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Tag: Robert Fleming
Instant Noodles with a Side of Love for Valentine’s Day
Instant Noodles is an online lit magazine formerly curated by me, alone, and now curated by Old Scratch Press.
For Valentine’s Day, here are a few of my favorite poems about love from the magazine, pieces that I chose for publication.
FIRST MORNING AFTER MOVING ~ Greg Hill
My bureaus and dressers,
all crossed with blue tape,
a sea of cubed cardboard
spilling out into the hallway
and into all the other rooms.
Where is my bedside table?
Why does the morning smell
like fresh coats of paint,
and why a sound
like a parade of identical cars?
My muscles still burn
from the hours of unpacking
from yesterday’s move.
Where is my toothbrush? My comb?
Then I see you,
tranquil and sleeping
and I know
I am home.
Greg’s poem, so sweet, simple about the things that are not fireworks about love, but make us exceedingly happy all the same.
MUTUAL INTERDIGITATION ~ R. Gerry Fabian
We were linked long before we met.
We have been down the same wrong path
at different times with the same rancid rogues.
When we met, I was coming out the wrong side;
you were still there floundering hopelessly.
At first, I didn’t pay you much notice at all.
The death of a dear mutual friend
brought us together at the freshly dug gravesite.
We are good, now, together, walking that tightrope
of ‘fall off the wagon at any time’ good
that depends so much on breathing love’s balance.
Gerry’s poem, about all the ways that love connects us, adds wholeness to our lives, even as we get past the frenzy of youth.
THE BARBARIANS HAD ACTED REGRETTABLY ~ Colin James
My son found the dragon’s tooth amongst
some rocks and fine white sand. He washed
it clean in a tidal pool. A Hermit crab stole it,
scraping the tip then sucking the remnant root.
The boy threw some sand and stole it back.
He climbed up on the rocks with me to sit.
We examined the hard fire, inner blackened.
Easily sold to tourists later, paying us much more
to guarantee their safe return passage .
Colin’s poem I always took to be about parental love: how our children absolutely make us filled and absorbed and imaginative and plain old grateful to be in their magical world.
UNDER KEEL ON LITTLE DOE LAKE ~ Robert Fleming
moon over wooden hull
us under birch wood
left hand forward 4 ur bow
thwarted by ur stern pry stroke
back stroke 2 ur gunnel
seeking ur back sweep stroke
u j-stroke away
non-swimming clothes on
prefer clothes off
cross draw stroke 2 ur dock
u eskimo roll out
ur knee on deck
solo under skin
draw stroke my wood
Robert, a member of Old Scratch Press, may correct me, but I always took this to be a poem at the beginning, heady stage of love, and so much about the abandonment that I always feel in the time of transition from spring to early summer.
WISTFUL DREAM ~ Bethany A. Beeler
Betahany’s poem always seemed like lust to me, which is beefy and delicious, in my view, like biting into a huge strawberry covered in dark, dark chocolate, and certainly an important part of romantic love.
Lastly, on this hopefully gentle day that comes to you with a hug, or, perhaps a kiss, another from Greg Hill, possibly my favorite poem submitted to Instant Noodles to date. Happy Valentine’s Day. May you find love, or love find you!
SATURDAY ~ Greg Hill
the day
starts in bed
we make
coffee and
something from milk
flour eggs
water
in the shower
warming us together
after breakfast
you brush
a dollop of shampoo
on my nose
as I rinse my hair
even the nothing
you do
is something
to me
Robert Fleming’s Valentine’s Day Advice
By Robert Fleming
On Valentine’s Day, write a sonnet. A sonnet is for love. In the 13th-century, the sonnet was invented by Giacomo da Lentini, a member of the Italian Court of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in Palermo, Sicily.
William Shakespeare popularized the sonnet. William lived 1564–1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
The original sonnet is a fourteen-line poem in iambic pentameter with endline rhyme with the sequence: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The last two lines, GG, are a change, called a Volta. I still confuse iambic pentameter with the Olympic Pentameter event where a shepherd guides lambs over hurdles.
Perhaps, William’s most famous sonnet is #18: Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date;
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm’d;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;
Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
Where is William’s poetry title? Don’t poems have to have a title? Some poets don’t give titles and when published the publisher makes the first line the title.
As a poet for fifty years, I have written many sonnets and teach a two-hour workshop on how to write a sonnet. I am proud, at the end of my workshop, many participants write a first draft and complain they are exhausted. Beware of the sonnet sweat.
My writing which responds to William’s sonnet #18:
William does this frock make me look fat?
Why should I compare you?
Shall my rating do good?
Will it make me want
you more than what I had,
nor worse than what I can’t get?
Your score will be my score.
Shall there come a day when you won’t ask?
Oh no, no, not that frock, take it off!
