Weird Voyage Loveward

That we have. One would think people might conceive that I don't cave at a barrage of un-aimed V-1 rocket bombs. See, back when I was a paid newspaper columnist, I had an interesting experience. After I foolishly gave a popular coffee-house a poor review, some right-wing radio commentator wrote a letter to the editor condemning me in the foulest terms. I didn't retalliate and, in a nut-shell, my column enjoyed unprecedented popularity for months to come. See, many times I've faced death with only a flinch, and I'm simply unconcerned with this. I'm not Trying to attract the ridiculous dog-fight of last time, but my resolve to share my message was only tempered and sharpened by it.

Thank you, and the many foully derisive voices of the previous thread, for illustrating my points so well!! One only needs to look at a history of the world to see what vindictiveness and accusations of egotism are attracted by most great creations; One only needs to peruse the history books to see this. This is because "greatness," though the word is over-valued, by its very nature runs against the grain... and mainly listens to itself. My ideas regarding selective capitalization and poet-selected spelling descend from Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, and Emily Dickensen, among others. My social ideas, though individualized, were re-inforced by the likes of Rudyard Kipling, Robert Frost, and others. Now, and I'm only addressing the intelligent few who frequent this forum, I'll point out that if my work seems far out, it's because I'm theatrically correcting modern trends that have gone radically too far. If the common 3rd world workers of this earth continue to be exploited in the way that's been occuring, there shall be violence and gory famine such as has not been seen since World War I. In order to poetically express these ideas, I've allowed my privilleged American self to be all but crucified by poverty and malice. Because of these reactionary deeds of first world Neros and Stalins, I'm now forced to call for help from the most Radical leftist forces. I'd glady accept political asylum in Cuba, Venezuala, Laos, or North Korea. la gente primero, Sean Lawlor Nelson

Hi Mark B. and others, To start with, my words aren't intended to unnecessarily offend or anger. Indeed, I'm aware that I'm using the free-press tradition of the Western world to lambast its dominant parties. However, where you may misperceive, is in thinking that I'm self-conscious. My mind and body are polluted by arsenic from unsanitary gold-mining practices in Thailand, which seeped into the seafood I ate daily. Who made these practices, which hurt my friends the Thai peasants even more than me, possible? Who buys the gold that may yet make up my crucifix? The USA, which funded and armed the suppression of Thailand's communist revolution, and kept the current, brutal regime in place. As far as whether I'm good at writing, I leave the question in the hands of my numerous admirers and in those who'll write the history of our period; It's not unlikely I'll have my page in the literary section, but it's a small point, as any human is tiny in true perspective. I will point out that though my writing hasn't yet attracted mass notice, it hasn't been overlooked by the "department of homeland security," presumably the agency responsible for putting me on America's "no fly list," although I don't recall ever really threatening violence. My peaceful trust being thus betrayed, I've become a warrior as my key-board has become my weapon. But by heralding the strength and bloody resolve of the world socialist movement, I act toward balance and thus toward PEACE! And those who actually read my work will notice that much of it is restrained and attemptedly humorous. friendly and pacific regards, Sean Lawlor Nelson

I don't have too much to say; I re-checked "Weird Voyage Loveward" and found one insignificant typo: "1 st" I'm interested in what thoughtful people think about my poetry... and I don't mind your comments, CJ; I was lucky to stumble on the phrase "some billions burning balls of cosmic flung light." But my interest doesn't come from any need whatsoever to have my literary abilities confirmed; My skills in this respect are known far and wide. My ambitions are great, far beyond becoming "a Famous! poet." Rather, I'm trying to follow the true bardic path, striving for a reverent and inspired space in this wilting, cyborg age. On a more technical note, I was paid to do technically correct writing at the age of sixteen, at the same time nearly acing the verbal section of the SAT. Then I went on to university to learn technically correct thinking... and in exchange, they let me poetically sell the people their land back to them on TV. Well, I don't give a fuck about what's correct no more. The English language is already being spread as a decor of imperialism. I couldn't honestly call myself a "poet" at all if I didn't subvert it a bit. And I've already crossed the Tiber... I get my bread now from the hungry and the angry and as they'll fight with pitch-forks, I'll slay capitalist dragons with my pen.

