20 Questions With Erotic Poet, Artist and Author Annie Player

Today I want to introduce you to Annie Player. I met her on Twitter — she is @annieplayer. Annie is an  intriguing London-based poet, writer, artist, blogger and author, who recently had two poetry collections published — Gash and Living Libido Loco. Both are daring and brilliant works well worth checking out.

In what is her first interview, we explore the motivation behind her experimental, erotic poetry and writing, her background and influences, her intriguing view of the world as explored through her unique work, and her upcoming projects including a spoken word video.  Also at the end of this interview I have featured one of Annie’s excellent poems, “Soft.”  Enjoy.

1. Why poetry? What is it about poetry that attracts you as opposed to other forms of writing?

I love all literature.  Being able to lose myself in new worlds excites me and when it comes to putting pen to paper, for me, poetry flows.

It’s a language that I naturally understand; piecing words together to create a rhythm, a fantasy, a unique expression with individual meanings to each reader.

I think verse works especially well within the genre of erotica because it tells a story whilst still leaving so much open to the imagination.  The wet feeling I get between my legs when I write about wrapping my mouth around a throbbing cock can capture the next person’s blood flow in completely different way.  I like that.

2. Tell us about yourself.

Such an open question George!  Hmm, where to begin?  My name’s Annie and I’m a cum-aholic…

I’ve been writing rhythmic literary work since I can remember and erotica since I discovered how good my pussy felt, though it’s only been this last year that I’ve compiled my ebooks and given birth to my online presence.

I’m a social fiend with a lust for new experiences and adventure so finding the extra time for uploading my written work is currently my biggest challenge.  The feedback and the fantasies I receive are worth all the lost hours though and now, through the #EroticMeet — I’m constantly inspired and amazed by all the beautiful creative folk I’m lucky enough to have contact with.

I also judge the London Erotic Awards, having been invited back after my role as Keeper of the Cage in 2010.  It consists of two utterly incredible balls and raises funds for Outsiders, a charity which helps disabled people to find partners and be sexually expressive.

3. Who are some of your writing influences?

Now this is a tough one.  I feel like I should sound knowledgeable and intelligent on the subject of erotic authors.  Yet I know that I won’t.

It’s only recently that I’m discovering such talent and there are so many ingenious writers that I feel it would be unfair to name a few.

Growing up, my literary world was full of Terry Pratchett and Paulo Coelho.  I’m fascinated by how the way we think can so easily affect the way we view the world and so many of the books on my shelf are also non-fiction and on the subject of the mind.

“The way you see what you see is the key;
Feel the life you want to lead”
Miss Player

One fiction novel that I re-read time and time again because I find it incredibly dark and erotic is A Woman Run Mad by John L’Heureux.  I discovered it about a decade ago in a second hand book store in France and it’s all sellotaped up and crinkly around the edges.  The characters he creates are all intensely passionate – and yes a little crazy too – and it lends a new meaning to me each time I read it.

4. In your poetry e-books “Gash” and “Living Libido Loco,”  you explore a great deal about the dark nature of life, death, love, eroticism and sex. What do think your poetry addresses about these subjects?

One of the biggest compliments of my work is when I receive emails from people who have read my ebooks and thank me for helping them come closer to understanding a negative sexual experience.

There’s no doubt that society is growing more open to discussing the subject of sex, however I feel it’s either in an erotic, fun or tragic approach, these subjects are almost never intermingled.  Life is intermingled and that’s what I hope my ebooks portray.  Sex and love are full of fun and tragedy and to understand and accept this is to awaken your senses and increase your appreciation to what life holds.

5. Some of the themes in your work also feature elements of horror, the macabre and even science fiction. What fascinates you about these topics?

I think it’s human nature.  You read a horrific story in the papers and although you’re saddened and appalled, it’s difficult to stop reading.  Again, the unknown is attractive, even if it’s something that you (and I) in no way wish to experience, we still like to learn more, know more, to try to understand.  I also like to balance my happiness with some sordid notions so that I don’t turn into a pink, fluffy rabbit.

“To watch the reactions of the unaware
Towards insanity the whole world shares
Is to watch the mad”
Miss Player

6. Your poems also feature intriguing daring, explicit language and imagery. Do you revel in pushing the envelope and challenging conventions in your poetry?

