Moondustwriter Thursday - Featuring Cartoonist Aaron Sallan

Welcome to another edition of Moondustwriter Thursday! On these weekly features we try to regularly show off the talents of youth. If you know a teenager who is an artist, writer, poet, or musician, we would love to have the opportunity to share their talent with the One Stop Poetry world. I would like to thank Jessica Kristie for once again guest hosting Moondustwriter Thursday.


With much joy, I bring you Aaron Sallan! I recently connected with Aaron through his father Bruce Sallan (@brucesallan) on Twitter. I have seen several of Aaron’s comic masterpieces and have been very impressed by his talents.  Enjoy Aaron and his wonderful creations!

Aaron Sallan was born on October 6^th, 1996, in Brentwood, California. He always had an interest for art. In kindergarten, he would draw all day until his teacher told him he had to stop...

To read more about Aaron and see some of Aaron's cartooning please go to our new One Stop Poetry Website.

To enjoy more of Aaron's cartoons visit  Boomer Tech Talk. 

Moondustwriter's Thursday - Guest Featuring Poet Samuel Peralta

Welcome to Moondustwriter Thursday. I , Leslie Moon, am pleased to have the opportunity to interview Samuel Peralta. I've been following Samuel for more than a year now (we met on Twitter). I have been impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of his poetry. 
Please enjoy Samuel Peralta!

Can you give us a short biography of yourself?

Some people have noticed that my writing suggests a science background and a varied cultural landscape – and that’s all true. I was born in Manila, went through school in the Philippines and California, U.S., did a Ph.D. in physics in the U.K., then research in Canada. 

I was the youngest to win a Palanca Award (the Pulitzer equivalent in the Philippines) for my collection “Pacific”. It was heady stuff. I published a chapbook after that, “Moon Leaves”. Later, I was recognized by the U.K. Poetry Society, the B.B.C., and was included in a Best of Anthology by the League of Canadian Poets. Then it ended.

Essentially, I became focused on the corporate world. My production of poetry dropped for years to maybe one poem a year. Having achieved business success, I had lost myself.

In trying to re-discover myself, I turned to songwriting, actually garnering a following on MySpace. Then Twitter arrived, and I began to re-visit poetry, as @Semaphore  http://www.twitter.com/semaphore. To my surprise, in two months, I reached a following in poetry that had taken me two years to achieve in music. Something clicked. Last year I was voted #1 for the Poetry on Twitter, and also named to a list of the Top 100 on-line poets in the world.

Now, with tens of thousands across my social sites, my reach has been greater than all my previous print publications combined. Ashton Kutcher has nothing to fear, but for poetry – the numbers are amazing. Besides my Twitter stream, my poetry is collected on my online journal, “Semaphore” - http://bit.ly/s4poetry.

Since my personal poetry renaissance, I’ve had poems in various journals and anthologies, but recently GOSS183 published my first new chapbook in years, “Sonnets from the Labrador” - http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/106631. It’s a fabulous press, who include Pushcart Prize awardees in their author list; so I’m quite happy to be in that company.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing poetry ever since I can remember; my mother kept presenting me with a notebook where I used to write verse~ couplets mainly. She says I was 5! She’s an artist, and my father a playwright, both well-recognized back home; I was raised to love art and literature. “A Mother” -http://bit.ly/s4amother - is about my mother, and “Pacific” - http://bit.ly./s4pacific - is about my father.

What inspired you to start writing poetry?

The sound, the musicality, of words, inspired me at the start.  Then, later on, the layers of meaning and emotion you could sculpt with words. Now, as I’ve said before, I am moved by earthquakes and personal tragedies, constellations and war, quantum physics and lost love, forces of nature as seen through the lens of a single person's experience. I write about imagined lives, camouflaging my personal pain and joy among these lives. I like being challenged. Someone once challenged me to write a poem related to shoes – when I finished, I had come up with “War” - http://bit.ly/s4war.

Maybe because of my scientific background, I also do a lot of research on a poem; you’d be surprised at how much. People have written to me about my life in Afghanistan, or Haiti, or my skating experiences. I have never been to those places, and I am a terrible skater. I live vicariously through my poems.

