Ben Sen's Blog

Politics, Culture and Religion Without Projections

Ben Sen

Ben Sen
Location
New York, N.Y.,
Birthday
December 31
Bio
I'd rather be judged on the basis of my posts than anything written in my bio. It's put down and gathered as a record of my experience and a response to what I see as the important issues in the world today. I don't pretend it's anything other than subjective. The purpose is to analyse, interpret, express opinions, challenge the status quo, open a few doors, and entertain when the muse permits. I heartily welcome ratings, comments and dialogue as that is what makes this media unique and valuable. It also keeps me honest and encouraged since I'm not getting paid. Take a risk and say something; it feels better. The "conversation" is essential for the growth of the individual and the collective. I have faith it extends beyond the confines of what is said here. "For it is necessary for awake people to be awake, or a breaking line may discourge us back to sleep, the signals we give--yes, no or maybe--should be clear: the darkness around us is deep." From A RITUAL TO READ TO EACH OTHER by William Stafford

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JULY 16, 2012 12:48PM

To Jacob, the New Editor

Rate: 12 Flag

I'm not a known writer, not even half known.  The safe bet is I'll die that way, but don't count the money yet.

I split words the way the bomb splits atoms and quit being ashamed of it long  ago.  I list and dig through facts seeking the shit at the bottom of the well.  My clothing reeks of detergent.  If it's not candid it's not real.

"There are people who are walkin' up and down the street," said Joyce, "and they don't know what they want."  I'm not one of them.

Ovid said, "Everything changes, nothing is lost."  I'm one of them.

Only in poetry can it all be said.  Bending down on the page to send this gift brings such pleasure I can't stop.

Do you see?

Can we be healed? 

Amen

Author tags:

jacob sugarman, poetry, ben sen's poetry, james joyce, ovid

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Amen to that. We'll have to see what our editor prioritizes, from the glut of "product" here. Easy to quarterback from the middle of nowhere, but I reckon you could skip the posts that mimic the all-day talking points fiesta or those with an Open rehash of trending Google topics and still have way too much quality writing, poetry, CARTOONING, photography and other genuine expressions to formulate a cover page.

That is the editor's input. We members are self-published, which is a deceptively smooth highway, as many of us could use the services of a really sharp editor. Having someone from salon.com scour the day's work and assemble a page of the noteworthy efforts is a task made possible only with the sense of purpose you put in the form of a question.

We'll have an answer pretty quick.
Stacey Youdin
July 16, 2012 02:09 PM
Simpatico with the poem and Stacey's comment. Nicely done, both.
Matt Paust
July 16, 2012 04:07 PM
I'm with you, Ben. It would be nice if poetry were given some or as much consideration as newsworthy or other non-fiction topics. Rated.
Erica K
July 16, 2012 04:16 PM
Thanks Stacey. Leave it to you. If it's not a "gift" what is it?
Ben Sen
July 16, 2012 06:31 PM
Thank you for posting this.
Stacey’s comment is bang on.
~R~
M. C. S.
July 16, 2012 06:40 PM
I haven't seen Romantic Poetess for a few weeks (I hope she is happily vacationing somewhere), but when she gets back, I think OS poets should construct a "group post" where they each donate one small poem to show Jake there really is a readership for poetry here (even if it is not his cup of tea, or the "editorial consensus that 'poetry doesn't sell').

IT's FREE HERE!
Kathryn O'Hehir
July 16, 2012 07:03 PM
Kate:

The New Yorker prints poems as do many of the finest magazines, but I've never seen one in a publication owned by Rupert Murdoch, have you? I think they do it for reasons other than profit.
Ben Sen
July 16, 2012 07:33 PM
Well done, we'll see if this time we can get poetry recognized.
SheilaTGTG55
July 16, 2012 11:25 PM