Aw, thanks George.  I suppose I like to push my own boundaries, sure.  When it comes to conventions, I’m not here to challenge, I just write what I enjoy reading.  I do hold a very sex-positive stand-point and as a person I’d love others to view my work and realise that they can be more open about what they sexually enjoy or would like to enjoy.

In all life’s subjects, I find that if you bring up a ‘taboo’, often it provokes the response “me too… I’ve just never told anyone”.  I’m full of other peoples naughty secrets!

7. You also delve into controversial areas a lot of other poets and writers avoid — S & M, same sex relations, sexual violence. What is about these subjects that attracts you? Are you intending to shock or educate or both?

Again, I just write what’s in my mind.  Why shouldn’t these subjects be covered in poetry as they are in literature and film?

My intent is simply to entertain and yes, maybe educate a little but that’s up to the reader and how they interpret my work.

8. Do people assume that your erotic poetry comes from your real life?

Much of it does.  If not in action, then certainly in thoughts.  You know how many actors put themselves in a place before they take the stage?  Well I go there too… If what I’m writing hasn’t come from a direct experience I wholly absorb myself in a fantasy (often naked and often sadly alone) before I reach for my notepad.

I do get the few people who get confused as to where the line is, though once crossed and explained that it’s been crossed, I have had nothing but support and good feelings from folk.

9. Does where you live or grew up play a role in your poetry?

Haha!  Ok, maybe… Growing up in Essex, with regular trips to my Dutch family and the last name Player didn’t really give me an awful lot of choice in life did it?

10. If you escaped to a deserted island and had only one book of poetry to take with you what would it be?

I’d only need one poem, a coconut and my head full of memories.
The poem would be If I Had My Life Again I’d Pick More Daisies by Nadine Stair.  I grew up with this on the kitchen wall and blame her entirely on all my fabulous adventures and misdemeanours through life!

11. What role does music play in inspiring your work?

Music is my other world.  I work backstage at the UK music festivals so I spend most of June to October frolicking from field to field with an absolutely amazing community of the happiest most open hearted people!

I recently gave my first performance of words and I am in talks with a recording artist about making a video (eek!).  I would love to put my words to music in the future.

12. What is something about you that would surprise us?

OK, don’t hate me.  I’m going to use this question to let you in on my dirty secret… I really dislike the word ‘poetry’.  Silly eh!  For all these years writing it, I still haven’t found a term that I feel happy to use when people ask me what I write.  I think it’s the stigma that still comes with it (and yes, I do realise my hypocrisy after chatting about the stigma attached to sex – this is definitely something I need to overcome).

13. It is very difficult for poets let alone any writer to get published. Did you ever think you would become a published author?

It‘s always been a dream since childhood – along side a scene with Bruce Willis, Drew Barrymore and a whole lot of ice cream.

Though it’s still early days for me in the published world and I truly thank the internet for making it much easier now to find good publishers within particular genres or to self publish.

Marketing poetry is something I’m still continuously learning.  My work is still pretty niche and the people it appeals to fall between those who buy poetry and those who buy hardcore erotica.  Challengingly, many poetry fans are not so explicit and the hardcore fans are still opening their eyes to poetry.

14. What advice do you have for other writers?

Buy my books

“Every action, however small, brings you closer to your chosen goal”

Miss Player

What ever it is that you’re putting off right now, be it sharing your work for the first time or launching the next step in your literary adventure… Do it, enjoy it, fuck it.  If it doesn’t happen quite how you’d like it to, you’ve learnt for the next time and it’ll more than likely open a series of doors you never even knew were there.

15. How have social networks such as Twitter and Facebook changed your life as a writer?

As soon as I launched my site I joined Twitter for the first time and set up a Facebook Fan Page and really, it’s helped so much.  Discovering talent and talking to other writers who are happy to share and support (thanks George!) as well as providing a platform for others to discover your work is so valuable.  It evokes fresh inspiration and takes away any ideas of writers living in isolation.

Through Twitter and the London Erotic Awards I now hold the Erotic Meet where cheeky creative’s get together each month for tits and giggles and some of the collaborations, projects and new work that has come from just chatting to like-minded folk is incredible!

