Poems to Read

Writing As An Art Form

As far as this writer is concernced, writing as an art form is second only to musical composition, and there is simply no accounting for taste. Some, for instance, will enjoy reading my poetry; some not-so-much, while others will prefer my prose or perhaps even dislike my work altogether. I hope the latter is seldom the case, however, the patron is entitled to his/her preferences. As both artist and patron (anyone who has ever purchased a novel, painting, theater and/or concert tickets is a patron of the arts), I like to think I have discerning taste and that I can distinguish between earnest effort and actual ability. Talent cannot be forced or faked, it is a gift from God bestowed at conception which enables one to perform, with comparative ease, a task others must labor to accomplish. I believe all are born with at least one such gift. The following is an excerpt from my preface:

"The controversy that may result from a review on an artistic endeavor is decided by the art lovers who constitute a majority, thus establishing popular consensus--which occasionally overrules the verdict of a noteworthy authority. It is the patron, then, who is the final arbiter on the quality and value of art; who pronounces the life or death sentence, as it were, on real or imagined talent."

I dropped out of school two weeks into the ninth grade (suffice it to say that I was compelled to and that the decision was not entirely mine); I nevertheless managed to obtain my High School Diploma, via a GED test. The Publisher offered to assign me an editor but I declined, so I urge the reader to allow for my academic handicap and, in addition to my errant punctuation, pardon any grammatical errors that might exist. Clint Eastwood once said, "A man's gotta know his limitations." In response I revert to my preface:

". . . in brief, I do not profess to be other than a minor talent (my ardor exceeds my ability) . . . ."

It would probably be safe to assume that most writers, regardless of genre, are likewise limited and that this imbalance is the rule rather than the exception. If only I were as capable as I am passionate . . . but, sadly, that is not the case and I therefore choose to rest on my laurels. Yet my work is not quite finished, for I plan to enhance the aesthetic appeal of my collection by adding a Foreword.

If you have a MA (or better), and you are interested in writing a substantial Foreword to my collection, for the byline and a negotiable fee, then please query for further details. The author will have latitude with respect to content, and will also be given ample time to complete the project. Not only is this an opportunity to further your career (or begin one) while honing your skills but a project of this scope will surely test your mettle, and, who knows, you may discover an untapped wellspring of talent deep within yourself!

Mel
meliebacon@yahoo.com 
www.freewebs.com/meliebacon