"Bohemian Rhapsody" / "Her Own Path" Painting by Elaine Sturm / Poem by Cristina M. R. Norcross

Her Own Path

(Inspired by the painting "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Elaine Sturm)

Circling towards truth

I follow the path –

a hawk in search of the highest point,

before shooting an arrow –

determination’s center.

Milkweed fairies travel with me –

a dust cloud whirl of movement

and light.

Flickering beings trail after

with curiosity and wonder –

never revealing where they see me next.

I open my eyes wide –

seeing all of time in an instant.

Carrying this perfect pearl wisdom home,

I embark on the real journey

of me –

and come alive.

Cristina M. R. Norcross

Copyright 2013

About the Artist: Elaine Sturm

"As a self-taught artist, Elaine Sturm pursued her love for art by going to local workshops as a young adult, knowing she always had an artist's soul living inside her and just waiting to emerge. She has been able to apply techniques she acquired from her extensive library of art books from the many famous museums around the world, and also from gratefully listening to the constructive advice of respected artists she has met along her path.

Besides being showcased in many different kinds of venues, Elaine was an active participant in The Annual Thyroid Foundation Art Show in Montreal since 2003 and has donated several artworks for auction and charity. Her oil painting of the renowned and respected author, and Dean of the Law School of York University, Toronto, Peter Hogg, was painted upon his retirement and now hangs in Osgoode Hall at the University.

Elaine is an honorary member of the Drawing Society of Canada, and she has been a member of the Pastel Society of Eastern Canada (PSEC), accepted into their prestigious juried Art Exhibit at Ogilvy's, in Montreal. She is a current member of the Forest Hill Art Club."

To learn more about the artwork of Elaine Sturm:

Visit her official website HERE

OR "like" her Facebook page

What Are Poetry Magazine Editors Looking For? Here's the Inside Scoop!

What Are Magazine Editors

Really Looking For?

Is the poem engaging, from the first stanza to the last?

Does the poet use fresh, innovative language?

Is there a natural rhythm and flow to the poem?

Is the language beautiful?  Does it take my breath away?

Do the lines of the poem have their own sense of musicality?

Do I want to read this poem again?

Does the poet paint a picture with words effectively?

Does the poet create atmosphere?

Do certain lines of the poem jump off the page – do they linger?

Does the style, content, theme of this poem match the flavor of my magazine?  Will it fit in well with the other poems in this issue?

Do I like this poem?  Does this poem speak to me?

(When it comes right down to it, this is a very subjective answer.  You can have 10 well-written, well-constructed poems, but if it doesn’t speak to the editor, it won’t be chosen.)

*Always research a magazine/journal/publisher before submitting.  Order a sample issue (if in print form only), or read some of the poetry online on the website, to see what kind of poetry they publish.  This should always be your first tactic.

*You should be proud of every rejection letter you receive.  Each one brings you closer to the YES letter!  Every poem will find a home.  You just have to find the right one.

Cristina M. R. Norcross

Editor, Blue Heron Review

www.blueheronreview.com

 

Visit Blue Heron Review to learn more about a new literary magazine, specializing in mystical and spiritual verse.

 

Book Signing at the Delafield Arts Center - Thursday, November 14, 2013

Lake Country Author Poetry Reading and Book Signing
at The Delafield Arts Center

Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 6-8pm

Join us as we welcome Lake Country Authors: Mary Jo Balistreri, Cristina M.R. Norcross, Rebecca Seymour, Rebecca Mattano and Kim Suhr.

www.delafieldartscenter.org