27 October, 2010

Asher Michael Pasquale

Now, to be fair I will be posting my youngest son's poem next (that's all they need is more rivalry) which is in the same realm as Elijah's. Enjoy!


Asher Michael Pasquale

An angelical ray of light
sparkling through a dreary night
hardy rock, with a lustrous glow
earnest elf always on the go
roving to retrieve all in sight.

Mighty engine sharp as a sword
ingrained inside of our heart’s core
christened in the love of the Lord
hearty star, who’s heard with a roar
a determined force full of coos
equipped to use his smile to woos
lamp of life spreading winsome hues.

Pillar of love whom we cherish
a virtue blooming with thunder
splendid souls are comprised from this
quaint and jolly muse of wonder
unique in his warmth and content
as is his laugh and playful way
limitless one-hundred percent
every day we thank God and pray.

20 October, 2010

Elijah Robert Pasquale

Here is my next poem (It's pretty much straight forward) "Elijah Robert Pasquale" about my eldest boy. I should probably note also that I am horrible at editing (so any mistakes anyone notices please let me know) and a lot of the poems that I will share with you are from (some) 9 years ago up until now. They cover a vast variety of subjects and styles. I will warn you some of them are very personable and very different from "Blair the Bear", some are dark, some are funny, some are encouraging, some are about God and some are quite random. I do not swear or use offensive language. Any comments regarding any of my poems are strongly suggested and encouraged. I truly hope you enjoy my poetry, God bless.



Elijah Robert Pasquale

Energetic bundle of joy
lovingly loved, our little boy
into this world you were conceived
just and righteous as we believed
a smile so charming and sincere
he wears the hope we all hold dear.

Remember we’ll be here for you
open armed to console you too
be yourself and you’ll be alright
everyday you shine light on life
roaming around on hands and knees
the world is filled with God’s beauty.

Peaceful cherub who we cherish
a blessing in which we are blessed
splendid souls are so contagious
quaint and quiet, but full of zest
unique are his beautiful eyes
as is his laugh and playful way
lively and bright as a sunrise
everyday we thank God and pray.

18 October, 2010

What is a great poem?

I was once fortunate enough to have a English/Literature teacher review and give me her impression of my poetry. Now mind you she also was a poet who wrote only in a free verse style (you'll see the value of that sentence soon). So we met and conversed about my poems and such...(I personally enjoy writing poetry in rhyme, but I did and still do dabble with the free verse style.) After a brief conversation I found something was quite peculiar about her comments and notes. Wouldn't you know the only poems she "liked" were the few I wrote in the free verse style. Which brings me to my question: What (besides opinion and at times a bias) is a great poem? This is a topic that probably boggles the mind of many. When judges look at your credentials what do they look for? If you have none do they just cast you aside? Why does one have to pass away in order to get any recognition and appreciation for their life's work?

13 October, 2010

Queries about queries

Has anyone ever sent out a query letter to a publishing house or an agent? They say your query has to be near perfect (picture a first impression) to "grasp" the reader/agent/publisher to want to read more of your stuff. Not too much pressure right? In the world of literature today it seems to me that knowing someone ("on the inside") is crucial to getting noticed. Like I told Diane (dianeestrella.com) I sent out 52 or so query letters to agents...so far I've had 16 responses and all but 1 was pretty much "thank you, but not for me". The 1 wanted to read my story so now I wait and wait and wait. It's hard to "break through" in the world of literature, but for a Children's writer it seems at times almost impossible.  But even though the odds are incredibly stacked, I won't give up and I hope neither will you. I truly want to write for a living and God knows...so we'll see if it is meant to be. What are your thoughts about the whole process of being a writer?

Also every week a will share a poem, the subjects will vary...but any input or comments are always welcomed. This is my entry to the Rose and Thorn Journal. I will try to be interesting and update my blog as much as I can, I give Diane credit for always having something to talk about and being interesting. Thank you



"The Battle of The Haves and Have Nots"

Allies are allied and relied upon the flanks
with their swords and shields prepared to enter the stage.
Catapults are strategically positioned 
as valiant men stoically bide to engage.
Siege equipment is stationed away to the rear,
archers are placed in precise vantage points to fire.
Mounted stallions wait to stampede with saddled spears
death and bloodshed are the wages of wars desire.

Hundreds of muskets have been drawn from amongst us,
bayonets are rehearsed for close quarter combat.
Our line is an impenetrable formation
rouse the spirits and initiate the attack.
Sound the battle cry and keep your pistols close by
be steady and make ready for the trials of war
Canons are equipped with primed men groomed to defy,
above the battlefield is where the vultures soar.

Over the ridge lie the opposition’s forces
tanks and humvees scour the ground with noisy thunder.
Marching soldiers carry automatic rifles,
famished men scurry to lust and feed their hunger.
Spy planes estimate perceived locations achieved
fighter jets and bombers encircle the gray sky.
Battleships lock on to coordinates received
and one by one, the poor and the middle class die.