LatinosUSA

• Juan Re Crivello: Do you think poetry is back in fashion?

Richard Spisak: Poetry is an open secret. While simultaneously considered the elite stepchild of high literature and irrelevant to society at large, it is also used at political rallies, sports events, and in commercial jingles to sell products. Oddly enough, it is used by the military to enrage and motivate soldiers. I believe it is so powerful, it is generally shunned while being in use in many important ways.

• J.R.C: Is your poetry created daily, or do you wait to be inspired to write it?

Richard Spisak: I believe that we should practice our craft daily – this way, when inspiration comes, we are ready and our craft is polished to a high gloss. And the inspiration is delivered to a polished set of poetic tools.

• J.R.C: What is your next publishing project? Could you tell us how it came about?

Richard Spisak: I am currently shopping my next book to several publishers. Its title is “NO NOISE,” and it should be available by summer 2025.

• J.R.C: What city do you live in, and can you describe your favorite bar or café?

Richard Spisak: A charming little VEGAN EATERY, which has hosted live poetry for years. It is nestled in a little valley just outside of Johnson City, TN. Frannie herself, both host and culinary genius, provides a full course of ALL VEGAN OPTIONS and a selection of VEGAN pastries as well.

I do not like WAR (never did) by Richard Spisak

I do not like war at my door, I do not like it on the steps,
I do not like it is not hep.
I do not like war, here or there, I do not like war anywhere
Not on the screen, not on the Telly
Not when it turns some kids to jelly
I do not like it on the streets
I do not like it, we aren’t just meat
I do not like war on some folks,
Not black nor brown, not white nor yellow
Not even killing some other fellow
I do not like it when it makes us broke
It gives no joy, it brings no hope
The broken wheel, the coughing choke
I do not like what war does to’m
I do not like when buildings are strewn.

I do not like when wars kill kids
I do not like it, never did.
Not in the sky, not in the water
Not on the son, nor on the daughter
Not even if just old men might die
Don’t they even wonder
The when or why
I DO NOT LIKE THOSE LOUD EXPLOSIONS
I DO NOT LIKE PATRIOTIC CONCLUSIONS
I DO NOT LIKE IT, it is dumb
I do not embrace what it BRINGS, What Comes!

Author Biography

Richard has written for radio, tv, and the web. He has published six books to date, two short story collections, and four volumes of poetry. His writing includes both fiction and non-fiction and have been included in dozens of anthologies. Richard is often invited to contribute to prestigious international poetry anthologies. He produces the POETS of the EAST webcast. http://newmercurymedia.com/poe2024.html

Upcoming Performances

Regularly appear at David Leo Sirois’ SPOKEN WORD ONLINE
TUESDAYS 2pm Eastern Time

Regularly appear at Prasanna Kkumar’s Fertile Brains
Sunday 9:30am

Richard’s Book

Available at:
https://readorgreenbooks.com/shop/ols/products/stone-poetry-by-rick-spisak