tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621298357201902152024-03-13T23:30:36.750-07:00Katherine Norland Poetry BlogKatherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-89159794475267780452016-04-26T07:57:00.000-07:002016-04-26T07:57:08.992-07:00My poem "Love Collapses" has been published on the ZO Magazine website in the poetry section. I just discovered it this morning. Here is the poem. And the art work they paired with it.<br />
<br />
Here is the web address to the site and page" <a href="http://www.zomagazine.com/poetry/what-cloud/">http://www.zomagazine.com/poetry/what-cloud/</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #a5801b;"><strong>Love Collapses</strong></span></h2>
<em><strong>By Katherine Norland</strong></em><br />
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_17366" style="width: 624px;">
<img alt="Three-dimensional, synthetic DNA-like crystals" class=" wp-image-17366" height="591" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.zomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DNA.jpg?resize=614%2C591" width="614" /><div class="wp-caption-text">
<em><span style="color: #a5801b;">Three-dimensional, synthetic DNA-like crystals</span></em><span style="color: white;">. . . . . . . </span></div>
</div>
Love<br />
Where does it begin<br />
And where does it end?<br />
<br />
Love<br />
Is an extension<br />
Of oneself<br />
<br />
Where you don’t know<br />
Where you end<br />
And the other begins<br />
<br />
Where there is<br />
No them and no me<br />
No them over there<br />
And me over here<br />
<br />
With love<br />
There is no difference<br />
Between them and me<br />
<br />
We are all connected<br />
All part of one<br />
And the same<br />
<br />
Love extends<br />
Expands<br />
Covers all<br />
Unites all<br />
<br />
When true love is present<br />
It collapses the space between us<br />
Consumes and connects<br />
<br />
Others become<br />
A natural extension<br />
Of who you are<br />
<br />
So much so<br />
That you no longer see<br />
A difference<br />
<br />
So that when you look at another<br />
You are looking at a mirror image<br />
Reflection of yourself<br />
<span style="color: #a5801b;"><strong>____________________</strong></span><br />
<em><a href="http://www.katherinenorland.com/">Katherine Norland</a> was born in Minnesota. She Is a poet and actress now living in Los Angeles with her husband and special needs son.</em>Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-54483391102748446752014-12-02T17:16:00.002-08:002014-12-03T12:28:47.285-08:00Chasing Scraps - Winner of Indi.com Judge's PickThe last few months I have been busy with rewrites for my next poetry book. <br />
<br />
And while I've been revising and waiting from notes from my editor, I've been recording myself reciting some of these poems from my next book for poetry contests on a website called Indi.com.<br />
<br />
This is a really fun website where they post all kinds of challenges for poetry, rapping, cooking, filmmaking, songwriting, singing, comedy, etc... You can win cash prizes, meetings with casting directors, a platform to perform and other prizes.<br />
<br />
There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners who are determined by who gets the most votes. And then there is the coveted "Judges Pick" which has nothing to do with how many people voted for you, but just you winning by your own merit.<br />
<br />
Last month, I just happened to win the "Judges Pick"<br />
<br />
Click below to see the winning video about the rat race in life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://indi.com/6cd2684a-1787-4aa3-95e1-eb13ff66247b">Chasing Scraps - Winning Poetry Entry</a>Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-88402269835575063892014-04-16T12:58:00.000-07:002014-04-16T12:59:19.916-07:00My First Children's Book - Pammy The HammyThis year I wrote my first Children's book. Which is something I never pictured myself doing. But I did it. Perhaps I could blame it on the fact that this winter on our January vacation, I was stuck in the hotel room sick every day, and the resort's WiFi was down.<br />
<br />
I based it on a poem I had penned many years ago, and thought I could bring a modern twist to it and teach a valuable lesson to kids about the old adage "You are what you eat".<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_49vFVtlXw/U07fRMpOfgI/AAAAAAAAAOs/FEnn-jQ9OBs/s1600/Simone+-+Pammy+The+Hammy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_49vFVtlXw/U07fRMpOfgI/AAAAAAAAAOs/FEnn-jQ9OBs/s1600/Simone+-+Pammy+The+Hammy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A artist friend Jesus Munoz Quintal I was discussing the idea with, drew me a fun little sketch of one of my main characters, who narrates the story. This is his idea of what Simone would look like. I love how the veggies are almost as big as she is.<br />