Robert, your poem does have a title, but only nine lines. It is not a sonnet. As a tribute to Cole Porter, who composed Anything Goes in 1934, the less taxing American sonnet was invented which is a fourteen-line poem that does not demand iambic pentameter nor endline rhymes. If the American sonnet’s fourteen lines is still too sweaty for you, write a monostich-1 line poem: I Love You.
The author, Robert Fleming is a founding/contributing editor of Old Scratch Press (OSP). To read more of Robert’s work:
- buy his visual poetry book White Noir, published by OSP, which is an Amazon bestseller white noir: Fleming, Robert: 9781957224183: Amazon.com: Books . https://www.amazon.com/dp/1957224185
- read his craft article: hybrid poetry published by Bewilderness Writing Hybrid+Poetry+by+Robert+Fleming+2023+11+2.pdf (squarespace.com) https://oldscratchpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/38cf2-hybridpoetrybyrobertfleming2023112.pdf
CONGRATULATIONS AMAZON BEST SELLER ROBERT FLEMING!
WHITE NOIR, by Old Scratch Press founding member Robert Fleming has hit the best sellers’ list!
CONGRATULATIONS Robert! We love your book! Well-deserved!
Introducing White Noir by Robert Fleming: A Darkly Captivating Visual Poetry Journal
 Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human existence? Look no further than WHITE NOIR, by Robert Fleming, a mesmerizing black and white visual poetry book that delves into the enigmatic tapestry of life, from birth to death and beyond. This book is not just a collection of verses; it’s a visual and emotional experience that will leave you spellbound.Who Should Dive into WHITE NOIR?Appreciators of Visual Poetry: If you’re someone who finds beauty in the fusion of words and images,WHITE NOIR is your treasure trove. Fleming’s mastery of visual poetry will leave you in awe.Lovers of Graphic Arts: This book is a canvas of creativity, merging the artistry of words and visuals in a way that will captivate anyone with an appreciation for graphic arts.Devotees of Dark Humor: WHITE NOIR thrives on dark humor, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that ultimately ends with a glimmer of hope. It’s a unique blend of wit and introspection.What Awaits You in WHITE NOIR?A Profound Human Journey: WHITE NOIR takes you on a journey that spans the entire lifespan of humanity. It explores the diverse facets of existence, from the raw and unfiltered to moments of humor and reflection.Balance of Text and Images: The book strikes a perfect balance between text and visuals, creating a multi-sensory experience that will leave you immersed in its world.Taboo Themes: Fleming fearlessly tackles taboo subjects, including religion, sex, politics, and gun violence, inviting readers to confront and contemplate these complex issues.Experimental Poetry Forms: Get ready for a literary adventure as Fleming explores experimental poetry forms, such as phone texting, Alexa questions, and palindromes, pushing the boundaries of conventional poetry.Why Will You Love WHITE NOIR?A Petite Delectation: You can devour this thought-provoking journey in a single sitting, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon or an intellectual escape.Original and Modern: “White Noir” is a testament to contemporary poetry, offering a fresh perspective on life’s most profound questions.Perfect Gift: Looking for a unique gift for a friend or loved one? “White Noir” is a one-of-a-kind present that will leave a lasting impression.Robert Fleming, the Doodleman, infuses his work with influences from literary giants like Robert Frost, Dr. Seuss, and the Beats, as well as the artistic visions of Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. With over 400 works published internationally, Fleming’s talent is undeniable, earning him recognition and accolades from various literary circles.Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating world of “White Noir.” Order your copy today and join the ranks of those who have been moved and inspired by Robert Fleming’s unique vision of human existence. It’s not just a book; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced…. |
You can get a copy of white noir on Amazon !
Simple Poems That Pack A Punch, Make a List
By Nadja Maril
Today I was attending an online workshop led by CNF writer and poet Nicole Breit and she was talking about different writing forms. One of those forms was the list format, which Nicole has used in her essay entitled, Atmospheric Pressure, published in Room Magazine. Her lyric list form essay jumps backwards and forwards in time to convey the cycle of grief
The mention of lists, immediately brought to mind flash prose. Plenty of flash fiction and CNF flash stories use the list form. Just think of what kind of story you can tell with a curated shopping list, a packing list, or list of desired skills in the Help Wanted section of the classifieds.
Before Nicole began focusing on writing memoir, she was writing poetry, Many of her creative ideas for creative nonfiction come from poetry, which got me to thinking about List Poetry.
Simply stated, a list poem consists of a list of images or adjectives. The compilation of the items as a group creates the poem. By their nature, List Poems use repetition. They also often use what is called anaphora, the reoccurrence of the same sound to create a driving rhythm.
An old favorite poem of mine is by Alice Duer Miller (1874-1942) who was very active in the American suffragette movement.