Hey Cathy!, I could quote Cat Stephens and say, "WHY NOT?!" Or repeat one of my recent poems: "to truly be a poet is to let it all fly till it becomes you: one ascending bird of cosmic eye view." But the simpler reason I post, even when unwelcome with many, is that I'm seeking recognition for my creations and myself. And being dismissed or panned doesn't bother me that much... because I know the diamond solid value of some of my writings. I've heard it from professors, janitors, on-the-roaders, and from my higher self. But that's just like a bridge-builder saying, "We built a hell of a bridge." It doesn't mean that I don't have my depressions and insecurities. Nor does it mean that I don't like truly contemplative advice. And it doesn't mean I don't appreciate constructive criticism, like I received from Mark on this thread. pacific and friendly regards, SLN

For amusement, I'll throw out a few comments. Really, I try to rise above the labyrinths that can confine peoples' thoughts. It's in this spirit that I can freely admire some virtues of Rudyard Kipling. His best stories and poems idealize small, rough-hewn soldiers and workers. In this way, an individual's true thoughts shine through what delusions they have. Of all of his works, I best love the poem: "Gunga Din." And as for Julius Caesar, I view him as an inspiring figure... one who was only moving against a "democracy" that had been thoughrily poisoned by elitist interests. But my knowlede of ancient history, though extensive, isn't good enough for me to judge the true character of a man I never knew, acting in a society I only know through books. The "no-fly-list" is a sordid affair, compiled by the US government, and used by top corporations to black-ball individuals from a large number of privilleges, such as flying anywhere. Huge numbers of liberal activists have found their way onto this list, although by hiring a lawyer the more prominent of these usually get their names removed. For example, I spent the last month of my time in Thailand on Ko Tao with a member of the American communist party who'd been thus exiled and was waiting out the legal process. As I, quite ill, tried to redeem my ticket with a U.S. based airline, I was informed that there was a security block. The matter was resolved by "corruption" and 20 hours later, after viewing that beautiful film "Rent," I was back on American soil. After my arrival in Portland, Oregon, I had to accept a ride on the back of a friendly greyhound. Oh yeah, if you check the news, the counter-revolution in Brazil has been beat down just like that Cuban traitor "Casamayor" was in his rematch with Corrales. I was stoked to hear that!

No, Cathy, I haven't been lucky enough to be a fan of J Thurber. I just checked him out on Wikipedia and he sounds like a fascinating individual, particularly in being accomplished in both writing and the visual arts. My only exposure to him has been in repeated school readings of "the secret life of Walter Mitty," which I find annoying. However, I've learned not to judge artists by their most famous work. For instance, I'm eager to get reading "Leaves of Grass," a work I've long avoided due to the rather insipid "Song of Myself."

Thank you, Yan, for the beautiful encouragement. I dug your thoughtful response. And yo, Cathy, it's nice to learn about Thurber. Was he political... or just against bullying big brothers? Yeah, my Pa misunderstood the news he told me about Lulu and I look like a buffoon for proclaiming it without verifying. He is, however, a very capable man who I rightly Trust. A review of the behavior of my detractors and my responses in this and my last thread will inform any discerning person as to the sorts of humans everybody is here. As far as political questions go, I'll frankly state that I don't believe in head-count democracy... as didn't Martin Luther King, who stated that it's no way to determine what's moral. I do believe in democracy as a rule of thumb, similar to Tradition, Tolerance, Scholarship, and Environmentalism. And my tolerance fully embraces the rights of homosexuals. And to even qualify as a revolutionary, one first has to declare oneself an unhesitating ally of socialism. I don't use the word "counter-revolutionary" in some artsy-fartsy way. I, imperfect person though I am, strive to be part of the socialist revolution... which is about occupying the mansions on the hill, freeing the 3rd world slaves of the US and her allies, and other worthy causes. This struggle is REAL, dangerous, wondrous... not the Pampered chit-chat some seem to prefer.

What on earth are you talking about?! I've never sought out any of this hoo-ha! The way these threads go is I respond to what people say. If someone says something thoughtful, I do likewise. If someone courteously asks a question, I do my best to answer. And if someone responds without courtesy, I consider it no more than a sabotage of what could be a beautiful thread. So, to these parties who aren't interested in a meaningful discussion but hoitily-toitily crowd onto my posts, here are a few points. First, I really, honestly, unmitigatedly don't Care what you think. Congratulations, you were born on this side of the digital divide! In response to your vulgar harangues, I've wittily denigrated you in the eyes of anybody of any discernment. Fitting the situation, you're not aware. And yes, I'll continue to post as I see fit unless directly requested by an editor. But really, considering the amount of non-literary vulgarity you filled my last thread... that would be humorous.

First of all, I apologize to the site and those folks I respect for... not showing enough courtesy and discipline on this forum. Neither my physical nor my mental health is quite where it should be... and the latter's always been a bit unusual. 2LOU, I've pointed out some things that I've been clumsily seeking. But just as much, I've been looking for fruitful conversation. Anyway, I remain somewhat confident in the hip, beauty of some of my writings. And, honestly, I'm still disdainful of certain attitudes that have been showing up on my posts. But uncontrolled anger is so futile... and I ought to know this by now. Well, I'm going to get back to drinking Sumatra and listening to E. John's "Too low for zero," which I've been Digging lately.