<br />
The story follows her and her best friend Pammy. Simone's parents taught her the importance of eating her fruits and veggies and Pammy parents let her eat whatever she wanted. When little Pammy got hooked on eating ham at every meal, Simone swears that Pammy starts to resemble a little piggy. <br />
<br />
When I begin the process of looking for a publisher, I will let you know how it goes. Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-47996596283675691102012-12-01T18:55:00.001-08:002012-12-01T18:55:41.164-08:00Can't I Have It All Today?I got a poem published in the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly issue # 56<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUvYa_51gbo/ULrCe4-IulI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Hq7CJ_nXeeY/s1600/SGVPQ+Issue+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUvYa_51gbo/ULrCe4-IulI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Hq7CJ_nXeeY/s320/SGVPQ+Issue+56.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is an excerpt<br />
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Have to</div>
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Make a living, I’ve
got a gigantic </div>
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Mortgage to pay!</div>
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The joy </div>
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Of my future is
sacrificed for what </div>
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I want today!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why save? </div>
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The interest rate
isn’t even worth it, </div>
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Why must I wait?</div>
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How come?</div>
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Can’t I have it all
today, a life that’s </div>
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Beyond just great?</div>
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Why not </div>
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The latest car? Did
you see my neighbor’s </div>
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Shiny new boat?</div>
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I know </div>
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I’m addicted to
caffeine! Without sleep, </div>
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I seem to float.</div>
Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-81807878255358801452012-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:002012-10-09T16:47:48.155-07:00The Pursuit of Happiness...Baring Your SoulI must admit, I have not been devoting the kind of time I would like to in the pursuit of happiness...for me, that is poetry. A few more things have been opening up for me in pursuit of acting. Which also brings a great deal of happiness...it's just two different kinds and it can be difficult to explain.
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I am absolutely thrilled when I am engaged in both acting and poetry, in nearly any form, doing it or observing it. I just like being a part of people sharing their heart. When it come to poetry though, it seems like there is an automatic community, like no matter how different we are, when we come together as poets, we have the same heartbeat, we all know we've been down roads that could have left us stranded or in the ditch, and we pressed on, repaired our flats or hitch-hiked back to the world of pain that had us fleeing in the first place.<br />
<br />
Actors also must bare their soul; there is a part of you that must absolutely be present in order to portray a role with any level of believability. Both require a vulnerability that is not needed in many professions outside of the entertainment industry...but there's something about the poet, that extra little courage it takes to tell your tale, not portray another person's tale but to put it out there in order to enlighten, move, rectify, resolve or any other manner of manifestations that take place when your word goes forth, as you spit your last word, holding your breath for the world to devour, or spit out?
Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-37317199422397570142012-04-29T22:15:00.000-07:002019-07-25T10:18:53.386-07:00"Once Upon A Time" Happy Ever After? NOTWhat really happens when the prince saves the princess? Do they go on to a happily ever after?