Do you engage in other forms of art?

I used to produce visual art, influenced by my parents’ artistic bent. I still appreciate it, but now I mainly visit galleries or collect, rather than produce visual art.

I still have a moderate following as a songwriter. As a singer, I worked with a professional studio to produce a couple of tracks and still continue to write songs for other bands and singers.

I find that those experiences help enrich my poetry, in terms of visual control and musicality.

What words of advice would you give someone just starting out?

Always be writing – having coffee, taking a walk, dreaming. Strive to make each poem the best you can make it, don’t compromise. If you’re not happy, it’s a work in progress.

Read as much as you can. Re-discover the classic poets. Among my favorites are T.S. Eliot - for his literary erudition; Pablo Neruda - for his sensuousness of language; and Craig Raine - for his incredible use of metaphor. There are many others.

Also, search out new works by new writers – you’d be surprised at what you find. The best poetry books I bought last year were from Billy Collins – the former US laureate – and Shaindel Beers, a relative newcomer.

This is where “One Stop Poetry” excels – in introducing writers to each other’s work, and in encouraging new work. It’s a wonderful community, with talent and enthusiasm, and I’m eager to see it move to the next level of success.

What are you working on at the present?

I continue to write on a regular basis, of course. My life is poetry. Over 200 poems are now collected on my “Semaphore” site.

"Sonata Vampirica", my sonnet-cycle book on that mythology, is being readied for release. I am hoping to follow that up with a collection of love poems and a collection of my renditions of selected poems by the Japanese artist, Kotaro Takamura.

My big project at the moment is a novel-sized verse project. I am 10,000+ words into it, it is consuming most of my time, but I am excited by it. And petrified.

 “The Semaphore Anthology” - http://bit.ly/s4anthology - another online journal I maintain, collects samples of the best (in my humble opinion) from new poets. I don’t solicit poems, I scour the net and then ask for permission to print, with only one criterion, that I read a poem and think, “Damn, I wish I’d written that”.

 I’m thinking about starting another online journal, about the craft of poetry, a behind-the-scenes look at structure and how specific poems were written. It’s a matter of whether I have enough time.


I appreciate that Samuel took time out of his schedule for this interview. One Stop Poetry is about recognizing talent and featuring  both new poets as well as seasoned poets. We hope you've enjoyed this view into Samuel's world of poetry. I know we will enjoy many years of wonder and intensity from this talented man.

Photography attributed to Creative Commons.

Moondustwriter Thursday - Guest Hosted by Jessica Kristie. Spotlighting artist Greg Pitts

Welcome! Today I am not only happy to guest host for the lovely Leslie Moon, but also to bring to you a very talented and accomplished artist: Greg Pitts.

Born to a single parent family, Greg Pitts started out life at a disadvantage. Growing up without a father figure made life less than ideal.  He did not meet his father until the age of 12.


Greg got interested in photography as a teen and purchased his first camera on lay-a-way from a camera store in his hometown of Lima, Ohio. The photography set the ground work for his exploration in art. Twelve years ago, Greg began to pursue a formal career in acting and continued to use his photography artistically. 

He has been exhibited at The Museum of Art at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and the University Club at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. As an actor, he has appeared on several national and regional programs.  Most recently, he was seen in “Transporter 2” as a U.S.  Marshall.  He is a member of the International Freelance Photographers Organization.  He delved into painting as another form of artistic expression about 11 years ago. His first painting, an oil “self-portrait,” was used as cover art for two books that he self-published, entitled “Wisdom,Quotes and Jokes”  and “Wisdom, Quotes and Jokes II.”

Mr. Pitts has gained national recognition by making the top story on Google News on May 9, 2009 with a feature article published about his work in EV Living Magazine.  He has exhibited his art and photography in various venues in the South Florida area.

 Painting by Jackson Pollock ( Blue Poles)

Greg's artwork has been compared to that of abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Pollock, Pollock was  famous  for his method of drip or pour painting; his technique creating intricate patterns of color.  

