On Being an Artist by Noelle Kocot

View this email on a browser Forward to a friend May 16, 2014   On Being an Artist   Noelle Kocot

Saturn seems habitual, The way it rages in the sky When we’re not looking. On this note, the trees still sing To me, and I long for this Mottled world.  Patterns Of the lamplight on this leather, The sun, listening. My brother, my sister, I was born to tell you certain Things, even if no one Really listens.  Give it back To me, as the bird takes up The whole sky, ruined with Nightfall.  If I can remember The words in the storm, I will be well enough to sit Here with you a little while.              Copyright @ 2014 by Noelle Kocot. Used with permission of the author. About This Poem   “This poem came from a very deep place where I was at a crossroads about whether or not I should continue making poetry or switch to more philosophical writing.  I chose poetry because I love it, and it is a gift to be an artist, and I realized I would never want to abandon it.  There is so much left to do!  I really believe the poetry of the future will be one of deep and abiding joy, and I would love to be a part of this.” —Noelle Kocot   Noelle Kocot’s most recent book is Soul in Space (Wave Books, 2013). She lives in New Jersey and teaches at The New School in New York City. Most Recent Book by Kocot   Soul in Space (Wave Books, 2013) “Why Poetry Can Be Hard for Most People” by Dorothea Lasky “Light (an Ars Poetica)” by Michael Cirelli “Leo Said” by Eileen Myles Poem-a-Day   Launched during National Poetry Month in 2006, Poem-a-Day features new and previously unpublished poems by contemporary poets on weekdays and classic poems on weekends. Thanks for being a part of the Academy of American Poets community. To learn about other programs, including National Poetry Month, Poem in Your Pocket Day, the annual Poets Forum, and more, visit Poets.org.   You are receiving this e-mail because you elected to subscribe to our mailing list. If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.   © Academy of American Poets 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 901, New York, NY 10038