Check out the poem I wrote on the topic "Once Upon A Time"
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3hwoa9cMLSM" width="560"></iframe>
This was read at Borders Bookstore in 2011Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-45405853977947066372012-04-11T17:37:00.000-07:002012-04-11T17:37:34.656-07:00Emotions On My SleeveMy Poem "Emotions On My Sleeve" was recently published in Issue 53 of the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly Below is a portion from it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5trNSR5UcM/T4Ygi7QF0qI/AAAAAAAAANY/PNZYKvokNZU/s1600/SGVPQ%2B53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5trNSR5UcM/T4Ygi7QF0qI/AAAAAAAAANY/PNZYKvokNZU/s320/SGVPQ%2B53.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is an excerpt from the Poem:<br />
"EMOTIONS On My Sleeve"<br />
<br />
...I’ve never cried so much, <br />
<br />
Unless you count a Jr. high break up, <br />
But that wasn’t even to this degree. <br />
Self inflicted pain from the rental pumps, <br />
Back pack pumps, and professional grade too.<br />
<br />
It will never happen.<br />
<br />
Everyone tells me of their remedies; <br />
Some say the cure is to take their fish oil, <br />
Drink their goat’s milk, or try their wonder herb. <br />
I’ve downed fields of barley grass to no avail.<br />
<br />
I’m depriving my son -<br />
<br />
Of the greatest nutrition in the world. <br />
Someone even had the nerve to tell me <br />
That the reason I can’t produce milk is <br />
Because I’m not emotional enough! <br />
<br />
I’m aching to hold him…<br />
<br />
They said I don’t feel enough for my child-<br />
The biggest insult I’ve had in my life! <br />
Even though we’ve known each other for years<br />
They have absolutely no idea <br />
<br />
How desperate my love is<br />
<br />
For my child, I long to take care of him, <br />
To be his mommy and to protect him;<br />
I guess I hide my feelings very well, <br />
But on the inside, emotions don’t quell...Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-66980192344048071952012-04-04T17:04:00.001-07:002012-04-04T17:08:50.674-07:0024 Ounce Baby Inspired a BookAfter more than 4 years. I have finally completed "The N.I.C.U. Roller Coaster: Poems and Prayers for Parents of Preemies" It was a difficult labor or love to deliver this set of poems after I delivered this micro-preemie. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2-xVynDc8o/T3zfvZ0dZqI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tu3DuOjrrX4/s1600/They%2Blet%2Bme%2Bhold%2Bmy%2Bbaby%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2-xVynDc8o/T3zfvZ0dZqI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tu3DuOjrrX4/s320/They%2Blet%2Bme%2Bhold%2Bmy%2Bbaby%2B1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'm praying that it blesses many who are going through the trials in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit, not knowing if your child will live or die certainly changes one's perspective on everything in life we thought was important. It showed me what I was made of, I didn't crack (though it felt like I would at times) we got stronger instead of further apart.<br />
<br />
This book chronicles the ‘roller coaster’ experience in the N.I.C.U. Not only about my son’s up and down health, but it seemed even more to do with the emotions that I experienced, having a ‘micro-preemie’ child fighting for his life.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-65584062457590968682012-01-26T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-26T12:17:18.739-08:00Looking for Work...MUSE For HIRE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0-ASbS71s/TyGz-_c9hOI/AAAAAAAAANA/nriBfK-vhd0/s1600/2011KLSunet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="165" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0-ASbS71s/TyGz-_c9hOI/AAAAAAAAANA/nriBfK-vhd0/s320/2011KLSunet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Muse for Hire<br />
<br />
Freelance muse, looking for work;<br />
Motivating your creative works the perk.<br />
<br />
I’ve had various odd jobs, here and there,<br />
Writing political manifestos and news letters with care.<br />
<br />
I’ve encouraged architects and interior decorating décor;<br />
Inventions never cease, wickets, widgets, and gadgets galore.<br />
<br />
Instigating grant proposals, evoking ad execs for their best campaign;<br />
Stirring new flavors for burger toppings, and secrets for assembly line gain.<br />
<br />
I’m looking for steady work, this partial resume is extensive, I know it;<br />
