The Literary Cafeteria
poetry as a snack16 total reviews
Comment from BethShelby
This is a delightful essay. I love your analysis of writing by comparing it to a party with all sorts of available food. I have the same attitude as you about most poetry. If the writer is saying nothing or something that only has meaning to them, it doesn't nothing to satisfy my appitite. I write some poetry but not the vague kind that some poets believe is the only true poetry. Maybe I should stick to pizza.
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2013
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This is a delightful essay. I love your analysis of writing by comparing it to a party with all sorts of available food. I have the same attitude as you about most poetry. If the writer is saying nothing or something that only has meaning to them, it doesn't nothing to satisfy my appitite. I write some poetry but not the vague kind that some poets believe is the only true poetry. Maybe I should stick to pizza.
Comment Written 09-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2013
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You're a good writer and would never post saltine craxkers with something smeared on. thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from gene roush
Nice job
I couldn't agree more with your theory ansd i love the metaphor.
Was "practised" an error or artistic interpretation?
again, well done
thanks for sharing
gene
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2013
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Nice job
I couldn't agree more with your theory ansd i love the metaphor.
Was "practised" an error or artistic interpretation?
again, well done
thanks for sharing
gene
Comment Written 09-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2013
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I get the c/s version mixed up all the time, but my intent was that it was well tried out. Thanks
Comment from forestport12
I laughed when reading the analogy at the end. The mark of a good writer is to say what others cannot think of themselves or maybe were afraid to say. A fearless commentary with some well-slung words.
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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I laughed when reading the analogy at the end. The mark of a good writer is to say what others cannot think of themselves or maybe were afraid to say. A fearless commentary with some well-slung words.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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Do you know what set me off? I read a haiku--all 17 syllables and there was a spelling error in that miserable handful of words. And my oh my, the reviews would have thought this poet had hovered over the child and was presenting his newborn as a rare gift.
You've really slowed down in posting. Are you so very busy or are you lounging in a slump?
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Both. Real world has me. Having a pity party. I blame myself for not working on my business and paying all the bills, chasing this elusive dream. If I was a single I could afford to be a starving artist.
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I understand. But let me suggest you ask yourself the same question in a different way. When you became a father, did you start to feel that you had to take some love away from your wife in order to give your child some measure of emotion? I suspect, if anything, the expansion of your heart made you a BETTER husband.
Business can't be booming, and perhaps you're feeling that if you applied yourself harder there might be a bigger cash flow. Its too easy to blame the want because the need is great.
At any rate, whether you're clocking keys on a computer or doodling on paper, you're always writing inside your head. That's not something you will ever be able to stop
I see after I shot my mouth off, you posted I'll save it for my morning treat.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
I tried to review this yesterday, but this site didn't want to play ball. But here I am today, and even hungrier than yesterday.
I'm the type of person that lives for food, so any reference to it, gets my juices running, but in saying that I don't eat junk food, and yet it is served regularly at this banquet... and it doesn't have to be an appetizer.
My favorite way to eat, is to break it up into courses... you know, i'll eat my perfectly julian sliced vegetables with my yoghourt and houmus dip... appetizer? No more like a well balanced starter, and if it has the right ingredients, its truly satisfying... now most times, you know I'm going to hook into some protein for my mains, something tasty I can chew on for a while before digesting, not unlike what you have served up here... but am I satisfied with just that? No way, I'm a piggsy, I'll keep gnawing away... but none of that sweet crap, savory's my flavour, add in some spice... well I'm in heaven.
You never fail to amuse, entertain and come with fresh approaches, and speaking of that, you forgot the writer that likes left-overs, the one's that just keep pulling that same dish out of a cold fridge and serving just as cold... oh well, back to telling you how great you are... but my mind is always on food, have I got a problem? Yes, yes, how great you are? Where you come up with these idea's, has me shaking my head. Half of the time I don't know whether I should be offended or embarrassed, but what I do know, is to have your care-free approach, stimulates your mind to create such off-the-wall brilliance... and I never tire form reading your art-form... I said it way-back, but I could read anything you wrote and be satisfied that I had just been stung by the Spiritual Echo's shape wit.
What's for desert?
Be well and take care.
