A lifetime of poetry and photography gives a unique view of life, nature, the world, and the universe
Today, I am delighted to welcome poet and author, Arthur Rosch, to Robbie’s Inspiration with his new poetry book, Feral Tenderness.
Fulfillment of a dream
This book, Feral Tenderness, is the fulfillment of a dream. This volume has both poems and photographs. It unites two of my four creative media into a single opus. You may ask, (please) “What are your other two media”? I dabble, (I say modestly) in music and dance.
One night in 2002, I was performing at a venue near my home. I was reading poetry and playing drums. The drums were to accompany another poet who enjoyed my mallet work, the throb of tribal call and response. Two of my thick black notebooks of poetry lay at the lip of the stage. When I finished playing the drums, I looked for my books and they were gone. Gone! My poetry books. I had noticed a tall shaggy man looming around the stage and I knew that he had stolen my poetry. The books were full of my handwritten notes and poems. I had no copies.
Why would he do that? Was he a representative of the devil? I don’t believe in the devil. I believe in evil, that it must be necessary for evil to exist or we would never learn anything.
In all the years since that night I have pined for those black-bound books, missing my poems like absent friends. I don’t remember the poems I’ve lost. The only remedy for those missing poems is to write new poems.
I never decide to write a poem. It’s more like a meteor striking from space. When a poem arrives in my mind it is an event. It happens in the form of a line or two that I can take to the computer and flesh out. I might indulge in the conceit that I’m channeling some force, some creative hormone that peers out from behind the curtain of life and drops hints to me. That’s how my poetry works. One minute I’m sitting on the crapper and a few words come to my mind and I recognize this impulse. A poem is being born. Five minutes later I have a new poem. Not on the crapper, of course. I’ve risen from my throne and rushed to my computer where I put down the new lines. Sometimes there’s such urgency to write that I run with my jammy pants around my ankles. Truly. In the next days I revise a bit, but the poems are mostly formed right out of the starting gate.
Watching a poem take shape is like seeing a fast-motion video of a plant growing. First there’s a nub rising out of the earth. That nub quickly grows and shafts of green matter reach from its central pillar, pushing ever up and out, writhing towards the sun. It’s a little creepy, watching the otherwise invisible motion of organic matter living in an alien time frame. We don’t see trees grow or corn ripen. It happens beneath our layer of cognition.
I can speculate that the poems are already in my mind, they have existed since the beginning of time. The poems came before me and will continue when I’m gone.
Perhaps that’s why I feel such a kinship with the 12th Century poet, Jelalludin Rumi. His poems sound modern, his concerns reach into my core and go with me everywhere.
One of my favorite Rumi lines is this: “Don’t worry about what doesn’t come. By not coming it prevents disaster.” I’ve spent my life worrying about the absence of an audience for my protean work. Why am I so completely obscure? Is it because my work is not good?
I don’t think so. I’ve been tasked with carrying an unshakeable belief in myself. It’s not easy to maintain. My life has been notably inglorious. I’ve learned that great art seldom comes from great human beings.
Plenty of people have borne delusions of superior talent, have called themselves Genius. It’s a meaningless word that only exists for the purposes of ego. A zillion mediocre artists haunt the landscape of our world, vying for attention. What makes me different? I ask you to regard this work, these poems and images. You will see that I am what I think I am. You may also note that I haven’t told you what I think I am. Take care, what you think of yourself. It will form you in ways you can’t anticipate. If fame and glory fail to arrive according to your timetable, think of the plants growing, writhing, eerie when viewed in high-speed video. Take care to be both honest and superb. That is the core message of Feral Tenderness. Stay wild but stay gentle.
About Arthur Rosch
Arthur Rosch is a mid-westerner, who became a Californian as a young man. A lover of jazz, poetry, painting and photography, and writing, as well as a passion for astronomy, photography, history, psychology and the weird puzzle of human experience. After receiving Playboy Magazine’s Best Short Story Award for a comic view of a planet where there are six genders, he was immersed in circles that could have taken him to the top, but it was short lived. Arthur found himself reeling, struggling with depression and addiction on the streets for almost a decade, and repairing and rediscovering himself was a defining event in his life, nurturing his literary soul. He is currently a certified Seniors Peer Counselor in Sonoma County, California. Come visit his blogs and photo sites. www.artrosch.com and http://bit.ly/2uyxZbv.
Hi Robbie, A very interesting introduction to Arthur’s new book, and it’s lovely to meet him here. Wishing him great success. Toni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Toni. I read this book and enjoyed it very much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good luck to Arthur with his new book. I have shared this on Twitter, Robbie.
(Arthur was my dad’s name. You don’t see it often now.)