But all I want to do for the rest of my days is inspire a true poet!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo by: RT NorlandKatherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-54814464512915933292011-12-22T14:35:00.000-08:002011-12-22T14:35:02.822-08:00"I Am Not Fluent In Squawk" Published in Issue 52 of SGVPQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-YecdmE7B8/TvOsEkmgsvI/AAAAAAAAAM0/CYEpb9mT6no/s1600/sgvpq%2B52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-YecdmE7B8/TvOsEkmgsvI/AAAAAAAAAM0/CYEpb9mT6no/s320/sgvpq%2B52.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here is an excerpt<br />
<br />
...How long do we have to<br />
Keep on patting his tiny back,<br />
To get the burps or gas <br />
That we currently seem to lack?<br />
Make this sad boy happy,<br />
How can I nurture him to grow?<br />
I hold you and rock you, <br />
Give you meds, but still you cry “No!”<br />
<br />
I’m trying to do this, <br />
I need your help, wish you could talk;<br />
I don’t know what you want <br />
Since I am not fluent in ‘squawk’;<br />
Always monitoring <br />
Your breathing, watch you huff and puff;<br />
Turning up oxygen <br />
To make sure you will have enough.<br />
<br />
The monitor does beep, <br />
All of the lights are flashing red;<br />
Looking at the numbers, <br />
They show you’re actually dead!...Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-21520351338770638022011-12-21T17:22:00.000-08:002011-12-21T17:22:19.398-08:00Submissions Chicken Soup for the SoulI just submitted quite a few poems and 1 story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, they have a couple of issues coming out in the future, one on Parenting and also on New Friendship...so I submitted <br />
<br />
"Slowly Unfolding" Here is a snippet:<br />
<br />
Our new friendship is something…kind of like a cloud<br />
Needed for covering when the sun is too loud.<br />
It is like a rare book, aged, you don’t want to touch<br />
Curious of what’s inside, kept safe in a hutch.<br />
<br />
For their Parenting Issue, I submitted "You're a Mommy Now", "Never Refuse a Cuddle", I Am Not Fluent In Squawk", "Return on Investment", Welcome to Motherhood", "Discombobulated", and "Shape Up or Ship Out"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3M4Hzr0SwPU/TvJ-GuCN_hI/AAAAAAAAAMo/qqVqG_efrgU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3M4Hzr0SwPU/TvJ-GuCN_hI/AAAAAAAAAMo/qqVqG_efrgU/s320/image.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here is "Welcome to Motherhood"<br />
<br />
Welcome to Motherhood<br />
<br />
Hocking loogies, feeding baby, trying to cough in the other direction;<br />
Mother’s do not get days off, even when they’re full of infection.<br />
The job is demanding, the boss never takes ‘no’ for an answer;<br />
There’re no days off, even if you happen to be dying of cancer.<br />
There is no debating allowed here, no could, would or should;<br />
This occupation is for life; welcome to motherhood!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo taken by: Peter Lang (From the Mass Mutual Commercial Shoot October 2011)Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-8635037187575279562011-12-20T11:28:00.000-08:002011-12-20T11:28:56.095-08:00100 Thousand Poets for Change - DRIVE BYI completely spaced it off and didn't even let you guys know that I was asked to read my poetry at 100 Thousand Poets for Change in September. The great poet that asked me to read is Christian Elder (he saw me perform at a book store earlier in the year and saved my info.) So we were in Venice, and event was sponsored by Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center. They had so many poets there were 2 stages going at the same time...and this was happening all over the world.<br />
<br />
I did a new piece that I'd never done before (it wasn't memorized) Because I didn't want to go with something standard, but as the show was about changes that needed to happen in the world I chose this one.It's tentatively titled DRIVE BY and talks about how the neighborhoods used to be before all the gangs became prevalent and how one little old granny is doing her best to clean up the streets using prayer as her main weapon...here is a portion of it.<br />
<br />
To be accepted, you began to bang,<br />
Deaf to her voice, influenced by your gang. <br />
She’s done sittin’ back, just saying a prayer, <br />
Lettin’ you know she’s not easy to scare.<br />
<br />
Makin’ sure great grandkids can play outside, <br />
Prays over each barred up house on her ride.<br />
