $3 to cover the cost of materials.

From Colder Climates- my new chapbook

2011-03-29T19:47:00.002-04:00

I’m honored that Folded Word Press has just accepted my chapbook, From Colder Climates, for late 2011 publication!

It will be published as a ‘Green’ print edition, which is a cost-effective and earth-friendly hand-made edition, as well in e-chapbook format. I’d like to thank the editors for their incredibly kind words and support.

Psychic Meatloaf Isse 3

2011-03-26T13:12:00.002-04:00

Psychic Meatloaf has just accepted two of my newer poems for publication in Issue 3, due out online and in print April 2011. They were kind enough to publish my work in Issue 2 also, so I'm particularly excited to create a lasting relationship with the press. I'll let you know when the issue is out.

The 100th Monkey Studio art opening and reading

2011-03-25T03:15:00.001-04:00

To kick off the opening of The 100th Monkey Studio's new art exhibition, Recycle Reuse, A. Molotkov, David Cooke, Bruce Greene, and I will be presenting our poetry, likely with musical accompanyment. Come by to check out the new exhibition, stay for the poetry...

When: Friday, April 1, 7-9pm
Where: The 100th Monkey Studio
110 Southeast 16th Avenue, Portland, OR

Young American Poets

2011-03-22T20:42:00.002-04:00

My poem "Psalm Two" is now available at Young American Poets.

Click HERE to give it a read!

Accents Publishing

2011-03-22T12:34:00.002-04:00

Accents Publishing has just accepted two of my short poems for inclusion in their new anthology! It will be both in print and online beginning later in 2011.

The Henniker Review

2011-03-21T21:42:00.002-04:00

The Henniker Review, a journal of art and literature from New England College, has just accepted my poem "Traveling Through the Rust Belt" for publication in their 2010-2011 annual print edition! Details to follow when it's released.

Door, Door- My new chapbook!

2011-03-21T12:34:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to announce the upcoming publication of my new e-chapbook! Door, Door is a 5 poem chapbook to be published in April 2011 by Red Ochre Press.

It will be available in a free online pdf format from the Press (click HERE).

I will also be hand-making a limited edition version of Door, Door, available soon. It will only be $3, simply to cover the cost of materials. Please let me know if you'd like one!

Symmetry Pebbles

2011-03-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

Symmetry Pebbles, an online poetry journal for edgy, risk-taking poetry, has just published three of my poems in their latest issue, just out today.

Click HERE to read the poems!

Calliope Nerve

2011-03-16T16:42:00.002-04:00

Calliope Nerve, an online venue for exciting, edgy poetry and chapbooks, has just published 5 of my poems. They're part of my ongoing, book-length series titled Controlled Hallucinations.

Click HERE to read them!

BluePrint Review

2011-03-14T17:15:00.002-04:00

BluePrint Review, a online poetry and art journal in Germany, has accepted my poem "Overtures" for publication in Issue 27: Synergetic Transformations.

This piece was composed to be in conversation with an artistic piece created by Staci M. Cole, and both the artwork and poem will be published in this issue.

Last Monday Reading and Discussion

2011-03-14T15:50:00.000-04:00

Here's the flyer for my upcoming reading/discussion in Hillsboro. Hope to see some of you there! Alongside the poetry reading, there will be a discussion about the process and perspective behind the process, a Q&A about publishing poetry, and an open mic!

Five Poetry Journal

2011-03-14T11:41:00.002-04:00

Five Poetry Journal has just accepted three new poems for an upcoming online publication. The poems are part of my book length series titled Controlled Hallucinations, which use numbers instead of titles. However, the journal prefers titles, so time for some brainstorming...

I'll post when they're available for view...

This Week's Poem

2011-03-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Torch

Be with me, Kabir,
when the gray clouds bring their far-away greetings
in that language of storm.

Translate upon my hardened fingers
what they have done, upon my heart
what it stubbornly loved.

Weave me a thin russet blanket
I can vanish into each night,
trek unseen the dream sands as a Bedouin,

with a torch I can call sun.
But keep its fabric lithe
so I recognize through it day’s light.

