Fire on the Mountain

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Fire on the Mountain

September 23, 2009 by Julie

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Photo by Amber Yoder

Please take a moment to check out Art Coelho’s amazing art work at his site

by clicking HERE. The art work is breathtaking. Art Coelho is multi-

talented. He is also a master poet and writer of fiction. You can also read his

bio and see some of his books from Seven Buffaloes Press by clicking the link

above.

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Without The Wild Side of Creation,

The Fire Goes Flat

For Art Coelho

Mentor, Friend

The Title, His Words

You taught me how

to poke it, stoke it,

pour whiskey on it,

keep it roaring hot.

It ain’t pretty, slick

or academic; it learns

lessons from crickets

coyotes howling

by bedrolls, hoboes,

coal trains in the night.

Pork and beans

around a ring

sticks ticking

hissing bark–

nails shooting

popping hot blue

stories after dark.

A good student,

I will never let

the wild eyed girl

burn out.

I won’t let the bastards

take the flame; I won’t

let them piss it down

to embers.

Pistols in my lines,

thunder in my stomach,

thick brown gravy

on an old tin plate.

Sparks flying

from my lips,

I tip my hat

to the master,

then pass the flask

to the next

one in line.

We’ll go down

flinging fire

through the grate.

Julie Buffaloe-Yoder

This poem was originally posted at Rusty Truck. Hop over and take a look

at all the fine poetry over there. Thanks for reading!

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Posted in poetry | Tagged Art Coelho, artist, master, mentor, poet, poetry, soul, voice, writer | 30 Comments

30 Responses

on September 23, 2009 at 6:31 pm Keith S. Wilson

Ha, that is masterful use of rhyme in modern poetry. And while California might not be considered the West when it comes to something like this, I have also spent my fair share of time in Arizona, so parts of this are very familiar, as well. haha
on September 23, 2009 at 6:52 pm Julie

Hi, Keith! Thanks so much. I’m kicking myself, because I put up the wrong post. It should have Art’s link on it. Check it out here http://www.artcoelho.com/index.html

He is amazing. I’ll add it to the above post. Actually, much of his writing involves California landscape where he grew up, so you’re right on the money. He writes (and paints) beautifully about many themes, though. His Azorean themes and pictures take my breath away.

For this poem, I tried to open up my spirit and “become” Art Coelho, but I’m only a poor echo. He is the master of the internal rhyme. His work has so much soul. You can find some of his books on the site also. And check out that art!! Dang!! It blows my mind.
on September 23, 2009 at 11:15 pm karen

You certainly “became” this poem, Julie, in spirit and word and image. You carried the fire with every bit of onomatopoeia in it! You have “stoke(d) and poke(d) it” to life. I felt the wildness of the fire and the spirit of the keeper. Excellent – a wonderful transport to another time and place.

I get very excited when I see you’ve posted something new.
on September 24, 2009 at 12:55 am Julie

Thank you, Karen. Your kind words are always generous and good hearted. I do appreciate it.

One of the paintings on Art’s site makes me really think of you. On his site, click on “Paintings” at the top of the page (not the ones under for sale, but the top link).

Then look at the bottom…third picture from the right. It’s called Rural Souls Colours. Oh, I wish you could see that in a larger form. It is amazing. An old lady with a colorful quilt…and all those chickens in the yard. I just love it so much. I love them all, but I thought of you with that one, because it makes me think of West Virginia.

Thanks again & have a beautiful week, my friend.
on September 24, 2009 at 7:06 am odessa

julie, his artworks are indeed breathtaking! and how appropriate that his name is Art. i also love your poem, so vivid and alive.

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Hi, Odessa. It’s great to see you. You’re right about the name. He’s an excellent artist. I don’t think I could ever pick a “favorite” work, because I love them all. But the Azorean ones with the island scenes really hit a chord with me. “Horsepower” reminds me of Ohio, as do the farm scenes. They’re just all so beautiful. Thanks so much for your good words! -Julie
on September 24, 2009 at 9:45 am karen

His work is fantastic! You’re right – there’s an Appalachian feel to that one, and it reminded me that somehow I neglected to use the image of quilts in my WV poem. What an oversight that is! This area is famous for quilts. (Time for revision). Thanks, Jules.