With our thoughts we create,
kindest thoughts,
James xx
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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Hi Ingrid,
I tried to review this yesterday, but this site didn't want to play ball. But here I am today, and even hungrier than yesterday.
I'm the type of person that lives for food, so any reference to it, gets my juices running, but in saying that I don't eat junk food, and yet it is served regularly at this banquet... and it doesn't have to be an appetizer.
My favorite way to eat, is to break it up into courses... you know, i'll eat my perfectly julian sliced vegetables with my yoghourt and houmus dip... appetizer? No more like a well balanced starter, and if it has the right ingredients, its truly satisfying... now most times, you know I'm going to hook into some protein for my mains, something tasty I can chew on for a while before digesting, not unlike what you have served up here... but am I satisfied with just that? No way, I'm a piggsy, I'll keep gnawing away... but none of that sweet crap, savory's my flavour, add in some spice... well I'm in heaven.
You never fail to amuse, entertain and come with fresh approaches, and speaking of that, you forgot the writer that likes left-overs, the one's that just keep pulling that same dish out of a cold fridge and serving just as cold... oh well, back to telling you how great you are... but my mind is always on food, have I got a problem? Yes, yes, how great you are? Where you come up with these idea's, has me shaking my head. Half of the time I don't know whether I should be offended or embarrassed, but what I do know, is to have your care-free approach, stimulates your mind to create such off-the-wall brilliance... and I never tire form reading your art-form... I said it way-back, but I could read anything you wrote and be satisfied that I had just been stung by the Spiritual Echo's shape wit.
What's for desert?
Be well and take care.
With our thoughts we create,
kindest thoughts,
James xx
Comment Written 08-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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I think you're dessert, James. Here, let me describe how you taste. You come from ideal ingredients and a perfect recipe. The base is a flaky pastry, mischievous and occasionally fickle that won't respond to a clumsy chef. But with the right touch, you'll rise, puff out like a splendid peacock and leave room in your layers for the filling.
The interior compote consists of summer strawberries and spring rhubarb, picked from the plant while the stalks are still young, retaining the crisp promise and the sharp tang of a superb dessert. To mellow and intensify this promise, the recipe calls for sugar, a splash of Grand Marnier and a pinch of allspice.
There remains only the topping to complete the instruction. Some folks disguise the essence of their creation, hiding it under thick globs of cream, but not in the Jumbo.
The Jumbo allows the interior layers to remain exposed, offering guests to view the secrets, the tiers of structure that are part of the final presentation. Meringue is whipped by hand until the peaks rise and can withstand even a complete turn around, not sliding out of the bowl even when it is turned upside down.
The meringue must be ladled onto the pastry with a gentle hand, ensuring that the peaks rise as if trying to reach for the stars.
A slight broil, it adds visual delight for your guests who feel that something so seemingly fragile should not be exposed to the danger of fire and a chef's confidence that he has enough experience to handle eternal elements without being burnt.
Finally, for absolute perfect presentation, sprinkle with shaved chocolate and a fresh mint leaf.
Enjoy dessert, James. You are my biggest and most sincere fan. ingrid
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Should I be salivating at myself?
Thank you for such a construction, love the splash of Grand Marnier and the pinch of allspice... Damn, I sound good enough to eat.xx
Comment from Cumbrianlass
There she goes again, posting summat that should be gracing the pages of a literary magazine or poet's journal.
This is brilliant, Ingrid. IMHO, one of the best things you've done. Love how you've turned it into a dining experience!
Love: A writer can't retort with, 'my work is subjective to interpretation.' Nor can he or she suggest, 'lack of punctuation is deliberate.' One can identify bad prose just as quickly as with poetry, but when it's good, it's such a great ride.
Effing brilliant: Some entrees are simple, using well thought out ingredients that slide across my tongue evoking a sigh of appreciation. Others are far more complicated, and it is obvious the author has ground his own spices in an effort to win the approval of the guests.
Quotable for all eternity: Before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons, and just possibly, poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know? I'm a writer.
This utterly rocks. My first read of the day. Nothing after this, I'm sure, will come close.
I'm proud to know you.
Love Av
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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There she goes again, posting summat that should be gracing the pages of a literary magazine or poet's journal.
This is brilliant, Ingrid. IMHO, one of the best things you've done. Love how you've turned it into a dining experience!
