Poem: Resistance
Dec 15, 2018 by Bethel Swift
A cento is a “patchwork” poem comprised of lines from other poets' poems. I wrote this one in our "Yoga for Creativity & Poetry as Play Workshop" held on October 7, 2018. All of the lines were taken from the September 2017 Volume of Poetry Magazine. Some punctuation was changed. Citations follow the poem . . .
Poem: Haiku
Nov 15, 2018 by Bethel Swift
This haiku was written by C.J. Seliger, of Peace Always Yoga & Meditation, in our "Yoga for Creativity & Poetry as Play" Workshop held on October 7, 2018 . . .
Gains & Goals: Conference Hacks
Apr 29, 2018 by Bethel Swift
As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person – yes, it’s a real thing), introvert, and anxiety-prone individual, conferencing can be particularly daunting. In this month's post, I’ll share a few tips that I picked up along the way that go beyond the standard, yet sage, “dress in layers” advice . . .
Gains & Goals: Children's Book Writing
Jan 26, 2018 by Bethel Swift
I used to believe that artists and writers who were "making it" must know some secret that I didn't. Of course there is no such secret but there are some great resources out there to help us in our craft. I am a big fan of information that helps me work smarter (because let's face it, as artists and/or writers, we already know we have to work hard) so I will also be sharing about the people, products, and strategies that help me accomplish my goals/gains . . .
Self-Care: A Short "Shame" Story
Nov 16, 2017 by Bethel Swift
Please note: I love the studio I attend classes at, so this story is not about naming names; rather it is a reminder that a) words have weight and b) people have worth - regardless of their appearance or accomplishments . . .
Artivism: Diversity in Children's Books
Mar 28, 2017 by Bethel Swift
I have been a SCBWI member for seven years and one topic that has come up repeatedly over the years is the need for more diversity in children's books (especially in the areas of race & culture, religion & sexual orientation, and the physically & mentally differently-abled) . . .
Poem: Torrey Pines (Haiku Tercet)
Feb 15, 2017 by Bethel Swift
Blue Angel roar pulls / ocean forth, pours color o’er / foaming grey pools. / A thousand smooth stones . . .
Poem: To The Winner...
Jan 15, 2017 by Bethel Swift
Once more, / I have reached / too high . . .
Poem: Mni Wiconi
Nov 15, 2016 by Bethel Swift
She pushes a cart full of plastic bundles, / in an Irish mist—far from its origin. / And we cross together . . .
Washington D.C. with Grandma
Feb 29, 2016 by Bethel Swift
This is a throwback post to my favorite piece of accidental art:
"Washington D.C. with Grandma" came to be as a result of using a single-use/throwaway camera on a trip to D.C and trying to actually follow the printed point-and-shoot distance directions on the camera's package. My initial reaction, when I picked up my prints, was of course, disappointment. It was heartbreaking to find that I'd only captured Lincoln's leg here, half of my grandmother's scalp there, etc. However, as I studied the print summary sheet, I started to think there might be more to these photos than immediately met the eye. Somehow, once I put them together as a collage, I was better able to appreciate the photos as individual and intimate portraits revealing overlooked intricacies in my country's capitol.
"Washington D.C. with Grandma" came to be as a result of using a single-use/throwaway camera on a trip to D.C and trying to actually follow the printed point-and-shoot distance directions on the camera's package. My initial reaction, when I picked up my prints, was of course, disappointment. It was heartbreaking to find that I'd only captured Lincoln's leg here, half of my grandmother's scalp there, etc. However, as I studied the print summary sheet, I started to think there might be more to these photos than immediately met the eye. Somehow, once I put them together as a collage, I was better able to appreciate the photos as individual and intimate portraits revealing overlooked intricacies in my country's capitol.
Poem: Cotton Candy Man
Feb 15, 2016 by Bethel Swift
He is always walking, walking / noiseless, in the bitter cold. / A single, slender stick a’ shoulder / strong and sure enough to hold . . .
Poem: Physical Therapy
Nov 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
This session is brought to you by the numbers 9 out of 10 . . .
Poem: Comforting June
Jun 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
Gentle Wind whispers, / after so many storms . . .
Poem: Cento à la Quiche
May 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
A cento is a "patchwork" poem comprised of lines from other poet's poems. I wrote this poem as a homework assignment for Poetics 2 through The Chicago School of Poetics. Some punctuation was changed. Citations follow the poem . . .
Poem: Kwansabas for Luda
Mar 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
This poem is part of a larger project that I am working on to honor the life of Dr. Ludmilla Finkelstein. The Kwansaba is an African American poetry form based on the seven principles of the Kwanzaa celebration. Typically a praise song, the form (seven lines of seven or fewer words with seven or fewer letters in each word) was invented in the 1990s. This poem contains three Kwansabas written in October 2013, while studying at Kennedy King College, under Professor Martha Vertreace-Doody. I am posting it today, to mark the anniversary of Luda's birth (March 19, 1913) . . .
Poem: Sullen Suffering (Portrait of the Artist as Victim)
Feb 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
I don't mean to criticize, (though I'm told You can handle that sort of thing) / but here I crouch, tugging at Your invisible cloak, because I am pulling apart at the seams . . .
Poem: Midday - Skating at "The Midway"
Jan 15, 2015 by Bethel Swift
Somehow I didn’t notice them— / all flailing arms and slipping feet— / until they slid down right in front of me / solemnly stating, “We need help.” ...
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