Phillip, a California Native, is a published writer-photographer. He lives in Morro Bay and is often seen hanging ten at ‘A' Beach. Friends say he plays a mean Blues guitar.
Language Of The Soul, 26th Annual SLO Poetry Festival
by Phillip Cole
I've been a SLO County resident for more than three years. What has amazed me most about our community is the widespread support of the arts. This is a great place to be a poet.
As is customary, this year's SLO Poetry Festival features award-winning and well-published James Cushing, current Poet Laureate of SLO County. His published collections include You and the Night Music, The Length of an Afternoon and Undercurrent Blues, all with Cahuenga Press. His latest book, Pinocchio's Revolution, also by Cahuenga Press will hit the shelves soon.
The poems in Undercurrent Blues were inspired by American jazz standards of the 20th Century. In "Fly Me to the Moon" for instance, Cushing's characteristic style fuses desire and deep yearning:
"We picked roles (insomniac shepherd, complaining nymph) from
a basket of fruit. Orisons rise from every third house, a glow like
a broadcast ending, and we wanted this, to live near the sun, that
constant burnt offering."
His poems and critical essays have appeared in the Who's Who of literary journals, such as Antioch Review. No doubt many of you tune into his weekly jazz and rock program on Cal Poly's radio station. If not, check it out: KCPR-FM 91.3fm.
Cushing is slated to kick off the 26th Annual San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival on Friday, November 6th, 7pm at the San Luis Obispo Art Center.
I can't imagine anyone living in SLO County who hasn't come in contact with Glenna Luschei (pronounced lou-shi). Not only has Glenna published poetry journals for over 40 years, and is a past Poet Laureate (2000), but more importantly she has been a generous friend to prose and poetry writers no matter where they tread on their literary journey.
I first met Glenna not long after I moved to SLO County at a poetry reading featuring Scott Barrett and his edgy collection Dosage, which she published under the Solo Press banner. Since then I've had the pleasure of getting to know her on a more personal level. Beneath the soft voice and quiet smile lie enough credits to exhaust the most fervent list-maker: National Endowment For the Arts Fellowship, a D.H. Lawrence Fellowship, an Honorary Doctorate of Literature, and more. She's taught at U.C.L.A. Arts Reach and Chaplin College, among other places.
Here's a glimpse into her latest collection, Salt Lick, A Retrospective of Poetry (West End Press, Feb. 2009)
Chevrolet
Let him keep
the Encyclopedia -- Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Though I'm driving around
with my clothes in the back
of my Chevrolet
and my blouses flap through the breeze
and one shoe is lost
and I'm getting divorced,
one half of the soul is free.
It was once community property— Yes dear, whatever you think—
but now it's my own
and I can fly
flapping clothes in my Chevrolet.
Though he rips me off
when I glide out
and steals the encyclopedia,
if we're measured by what we do without,
my wingspan can only increase.
My half of the soul
gets freer each day,
sing the clothes in my Chevrolet.
Featured Readers at This Year's Festival
Ray Clark Dickson (below), SLO's first Poet Laureate (1999) should be the poster child for "legend in his own time." With 90 years tucked under his well-recognized cap, his work probes the science of the mind and human relationships with wisdom and insight. Widely published, look for his latest book, Wingbeats After Dark (Red Hen Press, 2009).
Welcome Michael C. Ford (below), a well-known voice on the Los Angeles poetry scene. His first spoken word (on vinyl, that is), Language Commando, earned a Grammy nomination, and Emergency Poems garnered a 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination. His next mind-squeezing word fest is Fast Food Sanitarium. Let the bullets fly!
Sharon Doubiago (below) is this year's recipient of The Glenna Luschei Distinguished Poet Award. Her book, South America Mi Hija (Pitt Poetry Series), was nominated twice for the National Book Award and was named Best Book of the Year by the LA Weekly. Sharon was a finalist for the National Book Award for her latest work, Love on the Streets.
A Brief History
Corners of the Mouth is a monthly gathering of featured and open-mike poetry readings at Linnaea's Cafe. The idea for the readings formed after the SLO County Arts Council asked for artistic events they could offer tourists attending the Mozart Festival. That was back in 1984. The Poetry Festival/Corners of the Mouth has grown and grown until, voila!, the event now takes place over several days in a variety of places.
With sincere appreciation to the sponsors who support SLO Poetry Festival/Corners of the Mouth; WritersSpeak, The City of SLO, Poets and Writers Inc., and our special friend Glenna Luschei.
For more schedule information, venues and a complete list of participating poets, go to: www.languageofthesoul.org and click on San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival.
In other words, this Festival is for those interested in a short journey of heart and mind. But beware, there's a strong possibility these poets and their word images will have you begging for more.
