They want to publish my work!!!

Its amazing, but true. One of my poems has been selected for publishing in a book by the International Library of Poetry. I think I have hit the big time. The letter I got states: "In celebration of the unique talent you have shown, we wish to publish your poem on its own page. It is scheduled for publication in winter 2009, and will be a classic hardbound volume, printed in two colors on fine milled paper. and....After carefully reading and discussing your poem, our selection committee has certified your poem as a semi-finalist in our International Open poetry contest. You have an excellent chance of winning one of 104 cash or gift prizes, including the $1000 Grand prize! You may even win the $10,000 Annual Grand prize! "

Here is my entry:

The bottom of my pool

The bottom of my pool
Like a babies
only wetter
Like water
underground
only not so clear
Hungry Hippo
Gleaming in the filter
only sweatier
Crashing Jetliner
hopping kangaroo's
only drunk
from the ultimate
Theater
only blinkier
but its not minty
nor prone to weep
only laughing
the team loses
My dream
Like the bottom of my pool

Hold the applause. Really. The truth is that everything I stated above is true, but there is a catch. This contest, and others like it, are ploys to get you to purchase the book they publish you in. I saw an ad online for it and wondered, if I made up the most ridiculous poem I could think of, would they still try and sell me on how good it was. Well since I have received about 5 things in the mail reminding me of my "literary genius", and my "gift of making words into art", I guess I got my answer. Pretty funny stuff! Do a search for poetry contests and try it yourself. You too, could be published like me, and become rich and famous. By the way, the book was only $49.95. They also offered me my poem inscribed on a plaque for $29.95. What a bargain.

The truth is also that I really do write poetry, and while its not "beatniks in a coffeeshop" reading poems, its also a bit better than "the bottom of my pool". Here are a few selections:

Bath Buddy

Just the other day, I went to take a bath, but I was very sad and blue.
When I'm in the tub, I feel so alone, that i don't know what to do.
I have lots of toys, and my rubber ducky, but they don't make me feel glad.
Then I think of a friend, a very special one, the best buddy I ever had.
He showed up one day, in the tub, floating on top of the water.
I didn't notice at first, as I was busy, making the tub even hotter.
Then I saw him, about 4 inches long, and beautifully colored brown.
He didn't say much, and floated so nice, that i did not worry he'd drown.
We played lots of games, and had so much fun, he was the best bath buddy ever!
And as time went on, I secretly hoped, that we would be friends forever.
Then my Mom came in, to check up on me, and let out a horrible yell.
“What did you do?” I heard her ask, “and what is that terrible smell?”
I just smiled, and asked my Mother, why she was raising her voice.
“Don’t get sassy”, she responded to me, you have left me little choice”.
She put on some gloves, and scooped up my buddy, and lifted the lid on the john.
And dropped him in, and flushed him down, and just like that he was gone.
I gulped real hard, and tried not to cry, as I felt overwhelmed with sorrow.
But I soon realized, that though he was gone, I could make another tomorrow.
Well that day is here, and I realize, that my buddy may be in some trouble.
For instead of him here, with all of my pushing, all that came up was a bubble.

Great Grandpa’s Nose

When I was a boy, we’d visit Great Grandpa, who always had a smile on his face.
He was so very nice, and loved when we came, but one thing seemed out of place.
His nose you see, was the size of an apple, maybe even bigger than that.
I was amazed by it, how huge it was, and would watch him in his chair where he sat.
He would sometimes catch me, looking at him, and would ask if I was Okay.
I’d nod my head yes, but inside I’d worry, so much that I would pray.
“Dear God forgive me, for not eating my peas, and one more thing I ask.”
“Please don’t let my nose, be huge like his, Or Ill have to wear a mask.”
One day he was sleeping, with his head tilted back, of course in his special chair.
So I snuck up close, and looked up inside, but all I could see was nose hair.
Then I heard a noise, it was very faint, that sounded a lot like a voice.
Then it was louder, as I heard it again, and I knew that I had no choice.
For the voice was saying, “Please help us,” so I started to climb up inside.
It was dark at first, but then it got lighter, as the chasm opened up wide.
I was shocked and amazed, by what I saw, as I looked all over and around.
For what lay before me, was lots of people, in fact was an entire town!
A man ran up to me, and stuck out his hand, and then said “Welcome stranger.”
I shook his hand firmly, and he told me a tale, of how the town was in danger.
For every time, my Grandpa ate peppers, the town was flooded by snot.
He asked me to help, to convince him to stop, and I said I would give it a shot.
All the town cheered, as I waved goodbye, and climbed back down his nose.
I tugged on his arm, and said “Wake up Gramps”, and from his nap he arose.
I told him what happened, and made him promise, to never eat peppers again.
I could swear I heard, a voice shout “Thank you”, as my face broke out in a grin.


I will put a few more on here next time, so feedback is encouraged. Also, I am looking for a good watercolor or pastel illustrator before I shop for a publisher. Please let me know if you know of such an artist, that would possibly like to illustrate my work. I realize they are not for everyone, but thanks for taking the time to read them. And if you didn't, then shame on you! Take care everyone....

Faith, Hope & Love
RB~