16. When can we expect another collection of poetry from you?

Soon!  Though first there’s the video in production (I’m just a little bit excited!) and I’m now part of an erotic performance group called Filthy Mouths and Evil Tongues.  After our premier a few weeks ago, we’ve been invited back for more naughties.  All of these events inspire new work so the collection for the new book is growing.  Also, after a few successful commissions I’m open to fantasies for inclusion, so if you have something teasing your dirty little mind that you’d like put into words do let me know.

17. Do you think you’ll also expand into writing novels and fiction in the near future?

I’ve started.  A few.  I’m not sure I’ve got the patience.  One day.  I’ve also got a few more events in the planning stages and a further website so all my holes are pretty well plugged at the moment.  Do keep your eyes on my site as there’s always something new buzzing away.

18. Ultimately, what do want readers to take away from your poetry?

An increased pulse is the ultimate goal.

Seriously, I think sex is a fantastic thing and any sex-positive message that comes across is great, though as I said right at the beginning, the beauty of poetry is leaving just enough open for the reader’s interpretation.  Do with me and my words as you please.

19. What has been the response from readers and reviewers so far to your two collections?

I feel like the cat who got the cream… It’s all been extremely positive and many of the emails I get inspire me for further work.  A massive thank you to all you dirty little cherubs!

20. Where can readers find you?

You can find all of me at www.missplayer.co.uk
There’s free reads, MP3’s, Erotic Event news, and of course my ebooks, Living Libido Loco and Gash.

Or email me via annie@missplayer.co.uk

On twitter: @annieplayer and Facebook: AnniePlayer.Erotic

I’m also to be found in various online bookstores, naughty forums and review sites like the greedy fiend that I am (have a look through my erotic friends) and of course, if you’re ever in London, please come along to one of my events!

*****

Soft

Feeling sharp silver scraping my thighs,
Watching your face as you wait for my cries.
Try drowning your faults in my own salt-sin blood
As it pours violently down my weak, skinny bod.
Open my flesh and crawl inside,
Rip outside my indoors, blissfully I’ll whine
As I laugh at your placid, polite soft touch,
Throw in your fist so I buckle up.

THE RESURRECTION? (EASTER 2011)

Today is Easter Sunday. Not being deeply religious I’ve never been one to celebrate this holiday. That doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about its real meaning or lack of meaning depending on your perspective.

I wrote this following poem as I sat on the beach in Belmont Shore, Calif. on Easter Sunday last year. The day got me thinking about religion and all the abuses done in its name in the context of Easter..and the so-called fable of resurrection.

I wondered what would Jesus think if he was resurrected today…and faced with all the hypocrisy, intolerance and heartbreak in a world that uses holiness as an excuse to commit such brutal and unholy acts…

GP

***

THE RESURRECTION? (EASTER 2011)

If Jesus was resurrected today what would he find?

A divided world killing itself over religion and holy scriptures.

Cruelty beyond comprehension.

Greed run rampant.

Money changers who haven’t only taken over the temple, but the world.

An utter disregard for the poor.

His name being used for all sorts of soul crushing endeavors.

Soon after his return,

I have no doubt Jesus would want to

remain dead for another 2,000 years.

George Pappas, Copyright 2011

Interview with Poet and Author D.M. Landreneau

I have met numerous talented authors and poets on Twitter these past few months whose work has fascinated and inspired me. Poet and author D.M. Landreneau — or @poesravenlady as she is known on Twitter — is one of those writers whose passionate, dark writing has intrigued me.

Initially, it was her Tweet micro poems that caught my attention exhibiting a keen attention to detail, passionate eroticism and searing exploration of love and heartbreak. As I read more of her poetry on her blog, I become even more impressed. She has found a way to eloquently combine a classic poetic form influenced by Edgar Allen Poe and others with more modern free form technniques.

Recently, Landreneau’s debut collection of poetry published “Bending in Time” by Willow Moon Publishing. I highly recommend it for its beautiful poetry featuring provocative, poignant imagery and language in exploring the timeless themes of love and loss.

She began writing poetry as a young girl – using it to express her thoughts, dreams, emotions, and life experiences. Landreneau is currently writing a second collection of poetry, as well as a novel and screenplay. She is just one class shy of her Master’s in Secondary Education, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in History and Latin. When she’s not at home writing or in university, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, genealogical research, and traveling. She currently resides near New Orleans, Louisiana.