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Thanks for checking it out, Karen. Yes, quilts are a must! I was trying to write a poem about Art’s painting, but it’s not coming out right. There’s a novel in that lady’s hands. Have a good one, and thanks again, sis:) -Julie
on September 24, 2009 at 10:55 am TWM

I am with Art on this never give in and never let “them” take what you have learned by pissing on the flame.
on September 24, 2009 at 12:19 pm Julie

Thanks, WM! I love the title, because those are his words. The story behind that is that I was a kid, moaning about the form of my poems. I knew I had voice, but I looked at other poems and mine didn’t look right in form to me. “Without the wild side of creation, the fire falls flat” is excellent advice. I stopped worrying so much about being “like” other poets. Form came later, but I never lost the fire.

Mentors are like gold. A real treasure. Thanks again and have a beautiful week, WM.
on September 24, 2009 at 6:25 pm Michelle

Fiercesome firesister,
your lines crackle in my mind.

I love Amber’s photograph too.

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Hello, Michelle! Firesister! I love that:) Thanks so much. You always know how to make my day. -Julie
on September 24, 2009 at 8:27 pm Annie K

Hi Julie, I love this poem (and the title). It’s a great tribute, that not only thanks a mentor, but passes on the challenge: to learn lessons from crickets, coyotes howling, and coal trains in the night, and to never let the fire go out.
on September 24, 2009 at 9:11 pm Julie

Hi, Annie! Thank you very much! I think a lot about my mentors and love them dearly. You know, those real life flesh and blood masters who take the time to encourage me and befriend me. I don’t know if I should say this out loud (ha), but sometimes the literary world is a selfish one. It’s also a tough one. It can be all about fame or names. The poets and writers who take the time to encourage other poets are like pure gold. They are treasures. In my own little way, I try to be like they are.
on September 25, 2009 at 2:09 am Brigindo

The artwork is absolutely stunning. Thanks so much for sharing. And I love the play of your poem off of his words.
on September 25, 2009 at 2:29 am Julie

Thanks so much for checking it out, Brigindo. I hope you’re having a great week:)
on September 25, 2009 at 3:55 am JR

I can always count on you to introduce me to interesting poets and journals. One of the many reasons why I keep coming back!
on September 25, 2009 at 5:17 pm Julie

Thanks, JR! I just read another crazy thing about a prison system (not yours), but it made me think of you. I hope your week’s going well.
on September 25, 2009 at 10:47 pm joaquin

i remember reading this on rusty truck – not surprising, since your work tends to stick to my ribs – and i still love it. still smile at “It ain’t pretty, slick / or academic” – and know that “Pistols in my lines, / thunder in my stomach,” isn’t just a couple of great lines, it’s the reality of your work. it doesn’t back down and it demands to be looked in the eye – the “wild eye” – and i think one of the reasons i love this so much is because it isn’t just an empty promise, it’s lived out in everything you write.

art’s paintings are amazing – i especially liked the polynesian – and i cannot imagine he is anything but proud to have you call him a mentor. keep flinging that fire, sister – we’ll get that flask back around.
on September 25, 2009 at 11:37 pm Julie

Hi, Joaquin! You’re so right about the polynesian painting. It is amazing, as are all of Art’s paintings. I wish I could post them full size. I told him I was over here slobbering over his work, and he didn’t realize his site was up yet. He’s too busy creating to do the publicity. If I can turn one person on to his work, then it’s worth it. He is so talented! I know you’d love his poetry, too.

And thank you for the praise and your thoughtful comments about the poem. I also love that you mention the flask…ha! ha! Somebody scolded me about that when it first went into Rusty Truck. She thought I was advocating substance abuse. Good grief. But I love it when some kind soul like you comes along and reads…and gets it. It’s not about getting drunk, except on poetry.

Thanks a million times, Joaquin:) Have a great week.
on September 26, 2009 at 2:15 pm ashleycapes

wow, Art’s paintings are fantastic indeed!

Julie, love the closing of this poem, and all the contrasts throughout – gravy as something so (safe?) and homey – against the old tin plate

or

the coal train’s coals doubling for the fire in the belly!

