Big News--Ten Poems accepted for publication in Assaracus: A Journal of Gay Poetry

OK--I have news that I am still a bit stunned about. Assaracus: A Journal of Gay Poetry has accepted 10 of my poems. I am to be one of 8-10 or so poets featured probably in its April 2014 in the July 2014 issue. Byran Borland, the editor, is the poet that inspired me to begin writing poetry in March 2102. Assaracus is a journal that has made a major hit in LGBT literary circles and I am thrilled beyond words. Here is a link to the journal, check it out or buy a copy or two (just save some money for the April July 2014 issue!)
Link to Assaracus: A Journal of Gay Poetry

A poem with Bambi and my mother's death

Dale Wisely edits Right Hand Pointing (as in right hand pointing left I think), a online journal of short poetry.  It is fine journal--I particularly love shorter poetry and lean in that direction in my writing.  I don't love every piece in every issue, but almost always I love two or three--which actually says a lot about how my tastes fit well with the journal.

Plus Dale (known for his editorial friendliness) is a psychologist-turned-poet-editor type like I am trying to be (without the editor part).  Check out the journal overall.

My poem is located here:  Again, published in Right Hand Pointing

BUT before you read it, you might want to refresh your childhood (somewhat traumatic usually) movie memory here: Bambi's mother is killed--film clip

Two poems with a political slant published in New Verse News

New Verse News is a great blog/journal that is poetry responding to current news in the world from a progressive point of view.  It is a pretty amazing publication and I suggest everyone put it on their regular news feeds.

So I was thrilled when they published two of my poems recently. First, as I was listening to the coverage of the Supreme Court hearing on DOMA and California proposition, this poem just came out of me. It is called Holy Week 2013:

Holy Week 2013 published in New Verse News


Then in late July--the beginning of the coverage of the Pope's improving attitude (if not policies) toward LGBT folks--I am really glad to see to see the change in attitude, but I also believe what I wrote for New Verse News in July:

Who Am I To Judge published in New Verse News

My first published poem---Evan in Hoot: a Postcard review of {mini} poetry and prose, November 2012

My first published poem appeared in Hoot: a Postcard review of {mini} poetry and prose late 2012.  Amanda and Dorian are the editors of that journal and they have the bi-weekly Wednesday night chat workshop that I wrote a little about in an earlier post.  I have learned much from them and the workshop participants---so I really thought it was amazing and appropriate that I was first published there.

The poem was their postcard print for November 2012 and is entitled Evan.  I write a lot about the gay experience and see the poem as exploring the possibility of self-discovery for youth of today, where discovering who you are can come with more ease for some than in my days. Nevertheless, the backdrop of moral condemnation floats in the background and still needs rejection, albeit with a lighter hand.  Sure wish I was in Evan's shoes as a boy.

Here is the link to the poem: Evan in Hoot: a Postcard review of {mini} poetry and prose