Linda's Poetry Blog

Monday, June 17, 2019

The Man in the Derby Hat

The man in the derby hat

hears his songbird tweeting

but it evokes no joy for him

because today is a dark day.

That’s pronounced de-pression.

The man in the derby hat

walks the hills and villages

around where he lives

but it evokes no wonder in him.

Because today is a gloomy day.

All colors are dull.

Music and laughter are grating.

Food is tasteless

and the air is stale.

The man in the derby hat

sees the cliff

and decides that is

a good place from which to fly.

Like his songbird,

he sends his last tweet.

And.

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With Much Gratitude-Testimonials

What impresses me most about Linda Imbler's writing is how grounded it is in life's plain and magical qualities. Poets seem to be able to capture one or the other in a piece, but in many of Imbler's works, both are intertwined so very well. Maybe it's her background with music, or maybe it's the years of living and writing that help this alchemy, but whatever it is, I'm sure each new work she produces will be a success." Michael Griffith-Amazon Review of "Pairings"
Linda Imbler’s book “Pairings” is a unique collection of short stories brilliantly paired with poems. Each poem is like a surprise gem found tucked in between her enticing stories. Each short story holds a moral or lesson to be gleaned, some along with amusing anecdotes to lighten the mood. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. As with all readers, I have certain ones that stood out for me personally. In “Queen of Cups” the surprise ending was the perfect lead in for Linda’s poem “Becoming Mad,” where the opening lines summed it up: “I do not wish to become mad, morphing into a raging, snarling thing, a rabid lioness without mercy …” “Dead of Night” our fear of the unknown supernatural world mingle with our vivid imaginations to pair up with “What’s Not to Believe.” Some of my other favorites are “The Fool Across the Water” paired with “The Strong’s Strength,” and “Zoology” paired with “Zomday.” This is a book that speaks to many, on many different levels. It is evident that Linda put her heart and mind into each piece. This book is a treasure." ACT-Amazon Review of "Pairings"
A hearty and well deserved bouquet of applause for Linda Imbler’s second book, Pairings. This assemblage of short stories and essays, each “paired” with a relevant and reflective poem, translates into a rewarding stroll through Ms. Imbler’s garden of creative literary visions. Pairings guides the reader through a plethora of commentaries and discourse, ranging from science fiction and futuristic pieces to holy men and phantoms, complete with allegories, fables, and musical themes. Most notably, the paring of “Many Alone”/“The Lonely”, a tale of a collection of village people who eventually become “subjugated to their will”, strikes a profound and prophetically foreboding note. In “Tattoo”/”Flags”, the author ponders the seeming paradox of “those who live and strive for peace and freedom” with their imminent devolvement into an image of unwavering “flagpoles now still” as “the future world follows”. Another “paring” of note, “The Old Shepard”/”Grab the Sun”, guides the reader through a man’s journey in his search for truth and his eventual realization that this rigorous path requires “more effort to follow it”, thus illuminating the hidden gift of man’s “strength untapped”. “Dissing The Day”/Weather The Night”, my personal favorite, is dedicated to both the great American poet Allen Ginsberg and The Ten Commandments. “Dissing” is a poignant sketch of a somewhat solitary “Beat” artist whose “words” are his bonds which he chooses to “unleash at times”, while “Weather” aptly and insightfully concludes: “dreams are the barometer of the weather in my head”. Last, an accomplished guitarist in her own right, Ms. Imbler offers her audience a delicious homage to music in “My Song for Small Things”/”Heart Strings”. Here, we are treated to her simple yet profound notion of how sweeter life’s significant moments can be when reflected through music: life as an “eternal symphony playing in ether”. Linda Imbler’s Pairings would make anyone who delights in a few hours of provocative thought and literary appreciation quite pleased and rewarded to have accompanied her along this richly multifarious journey." RF Feldman-Amazon Review of "Pairings"
This book is extraordinary! Linda Imbler has paired her short stories with her poetry bringing the most unique and amazing combination of thought provoking work that I’ve read in a very long time. She invites the reader to think of things in ways he or she would not have done without her combination of words and ideas that is so unique to her. There is a great variety of topics in this book and, each time I come to the next story and poem, I’m surprised because it is always unexpected. There is inspiration and comfort within these pages and also a wonderful gentle “taking the reader outside of their comfort zone” to stretch beyond one’s everyday world. It does not disappoint and is well worthy of the reader’s time to read and re-read time and time again. This book is truly a treasure of words and ideas that only Linda Imbler can write...another gift of words and language from her brilliant mind!" Barbara S. Mennings-Amazon Review of "Pairings"
"like a blessed infant, the best often arrives in small packages." J.N. Arlos concerning the book "Per Quindecim."
"Linda Imbler is a poet who cares deeply about her audience. Her ambient literary voice carries the hopes and dreams of all who seek a better tomorrow." Soma Publishing concerning the book "Per Quindecim."
"myriad melodies moving a magnificent vision forward." Sarah Cole concerning the book "Per Quindecim."