Love: A writer can't retort with, 'my work is subjective to interpretation.' Nor can he or she suggest, 'lack of punctuation is deliberate.' One can identify bad prose just as quickly as with poetry, but when it's good, it's such a great ride.
Effing brilliant: Some entrees are simple, using well thought out ingredients that slide across my tongue evoking a sigh of appreciation. Others are far more complicated, and it is obvious the author has ground his own spices in an effort to win the approval of the guests.
Quotable for all eternity: Before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons, and just possibly, poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know? I'm a writer.
This utterly rocks. My first read of the day. Nothing after this, I'm sure, will come close.
I'm proud to know you.
Love Av
Comment Written 08-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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I was expecting a lot of flack (not always a bad thing in my world) and surprisingly have received none--or maybe the reader just hit the mute/skip button.
Thank you. Waking up to a six star review ain't too shabby.
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I put a bug in the Wellington Advertiser sales rep ear about the Tri-cities, btw. We'll see if anything comes of it in the New Year.
x
Comment from Donya Quijote
This was a wonderfully satisfying meal of courses. Your wit and humor make this satire an enjoyable read. Love the use of a buffet and dinner theater as a metaphor for writing. Very, very well done...
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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This was a wonderfully satisfying meal of courses. Your wit and humor make this satire an enjoyable read. Love the use of a buffet and dinner theater as a metaphor for writing. Very, very well done...
Comment Written 08-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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Inspired by a haiku with only seventeen syllables and yet, a spelling mistake smack dab in the middle....groan.
Thanks so much for all the stars to greet the Sunday morning.
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It was very well written, so most deserving of a six. Glad to make your day. A spelling error in the middle of a haiku is terrible and stands out like a swollen thumb.
Comment from DALLAS01
Holy s---. Bet your are going to get some opinions on content here. A great write as always and surely agree on the over-stocked inventory of blue birds and rose petals, and the 'my work is subjective to interpretation.' attempt to wave the flag of intellectual prowess.
Also have to agree that a good haibun entices the poet(or writer)to put on his climbing gear to reach the pinnacle.
But to me a poet is an artist who can paint a picture of beauty, move you to tears, invoke your anger, make you laugh in just a few words, and most important of all acknowledge another's pain by sharing their own.
Cafeteria is a great metaphor for this piece.
This rates a ten...sorry out of sixes.
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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Holy s---. Bet your are going to get some opinions on content here. A great write as always and surely agree on the over-stocked inventory of blue birds and rose petals, and the 'my work is subjective to interpretation.' attempt to wave the flag of intellectual prowess.
Also have to agree that a good haibun entices the poet(or writer)to put on his climbing gear to reach the pinnacle.
But to me a poet is an artist who can paint a picture of beauty, move you to tears, invoke your anger, make you laugh in just a few words, and most important of all acknowledge another's pain by sharing their own.
Cafeteria is a great metaphor for this piece.
This rates a ten...sorry out of sixes.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2013
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Well, what really sent me over the edge was a haiku with a spelling error. Really? Jeeze...with only a handful of words!
I think I liked poetry just fine before I joined FS, but the amount of crap had severely retarded my interest in reading new poetry. When my attention span is short, I stroll through the offerings, but I usually regret the walk.
I haven't got any flack at all for this essay.
How are you handling things? Hopefully Christmas is detracting you and dulling the issues.
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I told my sister the other day, I thought I was bi-polar. Nerve endings just raw go from joy to tears in a heart beat. Not really like me. But I finally got the Christmas spirit, started early enough that I am not frazzled. Shopping done, baking done and house decorated. Now just bopp'n around to the Christmas Cds and chilling out with Netflix and enjoying it. Hope your are too.
Comment from Krishni
That was beautiful.
If you don't mind me saying, your writing style is actually very poetic and mesmerizing! I liked your comparisons and the whole array of descriptions provided about prose writers. It was brilliant; very creative.
I also always have to struggle to understand poetry and mostly rely on my own emotional responses to judge it.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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That was beautiful.
If you don't mind me saying, your writing style is actually very poetic and mesmerizing! I liked your comparisons and the whole array of descriptions provided about prose writers. It was brilliant; very creative.