I recently interviewed Landreneau about her new book, and the influences and origins of her poetic muse. At the end of her interview, I have included one of her poems from her collection to provide a taste of her stunning poetry. Enjoy.

GP

According to your bio, you’ve been writing poetry since you were a young girl. What is it about poetry that attracts you as opposed to
other forms of writing?

I enjoy the freedom poetry allows. With poetry, one can write at great length or minimal length about a variety of topics without necessarily feeling committed to a specific topic or character.

What is it about Edgar Allen Poe’s poetry and writing that has
had such a significant influence on your own work?

I am enthralled with his ability to wallow in human darkness and despair, feeling every ounce of it to his core. I adore how he taps in to the darkest depths of human emotion…his understanding of sadness and desire – longing and pain.

Are you attempting to combine the more classic Gothic Poe style with a more modern poetic approach in your poetry?

Not necessarily so, as I generally write freely – free flow. I don’t attempt to ‘channel’ Poe, if you will, but his influence is always with me. I write when inspired…when I need to release an emotion.

Who are some of your other writing influences beyond Poe?

I adore O. Henry and his expertise at weaving short, captivating stories. Rupert Brooke and his sentimentality and Mary Oliver — her ability to capture vivid imagery in all aspects of her poetry is mind-numbing. They have all influenced me in some way.

In your debut book of poetry “Bending in Time,” you explore a great deal about the nature of loss — both in the sense of losing loved ones to death, but also lost love. Would you say that is one of the major themes in your book?

Yes. Everyone, no matter age, gender, or race…experiences love and loss on some level. In my book, I attempt to share my experiences and hope that someone else can relate or make a connection with me.

Also what do think your poetry addresses about the topics of sexuality and love?

I hope that my book captures the beauty in merely expressing one’s sexuality and love for another person. I think it’s the details that many people miss or ignore. The way a woman’s hair drapes down her naked back, the curve of a man’s jaw, his favorite place to be kissed, or the warmth emanating between bodies. It’s the raw emotion that love invokes…what it can make a person do or experience, think or feel.

What impact do you feel living near in the historic city of New Orleans has had on your work?

New Orleans always lends a certain darkness, romantic air and mystery to any art form, but most especially in poetry. The history alone, entices authors to delve into their own dark side to see what might be lurking.

Also what was your experience during Hurricane Katrina?

I evacuated with family.

How are things in the city now?

The city has undergone a revival and continues to restore itself. It will never be the same, but that’s what rebirth is all about and New Orleans is definitely undergoing a rebirth…an extraordinary rejuvenation!

What role does music play in inspiring your work?

Music motivates me in such vast ways. It can inspire a poem, accentuate a poem, convey the feeling I’m attempting to express — in conjunction with a poem. I enjoy musicians that set poetry to music. I am inclined towards intense, poetical lyrics, like those of David Gray. He is my absolute favorite.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Write for yourself. Write for your loved ones. Write for people in love, people in pain. Just write. The honesty will come through and it will draw people to you and your words.

How have social networks such as Twitter and Facebook changed your life as a writer?

I have met a variety of interesting people, some of whom have become wonderful friends and great inspirations.

When can we expect another collection of poetry from you?

I am working on a second collection, most likely due out in late 2011 or early 2012.

****

The Kiss

Two fingers trailing,
that spot of perfection –
the curve of a silken jaw line.

Fingertips twisting to fingernails,
sliding under and over a restrained chin –
circling to soft, pink, un-kissed lips.

Pressing there but for a moment,
tugging at a lowered pouty lip –
traveling on.

Head turning firmly into
the back of your hand –
matching the drum of your pulse.

Caressing.
Wanting.
Needing.

Eyes closed,
seeing through darkness –
sensing your movement to mine.

Feeling.
Joining.
Tasting.

Slow serpentine tongues,
entwined like tangled vines.
Waves at the shore … breaking.

Lost.
Found.
Ending.
Breathing.

The kiss.

D.M Landreneau, Copyright 2010

The Writer You Love to Hate

I’ll be the writer you love to hate.
I won’t provide easy fantasy escapes.
Offering up with glee troubling explicit tales of wild escapades.