THE SEA'S SECRET SONG (CONSONANCE/DISSONANCE) is a collection of deep thoughts and timely concepts. LINDA IMBLER has an enchanting way of communicating keen observations of the world around us. Her words wash over the reader as the realization that "we are kindred spirits" creates the desire to read them again and again." Review by T. Rose
"THAT FIFTH ELEMENT: POETRY is a collection of poems addressing the relationship of the four elements and that fifth essential element: poetry. LINDA IMBLER'S perspective is a fascinating journey in which the reader is drawn into a view of the world through a powerful telescope that truly makes the subtle details a reality of the obvious and the absurd. It is a collection of poems worth repeatedly reading" Review by T. Rose.
"This collection of marvelous poems takes the reader on a journey of words imbued with all the varied rhythms and melodies of life’s cavalcade of emotions and experiences. Ms. Imbler’s love and knowledge of music are evident in her references and themes in many of the poems, and like a great composer, she crafts each piece with precision and care. Her intelligence and sensitivity are evident throughout, and the work needs to be savored slowly and thoughtfully to appreciate its depth and variety." (Concerning "The Sea's Secret Song: reviewed by Art Lover.
Linda Imbler embodies the feelings of nostalgia in her reflections of days past with a combination of vivid imagery and powerful verse. The Sea's Secret Song pulls the reader with its natural eb and flow of poetry. Concerning the book "The Sea's Secret Song" Review by Renee Burreson.
"PAIRINGS is a mesmerizing collection of poetry and short stories. LINDA IMBLER cleverly leads the reader into self reflection with an abundance of thought provoking ideas and surprise endings. PAIRINGS is definitely a "MUST READ THIS NOW" kind of book." Reviewed by T. Rose
"I must imagine it is quite difficult to pair verse and short fiction side by side and still maintain a creative consistency and not have confusing thematic overlap. Imbler manages this unusual task with finesse and poetic grace." (Concerning "Pairings") Sy Albright
"This beautiful book of contrasts ebb and flows like the waves of a powerful ocean calling home its inhabitants from a dangerous day on land. The beauty of these works lies in the musicality of the message that draws you closer to a water source which is the unsecret foundation of the planet" (Concerning "The Sea's Secret Song") Sy Albright.
"To include natural elements of the world and then make poetry a fifth element, she creatively invents another avenue to explore what metaphor and myth mean to the reader at large. This effort is successful largely due to the fact that Imbler is in a class by herself by marrying mystical scope to common reference points and thus innovating poetry that is both fanciful and fresh" (Concerning "That Fifth Element") Sy Albright
"A mind-blowing read...a collection of a mastermind"-(Concerning the second edition of "Big Questions, Little Sleep") Sonali Chanda
"Red is the Sunrise, is an encounter dappled with intriguing and thought-provoking scenarios that always make me marvel at Linda’s sympathetic observations". (Concerning "Red Is The Sunrise")-Shari Johnson Edwards
"This is a lovely mix of memories and social commentary. Imbler's poetry reads easily; words slip off the tongue and conjure pictures that are vivid and clear. Each poem allows the reader a glimpse into the poet's mind. It's like opening a different window each time; sometimes you get rain, sometimes you get sunshine. This is a beautifully balanced collection and one that I will definitely re-read." (Concerning 'Red Is The Sunrise') Freya Pickard
"It is impossible to choose a favorite poem among so many powerful poems filled with emotion and deep thought. This is a wonderful book that everyone who enjoys poetry will love." (Concerning "That Fifth Element") Ann Christine Tabaka,
"There is one word to describe it, “Delectable!”The book is a sensory and visual delight, with its inner rhythm and rhyme, so soothing , so ethereal." (Concerning "Red Is The Sunrise") Santosh Bakaya)
"From her rhyming epic poem “Mama Evans” to shortest poem “Her Movie Script” her poems will move you with emotion. This book is for everyone who loves poetry. (Concerning "Red Is The Sunrise") - Christine Tabaka
"I am drawn to “What Thunder Hides” and “The Shaping Of Clouds” as stellar verse solidifying the true balance achieved in this collection aiming to demonstrate the dimensions of consonance and dissonance. (Concerning "The Sea's Secret Song" -Stamp Dad.
"Just the first selection, "Alone", ranks with the most powerful and touching five lines of words in my 70 years of reading. The entire work is beautifully done and, as always with her work, thought provoking. (Concerning “Lost and Found”)-Karl Caillouet
"The words are powerful and each pieced together create this beautifully written book that asks the same questions maybe we haven’t said aloud before. (Concerning “Big Questions, Little Sleep”)-Amazon Reader
"Big Questions, Little Sleep" was a window into an artist's most inner thoughts bled and expressed in relatable poetry for all. Njord Kane
"I took my time reading this book and was overjoyed with the wonderful writing style and command of the english language. (Concerning “Big Questions, Little Sleep”)-Ken Allan Dronsfield
"Opening this book is like lifting the lid to a long-forgotten chest.) Concerning “Pairings”-Shari Edwards
"Linda Imbler’s “Pairings” would make anyone who delights in a few hours of provocative thought and literary appreciation quite pleased and rewarded to have accompanied her along this richly multifarious journey.) Robert Feldman
“Imbler poetry is required reading in our home” Barb Menninga
“You have single-handedly inspired me to love poetry again.” Personal communique-Tim Sanders
"Read her and learn about the world". (Concerning “Pairings”)-Mark Antony Rossi
"Lindas's words are poetic reminiscences of why I love poetry so........Linda is a true wordsmith, she writes from a place of reverie and wonder, weaving metaphors the way a spider weaves a web-brilliant and magical" (Concerning "Per Quindecim")-Lynn Long