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the name Arthur. My younger son has a friend named Arthur, it is still quite popular here. Thanks for sharing this post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As a kid the name Arthur didn’t thrill me. I changed my name in the first grade to Jimmie. I wanted to be like the other kids. It didn’t stick.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha, I changed mine to Robbie (from Roberta) and it’s stuck like glue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be thinking about that stolen poetry for a long time. Indeed, why? But I am glad Arthur has managed to keep his muse alive, despite setbacks. (K)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I really feel bad for Art about having his poetry stolen. It wouldn’t have the same value to the thief at all, even if by same strange miracle he was a poetry lover [seems unlikely]. It seem a bit spiteful. I have misplaced my diary from my last year of high school and I am upset about it, Kerfe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Things like poetry and diaries carry a piece of our soul with them, I think. We pour out our hearts, often the things we can’t share with anyone else, and to have them misplaced or stolen almost feels like a violation of ourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I know that feeling. I have several misplaced things floating around somewhere and every time I think about it I have the same anxieties. I hope you find it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Pattys World and commented:
What a wonderful way to begin #WordPressWednesday
I do hope you’ll head over to read this entire post.
I’d love to have this poet’s work in the PoetryPlace column of my magazine.
Do stay tuned to see if this might be so.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing Patty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m also grateful, Patty. Every bit of feedback is precious to me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Patty. Thank you for your support of the tour. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fabulous post! I like how Arthur has introduced his love for poetry, photography, music and dance… without all four, life would be hollow. Can one’s poetry ever be stolen? Whenever it goes, it carries the signature style of a poet, just like music.
Thank you Robbie, you are so good at meeting poets and authors and introducing them to us. I have to check this poetry book. Wishing Arthur all the best with his passion for poetry.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Balroop, thank you for visiting and for your lovely comment. I am really delighted that Art’s post has interested you. I really enjoyed this unusual poetry and the photographs are also lovely.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Robbie, thank you so much for this feature of my work. I didn’t know it was happening until our friend notified me. The responses are unusual and wonderful. You’ve gotten more feedback than I have in a decade! Fantastic. I feel as if I’m just setting out on my journey.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Art, lovely to host you today. I really enjoyed your book and I enjoy your unique poems. Have a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Writing to be Read and commented:
On Day Three of the “Feral Tenderness” Book Blog Tour and we’re over at Robbie’s Inspiration with a post from the author, Arthur Rosch about the realization of a dream. Join us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Kaye. I’m a bit behind this week. Internet issues!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is my pleasure, Kaye. I love poetry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems we all are. Our Day #2 post was lost for a while, but I just located it and am trying to get word out now, on Day #4. Just a hiccup though. We’re all good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for hosting the Feral Tenderness Tour today for us, Robbie. You did a great job with the lay out. We appreciate all your hard work and hospitality. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post! Thanks for hosting Arthur, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Jill. I love introducing like minded bloggers to new authors and poets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the dichotomy of ‘feral’ and ‘tenderness’. It sounds like an oxymoron but it isn’t. I have no doubt the book is as good as the title.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have a fantasy novel in which one of the characters is a renegade poet, His book, Feral Tenderness, has gotten him into hot water with a local warlord. So, I borrow from myself to keep this concept alive. Jacqui, you expressed that so well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jacqui, I really enjoy Art’s poetry. It is very unusual and stabs to the heart of controversial matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arthur is so talented and artistic. I love the title and the cover and how he introduced his book. Thank you for hosting, Robbie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Miriam. Art is very talented and his poetry is very meaningful and thought provoking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The title makes a great hook. Thanks for this review, Robbie. Best to Arthur. Hugs all around.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Teagan. The book is as interesting as the name. Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Robbie, Miriam, Teagan. I’m a bit like a starving man basking in food but this food is your attention. I haven’t had much feedback in my time and this is nourishing for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Art, you are most welcome. Your poetry is fascinating and your cover and photographs are also excellent.
LikeLike
It’s the lament of many authors, Art. For many of us, friends and family are not supportive — or even interested. However, it’s a great community here on WordPress. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, you are right about that, Teagan.
LikeLike
Such a poetic way to talk about poetry. Fancy that! 🙂 Actually, I do fancy that and I love the way Arthur talks about his muse here, and how a poem comes “like a meteor” and the suggestion to stay wild and gentle at the same time. Like the title – Feral Tenderness. Most of my friends who are writers (and they are either here, in the blogosphere, or my writing students) don’t ask for nor want fame. They want to find themselves in their writing. I think that’s a powerful reason to write poetry and stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a good reason to write, Pam. I think it would be nice and rewarding to teach young people and help them on their journey of self discovery. I enjoy Art’s poetry very much. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Feral Tenderness is an intriguing title for a poetry book. What struck me most about Arthur’s introduction was that his poetry notebooks were stolen. I can’t imagine anything worse for a writer. I wish him every success for the launch of Feral Tenderness!
LikeLike
This is like all of my birthdays wrapped up into one event. I’m old enough to know that such moments are precious!
LikeLike
The title makes a wonderful book. Thanks for the beautiful review, Robbie. All the very best to Arthur.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read a bunch of your blog, Kamal. You are an amazing person! Both a high achiever and a sensitive human. They don’t always go together. Thank you for the comment. Live the great life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are always welcome dear and thankful for your kind words. Take care and stay safe 🙏🏻💟💟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kamal. I am glad you enjoyed Art’s poetry.
LikeLike
Yes very nice and beautiful Robbie. Always welcome dear 💕💕
LikeLike
Thanks, Robbie, for introducing us to Arthur and for bringing more poetry into our lives. There’s never enough. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Olga. Poetry makes powerful statements and helps us focus on issues.
LikeLike