Tell me just enough of the truth
that I continue battling up the mountain,
just enough and no more

water, so I still thirst,
love, so I still desire,
shadow, so I still weep.

(published by Exercise Bowler)

Poetry Reading and Discussion at Multnomah County Library

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

A. Molotkov, Bruce Greene, and I will be presenting a poetry reading followed by Q&A discussion on the art of poetry composition at the Northwest Branch of the Multnomah County Library as part of the Third Wednesday series. Library contact info: 503.988.5560.

When: March 16, 2011 from 7-8pm
Where: Northwest Branch of Multnomah County Library
2300 N.W. Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210

spokensong reading on Sunday, March 6

2011-03-03T12:52:00.002-05:00

A. Molotkov and I will be reading at spokensong, a new monthly poetry and music event curated by local poet Rick J. I'm looking forward to trying out some new material, poems from my two ongoing book projects, and if you missed Tola's powerful reading last night at Blackbird Wineshop, this will be your chance.
I hope to see you there.

When: Sunday, March 6 @ 7pm
Where: Three Friends Coffeehouse, 201 Southeast 12th Avenue Portland

This Week's Poem

2011-02-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

It is not you

It is not you I have lost
crossing the road
to taste this other dream
of myself,
following a whisper
of butterfly.

Lifting this stone
the same love-creatures
struggling beneath
stare up with the same
magnificent eyes-
up through me.

And in them still
clouds draw back
exposing the sky’s pink flesh.
Naked before you
it is not you
who are naked
chasing the unfulfilled
and not you

this stone butterfly long
will rest upon.

(published in Euphony)

Barnwood International

2011-02-28T01:40:00.002-05:00

Barnwood International Poetry Magazine has just accepted my poem "Don't worry" for future publication. "Don't worry" is part of my ongoing book project titled Controlled Hallucinations, which is presently about half-completed. I'll post when the poem has been published and is available.

Anemone Sidecar

2011-02-26T22:01:00.002-05:00

I'm honored that Anemone Sidecar, an international literary online journal of stylistic, word-driven, avant garde, experimental or progressive poetry, has just accepted my poems "When I go there" and "We all arrive by different streets" for an upcoming issue! Both poems are part of the chapbook I just completed, titled The Middle Door...

This Week's Poem

2011-02-21T11:33:00.001-05:00

White Space

Beneath the long shadows of crosses and crows
that shade the slopes of passing hills
the white space I have left around this experience
explodes into a smile of oaks—

the page is a blur with unspeak—

there is an audience to every song,
especially the parts unsung:
the stamen
the conversation—

the giant crosses overlooking nothing, then wheat,
are smaller than even the faintest human touch
and the scars left by crows are only visible
when nobody is left to see them.

I want to write nothing,
so much nothing the entire audience
explodes in Ozark flowers.

(published in Rosebud)

amphibi.us

2011-02-20T14:56:00.002-05:00

amphibi.us, an online journal, has just accepted and published my poem "I Say I Sing".

Click HERE to read the poem!

The Oklahoma Review

2011-02-14T14:29:00.001-05:00

The Oklahoma Review, an electronic literary journal at Cameron University, has just accepted two of my poems for publication in May: "In the Hills of San Luis Obispo County" and "March 4th".

This Week's Poem

2011-02-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

A Pure River

Having escaped westward-
following the traditional headwinds-
finally I am resting,
eyes closed, upon the horizon,
exhausted from seeing
forever forward
resurrection
and the dream of resurrection.

Below me coils
mountain water clear
and silent
which I know
must one day diffuse
with a world disordered –
salt and ship.

But for now
clarity
as in transparency.
Silence
as in a perfect pitch.

May my hands forever be
a pure river
I do not recognize.

-published by The Chaffey Review and in my chapbook, A Pure River

Raining Back Up- poetry and music performance

2011-02-11T16:55:00.001-05:00

John Sibley Williams, A. Molotkov, Ragon Linde, and Carrie-Ann Tkaczyk will be performing a multi-media blend of poetry and music at Broadway Books in PDX. The performance is titled 'Raining Back Up'.