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Hi, Ashley! Thanks for checking it out and for all of the good words. Art is also an excellent poet. I just found a link where one of his latest poems was published (Prairie Schooner). This is through Project Muse. The link is http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/prairie_schooner/v083/83.1.coelho.html

Thanks again, Ashley. It’s great to see you. -Julie
on September 26, 2009 at 2:52 pm jack

j.

sparks flying.

great work once again. fun to read. i like that your voice is so clear and strong. “it ain’t pretty”, just tough as a poker heating in a fire.

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Thank you, Jack! It’s always a pleasure to see you. I love “tough as a poker heating in a fire.” Can I steal that? Ha! Just kidding:)

P.S. – I sent my e-mail to you again. I hope you received. Darn computers! Have a beautiful weekend. -J
on September 26, 2009 at 3:55 pm Rachel Westfall

Julie, this is perfection. It flows like whiskey, but without the harshness, with the sweetness of honey. I’m glad you won’t let them piss the flame down to embers, nomatter what.
on September 26, 2009 at 5:00 pm Julie

Hi, Rachel! I typed a different name for you, but I knew it was you. I think I’ve lost my mind completely…lol! Please excuse my insanity.

My mother wouldn’t like the language of “piss,” but she would agree with the sentiment. Ha! We can probably apply that to anything in life, huh? Thanks so much for your good words:)
on September 27, 2009 at 7:25 pm S.L. Corsua

First of all, I give props to Amber for that hypnotic photo. It has a “I-could-touch-it-I-wanna-touch-it” quality.

I’ve browsed Art Coelho’s website, via the link you’ve provided. His painting, “Polynesian, Last Solitude From the Sea” blew me away.

As for the poem, the voice, the tone, the beat makes me think of choreographed theatrical movements for performing it as an act in a stage play. Could be a musical piece, methinks.
on September 28, 2009 at 12:17 pm Julie

Hello, S.L.! I’m so happy to see you. I hope you’re doing well, and I can’t wait to see your work. The fire picture was from our recent camping trip. I know what you mean by the “I wanna touch it” feel. I love that picture. I wish I could be there right now:)

“Polynesian, Last Solitude From the Sea” is one of my favorites, too. I’ve never been able to pick one favorite, though. Ha! I love his paintings that were inspired by his island heritage. So beautiful. There’s no way to describe how beautiful they are.

Thank you very much, S.L. I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
on September 30, 2009 at 2:22 am K. Lawson Gilbert

Aren’t fires mesmerizing? And – one cannot think about a campfire without thinking about all those things you have mentioned so adroitly in your equally mesmerizing poem. You certainly carry a fire in you, Julie – one that burns so creatively bright! I am reminded of Langston Hughes’ rhythm here. Great photo by Amber.

I know when the Lawsons get together, inevitably we build a campfire – the guitars and banjos come out and we fill the night with our barbaric yawps of song and poetry, and a ghost story or two. Fires have been important to the human race for eons – and I guess will always be.

Art Coelho’s work is amazing. I especially love Gossip and Rural Soul Colors.
on September 30, 2009 at 2:45 am Julie

Hi, Kaye! Thanks so much. That fire was on an island where wild horses roam freely. Heavy sigh. I wish I could be there right now with my family again. We had so much fun. I like your description of the Lawsons’ fire. There’s something about nights out under the stars that just melts the crud of the world away.

I’m so glad you checked out Art’s work. Yes, those are awesome! I mentioned Rural Souls Colours before, and I should have mentioned Gossip, too. I love that one! It’s hard to pick a favorite, so I won’t:) They’re all my favorites.

Thanks so much, Kaye. I really appreciate your good words and support.
on October 5, 2009 at 12:31 am christine

I tell you, the poem makes me smell the fire burning. It’s nice to see you acknowledging your teacher, too. We all come from somewhere, don’t we?
on October 5, 2009 at 12:36 pm Julie

Thank you, Christine! What a great way to put it…we all come from somewhere. My mentors had such a big influence on me (and they still do).
on October 13, 2009 at 1:55 am Gel

You’ve shown me a different side to you and your talent. I enjoyed reading this type of subtle rhyme and blunt imagery that makes me feel like I’m right there with you.
You and others have inspired me to post my poetry attempts again…
on October 13, 2009 at 3:13 am Julie

Hi, Gel. Sorry it took me so long to get you up. Too much running around again. But thank you for the good words!
on October 18, 2009 at 2:48 am holly d

Wooohooo! I KNOW girl! The sounds in this really echo the meaning, and my…this is HOT!