Covers the block with her flock, when they pray;<br />
You’ll see changes happen day after day.<br />
<br />
Employment increase and murder decrease<br />
And fear ridden households soaking up peace <br />
Dad’s will come back, screams and anger are hushed<br />
Parent’s get sober, crack and meth are flushed<br />
<br />
Crimes in progress, that are set with cocked gun,<br />
Will stop abruptly, then watch the perps run,<br />
Kids will respect authority, they’ll obey moms<br />
Clean up their language –stop dropping F-bombs<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXWIYtfA67U/TvDhHKsZXiI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/8rfdPqwCsvc/s1600/100ThousandPoets%2Bfor%2Bchange%2Bsept%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXWIYtfA67U/TvDhHKsZXiI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/8rfdPqwCsvc/s320/100ThousandPoets%2Bfor%2Bchange%2Bsept%2B2011.jpg" /></a></div>Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-69226115242669511502011-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:002011-12-12T11:30:20.371-08:00Published in Issue 51 of SGVPQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnl7mLljmjE/TuZVUj5ZgcI/AAAAAAAAAME/bqyAu-MApTw/s1600/Issue%2B51%2BSGVPQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="319" width="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnl7mLljmjE/TuZVUj5ZgcI/AAAAAAAAAME/bqyAu-MApTw/s320/Issue%2B51%2BSGVPQ.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was published last quarter in Issue 51 o the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly.<br />
<br />
The poems was Indigestion and Red Fingernails<br />
<br />
Here is an excerpt of part of it:<br />
<br />
My husband is holding my hand <br />
As I am writhing in the bed;<br />
Wait! I can’t have a baby now, <br />
It’s too early, he might be dead!<br />
And now that I’m thinking of it, <br />
I’ve not felt him move for awhile;<br />
I’m dilated to seven? <br />
I react with a confused smile.<br />
<br />
I guess it’s true, we’re in labor, <br />
That explains this horrendous pain;<br />
Still not quite aware that my life <br />
From now on will not be the same.<br />
The nurses prep the tray and tools, <br />
Ready for precise incision;<br />
I yelled “You’re not cutting on me!” <br />
That is my final decision.<br />
<br />
They say “But the baby is breech, <br />
And that is what we have to do”;<br />
I wanted a calm water birth,<br />
So he could then just ease on through.<br />
My husband had to leave the room <br />
In order to make each phone call;<br />
I scream “Why do people do this!!!” <br />
My hubby hears me down the hall!Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-81144373283928919562011-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:50:51.277-08:00Eyes Wide Open - Eyes Half Closed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV9nP4G0EmM/Ts1cmLNTs7I/AAAAAAAAAL4/vc7BlxRjAWk/s1600/KL%2Blook%2Bthru%2Bscope%2B2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV9nP4G0EmM/Ts1cmLNTs7I/AAAAAAAAAL4/vc7BlxRjAWk/s320/KL%2Blook%2Bthru%2Bscope%2B2010.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How can you stay and keep your marriage thriving or even sustained;<br />
When running from your dating relationships is how you were trained?<br />
Love was blind when you were dating but now your eyes are open wide;<br />
And these terrible and annoying habits are ones they no longer try to hide.<br />
<br />
Your friends warned you about them, though all the red flags were there;<br />
But you blindly ignored them or at the time you didn’t seem to care.<br />
Listen to their warnings, eyes wide open, then when marriage is proposed,<br />
If you can say yes, then avoid divorce by having your eyes half closed.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-61529128640442030102011-09-12T20:49:00.001-07:002011-09-13T12:31:40.371-07:00A New SongI wrote a song this weekend (tentatively titled "All work No play"... I don't do it often because I don't really feel like it's my strong suit, since I am not musically inclined; but every once in a while an a hook will strike me or a concept and it won't due as a poem. This one is about a slave driver boss lady who's all hard edged work by day, but all warm and fun at night.<br /><br />I'm sure one of these days I will actually have time to do something with the songs, but until then I'll just enjoy them when they come and let them tumble around in my head and when people ask what I'm singing along to, I'll just smile and say nothing yet. :)Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-92137159154722454672011-08-11T17:38:00.000-07:002011-08-11T17:50:33.399-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGGXJlSFUrE/TkR3hAWw_bI/AAAAAAAAALk/Q_lzXF7knQU/s1600/The%2BHealing%2BPower%2BOf%2BThe%2BWritten%2BWord%2B-WeSPARK%2B2010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGGXJlSFUrE/TkR3hAWw_bI/AAAAAAAAALk/Q_lzXF7knQU/s320/The%2BHealing%2BPower%2BOf%2BThe%2BWritten%2BWord%2B-WeSPARK%2B2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639764042289577394" /></a>