When: Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm
Where: Broadway Books, 1714 Northeast Broadway, Portland, OR 97232

...Come join us!!

vox poetica

2011-02-10T00:59:00.002-05:00

vox poetica, an online journal, has just accepted my poem "Vantage Point" for publication in May. They're publishing an mp3 of my reading of the poem alongside it. I'll post when it's available!

Classifieds: An Anthology of Prose Poems

2011-02-09T19:18:00.003-05:00

Equinox Publishing is in the process of compiling an exciting new book, titled Classifieds: An Anthology of Prose Poems. They've chosen to include the four poems I submitted for publication in the book. No specific date for publication yet, but I'll let you know when it's out!

This Week's Poem

2011-02-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Waking to a Strange Letter

From the torrent outside a single drop
struck your cheek and evaporated
before you woke.

Nothing changed. The dream-
cluttered bedroom. The foreign
city’s timbre breaking upon its door.

The circular path of light
your mother’s lamp cut
like an incomplete halo

upon the pillow’s harsh white.
If only I could explain the sorrow and panic
of watching that tear you never wept

climb from your face and cake
in the silent half-light between-
staining our new linens.

(published in Offcourse Literary Journal)

Heavy Hands Ink: Volume Three out now!

2011-02-05T15:52:00.003-05:00

Volume Three of Heavy Hands Ink is now available for purchase and free download. Click HERE!

It includes my poem "A Strange Place", as well as work from my friend and fellow poet David Cooke.

Tipton Poetry Journal: Issue 19 now out!

2011-02-05T13:18:00.002-05:00

Tipton Poetry Journal: Issue 19 is now out! You can purchase the print version for $12 or read the issue online HERE.

It contains my short poem "Et Cetera".

2011-02-03T16:29:00.001-05:00

This Week's Poem

2011-01-31T10:50:00.001-05:00

November

Reluctantly a turquoise sky
tumbles gray into winter,
a courtyard fountain
surrenders its purpose,
hopes for tomorrow adopt
the ill-fitting clothing
and dusty manners
of previous frosts;

words slither uncomfortably
translucent,
as both my skin
and its translation
rise
vapor
from a frozen river
touched momentarily
by her sun.

But like a prayer
remembered,
still my mouth holds
unkissed
a long note
not to wake yet,
not yet, please,
not quite yet.

(previously published by Verdad)

2011 Heart Poetry Award winner!

2011-01-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

Wonderful news!

My poem "Icelandic Church" just received the 2011 Heart Poetry Award from Nostalgia Press.

The award includes $500 and publication in Nostalgia Press' Fall 2011 print publication. I would like to thank both Connie Martin, the editor, and Brenda Kay Ledford, award judge, for their support, commitment, and passion!

Nostalgia Press also accepted another of my award entries, "Motionless From the Iron Bridge", for publication in that issue.

Two acceptances today!

2011-01-29T16:24:00.005-05:00

A wonderful beginning to a beautiful Saturday in Portland! I just received word today of new acceptances for my work in two literary journals.

Scribble, a wonderful print journal out of Baltimore, will be publishing my poem Equinox in an upcoming issue. Equinox has been previously published with Blue Moon Literary and Art Review.

Connotation Press, an online publication of poetry, prose, audio, and visual arts, has also accepted my newer love poem Plumage for an upcoming issue. Plumage is part of an ongoing chapbook idea involving mixed media in conversation with each other.

Willows Wept Review

2011-01-29T13:31:00.001-05:00

Issue 10: Winter 2011 of Willows Wept Review is now available, which includes my short poem Winter.

Click here to read!

Come join us!

2011-01-25T20:53:00.001-05:00

Open Reading at Verse in Person
Tomorrow Night
Wednesday January 26, 6:30 - 8 PM
NW Branch Multnomah County Library
23rd & NW Thurman

Old hand or young blood, bring your poems to the NW Library Wednesday night, when Melissa Sillitoe hosts an open reading from 6:30 to 8 PM. Come early to sign up, take to the podium and share some poems. Time will be allocated depending on number of readers.