I’ll tell you what you don’t want to hear.
Shoot holes through all your deepest fears.
Make everything all too
painfully clear.

I’ll stare down your doubts
and leave everything in my story
you wish I would just leave out.

I won’t go quietly
or write about private affairs discreetly.

I am the curse words at the tip of your tongue
that you fight so hard to hold inside.

I am the erotic thoughts you deny
burning holes through your lonely aching mind.

I am the naughty dreams you wish you’d never wake up from,
but you always do.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011

Whispered Hopes, Revolutionary Dreams

Every once in a while history reminds us that brutality and oppression can be overcome by peaceful, determined resistance. Those with the moral authority can even stop tanks in their tracks. Watching the images of jubilation from the protesters in Egypt, and listening to their joyful voices on the radio, following the announcement of Hosni Mubarak’s resignation was truly awe-inspiring.

Not long after I heard the news, my mind was racing as I began tweeting out micro poems to describe my elation over the turn of events. I couldn’t help but think of how overjoyed my Twitter friends @maykosba and @beeros75 and all their fellow Egyptians must be. They sparked my two previous poems “Freedom’s Kiss” and “This Revolution is Being Televised” and I am very grateful for their continued inspiration and friendship.

But soon after the amazing news, I heard pundits on CNN and NPR begin to espouse their tired rhetoric and worries about the threats of terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism. The brave protesters — mostly young and highly educated — didn’t risk their lives rebelling against Mubarak and his goons to embrace a new regime that still offers no political freedom.

Take heed Egyptian military — if you don’t heed the people’s call for democracy and allow civilian democratic control in the coming months — the protesters will be back in the streets. Things will never be the same in Egypt. The Egypt people’s voices have finally been heard around the world and there’s no going back to a repressive government.

However, once the euphoria wears off, the real work will begin. The road to democracy is a long and rocky one, especially for a country with no democratic traditions. Everyone involved will have to show a great deal of patience and tolerance for it to work. Yet the first step is taken on what should prove a rewarding journey toward democratic freedoms in a land known for its ancient glories, but is now a country finally looking ahead to a promising, vibrant future.

My following poem, “Whispered Hopes, Revolutionary Dreams,” attempts to encapsulate all of these notions, thoughts, feelings and ideas. It was inspired once again my Twitter poems.

There’s a freedom fever sweeping across the Middle East and around the world. Who will catch it next?
GP

WHISPERED HOPES, REVOLUTIONARY DREAMS

A dictator’s curse
and stranglehold is broken.
Freedom reborn in an ancient land.
Tears of happiness in the streets of Egypt.
Darkness is finally lifting.

Pundits and politicians worry and pontificate about threat of terrorism
while history unfolds before our TV eyes.
They miss the real story every time.
Whispered hopes planted long ago in the hearts of the oppressed in Egypt.
Taking seed in revolutionary dreams of their children
who have changed their fates forever.

Their hopeful voices finally heard.
It’s the sweetest of sounds.
Joyful liberation erupts
echoing in hearts and minds around the world.

The road to democracy remains a long one
fraught with
setbacks,
disappointments
and frustrations
as with all such journeys.

However, today our imaginations soar and
our souls sing a new celebratory song.

The familiar roadblocks are gone.
Excuses for clinging to misery
are forgotten.
The way is clear.
Feels like gazing down a highway paved
with diamonds.

In a country with a glorious distant past,
our minds dance with the possibilities
of the future
wide open at last.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011

This Revolution is Being Televised

Never seems to fail these days.  Each time a cry for freedom breaks out around the world, especially in the Middle East, the fear mongers in the U.S. and in other Western countries begin spreading their noxious worries about Muslims and terrorism. It doesn’t matter that the people of Egypt are fighting in their streets against a brutal regime for democracy and more freedom. No, these so called fearful experts whisper about the Muslim Brotherhood and bring up the specter of the 1979 Iran Revolution.

But the TV images tell a different story.

They reveal a dictator running out of desperate measures and turning to his old stand by — cruelty and violence – but this tired act is not breaking the will of the protesters. Not this time. Not at this moment. What we are watching nightly on our TV sets is a sea change in a part of the world that has long dreamed of democratic freedoms.