Why We Oppose Pockets for Women
By Alice Duer Miller
1. Because pockets are not a natural right.
2. Because the great majority of women do not want pockets. If they did they would have them.
3. Because whenever women have had pockets they have not used them.
4. Because women are required to carry enough things as it is, without the additional burden of pockets.
5. Because it would make dissension between husband and wife as to whose pockets were to be filled.
6. Because it would destroy man’s chivalry toward woman, if he did not have to carry all her things in his pockets.
7. Because men are men, and women are women. We must not fly in the face of nature.
8. Because pockets have been used by men to carry tobacco, pipes, whiskey flasks, chewing gum and compromising letters. We see no reason to suppose that women would use them more wisely.
Another famous poem that also takes the form of a list, is Walt Witman’s (1819-1892) I Hear America Singing.
I Hear America Singing
By Walt Whitman
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Thank you for reading the Old Scratch Press blog. Please sign up to follow us if you haven’t already done so, and check out our next chapbook, Robert Fleming’s White Noir.
Do Poets and Writers of Short Prose Need an MFA?
By Nadja Maril
Attend any writer’s conference or weekend of workshops and invariably a topic raised amongst the attendees, (those aspiring to be published writers), is a discussion on the value of an MFA.
Will an MFA is help me professionally?
Will graduate school provide me with useful introductions to members of the publishing industry?
Will the process of earning a Masters degree serve to teach me useful skills I couldn’t learn independently?
No simple answer exists, because every writer and their aspirations are different. And every MFA program is different.
I found pursuing an MFA to be a rewarding intellectual experience, as an older adult. I received my MFA from the Stonecoast Low Residency Writing Program at in University of Southern Maine in literary fiction in January 2020.
Low residency didn’t start up with the internet or the pandemic. For decades, many scholars have recognized that much of a graduate student’s work consists of independent study and research under the tutelage of a mentor. Low residency programs convene in person each semester for one or two weeks and the remainder of communication is done by email, snail mail and video conferencing. The set-up enables students to continue with another professional career and family responsibilities.
While I wished I ‘d attended grad school in my twenties or thirties, sometimes you appreciate something more when you are forced to wait.
When I asked some of my colleagues at Old Scratch Press if they could share some of their thoughts about MFA’s, Collective member Robert Fleming told me about Mark Fishbein, who he met at the Poetry Academy of the District of Columbia poetry critique workshop. To join contact Mark at mark@poetwithguitar.com
To Mark Fishbein, Robert posed the following questions:
Why did you choose an MFA?:
M.F.: As retired, the purpose at the age of 74 means deciding to buy your container of milk before or after your nap. As a young man I thought to live the life of poet/academician, but got sidetracked and spent my life differently. But as a lifelong poet, I now give lectures in poetry workshops and I would like to teach it. In order to do so I must have, at minimum, an MFA.
Mark began in the Fall, 2023 an in-person MFA in creative writing: poetry at Columbia College in Chicago, IL. This is a traditional residential full-time program.
Why did you chose this specific school? :
M.F.: The program is well received; it’s walking distance from home, the price is more reasonable and the vibe less full of itself as I have experienced. It’s in the heart of downtown. No campus fraternities.
Mark is the chancellor of the Poetry Academy of the District of Columbia and most recently published Reflections in the Time of Trumpius Maximus, by Mark Fishbein | Atmosphere Press
So what is your thoughts on the topic? We’d be happy to hear from you.
Thank you for reading. Check out the latest submission call from Instant Noodles Literary Magazine here.
White Noir by Robert Fleming: A Darkly Captivating VIsual Poetry Journey
Old Scratch Press is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Robert Fleming’s newest poetry chapbook, White Noir.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human existence? Look no further than WHITE NOIR, by Robert Fleming, a mesmerizing black and white visual poetry book that delves into the enigmatic tapestry of life, from birth to death and beyond. This book is not just a collection of verses; it’s a visual and emotional experience that will leave you spellbound.
Who Should Dive into WHITE NOIR?
- Appreciators of Visual Poetry: If you’re someone who finds beauty in the fusion of words and images,WHITE NOIR is your treasure trove. Fleming’s mastery of visual poetry will leave you in awe.
- Lovers of Graphic Arts: This book is a canvas of creativity, merging the artistry of words and visuals in a way that will captivate anyone with an appreciation for graphic arts.
- Devotees of Dark Humor: WHITE NOIR thrives on dark humor, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that ultimately ends with a glimmer of hope. It’s a unique blend of wit and introspection.
What Awaits You in WHITE NOIR?
- A Profound Human Journey: WHITE NOIR takes you on a journey that spans the entire lifespan of humanity. It explores the diverse facets of existence, from the raw and unfiltered to moments of humor and reflection.
- Balance of Text and Images: The book strikes a perfect balance between text and visuals, creating a multi-sensory experience that will leave you immersed in its world.