Reading these poems was a treat for the senses. I think if I could pick a favorite it would be Colors Change. Or Sharks Tooth: Many bipedals fall early out of love causing the same, pain as from a bite. Linda Imbler is an excellent poet. Her poetry is evoking. Well worth the read." Kiki Ivey concerning "Per Quindecim"
The very best often arrive in compact packages like a blessed infant. I could say the same for these extraordinary collection of micro poems that locate the heart of the matter and bring it to the forefront of our lives. Social distances can be mandated but the voice of courage is heard by vigilant volunteer." Sy Albright concerning "Per Quindecim"
The foreword of this book is like a rainbow moonstone of colorful vocabulary. She paints vistas with a knack for beautiful imagery. Throughout these mellifluously and brilliantly written poems of consummate professionalism in the art of narrative prosody, Linda Imbler juxtaposes a pantheon of styles, wit, and form to create a masterpiece. This is the first book of hers I have purchased, and I am truly humbled by her ingenuity in what is a journey across America in the classical tradition of American poetry craft. The tales, witticisms, ebullient humor, and connotation I enjoyed mulling slowly as I could feel the sights and experiences from my own charter bus journeys. I have found a truly great poet in Linda Imbler. If you enjoy clever wordplay, immersing yourself in the experience of the art of poetry, and anything having remotely to do with Nashville and Americanisms in literature, this book is par excellence." (concerning "Bus Lights, Travel Sights") by Pheris Lin.
In a world with so much wrong! It is a true delight to to read Lindas' beautiful well writen poetry that is so right! in a moment where everything is trying to break you down; this book will build you up and help you remember the good things in life! This is a gateway from everyday living! Thank you Linda Imbler! !st class work!!!" (concerning "Red Is The Sunrise) by Pheris Lin.
Linda Imbler’s second collection of writings, Lost and Found, consists of 17 pieces of writing, most accompanied by her own illustrations that correlate with the general theme of the writing itself. The line drawings associated with the book are “titled” with a quote from the connected composition. The book itself is divided into segmented sections that begin with “Lost and Found” and “Paradise Lost” and conclude with “Paradise Found.” Each intervening segment is a reflection of corresponding theme and contains work focused on the thematic elements presented. For example, check the “sense of humor” that is “found” in her poem “Fly Me to the Moon,” wherein a hip (dare I say “fly?”) fly lives its life to the fullest before too quickly learning how short that life span actually is. Other elements, both “lost” and “found,” include Courage, Family, and Reputation. Imbler’s musical background is displayed in the poems, which range from free form improv to highly structured formats. As she advises in “Blood,” her readers should “see me as you will.” These pages also include some poetic-prose pieces, each displaying her deft descriptive skills. This is especially evident in her melancholy recollections when meeting an elderly widower in “The Visitation,” which the poet bases on the fact that, like the couple in the writing, elephants also “mate for life.” And apparently beyond. Although spare in length at 31 pages, Lost and Found is—as stated in its notes, a ”poet’s guided tour through the peaks and valleys of the human heart”—making it a volume worth repeated visits." (concerning "Lost and Found") by Bill Cushing.
such a wonderful read! Linda Imbler never fails to satisfy ones thirst!!!!! Can not wait to read more!!!! my 3rd book by this wonderful author!!!!" (concerning "Lost and Found") by J.W.
Linda Imbler's Twelvemonth is an excellent ode to the 12 months of a year. Through poetry, the poet has treated each month equally like a fair mother loving all her children. As the subtitles related to each month suggest the heart, mind and soul reflect the emotional, logical and subconscious of each part making a year. As we go through each written piece, one by one, it becomes clear how a year can also be equated to a whole life cycle through recollections of childhood, youth and older age. The poem, "Under the Tree" in July section really succeeds in evoking the humane and psychological power of poetry with reference to a child no longer awaiting materialistic gifts for Christmas. The child, in fact, misses his late grandma and this feeling of loss and the need to re-unite with her nullify all other wishes that usually children look forward to from months before Santa Claus surprises them. This clearly shows that childhood doesn't merely means imagination and innocence. A reflective child carves his/her way from a younger age to the deeper essence of reality. The poem," I Never" in December section is much like a song through the repetition of lines like crushed by grief, crushed by grief curbed by betrayal, curbed by betrayal This reveals the musical sensitivity of the author being a musician herself and the poise and pondering aspects of music/songs. This poetry book is a valuable gem in the contemporary literary world. An undoubtedly recommended read for people of all ages and all walks of life! (concerning "Twelvemonth") by Vatsala Radhakesoon
"A satisfying and inspiring read, this poet knows how to use the English language to express layers of meaning within her verse. I have previously read Red Is The Sunrise by Imbler which I thought opened windows into the poet’s mind. Twelvemonth goes further and takes you deep into the writer’s psyche and soul. This is a collection for those who love to re-read and delve deeper into long, expressive poetry." (concerning "Twelvemonth") by Freya Pickard