Everyone who reads will be eligible for a drawing for a $20 gift certificate at Powell’s books.

Munyori Review

2011-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Munyori Review has accepted and today published 5 of my older travel poems: A Village South of the River, Hymn Similar to Yesterday’s, Rails West, Baltic Covenant, and Aegean Melancholy. All but Rails West were composed in Europe about 4 years ago, and I'm glad they've finally found a home...

Click HERE to read them!

This Week's Poem

2011-01-24T12:23:00.000-05:00

Psalm One

Everything hoisted distant into cloud and sun
and mythologized in the stars we harvest
must be alive
must be truth
must cast a little of ourselves
down upon us
so there will be something left of light
to recognize.

(published by Ellipsis)

New issue of Rosebud out now!

2011-01-23T14:01:00.002-05:00

The new Winter issue of Rosebud is out now! It includes my poem "White Space", which in some ways details my process of composing poetry- part of my poetry philosophy: that the reader plays an active part in composing each poem through their unique and inimitable interpretation.

Copies are available for purchase at their site.

Word Salad

2011-01-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

Volume XVI of Word Salad is now published online. This issue includes two of my older poems: Two Rivers and The Titans.

Click here to read them!

Grey Sparrow Press

2011-01-21T18:40:00.003-05:00

Grey Sparrow Press has just accepted three of my new poems for publication an in upcoming issue of their online (and annually printed) journal.

The Eroding Hourglass, Communion, and Procession are each part of my chapbook The Elaborate Hour, presently submitted to contests and publishers.

Grey Sparrow has won the Council of Editors of Learned Journals’ [CELJ] Best New Journal Award. CELJ’s distinguished judges said, “We’re impressed by the journal’s multimedia and interdisciplinary focus; its bridging of the gap between academia and the arts; the felicity of its design; and the international scope of its coverage. In a time when the print journal is thought to be in danger from economic and technological forces, Grey Sparrow has shown there is still room for innovation and excellence in the traditional journal mode.”

Last Monday Poetry Group - January event

2011-01-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

This Week's Poem

2011-01-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Lullaby of the Spider

Those only alive
circulating through your veins
pull from the moonlight
a single gold thread-
call it a memory
they can no longer keep
or a ribbon
banding this strange gift.
Down from the ceiling
that to your eyes,
still milky blue and ablur,
could be any distance overhead.
What is it that dangles
from the thread
they pull from the moonlight
down upon your cradle?
You play it like a game,
reach for its silver belly
and reflective black eyes,
curiously, without fear.
And perhaps you are right.
Sometimes poison
is its own medicine.

-published in Red Wheelbarrow

Figures of Speech Reading and Open Mic- Wm. Stafford Event

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Figures of Speech reading series this month will be at 100th Monkey Studio (110 SE 16th Ave, Portland) from 7-9pm.

Hosted by Steve Williams and Constance Hall. Sponsored by OSPA.

Featuring Cindy Williams-Gutierrez, Dave Jarecki, and Leah Stenson.
Bring poems inspired by/in tribute to William Stafford.

Come join us!

This Week's Poem

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Distant Vacation

Of all industry- the gutted refinery, sagging like a body
unused, that still cries from the ceiling
last month’s rain.

Step outside, into winter, and the Northern
Lights spume alien green, distend, pressed
between the two glass slides-

endless night and its soil. Why the distance
of words like alien? What is being enlarged,
investigated, the illnesses in our blood.

White cells, too low. Something
of the unknowable elicits a promise
that it resides in us too, that foreign

tricks of light are our tongues,
that a fishery rotted still stands
because someone someday will replaster the ceiling.

It is too dark to recognize as more than shadow
the unpenned horses and mangy wads of sheep above.
But something must exist to cast them

forty feet long down the white hill.
The pigeons cling desperately to the village steeple.
The unmanned ships in the harbor still prowl for fish.