Greg was featured artist of the month for February 2009 with Elements of Art.  One of his photographic images was recently selected as one of 20 semi-finalists in “W” Magazine's The Art Project photo competition.  He was also given honorable mention as one of the contributing artists and photographers in the December 2009 exhibit Through the Eyes of Love which was held in honor of World AIDS Day.           

                                                                                                  

Greg took a few minutes to chat with One Stop!

How long have you studied art?

I have been a life-long student of art - I have been a photographer for over 30 years, but did my first painting as a self-portrait for the cover of a book that I self-published about 9 years ago.

What was the catalyst that made you want to be an artist?


First  -  I didn't choose art...it chose me.

Art seemed like a natural progression.  I have always had an artistic mind-set, even as a young teenager. 

Where or who did you study art with?

I have not formally studied art. Being  in photography for several years, I have learned composition and how things appeal to the "eye."  I am self-taught and paint what I feel, not restricting myself to any medium. I use any and everything that I feel can be an artistic expression...

You are compared to artist Jackson Pollock did you study him?


I never knew about Pollock. I was experimenting with paints and techniques. Someone saw my work, bought it and gave me the title of the black Jackson Pollock. I have since seen his work and a movie about him. 

What are some of the things that inspire your pieces such as “blood on our hands” and “thieves”?

The inspiration of "Blood on Our Hands" was one night I was listening to the news.  It was full of conspiracies, war hate crimes;  the painting was a result of the emotions I felt after hearing all that.  I try and avoid listening to the news nowadays.  

You had a small role in the Film Transporter 2, is acting another passion of yours?

Acting and film making.  In fact, I have written, directed and produced several short indie films, two of which have won national awards at film festivals across the country


Any words for other "striving" artists?
"Don't give up." Greg once met a woman who had gone to art school but gave up because she couldn't face the difficulties of being an artist. "I succeed as an artist because I am resilient, love people and I'm not a quitter."

Check HERE for a list of Greg’s exhibitions prior to 2010. 

Since early 2010, Greg has been at GAB Studios as one of their artists, and in December was one of the featured and very successful artists for their Miami Art Basel Exhibition.

You can find more of Greg's work on his website.

Moondustwriter's Thursday - guest featuring Artist and writer Mitko Gogov

I’m pleased to introduce One Stop Poetry readers to Mitko Gogov. I met Mitko on Twitter aka @potru ( where I meet most the talented people on the globe). I was drawn to his artwork  never knowing he was a published poet.

Mitko was, born 1983 Skopje, Macedonia and presently lives in France. He is a youth worker and a conceptual artist.  As youth trainer, he provides different creativity workshops such as: forum theater, multimedia, stick art, street art, graffiti, use of organic and recycled materials in contemporary art, handmade and social aspects. 
He has had several international group exhibitions 

and projects held in Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, France, Norway, and Italy. 

Mitko is a published poet and short stories writer in several magazines and anthologies: Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria. 

Active graffiti painter that currently participate on street art festivals, and works as a DJ with the name dzamski, specializing in psychedelic trance, dark forest, 

experimental and ambient sound. 

Mitko what started your journey in the arts and poetry?

Poetry:

Something I know about me, I look through the prism of art. When I was kid I use to write a lot. I have notes with over then 400 poems from that time. I used to write about everything that surrounds me. That outside me and the inner one, the relation between the two. Reading everything that my hands catch and I had the luck to be (all my life) with people who are in the culture and art area. At that time, most of the magazines for literature for kids and youngsters used to publish my poetry and I started with radio show on the radio in my city.

After some breaks, in high school they publish some of my poems in my school almanac & a few magazines in Macedonia; I also took part of some poetry events in my country.

There was the big break after that when I was not writing for a few years and I started again 2-3 years ago since then they’ve published my poetry in Serbia and Croatia in anthologies and in Macedonia in a few magazines for literature and I've done a few poetry performances supported by art installation, sounds, visuals etc.