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<br />
<br />I finally received a copy of the book several of my poems were published in...this was put together by cancer survivors and their loved ones, the proceeds go to help the non-profit group weSpark. You can find out more about his organization and how they provide FREE cancer support services for those dealing with cancer and their loved ones at: www.weSpark.orgKatherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-19344259538330138212011-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:32:47.571-07:00Featured PoetThis Saturday the 23rd I will be one of the featured poets at the Santa Catalina Branch of the Pasadena Public Library on 999 E. Washington Blvd. in Pasadena. It's from 3 til 5pm there will be an 'open read' time for any one who comes as well if they have a poem to read.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-76745600036484769022011-06-14T12:46:00.000-07:002011-06-14T12:51:27.749-07:00"Heavy Load Hurts" published in Issue 50<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHtgOyqEa1U/Tfe63XcNr7I/AAAAAAAAALU/45Y9d3_d-5c/s1600/sgvpq%2Bissue%2B50.htm"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHtgOyqEa1U/Tfe63XcNr7I/AAAAAAAAALU/45Y9d3_d-5c/s320/sgvpq%2Bissue%2B50.htm" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618164520515907506" /></a><br /><br /><br />My Poem Heavy Load Hurts was Published in Issue 50<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Heavy Load Hurts<br /><br /><br />Knees hurt <br />Because of the outside beating <br />And pounding that they take<br />In shoes without proper support, <br />Standing on cracked cement too long;<br />Plus the weight of the body <br />Pushing down on the joints <br />Which were not meant to carry…<br />Such a heavy load.<br /><br />Souls hurt <br />Because of the outside beating <br />And pounding that they take<br />In flesh, without proper support, <br />Standing on false cracked expectations;<br />Plus the weight of the life’s burdens <br />Pushing down on the hearts<br />Which were not meant to carry… <br />Such a heavy load.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-18547672735495553532011-06-04T14:01:00.000-07:002011-06-04T14:04:02.957-07:00Parent Child Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfPdlJWvCYs/TeqdoQiRuJI/AAAAAAAAALM/NLb2_lCz1-k/s1600/April%2BTJ%2Bkisses%2Bfrom%2Bmama2011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 78px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfPdlJWvCYs/TeqdoQiRuJI/AAAAAAAAALM/NLb2_lCz1-k/s320/April%2BTJ%2Bkisses%2Bfrom%2Bmama2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614473200429807762" /></a><br />This is an excerpt from the poem: PARENT CHILD LOVE<br /><br /><br /><br />...Selfishness runs away instincts now heavily press,<br />To bind that brokenness and heal with each warm caress.<br />Children bring out in you a side you didn’t know could exist<br />Suddenly skinned knees in muddy gravel begged to be kissed<br />A parents life on hold, surprisingly with no resentment in sight<br />Fighting for your pleasure that no longer seems to be right...Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-40392035010929033412011-05-15T21:46:00.001-07:002011-05-15T21:50:46.480-07:00The Stubbed Toe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhdmOhTskWs/TdCsT1W-OnI/AAAAAAAAALA/SoOZeOsOdwo/s1600/feetNO.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhdmOhTskWs/TdCsT1W-OnI/AAAAAAAAALA/SoOZeOsOdwo/s320/feetNO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607170992817191538" /></a><br /><br />I have been thinking for the last couple of years of putting a new book together, one that deals with every day obstacles in life that seem to keep us from getting where we want to go. How do we keep going the extra mile after our toes have been stubbed and stepped on? How do we turn our stumbling blocks into stepping stones? That is something I will be exploring, using examples from my own life and ones I've also observed.