-published in Arlington Literary Journal

O Sweet Flowery Roses

2011-01-08T23:31:00.002-05:00

The online poetry journal O Sweet Flowery Roses has just published two of my poems on their site. "I'm Not Sure to Which" and "What is Light", both poems in different so far unpublished chapbooks, are now available with Roses.

Click HERE to read them!

RHINO

2011-01-07T19:15:00.003-05:00

RHINO, a fantastic print poetry journal, has accepted my poem "Away" for their upcoming print edition! I'll post when it comes out!

Stonehenge Studios open mic

2011-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Studio Series: Poetry Reading and Open Mic will feature VOX: A Spoken Word Chorus, directed by Eric Hull, at Stonehenge Studios/Ross Island Café, 3508 SW Corbett Avenue , Portland 97239 on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. In celebration of William Stafford’s birthday month, VOX will perform poetry by Stafford and audience members are invited to share his poems at the open mic. Free and open to the public, the Studio Series is held monthly on second Sundays. For additional information please contact host and organizer Leah Stenson at leahstenson@comcast.net.

Three Videos from the Moonlit-Guttery Team's Beach Books performance

2011-01-05T23:08:00.003-05:00

Now Culture out now!

2011-01-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

The new issue of Now Culture is now out, which includes my poem Answering Where. Click HERE to read the issue!

The poem has been significantly revised since its acceptance in order to let it fit better in my presently-submitted chapbook, The House We Live In, but you can see the original, extended version in this issue.

Cirque- Issue 3 out now!

2011-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Issue 3 of Cirque is out now! Read the online version HERE. The print version should be out soon...

This issue contains my poem "Sleepless Harbor".

This Week's Poem

2011-01-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

A Kind of Loss

The lake tires of lake
and begins reflecting tree.
Her eyes shake free their calm azure.
That black dress worn often in age
tonight upon her delicate frame
compares less to night.

*

Walking these evenings
along the familiar banks of the river.
I’ve fallen in love with Autumn’s namelessness,
the unvoiced bridge
between swim and skate,
clothes morphing colors,
flesh morphing colors,
street signs rusting off single letters,
and in the letters remaining
a temporary city
winding into silent rooms,
shutters groaning like the faces of old coins.

*

Yellow strands threaded through night.
All those sleep shapes
chipping away the wallpaper
flaking to the wet carpet
of this rented Prague flat,
where little squares of sky over brick
translate streetlights and blindfolded cathedrals
a sorrow
originally shaken as love from the clouds-
too distant and temporary
to protect their meaning.

-published by White Whale Review

Blue Lake Review

2010-12-30T13:36:00.003-05:00

Blue Lake Review has just accepted my new poem "Following the Thread" for publication in their March 2011 issue. The poem is part of an ongoing chapbook collaboration of love poems and artwork with my better half, Staci M. Cole.

This Week's Poem

2010-12-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Historic Scenes

I drive across a covered bridge, failing,
planks loosening beneath my weight,
all manner of tree russet and gold, shedding,
praying for a little less permanence.

The road winds around abandoned barns
wearing name plates and birth dates.
Perfect square plots of earth the state cannot sell,
that so few people visit still the scents
of horses and musket fire endure.

I see a wheel smoothly
carting river water in circles,
toward me and away.
A silent wheel
a boy of five might see
very differently
being acclimated to the deafening
marvels of science.

The White Mountains loom overhead,
dip below the tree line and reemerge, unchanged.
They’ve forecasted an early snow this year.The morning sky could hardly be darker.

-published by The Heartland Review and in my chapbook, A Pure River

Winter Issue of 322 Review out now!

2010-12-23T18:46:00.001-05:00

The winter issue of 322 Review is out now! The full issue is available online. Click here! It contains my poem "The North Sea"...

This Week's Poem

2010-12-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

Farmer’s Almanac

Once again like clockwork gray days
of rain recycled from April.
Maple boughs glassing over.
Children stiffening their limbs
for recycled lessons.
Neighbors predicting thunderclaps
moments after they strike.

