In 2019 I borrowed a copy of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates from my local library. As soon as I read the first few pages, I knew … Continue reading Black Books and Black Authors: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Tag: poetry
Poetry and Lyrics: “Drugstore Perfume”
I wanted to share a verse from one of my favorite songs: “Drugstore Perfume” by the lead singer for the band My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way, from his solo album … Continue reading Poetry and Lyrics: “Drugstore Perfume”
Poetry and Creative Mind Day
April is National Poetry Month, and what better way to kick things off than Poetry and Creative Mind Day? Every year during National Poetry Month, the Academy of American Poets … Continue reading Poetry and Creative Mind Day
Ode to a Strap-hanger
Oh, dear dear strap-hanger
Holding the pole above your head
Riding the E train with the rest of us
Did you forget something this morning?
Deodorant, perhaps?
Maybe you did apply it,
But clearly, not enough
Your Right Guard is all wrong
You are no longer Sure
And it’s not a Secret anymore.
I hope one of our stops is soon
Very very soon.
Please Press Pound
I overheard a conversation the other day
Between a mother and her teenaged daughter
While waiting on line at Rite Aid
The daughter was on her cell phone
In the middle of what seemed to be
An annoying phone call
I watched as she held the phone to her ear,
Then pulled it away and pressed a button
Held the phone to her ear
Then pulled it away and pressed a button
Growing more and more frustrated by the minute
Her mother asked, “What’s wrong honey?”
“Can’t get through to anyone?”
The daughter sighed, and said,
“It’s automated!
It keeps telling me to press pound!
Where’s pound?”
The mother pointed to the screen on the phone,
And said, “It’s right there.”
The daughter snorted, and laughed,
And said, “Duh Mom. That’s hashtag.
Everyone knows that.”
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War Poems by Christopher Pascale (A Review)
I recently had an opportunity to read a collection of poetry by author and US Marine, Christopher Pascale, titled War Poems. The poems are written in free verse, which I happen to be a fan of, simply because it gives the poet more freedom to create his or her own writing style. A description is present for each poem, which contains some background info about the poem itself. Each poems flows in a way that made me feel like they needed to be read out loud, at a café where spoken word is welcomed, or a t a poetry slam. This is especially true for “196 Chicago Ave”. One of my personal favorites, is “Autumn”. This poem feels like it has a dual meaning: Autumn could be the season itself, or a person. I also like the sense of loneliness in “Chanelle”.
While “Camping With Dad” is fictional, it definitely feels real: a child’s point of view of a veteran parent’s flashback. Anyone who has ever experienced being poor, or just down on their luck (I certainly have) can relate to the feeling of desperation in “Falling Down”, another one of my favorites.
Whether you’re looking for new poetry, or simply in search of work from a new author, War Poems is definitely worth reading. These poems are raw and filled with emotion, and describe places and feelings many of us will never experience, and perhaps, take for granted.
About the Author:
Christopher Pascale served in the US Marine Corps from 2003-2008 as a combat engineer. He currently lives on Long Island.
War Poems is available for sale here: https://www.amazon.com/War-Poems-Marines-Tour-2003-2008/dp/1576385108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489431356&sr=8-1&keywords=war+poems+christopher+pascale
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