This revolution was fomented on social networks like Twitter. So it is more than fitting that it has inspired a lot of tweet poems on Twitter from myself and many others. My previous poem “Freedom’s Kiss,” which I posted last week about the Egyptian revolution, had its genesis in short micro poems, but actually I now realize they were pieces of a larger poem or puzzle that I fit together. Twitter is actually altering the way I write poetry, and I am very intrigued by the prospects.

This week I present a follow up entitled “This Revolution is Being Televised.” It is a play on words inspired by the great songwriter and poet Gil Scott-Heron’s amazing song from the 1970s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

Credit needs to go to my Twitter friend @jaco223 for tweeting a You Tube video of Gil Scott-Heron’s song during one of our many Twitter discussions about the Egyptian situation. Kudos also needs to go out to my Egyptian friend May (@maykosba on Twitter) who has shown incredible support for my poem, poetry and writing overall, and a great deal of bravery in fighting against Mubarak’s callous regime.

The following poem is also comprised completely of micro poems that I posted on Twitter in the past week in response to my horror and outrage at Mubarak unleashing his goons on his people and the media in the streets, spilling blood.

The impact Twitter has had on my creative and writing life can not be underestimated.

GP

THIS REVOLUTION IS BEING TELEVISED

Fear mongers descending
upon traces of hope
after years of darkness.

They spread fear of extremists,
democracy,
the future,
and even life itself.

Making excuses for dictator’s actions.
Fearful of democracy’s possibilities.
“It’s not so bad,” they claim.
Tell that to dead and the dying.

Another dictator convinced violence will prevail again.
Yet the seed is finally planted.
Spark is struck.
The dictator’s henchmen spill blood,
but democracy is taking root in the ashes of the former regime.

This revolution is BEING televised.
Government thugs can no longer hide their brutality.
It’s all there in plain TV sight for the world to see.
Out of desperation, they attack the media
and blame the West,
but their people’s dreams

will not rest

this time.

A dream of freedom is like a fever.
Once you catch it,
you burn inside every part of your heart and soul with an ache that consumes,
melting away fear.

At last, they have tasted freedom’s kiss in streets of Egypt.
Intoxicated with the sweetest of notions.
Dictator’s thugs can no longer hold back
a destiny too long denied.

It’s a sight to behold on your TV screen nightly.
As awe-inspiring at the Sphinx & the Pyramids.

It’s the human spirit rising up against adversity and violence
to forge a new beginning in an ancient land.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011

Freedom’s Kiss

After decades of an oppressive dictatorship, political change is finally coming to Egypt. The fuse was lit once again by people frustrated with their voices not being heard.

It was inspiring to watch on TV the shocking events unfold this past week as the long oppressed citizens of Egypt took to the streets to challenge the cruel U.S. backed Mubarak regime.

But this was even more personal to me than images on a TV screen half a world away.

Two talented poets I met on Twitter — @maykosba and @beeros75 — were in the middle of this freedom movement. They wrote excellent poems expressing their feelings about the protests — you should check them out on their blogs:

http://blackvelvetsea.wordpress.com

http://mysunshineforeverblogger.blogspot.com/

Since the Egypt government shut down Internet access last week I haven’t heard from either of them on Twitter.  My prayers go out to my two friends and to all the Egyptian people to remain safe during this perilous time.

The events moved me enough to post a series of tweet poems or micro poems on Twitter about my reactions to the events and my frustration with the U.S. government’s continuing involvement with backing corrupt dictatorships around the world.  Those tweets comprise the following poem “Freedom’s Kiss.”

GP

****

FREEDOM’S KISS

Dictators’ dictates silence nothing.
The truth speaks in its own cadence
Words are weapons traveling across
borders,
countries,
and even universes.

Spreading hypocrisy not democracy around globe.
Backing dictators’ cruelty.
Ignoring oppressed people’s pleas for freedom.
Is this the American way?

Smug diplomats talk about balanced dictatorships.
What’s balanced about a boot on one’s throat
choking off another plea for freedom?

Yet the flame is lit.
It rises higher with each passing day
after burning silently for decades in the hearts & souls of the oppressed
in the land of the Pharaohs.

Now
this tortured ache
has finally been unleashed in a desire for freedom’s kiss.