Glimpses of what will be lost, again,
tugging at the day’s shortening sleeves.
Already there is talk of rebirth
before a single tree
has shaken free of color.
And talk of gardens,
everything next to plant.

Wet matches.
Lurching furnaces.
It has been written
we must board the night bus to Gloucester.
There is no such bus this time of year.
It seems we have a long wait, again,
in the rainwith wet matches.

-published by Offcourse Literary Journal and in my chapbook, A Pure River

Show and Tell Gallery podcast

2010-12-19T14:12:00.002-05:00

The podcast of last Monday's Show and Tell Gallery is now available HERE. It's broken into two podcasts, and Part II includes myself and friends A. Moltkov, Mark S. Strizan, and Rick J. Give it a listen!

This Week's Poem

2010-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

A Brief Respite

When the battle dies it’s as if
oceans have calmed,
the world has balanced
evenly upon its spear tip.
The dead gather their organs and go about
washing themselves from the grass.
Crows, cicadas, rains return.
People walking empty streets
who hear from behind
their names mysteriously whispered
turn to find everyone they have ever kissed.
In a moment’s order
poems gasp for one free breath-
relieved of the burden of choosing
who next to vanish and which midnight street to people.

-published by Third Wednesday

Show and Tell Gallery Tomorrow

2010-12-12T21:05:00.002-05:00

This week's Show and Tell Gallery will be a full 3-hour open mic, without the usual featured reader segment.

Come join us for a wide variety of poetic voices!

When: Monday, Dec. 13
Where: Three Friends Coffee House
201 SE 12th, PDX

Carcinogenic Poetry

2010-12-11T12:51:00.003-05:00

Carcinogenic Poetry has just published three of my poems. Follow the link to read them!

"Who will lay flowers", "I cannot keep this poem", and "The Rhetoric of Silence" are now on the main page of their site.

Open Poetry Reading in Hillsoboro

2010-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

This event is open to all in the community, allowing local poets an opportunity to read their work and receive feedback from other poets and community members. I'll be participating in the mic and discussion.

When: Tue, December 14, 7pm – 8pm
Where: Walters Cultural Art Center Gallery
527 East Main St Hillsboro, OR 97123

Hillsboro Community Arts fosters the arts through entertainment, education, experience.

December's Stonehenge Studios Reading

2010-12-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

December's Stonehenge Studios reading will feature Henry Hughes and David Hargreaves at 7pm, followed by an open mic. Fellow poets, including A. Molotkov, and I frequent this popular, serious-minded reading and open mic series, and I hope to see you there!

When: Sunday, Dec. 12, 7-9pm
Where: Stonehenge Studios
3508 SW Corbett Ave, PDX

Caper Literary Journal

2010-12-08T14:24:00.002-05:00

Caper Literary Journal has accepted for publication two of my poems for their February 2011 issue. "At Exactly Three" and "I tend to leave splinters" will be displayed alongside the strong work they publish.

Notes on the journal: Caper Literary Journal will be launching a small press in 2011, publishing e-chapbooks and some full-length books. They will also begin accepting work for a Global Words project, which will print work by authors from around the world or who write about cultures and between-cultures.

Heavy Hands Ink

2010-12-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

Heavy Hands Ink has accepted for February 2011 publication my poem "A Strange Place". The editor, Maxwell Baumbach, said "this piece packed a great deal of punch", and I am happy it's found a home with a strong print/online journal.

Heavy Hands Ink's print issues are available at lulu.com and free pdf versions are available online. I'll let you know when the issue with my poem is out!

This Week's Poem

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Common Enemies

A russet moon hanging crescent
with its sharper tip nearly touching earth
is only half the story.

The obvious symbol, the dotted line
cut around to paste
its romantic shape upon flags.

I wonder if school children here
slip into the hands of crushes
multi-colored half-moons,

as we might snowflakes or hearts
with arrows half-piercing
or our virginal hands

when the adult world’s eyes
are diverted by war.
War, with its common enemies.

War with its silent nods of resignation.

I am praying to this moon tonight
as I would any other.
Listening to American jazz

on Damascus radio.

-published by The November 3rd Club