Tupelo 23/30: Breakfast at the Oasis

Dear Reader, 

Seven days remain! 

I have never run a marathon, but I imagine if I arrived at a sign that said "6.5 miles to go!" I'd want to celebrate and punch someone. I'm just being honest. 

At this point, I am writing strictly in response to your prompts, and I have too many, so there will be combinations. 

Today, I've tackled a wonderful title donated by Peter and Amanda Murphy of Murphy Writing of Stockton University. The poem is a kind of homage/riff/spoof of the annual Winter Poetry and Prose Getaway, which used to be held at the Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ. I always consider this yearly writing retreat my new year, recalibrating my writing and setting new goals. I have attended for 17 years, which is almost half my life! 

Though this poem pokes fun at some gendered dynamics at any writing conference, the Getaway has been a place for me to grow as a writer and I have learned so much from the timed morning writing prompts, the daily workshops, the afternoon tutorials, and the table-side and late-night conversations. 

Here is an excerpt from "Breakfast at the Oasis" (read the full poem on Tupelo Press' 30/30 blog): 

"Before the Grand fixed the leaking Crystal Ballroom,

its spotty HVAC, back when Ballyhoo’s bar featured a ship

stranded in the center of the room, sails open to disco light

and the Deejay’s rosy oldies, a few hapless locals or

single members of a groom’s party (of course they were single!)

scouted for lovesick ladies at the annual writers retreat­–

'Oh, tell where the sidewalk ends, heart.'” 

I cannot thank you enough for following this blog and for sharing your kindness. If you would like to donate to support my project, please see my first posting for incentive amounts and make your way to the Tupelo Press donation page. Be sure to select my name from the scroll down tab titled "Is this donation in honor of a 30/30 poet?" After you've donated, be sure to email (edigiorgio@gmail.com) or Facebook message me your requests. I don't want to miss your request!

Also, if you're enjoyed reading poetry this month, you might consider a subscription to Tupelo. You'll receive 9 books for $99, which is a steal! You can also *gift* this subscription to someone else (including me!)...I have friends and students who would be delighted to be the recipient. 

Yours in poetry,

Emari