Art:

In my teenage years, I started with the street art and that inspired me a lot to start with the graffiti, stencils, stickers and cartoons history. All this life hidden behind the streets and the adrenalin as part of the elements that makes the work more interesting. Taking part of some alternative art events as very young also connect me with the art. I start making for different exhibitions and contest miniatures, nature,graphics, some abstracts forms..during the time I start experimenting with stage constructions, urban or art installations. Film, video, multimedia. ..with the all contemporary art trough which I can express my concept. I've done 2 movies: one documentary and one experimental. But I've participate on making of some other film projects as part of the team as director of photography, scenography even once as part of the actors :))

I try to mix the experience from the street and the way of seeing the art also as the classical museum art ..with all this great styles that are changing trough the time.

I have also some works that are results of workshops around the Balkans made of organic and recycled materials. As conceptual artist I try to connect the concept with the origins. To bring the network back to the primitive, where the earth is respected and all the elements that keep us live. I try to promote ecological active environment 

Working from young age on different cultural events, theater and film festivals took me deep into the magic of art as meaning of the life. One of the prime substance for living. People that create art are special, pure, they make unique presence ..

How can you use the arts in your youth work (both written and visual)?

Art is perfect tool for expressing. You can present a specter of ideas trough different art methods. There are different techniques for expressing your future expectations, hopes and fears for example or using the pallet of different art periods and topics. In the contemporary era for the young people is more easy to understand the art, everything around us is art and for them sharing their feelings, emotions, opinions trough art is provocative. When I lead art workshops I give the space to the participants to create their idea on the way they want. .. with the writing skill is easier to explain them how is the proper way to put the things in line that makes sense.

It's a pleasure to be in environment with young people full with visions and ideas for better world, active citizens that are changing the society.

Prelude. Rebirth

by Mitko Gogov

In the traces of the shadows

the tranquility of their silent  voices

is vibrating.

Like lost leaves

we are pushing ourselves toward the sky,

...actors that are playing with the wind.

Prelude of the fear

to be still alive.

Decay, earth, ash,

bottles at the end of the coast,

without stopper,

without message

we transforming into particles

somewhere into  the Ocean.

All work Copyright 2010 M. Gogov
Mitko is also on Facebook 

Moondustwriter Thursday featuring David Wilkins

 Welcome to Moondustwriter Thursday
I am Leslie Moon - today I am featuring my  friend David Wilkins. I have to say I am proud of David and appreciate his approach to life. He has overcome obstacles and is now using poetry to help in his journey of life and discovery. If you know any youth who are striving to express themselves, encourage them to write. I would be more than happy to consider featuring them. It is an honor to encourage and display creativity on this blogsite.

I am Youth 

by Moondustwriter

When you look at me

what do you see?

A shape?

a smile?

tresses of hair?

But do you see the heart of me?

Do you hear the song that  flows from my lips

What color is me on the canvas of life?

What words do my hands inscribe

on the orb of tomorrow?

Look

For I am your tomorrow

with all my hopes, hurts, doubts

Here I am

your future stands

when you look past me

you miss potential

if look in front of me

you miss resources

in my mind

will be discovery

 in these hands

ideas will take shape

for my tomorrow and yours

I am youth

Have you ever considered what the youth of today have to face? "Sure I was a youth.  I know what it's like." But do you? I see the formidable walls that youth face today. Walls that were either absent or lower when I was a youth. The pressure is greater, the opportunities fewer, the doubts intense. The rate of suicide and attempted suicide in youth today is staggering. Can we stop it? Maybe not. But there are those that believe that if we tap into the source of that energy and stimulate creativity, we may woo these searching individuals into a less destructive reality. The world can be a place of self-expression where black and gray and green and yellow all ask to be utilized by this next generation

Something that strikes me about  David is his vivacity for life and entrepreneurial spirit. He has grand goals and dreams for his tomorrows. He needs to get through his todays first.

When I interviewed David , I heard the passion of a young philosopher.  I asked David what poetry means to him: "Some people call it (your painting,your poem) a masterpiece; others call it a waste of time."  "Everything has an audience; everything an acquired taste." Hmm if that doesn't get you thinking keep reading.

David started writing poetry about eight months ago (at 14). "Poems may tell a story; they may be a way to express anger, frustration, pain. Poetry is a channel, a means to express emotion rather than waste that energy."

