Posted by Bruised at 8:20pm May 19 '07Well, today I got a snail mail from poetry.com. They say they want to read my poem "A Million Lock-step Lemmings" out loud on their CD. They say you can find their anthologies and CD's in most bookstores. I wonder if someone else who buys this album won't be wearing my poem on it. Someone wrote on it in blue ink in his/her own handwriting: "Howard, James's verse is wonderfully expressive -- I suggest you also select it for the 'Sound of Poetry'. -C.S." I wonder if the person's hand gets tired from writing that on every letter.
Dear James,
I am delighted to inform you that your poem "A Million Lock-step Lemmings" has been awarded our prestigious Editor's Choice Award because it displays a unique perspective and original creativity -- judged to be the qualities most found in exceptional poetry. Congratulations on your achievement.
Your poem is also featured in a Deluxe Hardbound Edition, which, as expected, will soon be sold out. We have, however, reserved a limited number of copies that are now available only to poets included in this distinctive volume. Because you are one of these poets, and if you haven't already ordered a copy, or wish to obtain additional copies, this is your last opportunity to do so.
Oh, and one final note. Many people have asked if we can make available a commemorative plaque to present their poetry in formal fashion. We are glad to be able to do this. Your poem can be beautifully typeset on archive quality vellum with your choice of borders, then mounted on a walnut-finish plaque under lucite. The 10 1/2 by 13 inch plaques are truly impressive ways to exhibit your work. They also make wonderful gifts. Please see the enclosed material for further information. Again, congratulations on your achievement.
Editor's Choice Award
Presented to
James Landau
February 2007
For Outstanding Achievement in Poetry
Presented by
poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry
The International Library of Poetry
poetry.com
Howard Ely
Howard Ely
Managing Editor
NOTE FROM HOWARD ELY
Dear James,
Every so often, as our Editors review the poems that have been presenmted our Editor's Choice Award, they personally select a few poems that they believe would have a wonderfully expressive quality if read by a professional reader. Your editor has suggested that you become one of 33 poets whose artistry will be recorded professionally as a special part of a new CD poetry collection -- The Sound of Poetry.
I'm writing to get your permission to include your poem "A Million Lock-step Lemmings" in this highly acclaimed and internationally distributed three-album collection, scheduled to be released four weeks after we receive all permissions.
The Sound of Poetry, released as a 33-track, three-album CD set (one track for each poet), features an inspiring introduction as a prelude to the selected artistry, as well as a brief commentary about each featured poem and poet. Captivating Baroque music forms the background to the spoken words.
James, your artistry will not be recorded without your permission. If you agree to have your poem included in The Sound of Poetry, simply make any corrections needed, initial the box next to your poem below, and return this entire letter to us as soon as you can. And make sure to include pronunciation notes for unique names or other words used in your poem.
A Million Lock-step Lemmings
(C) James Landau
A million lock-step lemmings, all marching behind Shrub
Looking down on everyone who's not in on their club
A million lock-step lemmings taking every opportunity
To squelch the anti-Bush types
With their cries of "We need unity!"
Defending him with fire, all loyal to King George
A neocon path into Century 21 to forge
Submissive to their leader, and to King George's reign
Overlooking his drunk driving and the time he did cocaine
Though "Is our children learning?" was clearly idiotic
They've got to get behind the man or they're unpatriotic
A million lock-step lemmings, all much too dense to realize
The true ramifications of his WMD lies
They say the Dems like terrorism, being much too softish
Their view on civil liberties is staying quite Ashcroftish
A million lock-step lemmings who swear they must be loyal
They really, really, really don't think it's about the oil
Dear James,
I am delighted to inform you that your poem "A Million Lock-step Lemmings" has been awarded our prestigious Editor's Choice Award because it displays a unique perspective and original creativity -- judged to be the qualities most found in exceptional poetry. Congratulations on your achievement.
Your poem is also featured in a Deluxe Hardbound Edition, which, as expected, will soon be sold out. We have, however, reserved a limited number of copies that are now available only to poets included in this distinctive volume. Because you are one of these poets, and if you haven't already ordered a copy, or wish to obtain additional copies, this is your last opportunity to do so.
Oh, and one final note. Many people have asked if we can make available a commemorative plaque to present their poetry in formal fashion. We are glad to be able to do this. Your poem can be beautifully typeset on archive quality vellum with your choice of borders, then mounted on a walnut-finish plaque under lucite. The 10 1/2 by 13 inch plaques are truly impressive ways to exhibit your work. They also make wonderful gifts. Please see the enclosed material for further information. Again, congratulations on your achievement.
Editor's Choice Award
Presented to
James Landau
February 2007
For Outstanding Achievement in Poetry
Presented by
poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry
The International Library of Poetry
poetry.com
Howard Ely
Howard Ely
Managing Editor
NOTE FROM HOWARD ELY
Dear James,
Every so often, as our Editors review the poems that have been presenmted our Editor's Choice Award, they personally select a few poems that they believe would have a wonderfully expressive quality if read by a professional reader. Your editor has suggested that you become one of 33 poets whose artistry will be recorded professionally as a special part of a new CD poetry collection -- The Sound of Poetry.
I'm writing to get your permission to include your poem "A Million Lock-step Lemmings" in this highly acclaimed and internationally distributed three-album collection, scheduled to be released four weeks after we receive all permissions.
The Sound of Poetry, released as a 33-track, three-album CD set (one track for each poet), features an inspiring introduction as a prelude to the selected artistry, as well as a brief commentary about each featured poem and poet. Captivating Baroque music forms the background to the spoken words.
James, your artistry will not be recorded without your permission. If you agree to have your poem included in The Sound of Poetry, simply make any corrections needed, initial the box next to your poem below, and return this entire letter to us as soon as you can. And make sure to include pronunciation notes for unique names or other words used in your poem.
A Million Lock-step Lemmings
(C) James Landau
A million lock-step lemmings, all marching behind Shrub
Looking down on everyone who's not in on their club
A million lock-step lemmings taking every opportunity
To squelch the anti-Bush types
With their cries of "We need unity!"
Defending him with fire, all loyal to King George
A neocon path into Century 21 to forge
Submissive to their leader, and to King George's reign
Overlooking his drunk driving and the time he did cocaine
Though "Is our children learning?" was clearly idiotic
They've got to get behind the man or they're unpatriotic
A million lock-step lemmings, all much too dense to realize
The true ramifications of his WMD lies
They say the Dems like terrorism, being much too softish
Their view on civil liberties is staying quite Ashcroftish
A million lock-step lemmings who swear they must be loyal
They really, really, really don't think it's about the oil