This freedom to
speak,
think,
love,
dream,
hope
has nothing to do with politics or ideology.

It smolders deeply in each of us
waiting for the moment to be set free.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011

COILED

I wrote this poem a decade ago after being dumped via e-mail.
It seemed a cold manner to end a love affair and made me question
the wisdom and heart of someone who would use such a remote
means of communication to do so. The poem has really never lost
its relevance to me as I have met others similarly cut off from their emotions.

GP

***

COILED

Closed off.
Hidden.
Your face,
your emotions
are coiled
revealing
nothing.

You smile the smile
of the lifeless.

Living in silent terror
of your wild feelings,
your sexuality,
your sensuality.

You’re like a flower,
buried underground,
never to bloom.
Already dead.

Coiled inside
like a snake
but
fearful to strike.

Your body
turned inward
on itself
punishing,
thrashing,
tearing
at your need
to feel anything
unfamiliar
except
timid rage
and
gutless,
fear and dread.

Holding back your joy
like it’s a curse
as you look coldly right
through me.

Your eyes
connected to
nothing but
a void of regrets,
missed opportunities
and
sad memories
from a past never
truly lived.

Even your kisses
are
suspicious,
passionless
like a cut live wire.

Coiled.
No spark.
So suspicious of being alive.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011

Collateral Damage?

Almost everyday in Afghanistan or in the secret war in Pakistan innocent civilians are killed by the U.S. military.

They call it “collateral damage.” This is military and political speak for civilians killed during combat operations.

I despise that term since it doesn’t accurately describe the real devastating loss of war.

I wrote a poem about the ridiculous notion of collateral damage in reference to the Kosovo bombings in the late 1990s.

Seems very timely now.

GP

***

COLLATERAL DAMAGE?

When innocent civilian lives
get in the way
in a war zone,
they call it an accident,
an unfortunate circumstance of war,
a necessary risk,
collateral damage.

What is unintentional
about…

Torn limbs?
Bodies mangled and twisted
beyond recognition?
Shell shocked eyes staring silent?
Hollow faces?
Lifeless fingers clinging
to life’s remnants?
Bombed out homes?
Shattered hopes?
Fractured lives?
Dreams blown apart?

It’s then you realize
ideals,
ideas,
words,
apologies
are not enough
to mend
the hearts and minds
of those caught in the crossfire,
their futures detonated
and strewn across the cold ground
like bomb fragments,
giving new meaning to the word
accidental.

George Pappas
COPYRIGHT 2011

Trigger-Happy

Violence is not sexy. It destroys everything we dream about and live for.

Whether we want to admit it or not, I believe we are all complicit in the violence we abhor, the violence we fear that is splashed all over our TV screens nightly. It all starts with our rude behavior toward each other, the breakdown in manners and respect.

We invade other’s countries without hesitation. Kill without a pang of conscience even if we are not the ones that do the actual killing.

I remember vividly this caretaker, who was caring for my late father nine years ago after his aneurysm, casually talking about how we should bomb Iraq…just nuke these innocent people.

For what? Being ruled by a tyrant? Or being falsely linked to 9/11?

In these kill or be killed times…where does the violence stop?

The great movie and novel “No County for Old Men” puts the blame for this non-stop violence at our doorstep…all tied into our breakdown in basic civilities.

That’s what this following poem tries to grapple with…

When these endless atrocities occur, like the recent one in Tucson, Arizona, what’s my response? Shock and horror. Those are a given of course. But now there’s something else that hits me harder with each passing year.

It’s the sense of loss of our humanity as much the killing and lives lost that wounds me a little more with each senseless violent incident.

GP

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TRIGGER-HAPPY

We’re all trigger-happy to
our rotten souls.

We’re all trigger-happy
more than we ever cared to know

Shooting holes through each other’s dreams
more trigger-happy than we seem.

We killed JFK in Dallas and
Martin Luther King in Memphis
and made excuses for what we had become.

We left John Lennon for dead in the
New York streets
and sang songs that sounded out of tune
on our bitter tongues.

We’re trigger-happy and
trying our best to deny it.

Blaming movies, TV and music for the darkness
that resides in our souls and hearts.

We shot down compassion
one too many times.

The root cause of another massacre covered over by convenient lies.

George Pappas
Copyright 2011