I also always have to struggle to understand poetry and mostly rely on my own emotional responses to judge it.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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There are clusters of poets on this site that may not know one-another, but cling on the same stem like grapes feeding off the same stem. (How's that for lyrical? LOL) I've been on-site long enough to know which poets take their craft very seriously and some of the others. We have those that singularly write poetry about their faith, those on a learning curve, those trying to learn from the laureates and then there are THEM.
I drop in on the laureates occasionally, but when I am very weak and open up something that send me searching for antacids, it poisons my opinion on the entire genre. Thanks for a lovely review.
Comment from rama devi
Second review
Thanks for letting me know you revised this! Happy to upgrade.
First review (FOUR stars)
What a great extended "edible' metaphor in this - very creative, original and memorable, too. You title drew me in, and the content entertained! Held my attention fully.
I did not notice the spags on first read, because your content was so interesting and compelling. However, on second read, I did note a few suggestions, noted below, along with APPLAUSE
* It's easy, when people ask what I do(,) to say, 'I'm a writer.'
*It has to be tough to say(,) 'I'm a poet.'
Excellent analogy:
Of course, all poets are writers with a preferred genre, but it is like the difference between skiers and snowmobilers;
What a fun phrasing with superb alliteration on S: scorn the inkslinger who has a thousand words to squander in his seduction of the reader.
*
A writer can't retort with(,) 'm(M)y work is subjective to interpretation.'
*Nor can he or she suggest that(,) (")l(L)ack of punctuation is deliberate."
* rose petals scattered so extravagantly through so many of the poems I read,(NO COMMA) might have a deeper impact on a love-struck girl than a crotchety old broad.
NICE:
On site, we have a poet who can make me laugh every time I read her post, a historian who has turned little-known facts into short, but entertaining documentaries, and countless emotional healers who both soothe and comfort readers with their words. Kudos to all.
I AGREE:
I can appreciate, but not enjoy, the 'technique' writers who build acrostics or follow prescribed rhyme schemes to fulfill contest requirements. Often the technique is spot-on perfect, yet the poet has nothing to say.
Though I believe it is possible, too, to have technique writers with artistic talent as well --a fine recipe!
I love Haibun too...and your posts prompts me to write one soon!
Well depicted: In this format, both prose writers and poets can weave the best elements of their craft, employing lyrical styles and alliteration to fulfill both writing styles.
WITTY, nventive and fun (and true)-
It's easy for me to stick my nose up at the visual presentation and the stench emanating from the silver tray. But I'm still hungry and I'm tired of standing around in a room with no chairs.
LOL
The prose writers, who all claim the right to satisfy my aching needs, imagine themselves to be master chefs.
*The banquet table in(IS, not IN) heavily laded, weighty from all the words used in each recipe.
Love the metaphor--cleverly extended...!
*One man stands defiantly(,) with his pristine white jacket smeared with blood.
EXCELLENT-
I grab a plate and begin my walk down the buffet tables, easily forgoing the thin porridge and the thirty-layer cake so crammed full of ingredients that it will tumble the moment someone actually tries to eat the concoction.
*
Some entrees are simple(,) using well thought out ingredients(,) and slide across my tongue evoking a sigh of appreciation.
Excellent tangential extensions to the main metaphor, especially here:
Others are far more complicated and it is obvious the author has ground his own spices in an effort to win the approval of the guests.
*
I am allowed to linger, there are ample chairs available, but I must leave, (and) go back to the real world(,) where sometimes pizza delivery is the only way anyone gets fed in my reality.
LOL-
But before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons. But poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know?
Suggest trimming off he first of the three BUTs in the above:
Before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons. But poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know?
I enjoyed this a lot- Sharp wit! Good humor. Fine pacing and POV and consistency in tone.
Almost borders on a six, but for the handful of minor nits...
Warmly, rd
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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Second review
Thanks for letting me know you revised this! Happy to upgrade.
First review (FOUR stars)
What a great extended "edible' metaphor in this - very creative, original and memorable, too. You title drew me in, and the content entertained! Held my attention fully.
I did not notice the spags on first read, because your content was so interesting and compelling. However, on second read, I did note a few suggestions, noted below, along with APPLAUSE
* It's easy, when people ask what I do(,) to say, 'I'm a writer.'
