Join
You’re reading my poetry
so why not come to my monthly group meetings?
Your presence will keep me fresh
and as the idea of the poem is changing
you will be at the forefront of verse innovation.
Becoming a poet-supporter means
you get to meet me and inform my line-breaks
my choice of conceits, my ironic juxtapositions
while helping me to maintain my freedom.
I don’t have a mentor who I have to flatter to stay alive.
I swim alone in a dangerous world of poet-sharks
in which I may be eaten at any time.
My independent and startling voice matters
not just for my sake but for the diversity of poetry,
a world dominated by a few big names
who all know each other and operate
a cartel which stifles opportunity.
I am always free to hold them to account
and I have dared where many have shied away.
I do not have to keep looking over my shoulder
to see if my imagery or prosody are approved
by the gurus of the workshop mafia. I am committed
to keeping poetry free on my twitterfeed
my blog, my i-phone and on instaverse.
I have no paywall. There is an instinctive bond
between my readers – they nod to each other
on the tube as they crack open my new pamphlet. Now
you can actually join me in person
and support me by becoming a member
of my poetic community, come to events with me,
talk zeugma, travel expenses and what
it means to be human. If you read me, join me.
Josh Ekroy‘s collection Ways To Build A Roadblock is published by Nine Arches Press.