When asked if young people need a channel for emotions, David was emphatic. He expressed the need for all youth to get an avenue:" Whether it's painting or clay, dance, poetry, or basketball - do something that matters with that emotion."
For David, he can feel the pressure (of life) like fire in his veins. That pressure used to be expressed destructively toward himself. Now, as he writes, the pain and anger recedes ,slowly at times; he finishes with a sense of satisfaction and perhaps a smile. In the end, the anger and the pain is gone; he has before him creative expression - A masterpiece!

As you read this young man's work, think about other teens who are longing to find a way to express passion, anger, doubt, fear, resentment... Poetry is one great outlet for all.

 Forever and Always

by David Wilkins

i was sitting on a bench chilling and alone

 i saw you today by the board walk

 you said lets talk and take a walk

 when i saw you that day

i needed to say

i love you

make you feel invincible

in every word i say

I'm taking a risk , taking a chance

so tonight i'll ask you to dance

 we will waltz

this night under the stars

this night under the moon

and the second you leave

is a second too soon

 I'm stuck in the rain

 its like a monsoon

stuck thinking of a way

to get back to you

 when i get to your door

i cant find

the words to say

you pull me close 

tell me it will be ok

 as the tears fall from my cheek

you whip them away 

 tell me not to weep

 i hold you tight 

fear letting go cuz if i do

I'll go into limbo

so THIS night under the stars

 THIS nigh under the moon

I'm not letting go I'm staying

close to you

***

i love you forever and for always

so when day break comes

(and its coming soon)

ill still be close to you

i love you forever and for always

you know this is true

i love you forever and always

our love starting anew

forgetting the past

and all the hurt we've

been through

all the crap life's thrown our way

but because of you i can resist this sway

i love you

i hope you love me the same

the way to hold you close

on a calm quiet bay

i love you

tell you everyday

kiss you letting you know

its gonna be ok

remind you in that subtle kiss

that i love you I'll always be here

I'm not leaving so never fear

i will love you forever and always my dear

 You Hate Everything About me

by David Wilkins

you hate everything about me

i don't blame you but there is one thing

you must see

i didn't love you for you i loved you for me

before you ask me to drown

i must share something i found

in all honesty it's quite profound

if i die tonight just know i thought of you on my

very last flight

i hit the ground but i didn't die

in the street alone i lie

waiting to peacefully die

but as i'm bleeding out

i close my eyes

and something strange happens inside my mind

i saw your face and it gave me the strength to do

what i couldn't do before

get up take back my heart

something you should know before i part

your eyes still put me in a daze

freeze me in a trance

right here in my stance

you give me a glance of reminisce

feigning your innocence

i still love you but you don't love me
so i guess its time to walk away

i don't want to go

but you don't want me to stay

i love you and you know this to be true

even knowing this you said

"that's it- we're through"

not thinking about all the pain I'll go through

but you told me oh well

funny thing is I'm headed straight for hell

my last wish is to wish you well

never forget that dream

you shared with me that midsummer's eve

you and your kids playing peacefully in that field

you don't know it but i fight to keep that peace fulfilled

but you don't care

and i don't matter

thus the plans for my life will just fade and shatter

and all the things i cared about no longer matter

they all hit the ground like a piece of glass

off like a time bomb they all go blast

and thus goes my life

off this bridge in the middle of the night

so i love you farewell even though you wont miss me

good luck finding my body

but then your there you stop my jump

say your sorry you ll help me over this hump

i pull you close savor this embrace

i love you so much is what you said

with that look on your face

so bad story happy ending this is life

and my story in the telling

Check this link for more by David

Mat Lloyd poet and activist was featured several months ago on One Stop Poetry by Pete Marshall. He is seeking for solutions for young men and is trying to curb the suicide rate in men.

The Estuary: A Poem by Pete Marshall

The Estuary

by Pete Marshall

The tidal surge that flows upstream

and creeps along through shallow creeks

the waders dip and search for food

as boats will rise from peaceful sleep

The sea will swirl across the banks

and fill the channels searching claws

that suck the souls of those who walk

upon the flats when tides no more

The cockle sheds still thrive with life

as wind blows through this busy wharf

and out to sea where boats once sailed

who gathered strength for England's cause

A walk beside this sheltered marsh

sees kestrels swoop upon their prey

and boats that sailed now gather mast

as tides will flow and drift away

***************

Today's poem is written about the small fishing village of Leigh - on - Sea, Essex, situated in the Thames Estuary. The artwork accompanying this is a pastel drawing by local artist Donna Cove.

