Hello Poetry Genius subscribers,
I'm Tom Kane, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting news! This week, we're featuring a truly remarkable poem, "One Man Walking," by the incredibly talented Brooklyn Muse. Brooklyn, who describes themselves as an "NYC area - educator. writer. editor. photographer. dreamer. treasure hunter. mountains. beach. City", has their own Substack Newsletter "Whisper Diamonds," which they describe as “A Small Publication of Good Intent”.
Before we dive into the poem, let's quickly recap how you, too, can have your poetry featured. At Poetry Genius, we are always looking for excellent poems to dissect and discuss on our podcast. By submitting your work, you’ll have the opportunity to have it featured on our podcast, and if chosen, gain wider exposure and recognition. Not only that, you’ll get to hear your poem deconstructed by our hosts, offering a great learning experience even if your poem isn't selected.
This Week's Featured Poem: 14 Feb 2025
One Man Walking
In a Blizzard
On a Quiet City street
No Vehicles, No One,
In Ragged Levis,
A Red Heavy-Canvas Short Coat,
With Cool Yellow Slush boots,
He Walks Alone
In the Deep Ebony Night
It is Quiet Ahead of Me
Cold Wind,
Snow Chilled to the Bone
He steps,
Steadfast,
With a Mission
In Silence
We Walk
Sacredly Together,
Visibly Alone
Searching Knowledge
The Library of Wisdom,
Within Us
A Tedious Task
The Streets are Winding,
Dimly Lit
City Lights
Between Us,
Between Us I Say
Hearts Flicker,
Ice Pounds our Spirits,
The Need to Know
Souls Engulfed,
Ancestral Knowledge
Just Within Reach
When Might the Storm End?
Podcast Discussion:
During our discussion, we were all incredibly impressed by Brooklyn's skillful use of the reverse poem format. The way "One Man Walking" can be read both forwards and backwards, revealing different perspectives and meanings, is truly captivating. Reverse poetry is an innovative form that challenges the traditional structures of poetry. It allows a poem to be read in two directions, with each offering a distinct interpretation. This poem exemplifies the technique, with the structure and content carefully crafted so both readings are coherent and meaningful. The use of flexible language and contrasting perspectives add depth and complexity, making it a poem that can be appreciated on multiple levels.
Sharing the Podcast:
To ensure that Brooklyn's talent reaches a broad audience, we'll be making the podcast available on multiple platforms:
Substack (of course!)
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Various Social Media Platforms
Call to Action:
We encourage all of you to re-stack and re-post this podcast across your own platforms. Let's help Brooklyn gain the recognition they deserve! Don't forget to leave your comments and likes on the podcast as well. Your engagement is crucial in supporting emerging poets. And If you're not the selected poet there is still much to learn from hearing other people deconstructing and discussing poems.
Submit Your Poetry!
Are you the next poet to be featured? Remember, I am always on the lookout for unique voices and compelling poems. Please submit your poems to Poetry Genius for a chance to have them featured on our podcasts. Take advantage of this opportunity for wide exposure and recognition.
Thank you, Brooklyn, for submitting this amazing and intriguing poem. Your work has been a joy to explore.
Sincerely,
Tom Kane
Author of Poetry Genius
Note: Tom Kane is also a retired research Biochemist and Molecular Biologist, now a Lifestyle and Fitness Coach for seniors, and a professional Ghostwriter in poetry and science. He also has 3 other free Substack newsletters, Healthwise, The Measured Word, and The Clinic (a weekly podcast).
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