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-29682103066574076712011-04-12T09:48:00.000-07:002011-04-12T09:57:31.404-07:00Issue 49 of SGVPQ DRUG OF CHOICE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goGPAhdGJ-E/TaSDnUQ0bpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/xwibIU7gVL0/s1600/SGVPQ49.psp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goGPAhdGJ-E/TaSDnUQ0bpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/xwibIU7gVL0/s320/SGVPQ49.psp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594741348578389650" /></a><br /><br />Last month I got another poem published in the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly, issue 49. This is an excerpt from that poem:<br /><br />I feel so dangerously close to you, <br />You are this addict’s drug of choice;<br />Though my body attempts to shut you out,<br />It reverberates your smooth voice.<br />Thoughts of you plague my psyche so much more <br />Than I’d even like to admit;<br />I’m ashamed to ask for intervention, <br />Though I don’t know how else to quit...Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-20045752861039522422011-02-19T13:53:00.000-08:002011-09-13T12:31:40.473-07:00Song for Documentary. "Shared Needles"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zk62MWgJALI/TWA-tN58-sI/AAAAAAAAAKw/2Iy0HcTIFLk/s1600/S%2Bblk%2BH%2Bred%2Bheart%2B2005%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zk62MWgJALI/TWA-tN58-sI/AAAAAAAAAKw/2Iy0HcTIFLk/s320/S%2Bblk%2BH%2Bred%2Bheart%2B2005%2B%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575525285232442050" /></a>
<br />I've been asked to write some lyrics for a documentary that is about the A.I.D.S. crisis that happened with the children of Romania in the 1990's. I turned in two songs so far which the director said he liked. I have written two more, soon to be turned in. He will pass them on to the producer and if she likes them, they go to the composer. I'll keep you posted.
<br />
<br />Here is a little section of one:
<br />
<br /> Bridge:
<br /> I am a fighter of freedom
<br /> I now fight for mine and for yours
<br /> I do not fight facilities
<br /> Or rules; those aren’t my type of wars
<br /> I engage in battles to free
<br /> People, mostly just from themselves
<br /> To pick up the dreams that they have
<br /> Abandoned on too high of shelves
<br /> I believe in a saving power
<br /> That’s much greater than our own Gov.
<br /> I use shared needles to inject
<br /> And infect everyone with love.
<br />Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-80964179774403628722011-02-04T12:47:00.000-08:002011-02-04T12:48:56.442-08:00Live Performance TonightI'll be performing poetry tonight at 8:15 at a place they call "The Basement" the even is put on by Latch Key Studios, here's the blog for more info: http://latchkeystudios.blogspot.com/ the address is 14506 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, main cross street is Van Nuys blvd.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-74656622680961263712011-01-25T16:06:00.000-08:002011-01-25T16:10:51.231-08:00Reality Fright Night got Distribution<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iRWBFwnn1wQ/TT9l8EbD-GI/AAAAAAAAAKg/4Mg9pWj8bEM/s1600/RFN%2Bposter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iRWBFwnn1wQ/TT9l8EbD-GI/AAAAAAAAAKg/4Mg9pWj8bEM/s320/RFN%2Bposter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566279747107027042" /></a><br /><br />Just heard the word the Reality Fright Night got distribution. We went back in to do some pick up shots last week...to give it a little more blood as suggested. It was good to embody that character again, if ever so briefly, and get to see the hard working cast and crew again. I will keep you posted when I find out where you can rent it!Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062129835720190215.post-14688543458761932032011-01-13T19:43:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:47:24.985-08:00Lyrics for FilmsI was asked a few months ago to write a creepy little poem that children would sing like a nursery rhyme for a horror film. I wrote 3 different renditions for the writer. I believe they put that project on hold though because I have not heard a thing about it since. Yesterday I received a DVD of a documentary that the creator of wants me to watch to see what lyrics it would inspire. So I will watch it with paper and pen nearby. I know the subject matter is difficult and I hope to do it justice.Katherine Norland Poetryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14684259888261978623noreply@blogger.com0