"Wednesday is poetry night at the White House, as the president and first lady celebrate American poetry and prose by hosting a gathering of poets, musicians and artists.
Those slated to attend include Elizabeth Alexander, Billy Collins, Common, Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Alison Knowles, Aimee Mann and Jill Scott. The performers, using music and verse, will highlight poetry's influence on American culture, according to the Associated Press.
As per usual, Michelle Obama will use the event to teach young ones. The first lady will host an afternoon workshop connecting students from all across the country to the evening's performers.
'An Evening of Poetry' is part of White House's music series, which began in 2009 with a jazz studio. Since then, Michelle Obama has hosted a celebration of country music, classical music, Motown music, Latin music, a salute to Broadway, music of the Civil Rights movement and a dance tribute to Judith Jamison."
~The Washington Examiner, May 5, 2011.
[Read more at the Washington Examiner: Washington Examiner.com ].
It looks as if this performance of poets at the White House will not be carried on regular television networks. It will, however, be broadcast ovthe web, via the White House website, with a live discussion thread running at the same time on Facebook. Here is the White House official link with detailed information: m.whitehouse.gov/blog.
Apparently there is some controversy over one of the artists who has been invited to perform ... read ... at tonight's White House celebration. The controversial artist is the rapper known as "Common" (a.k.a., Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr.). While I personally am unfamiliar with the work of this particular artist, I do support an artist's right to express themselves. If I don't like what they write or say, then I can choose not to listen to or read their work. That's what makes us America, right? The latter being said, however, I do hope that "Common" will use good judgment in the selections that he chooses to present this evening at the White House. Personally, I am not sure that Common is the best choice for an artist that is representative of the America we want to present to the world, but perhaps his performing shows America is indeed a land where one has the right and the freedom to speak his mind?
In light of this special night, "An Evening of Poetry at the Whitehouse", here is a poem that I composed just for FUN : )
Ode to Coffee
Enticing, awakening, mind-melding, pain deadening elixir of life.
Though to my poor stomach you bring only greatest of strife.
Dark, velvety, chocolate perfection, where rainbow swirls
Often dance delicately atop your lake, in absence of accessories.
O sensuous seductor, how I long to bring you to my lips, but
Know full well one sip of you would swiftly bring me to my knees.
Heavenly, aromatic blend sing of mysterious and forbidden spices.
O exalted one, your song, to me, it endlessly entices.
Liquid temptation in a pot, for alas I know I can have you not.
Black, no sugar, no cream ... Can't I still dream?
@Copyrighted Poem, 2011. All Rights Reserved: Isabelle Black Smith.
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