Woman on mission to read poetry to passers-by

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Associated Press

SEATTLE - Every Sunday, Amy Allin sets up a small wooden table on the grass at Green Lake, waiting for an opportunity to fulfill her yearlong mission of sharing poetry with other people.

"Poets are on an academic campus and writing for each other. I'm tired of poets who think that reading to one another is enough," she said.

Her table marked with big glass letters spelling out "P-O-E-T" attracts the attention of a dozen or so walkers, joggers and cyclists.

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On a recent windy, rainy day, people stopped by to hear a poem, usually written by a poet other than Allin. Some bring their own poems to share with the poet and others drop by with an apple or a plum.

"I talked to about 15 people who otherwise would not have had poetry in their lives," she said.

One person who visited was Russell McDaniel, a Boeing Co. sign maker.

"I've come here quite often to see her. I think she has amazing dedication and perseverance," McDaniel said.

Allin feels poets are just as essential in our society as airplane makers, doctors and farmers, although she feels many have lost sight of the necessity of poetry.

"Artists allow us to see things," she said. "Poetry can make a dull life the most exciting ever. You're no longer just walking down a dim street. Life becomes vivid and so much more worth living."

Allin, who has a master's degree in creative writing from City College of New York, has had her own poetry published in a number of magazines. She keeps a blog of her Green Lake project and invites people to sign up to receive a poem a day via e-mail.

She doesn't own a car and walks four miles each way to Green Lake to sit at her table from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Allin finds ways other than writing poetry to make a living, such as teaching English to immigrants, working at a bookstore and doing industrial landscaping. She currently details boats.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0228Poet28-ON.html

[~Chad~ 0]

Pretty cool....

[Alex+R 0]

Sounds like a woman I would like to meet.

She's right about the necessity of poetry.

Here's my favorite poem (or one of them)

"A Plain Ordinary Steel Needle Can Float on Pure Water" by Kay Ryan:

Who hasn't seen

a plain ordinary

steel needle float serene

on water as if lying on a pillow?

The water cuddles up like Jell-O.

It's a treat to see water

so rubbery, a needle

so peaceful, the point encased

in the tenderest dimple.

It seems so simple

when things or people

have modified each other's qualities

somewhat

we almost forget the oddity

of that.

[~Chad~ 0]

Asian Queen

We've never met face to face,

And it has only been a few days,

Yet, things are moving in a fast pace,

And I fell for you in so many ways.

I get home and run to my computer,

What did you send me today?

Another picture, wow you look even cuter!

Please God, don't let this feeling slip away.

I've heard that time can conquer all pains,

Heal all wounds, demolish all of your fear.

But I've learned time can cause these things

When being together seems nowhere near.

Take a good look into my eyes,

My love for you can be seen.

With every single sunset and sunrise

You will remain my Asian Queen.

[bucknekkid 0]

When I go to get a drink

It doesn't work the way you think

I turn it up the water goes

And hits me right upon the nose

I turn it down to make it small

And don't get any drink at all

Michelle Chute

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Sounds like a woman I would like to meet.

She's right about the necessity of poetry.

Here's my favorite poem (or one of them)

"A Plain Ordinary Steel Needle Can Float on Pure Water" by Kay Ryan:

Who hasn't seen

a plain ordinary

steel needle float serene

on water as if lying on a pillow?

The water cuddles up like Jell-O.

It's a treat to see water

so rubbery, a needle

so peaceful, the point encased

in the tenderest dimple.

It seems so simple

when things or people

have modified each other's qualities

somewhat

we almost forget the oddity

of that.

That is nice.

[Ban Hammer 14,443]

Allin, who has a master's degree in creative writing from City College of New York,

teaching English to immigrants, working at a bookstore and doing industrial landscaping. She currently details boats.

yup, i see that degree being used to the maximum there.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Allin, who has a master's degree in creative writing from City College of New York,

teaching English to immigrants, working at a bookstore and doing industrial landscaping. She currently details boats.

yup, i see that degree being used to the maximum there.

She could be writing in her spare time. Creative writing isn't exactly a 9 to 5 type of career...unless you're a teacher.

[Ban Hammer 14,443]

Allin, who has a master's degree in creative writing from City College of New York,

teaching English to immigrants, working at a bookstore and doing industrial landscaping. She currently details boats.

yup, i see that degree being used to the maximum there.

She could be writing in her spare time. Creative writing isn't exactly a 9 to 5 type of career...unless you're a teacher.

maybe that landscaping and boat detailing job is work the illegals won't do

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

What a boring lady.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What a boring lady.

You're too practical.

[Fandango 1,440]

I think it's strange, but whatever.

'hey hit me with a sonnet'