Eloquence Radiating within the Complexity of Simplicity

More times than not, societies rather reduce the varied richness of Life to well-defined simple concepts of cause and effect, right and wrong, this or that.  The intricacies, nuances, and subtle flavorings of difference and emotional range are tossed aside because to delve into such matters require detailed attention and being consciousness of one’s motivation and purpose…a time consuming process. 

I suspect creative people tend to poignantly analyze, and elaborate on the human condition better than others. And some would even argue that poets traverse the landscape of humanity the best. Regardless of this artistic quandary, this is what I know to be true and a steadfast fact.

Howard Nelson.

For decades as a teacher, scholar, writer, poet and well-rounded intellect, Nelson, now a retired Professor Emeritus has shone light in darkness; reduced intricate issues into easily understood concepts that maintains a person’s dignity and inherently respects the intelligence of others, fashions “words” into floating streams of sparkling and vibrant content. Through varied literary publications and essays, Professor Nelson has illuminated the human condition and sought to offer sublime solutions that are easily imitated, and hopefully, duplicated.

poetry  poet reading howard nelson
Howard Nelson, featured  poet, "word, revisited" October  25, 2018 

Howard Nelson was the featured presenter at last night’s “word, revisited” a bi-monthly literary program at the Carriage House Theater in Auburn, NY, and convened by the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, three decades young, print publication Olive Trees, and the online-literary and visual arts journal, aaduna.

   

Reading from his recently published 2018 book, That Was Really Something (Groundhog Poetry Press LLC out of Roanoke, Virginia) with cover art by Melissa Johnson {who was in the audience,} this new work is 166 pages including the “Afterword: ‘Friend, Good’ – and Other Observation” and brings forth thirty-seven (37) compelling poetic works.

Starting off the evening with what is now becoming a Nelson ever changing “signature,” there was a musical “intro” and “outro” stepped in the classic song “Shout” by the Isley Brothers and then Howard delved into the poem, “Jimi Hendrix” and used “Purple Haze” to bookend that piece. 

In That Was Really Something, Nelson organized the work around several themes, most notably music, old horror movies, his grandson, animals, baseball, cultural heroes and walking down Genesee Street in Auburn.  Permeating each theme was Howard’s memory and recollection of his life – a life that continues to be well-lived.  Along the way, we were exposed to R&B/Soul classic artists, Godzilla, coyotes, baseball greats via Monte Irvin, monsters, school classmates, and the enchantment of a supermarket and its patrons. And then we were hit with extras such as long term life insurance (in deference to the audience) and the peculiarities of “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.”

Howard Nelson captivated and enthralled and enabled the audience’s soul and heart to bring forth grown wide grins marked by joyful and humble appreciation for his generosity of spirit and “words.” 

His Q&A delved into when he started to seriously write poetry, where he saw his writing career now versus earlier, when he writes as well as his process of actually composing a piece.  Now, I could share his responses.  I will not. You need to find out where his next reading will be and go out and discover or –re-discover a literary “giant” and masterful poet who exists among us.     


After an engaging intermission where beverages were purchased; conversations flowed; books purchased and signed, the evening’s emcee, Ron Van Nostrand opened the open mic segment, a regular feature of “word, revisited.” The evening’s readers were Crystal Pierce, Jan Graham, Heidi Nightengale, Steve Lewardowski, Jim Ellis, and Ron Van Nostrand. (Please excuse any mis-spellings of surnames. If I erred, e- mail me and I will correct my unintentional error. Use bill@aaduna.org)  


bill berry, jr., CEO/Publisher, aaduna Inc., Kirsten Wise, Curator, Cayuga Museum, Eileen McHugh, Executive Director, Cayuga Museum, Heidi Nightengale, open mic, Ron VanNostrand, Publisher, Olive Trees, Crystal Pierce, open mic, Steve Lewardowski, open mic, Jan Graham, open mic, Jim Ellis, open mic, and Howard Nelson, featured  poet


The open mic poetic themes were vibrant and colorful, and bore witness to keen perceptions and knowledge treasured.  

Recognizing the anniversary of Katrina, helicopters and a boy’s imagination and dreams, as well as an armada of clouds and a storm’s progression joined by mystery and magic, alabaster face, wolf howling, the frightening evilness of murdering a mother and baby boy child. 

A journey through Irish heritage, “staying home time,” grandfather and Christmas Eve, trauma of an orphanage and genetic propelled memories shared stage with a mall parking lot and re-appearance of puddles; Tony Hogan’s work and the unexpectedly brief but pointed dramatic words of Jim Ellis. 

  
As always, the gentleman emcee, poet, lyricist, and raconteur, Mr. Van Nostrand ended the evening with his scariest song (in recognition of the coming event!) The phrase “gonna get cha” resounded throughout the carriage House as he described in words and guitar music the challenges of a howling wind, snow and winter’s coming.  




It was a grand evening!

Thank you Howard Nelson and open mic readers.


*****

The final “word, revisited” of the 2018 season will occur on November 8th at 6 PM at the Carriage House Theater located behind the Cayuga Museum and feature Pat D’Agostino, Janet Graham, and Sue Scolaro.


$3/person admittance and all proceeds including the sale of beverages and snacks go to the Museum to help support its ongoing work and exhibitions that are of benefit to the community. Please visit the Cayuga Museum’s website for further details.




word, revisited” exclusively sponsored by the CayugaMuseum of History and Art, the three decades young print publication, Olive Trees, as well as aaduna, an online literary and visual arts journal.









"word, revisited" is not associated with any other sponsoring entity
in its bi-monthly literary series.



_____________________________

aaduna - an online adventure with words and images - a globally read, multi-cultural, and diverse online literary and visual arts journal established in 2010.  Visit us at www.aaduna.org where we put measurable actions to our words.

Help us build community!  Share with your friends,  "like" our Aaduna-Inc facebook page and follow us on twitter @ aadunaspeaks !  


aaduna-Inc aaduna-Inc  Visit regularly for updates !




 

Comments