I have known Donna for many years and her drawings are always a joy to behold. Donna however doesn't have a website so its been a great pleasure of mine to be able to show her piece "Abandoned" which was drawn on the marshes of Leigh on Sea.

Leigh is just down the road from me and is located on the marshes of the Thames Estuary. Recently it was nominated as the 2nd most desirable place to live within the UK. It has a great history, having been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. From here in 1940 a large flotilla of little boats were to depart and rescue British Troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. In 1620 the Mayflower was to dock here to take on provisions before beginning its epic voyage to the new world with the Pilgrim Fathers. In 1917 the famous writer H G Wells was to purchase a house here for his mistress, and John Fowles, author of the French Lieutenant's Woman was born here in 1926.

A walk down the cobbled streets of Old Leigh is a walk back in time. If you are ever visiting the UK it can be found, by train, about an hours journey from London.

Moondustwriter's Thursday - A Look at the Arts

Welcome to Moon Dust Writer Thursday

 I am using today to stand on a platform and shout.

I have had several friends recently who have doubted themselves as writers, poets, musicians. 

I have to say I blame society for the discouragement. I myself am a victim of society's hand of judgement on creative people. Why? I was bound to art and poetry, heart and soul, as a child. I grew up encouraged to be creative.I won my first awards in art at 5, sold my first drawings at 12, and started publishing
 (well you get the idea). When it was time to go to Art School, I caved in to the opinion of society.
All I heard was: "How will you make a living? You will be poor unless you become a commercial artist."
I had known poor my entire life as well as what appeared to be "unsuccessful." My extremely, talented artist mother is the epitome of the starving artist.  Her joy is in creating beauty and expressing the woes of mankind on a canvas. Those who own her work received it as a gift of gratitude. I walked away from my painting and poetry because I was intimidated and never looked back (until a year ago.)

So here's my shout to you - write, paint, create because you love it!

 Strive at it because you are inspired. Put your pen to the paper because you might inspire another to greatness. Don't look for self-aggrandizement. Art is intended to influence society. It is the intrinsic value that influences not the dollar value. Long before a DaVinci had a value of millions, DaVinci was influencing art students and bringing joy to the common man. Take your words and paint - big flashy stokes, 

 fine quiet ones, or a mixture of the two
. 

Here are two of my mother's paintings; they represent different styles and moods.
 I encourage each of you to use your words in a variety of styles and moods.

Your heart and hands will thank you!

OF MODERN POETRY
by Wallace Stevens

The poem of the mind in the act of finding.

What will suffice. It has not always has had

To find: the scene was set: it repeated what

Was in the script.

Then the theater was changed

To something else. Its past was a souvenir

It has to be living, to learn the speech of the place.

It has to face the time of the men and to meet

The women of the time. It has to think about war

And it has to find what will suffice. It has

To construct a new stage. It has to be on that stage,

And, like an insatiable actor, slowly and

With meditation, speak words that in the ear,

In the delicatest ear of the mind, repeat,

Exactly, that which it wants to hear, at the sound

Of which, an invisible audience listens,

Not to the play, but to itself, expressed

In an emotion as of two people, as of two

Emotions becoming one. The actor is

A metaphysician in the dark, twanging

An instrument twanging, a wiry sting that gives

Sounds passing through sudden rightness, wholly

Containing the mind, below which it cannot descend

Beyond which it has no will to rise.

It must

Be the finding of a satisfaction, and may

Be of a man skating, a woman dancing, a woman

 Combing. The poem of the act of the mind.

Wallace Stevens was a poet born in October 1879. Based on the ideas conveyed in this poem, he had a forward thinking mentality about poetry.Fortunately, for us, poets like Stevens took a stand or we might all be writing in quatrains.

Thanks for your visit to One Stop Poetry today. Our goal is to encourage you to inspire and be inspired. Hopefully we will have a generation on our heels driven to do the same thing.