- Taboo Themes: Fleming fearlessly tackles taboo subjects, including religion, sex, politics, and gun violence, inviting readers to confront and contemplate these complex issues.
- Experimental Poetry Forms: Get ready for a literary adventure as Fleming explores experimental poetry forms, such as phone texting, Alexa questions, and palindromes, pushing the boundaries of conventional poetry.
Why Will You Love WHITE NOIR?
- A Petite Delectation: You can devour this thought-provoking journey in a single sitting, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon or an intellectual escape.
- Original and Modern: “White Noir” is a testament to contemporary poetry, offering a fresh perspective on life’s most profound questions.
- Perfect Gift: Looking for a unique gift for a friend or loved one? “White Noir” is a one-of-a-kind present that will leave a lasting impression.
- Robert Fleming, the Doodleman, infuses his work with influences from literary giants like Robert Frost, Dr. Seuss, and the Beats, as well as the artistic visions of Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. With over 400 works published internationally, Fleming’s talent is undeniable, earning him recognition and accolades from various literary circles.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating world of “White Noir.” Order your copy today and join the ranks of those who have been moved and inspired by Robert Fleming’s unique vision of human existence.
It’s not just a book; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced….
Scheduled for November 15th release, order your copy now.
The Secret Histories of Some of Our Poets
Writers and poets are complex individuals. They are not afraid to take risks. They reveal their innermost thoughts in their poetry and prose and they also like to have fun.
How well do you think you know the members of the Old Scratch Press Poetry and Short Form Collective and how well can you judge someone by their outward appearance?
Maybe you saw our FUN FACTS GAME on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OLDSCRATCHPRESS
If not, here are the questions:
Can you match these poets: Robert Fleming, R. David Fulcher, Dianne Pearce, or Virginia Watts with the correct fun fact?
A. They met their spouse through a personal ad placed by their dog.
B. They performed as Frankenstein at the opening of the movie “Gods and Monsters.”
C. They once pursued a career as a folksinger and they have an original song available on the internet.
D. Their favorite Xmas Eve story is about a character named Giant Grummer who lived in a house of limburger cheese consuming pickles and vinegar.
THE ANSWERS
“I guess you could say that I met my spouse after my dog posted an ad in the Personals column of the city paper, looking for a daddy to join us on walks, ” says Dianne Pearce.
In 1998, Robert Fleming performed as Frankenstein at the opening of the movie Gods and Monsters and here is a photo to prove it!
Want to check out the movie itself. Here is a link to the trailer.
Perhaps the plaid shirt and the beard is a giveaway, but R. David Fulcher describes himself as a “wannabe folksinger.” Take a listen.
And last but not least, check out What Virginia Watts has to say about her favorite Christmas story. featuring Giant Grummer.
Play the game next week, when we’ll have more fun questions and photos to share. Don’t miss a post, sign up to follow us on WordPress and Facebook. Thank you for reading.
ROBERT FLEMING Shortlisted for Blood Rag 2023 Poet of the Year!
Old Scratch Press (OSP) is pleased to announce that our contributing editor Robert Fleming is one of just six poets who were short-listed for 2023 the Blood Rag Poet of the Year and we couldn’t be prouder.
In Blood Rag Editor Matt Wall’s audio blog, three of Robert’s poems, previously published in the Blood Rag, were featured
And for your reading pleasure, here is one of Robert’s published poems.
Included in Issue #8 of Blood Rag
6-word flash fiction
Madame chopstick walker trips on kabuki.
Melt Marilyn Monroe into a pizza.
The hungry poisoner fed a pear.
Praying the tea will be strong.
I unbrick to Annabel Lee’s silence.
Five bullets left in the barrel.
My vocal cords speak for silence.
Matt Wall says: “I like how weird and strange Robert is; he describes himself as a word-artist; Robert is out there, not what others are doing; unique voice distinct as shit.
Robert’s upcoming visual poetry chapbook, White Noir, will be published by Devil’s Party Press’ Old Scratch Press this year, so check back here for the exact release date.
In the meantime, you may want to check out Robert’s 12-page poetry chapbook, Con-Way, a tribute to P.T. Barnum, published 7/9/2023 as part of Four Feathers Press: 4 in 1 November, 2023.
Please contact Robert if you’d like to buy the chapbook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.fleming.5030/
Robert is grateful to publishers who promote their writers by nominating them for awards. He’d like to thank: Matt Wall of the Blood Rag
Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich of Devil’s Party Press
Failbetter, a journal of literature and art
Volume 8 — Ethel (ethelzine.com)
You too can support poets and writers by 1) commenting on the work you admire when you read it online 2) purchasing their books and supporting the publications where their work is featured 3) Contacting editors and publishers directly to suggest nominations for various awards 4) Voting, when you are able, if awards ask for reader participation. THANK YOU.
OLD SCRATCH PRESS 