Poetry Published At:

A Cavalcade of Stars
A New Ulster
A Too Powerful Word
Abandoned Library Press
Academy of the Heart and Mind
Advaitam Speaks Literary
Anti-Heroin Chic
Apricity Magazine
Ariel Chart
Ascent Aspirations: Friday's Poems
Atunis Poetry
Bare Back Magazine
behappyzone.com
Bella Donna Literary Magazine
Beneath the Rainbow
Best Poetry: Contemporary Poetry Online
BeZine: Bardo Group
Bindweed
Black Poppy Review
Blognostics
bluepepper.blogspot.com
Boned
buckoffmag.com
Bunbury Magazine
Cajun Mutt Press
Califragile
Carcinogenic
Cirrus Poetry
Corvus Review
Creative Talents Unleashed
Credo Espoir
Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine
deadsnakes.blogspot.com
Dissident Voice
Door Is A Jar
Dreich
Dual Coast
Duane's Poetree
EOS: The Creative Context
Erothanatos
Event Horizon: Issue II
Fawn River Review
Fevers of the Mind
Fiddles & Scribbles
Fine Flu Journal
Fixator Press
Former People Journal
Fourth & Sycamore
Foxglove Journal
Free Lit Magazine
Ghost Town Arts
GloMag
Green Ink Poetry
Halcyon Days
Harbinger Asylum
Hidden Constellation
Highland Park Poetry
Idle Ink
ILA Magazine
Illumen
Impspired
In Between Hangovers
Indian Periodical
Ink Pantry
Inner Circle Writers' Magazine
Inquisition Poetry
Jalmurra WordPress
Kitchen Sink Magazine
Labyrinthine Passages
Leaves of Ink
LIPI Magazine
Literary Garland
Lothlorien Poetry Journal
Mad Swirl
Madness Muse Press
Marketplace by Forbidden Verses
Masque & Spectacle
Masticadores Canada
Mediterranean Poetry
Medusa's Kitchen
Misfit Quill
Mocking Owl Roost
Mused: Bella Online
Museum of Poetry
Nailpolish Stories
Necro Magazine
Open Skies Poetry
Otherwise Engaged Literature and Arts Journal
Our Poetry Archive (OPA)
Peeking Cat
Pif Magazine
Piker Press
Poetica Review
POETRY and PLACES (Silver Birch Press)
Poetry Leaves
Poetry Life and Times
Poetry Super Highway
poetryonline.com
Poets' Espresso
Pomona Valley Review
Poor Yorick
Poppy Road Review
PPP Ezine
Printed Words
Quail Bell
Ramingo's Porch
Raven Cage
Red River Review
Remington Review
Rye Whiskey Review
Santa Rabia Poetry
Scarlet Dragonfly Journal
Scarlet Leaf Review
Scrittura Magazine
Sequoyah Cherokee River Journal
Setu Bilingual
Sheila-Na-Gig
Society of Classical Poets
Southern Arizona Press
Sparks of Calliope
Spillwords
Spirit Fire Review
Stanzaic Stylings
Straight Forward Poetry
The Basil O'Flaherty
The Beautiful Place: A Journal of Mind, Art, and Poetry
The Bees Are Dead
The Blue Nib
The Commonline Journal
The Conclusion Magazine
The Dope Fiend Daily
The Foliate Oak
The Literary Librarian
The Literary Nest
The Literary Yard
The Local Train
The McKinley Review
The Metaworker
The Moon Magazine
The Pagolin Review
The Paragon Journal-Anapest
The Penwood Review
The Poet Community
The Sirens Call E-zine
The Song Is...
The Voices Project
The Writer's Club: Grey Thoughts
The Writer's Group
The Writer's Magazine
Three Drops in a Cauldron
Treehouse Arts
Tropica Laced Magazine
Trouvaille Review
Truly U
Tuck Magazine
Two Drops of Ink
Unbroken Journal
Under the Bleachers
Universul Culturii
Varnish
Virtual Verse
Vita Brevis
Vox Poetica
Wax Poetry Art Magazine
Whispers In the Wind
Winamop
With Painted Words
Wombwell Rainbow
World of Myth Magazine
Yasou! A Celebration of Life

