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[novapsyche]

So I'm down to the wire. I had a sick day, so I'm trying to be productive while I have time.

I spent two more hours last night puzzling through my possible manuscript. *sigh* I hate being this judgmental about my own work. But at least I have editorial experience; I can tell myself, "Nope, not strong enough; the ending isn't right!; this just isn't ready to be judged by someone else."

So here are my ten poems:

Broken
U.N. Bombing, August 19, 2003
The Macaronica
Sole Instinct
Lazarus
Eyes Wide Shut, July 1999
Seeking Seminal Soulmate
[thighs widen, open]
residuum (original draft)
This Powerless Night

I'm iffy on several of these; I don't know how they will be taken. "Macaronica" is a glimpse at my silly side, but is it too silly/surreal? "thighs" is a haiku, and I don't know how wise it is to include a haiku; it's the only truly erotic piece in the manuscript. "This Powerless Night" might seem too much like a Stevens knockoff. The second guessing goes on and on.

I called the graduate program this morning finally. Finally. I've been meaning to do that for about three weeks. I found out that the program receives about 600 poetry submissions a year, and they have space for 25 students. So that's a 1 in 24 chance. Those aren't horrible odds.

The submission only needs to be postmarked by the 3rd. That's good information.

U of I only holds onto GRE scores for a year after they've been submitted to the school. So I'll have to contact GRE to get those sent again.

No money needs to accompany my manuscript at this time. If they accept me, I can apply for admission to the grad school and render payment with that application. I have to say, I really like their system.

I guess my hope is that my work seems both quirky and promising enough to warrant a space in the program.

If you think I should reconsider any of these poems for inclusion in my submission, please please tell me. I'm going around and around in circles at this point.

Comments

[xiombarg.livejournal.com]

I think the things you consider to be minuses are pluses. Variety is good, it shows an imaginative range. And that's what you want from a portfolio like this -- to show your range.

[poetpainter77.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you included "U.N. Bombing, August 19, 2003" because it shows your talent with commenting on things you've read, etc. And I'm glad you included "Eyes Wide Shut" because, in my opinion, that was the most original concept/poem I've read in a while and you're sure to get in for that. I'll have to read the rest when you post the urls. Good luck with the manuscript, though! :O)

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

"Eyes" is the best poem I wrote this year, period. I'd be a fool to leave that out of the manuscript! :)

Thanks for the feedback. :)

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

*nod* That's part of the reason I felt I should include "Macaronica"; most of my other pieces are somber.

My problem is, I have six strong pieces and four not-so-strong (weak, even) pieces. Even now, I'm leaning toward cutting "residuum" and "This Powerless Night" from the running, but I know (having pored over my scribbles for the last year just last night) that I don't have anything stronger to offer in their place. So I'm trying to be at peace with my decision, I think.

1 out of 24. I can accomplish that.

[sourcebook.livejournal.com]

well done - the selection has great variety. I only just reread Residuum and found it very strong. The haiku was new to me and is wonderful. At this stage all I can say is best of luck.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I need it. :)

[poetpainter77.livejournal.com]

No problem! :) By the way, if you ever release a book of poetry, or something like that, tell me, and I'll attempt to be your first customer, heh. I absolutely LOVE your poetry. The way you describe things and write things puts me in a trance. You definately have your own voice, and it's probably my favorite voice next to Sylvia Plaths! I know that may sound like I'm exaggerating, but you are really one of my favorite poets ever to bring a pen down on paper. Keep writing! And good luck with this application.