What's going on, Albuquerque?

The DitchRider's Blog – August 2009 Archive (5)

The Sunday Poem: Margaret Randall... Nothing was What it Pretended

Albuquerque poet Margaret Randall, whose most recent books include STONES WITNESS, TO CHANGE THE WORLD: MY YEARS IN CUBA and… Continue

Added by The DitchRider on August 30, 2009 at 8:00am — 5 Comments

The Sunday Poem: Richard Vargas... what war?

It is amazing that with three full-time news channels we hear so little about Iraq and Afganistan. Who can name more than one province of either country. Not many of us. And this is after what...six years of being there?

Richard Vargas is the author of two books of poetry: McLife and… Continue

Added by The DitchRider on August 23, 2009 at 8:30am — 3 Comments

The Sunday Poem: Tamra Hays... Starting Over

Starting over? This little poem navigates through the clutter of life. The images are so strong that a first reading hides its rigorous organization. It is powerful and lush, yet spare...not an extra word or thought anywhere. It is just a beautiful piece you can enjoy over and over again.

After teaching in the Duke City for over 20 years, Tamra Hays and her husband, Michael, began to teach in international schools. They now split their time… Continue

Added by The DitchRider on August 16, 2009 at 8:00am — 6 Comments

The Sunday Poem: Gina Marie Marselle... My Daughter's Hand

Maybe because I am a parent...maybe because I had to keep the world from falling apart no matter what my breaking heart felt like...maybe because I love walking in the bosque--whatever the reason, I love this poem. The poet asks, "What am I searching for? What is missing?" Let's see if there an answer to be found among the cottonwoods.

Gina Marie Marselle is a dedicated supporter of the Albuquerque poetry community. She is involved with the… Continue

Added by The DitchRider on August 9, 2009 at 8:00am — 4 Comments

The Sunday Poem: Richard Oyama... Holiday in the Sun

The L.A. Times review of Mexico's Playa la Ropa begins, "a long sweep of sand with a great view of the sunset. Some lovely small hotels and restaurants nestle in the hills; palm groves edge the shoreline." Richard Oyama fills in the details. And what details! It is kind of like having Kandinsky draw you a map of how to get to the train station.

He was born in New York. He has a Master's degree in English: Creative Writing from San… Continue

Added by The DitchRider on August 2, 2009 at 7:30am — 5 Comments