WOK Ekphrastic Writing Seminar
WOK Ekphrastic Writing Seminar by Carla Joy Martin “A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS” I will be the featured presenter at the Writers of Kern Meeting on September 18, 2022, at Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudson Drive, Bakersfield at 9:00 a.m. We will be...
My upcoming chapbook, Coffee Café Customers: An Americana Collection
I am busy adding the final poems to my upcoming chapbook, Coffee Café Customers: An Americana Collection. The poems paint pictures of many of the unique persons from all walks of life who frequent the local coffee cafes of my town. I have spent afternoons observing...
Carla Joy – Kern Poetry Featured Poet – September 3rd, 2022
I was thrilled to be the featured poet at Dagny’s First Saturday Open Mic on September 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. I read selections from my upcoming poetry chapbook, Coffee Café Customers: An Americana Collection. Over 25 folks filled the backroom and ohed and ahed and...
Cocoon
I go about my day wrapped in respectability, drowning in duty, displaying my pleasant smile, gracefully answering minutiae, never ruffling the waters, never stirring the stew. But after dinner in the twilight I play the piano -- Tear off the mask, rip open the sores,...
Your Eyes
You can tell a lot about a person by their eyes. I have seen bulging eyes, Bloodshot from allergies, Darting from side to side, Always looking for adulation, Never noticing the downward glances From those who are hurt or neglected by the all-consuming...
When My Love Makes 40 Clove Garlic Chicken: A Recipe
When my love makes 40 clove garlic chicken, he goes to the grocery store and carefully selects garlic heads that are firm and not blemished. He also buys elephant garlic, for it has an even milder flavor than regular garlic. It also has larger cloves, so he doesn’t...
Go to Him
This poem was inspired by the sensual and haunting song, “Wait for Her,” by Roger Waters, the bassist and creative force behind the legendary rock group. Pink Floyd. He, in turn, was inspired by the poem of the same name by Mahmoud Darwish, the passionate Palestinian...
A Kaleidoscope of Love
At dawn, our love was bright with promise. Rays of yellow sunshine Danced with delight through our days. Verdant green vistas stretched out before us. Orange and white wildflowers sprang up As our love blossomed. In the evenings, our passion pulsed Deep crimson...
Counting My Blessings: My Experience in the Stanford Psych Ward
In the fall of 2008, I entered Stanford Hospital. No, I did not have a rare kind of cancer or leukemia. My sickness was also insidious, elusive and frightening. I suffered from bipolar disorder. I was haunted by moods that swung high into the unreal heavens and down...
HAUSER
This poem was inspired by a performance of the Croatian cellist, Stjepan Hauser, in a breathtaking ancient Roman Amphitheater. You may watch it on the YouTube at “HAUSER & friends: Gala Concert at Arena Pula 2018.” Watch it and become entranced! HAUSER ...