*It has to be tough to say(,) 'I'm a poet.'
Excellent analogy:
Of course, all poets are writers with a preferred genre, but it is like the difference between skiers and snowmobilers;
What a fun phrasing with superb alliteration on S: scorn the inkslinger who has a thousand words to squander in his seduction of the reader.
*
A writer can't retort with(,) 'm(M)y work is subjective to interpretation.'
*Nor can he or she suggest that(,) (")l(L)ack of punctuation is deliberate."
* rose petals scattered so extravagantly through so many of the poems I read,(NO COMMA) might have a deeper impact on a love-struck girl than a crotchety old broad.
NICE:
On site, we have a poet who can make me laugh every time I read her post, a historian who has turned little-known facts into short, but entertaining documentaries, and countless emotional healers who both soothe and comfort readers with their words. Kudos to all.
I AGREE:
I can appreciate, but not enjoy, the 'technique' writers who build acrostics or follow prescribed rhyme schemes to fulfill contest requirements. Often the technique is spot-on perfect, yet the poet has nothing to say.
Though I believe it is possible, too, to have technique writers with artistic talent as well --a fine recipe!
I love Haibun too...and your posts prompts me to write one soon!
Well depicted: In this format, both prose writers and poets can weave the best elements of their craft, employing lyrical styles and alliteration to fulfill both writing styles.
WITTY, nventive and fun (and true)-
It's easy for me to stick my nose up at the visual presentation and the stench emanating from the silver tray. But I'm still hungry and I'm tired of standing around in a room with no chairs.
LOL
The prose writers, who all claim the right to satisfy my aching needs, imagine themselves to be master chefs.
*The banquet table in(IS, not IN) heavily laded, weighty from all the words used in each recipe.
Love the metaphor--cleverly extended...!
*One man stands defiantly(,) with his pristine white jacket smeared with blood.
EXCELLENT-
I grab a plate and begin my walk down the buffet tables, easily forgoing the thin porridge and the thirty-layer cake so crammed full of ingredients that it will tumble the moment someone actually tries to eat the concoction.
*
Some entrees are simple(,) using well thought out ingredients(,) and slide across my tongue evoking a sigh of appreciation.
Excellent tangential extensions to the main metaphor, especially here:
Others are far more complicated and it is obvious the author has ground his own spices in an effort to win the approval of the guests.
*
I am allowed to linger, there are ample chairs available, but I must leave, (and) go back to the real world(,) where sometimes pizza delivery is the only way anyone gets fed in my reality.
LOL-
But before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons. But poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know?
Suggest trimming off he first of the three BUTs in the above:
Before I end my musings, my theory is that maybe prose writers are gluttons. But poets are terrified of gaining weight, afraid to indulge in a full-course meal. But what do I know?
I enjoyed this a lot- Sharp wit! Good humor. Fine pacing and POV and consistency in tone.
Almost borders on a six, but for the handful of minor nits...
Warmly, rd
Comment Written 07-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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Well its no wonder you consistently with ROM. You're worth your weight in gold. thank you kindly. I have, hopefully, made all the corrections. Thanks again.
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AW, thanks, my friend. I will revisit shortly. Warmest Regards, rd
Comment from judiverse
Hi, Spiritual Echo. I love this and your comparison of poetry writers offering a cocktail party with appetizers and the prose writers offering their specialties. Very vivid descriptions of them all--especially the romance and horror writers. Agree with your comments about the numerous bad poets, and how they can claim their work is subject to interpretation. Great humor and insights in this. I enjoyed! judi
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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Hi, Spiritual Echo. I love this and your comparison of poetry writers offering a cocktail party with appetizers and the prose writers offering their specialties. Very vivid descriptions of them all--especially the romance and horror writers. Agree with your comments about the numerous bad poets, and how they can claim their work is subject to interpretation. Great humor and insights in this. I enjoyed! judi
Comment Written 07-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2013
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Someone quoted George Carlin on the subject in one response. GC said More people write poetry than read it.' I thought that very fitting of the subject. Thanks for not stoning me for my somewhat apathetic approach to poems.
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You're so welcome. Great quotation. I don't go for the pretense and elaborate imagery that go into some of the poems we see. And all the pain and suffering! judi