Anthology Work

Poet Magazine "Christmas" Issue 2020
Poets Espresso Review: Flight Volume 14, Issue 1
The Majesty of Trees: Poets & Artists Respond Root, Trunk, & Branch 2020
Poetry the Best of 2020-Inner Child Press International
Poet Magazine "A New World" issue 2020
Written Tales: Night Terrors 2020
Hope: An Anthology of Poetry 2020
GloMag August, 2020
Written Tales: Renewal 2020
Poet Magazine "On The Road" Issue 2020
Aulos" An Anthology of English Poetry 2020
Lyrics of Mature Hearts 2020
This Other Time The Alien Buddha Got Soo High 2020
GloMag February 2020
Otherwise Engaged: A Literary and Arts Journal Winter 2019
Illumen, Spring 2018
Angel's Share Literary Magazine, Fall 2019
Ramingo Porch, Winter 2017
Peeking Cat Jan.Feb 2018
GloMag February 2019 Issue
Central Texas Writer's Society 2019
42-Word Stories Anthology
Boned: Every Which Way 2018
The Blue Nib: Issue 37
Voice of the Voiceless
Harbinger Asylum Winter 2018
Warriors With Wings 2017
Night Garden Journal June 2017
Essential Existentialism: Creative Talents Unleashed 2018
GloMag: August 2018 Issue in Book Form
A Walk Through Nature: Poetic Encounters That Nourish the Soul 2019
Bunbury Anthology Volume 2
Poetry Quarterly Winter 2017, Spring 2018, Fall, 2018
Glo Mag: February 2018 Issue in Book Form
Women Poets Anthology: Volume 3: Within and Beyond the Shore
Cupid's Arrow Anthology 2018
Moving Mars Anthology
Broad River Review Literary Magazine
World Book of PoemsII: Peace Edition e-book
World Book of Poems III: World Love edition
The World Of Myth Anthology IV-2022
"What Is The Deal With The Alien Buddha? Part Two"
GloMag February 2021
GloMag February 2022
Nebo Magazine Spring Issue 2022
Southern Arizona Press: The Stars and Moon in the Evening Sky
Syncopation Literary Journal-2022 Holiday Issue
Worksheets 67
Open Skies Poetry
Poet Magazine "The Queen" 2022-A copy of this anthology honoring Her Royal Majesty made it into Buckingham Palace!!

Recognitions

Nominated for Best of the Net (2024) for "Delirium Through The Drained Glass" (Ariel Chart)
Nominated for Best of the Net (2022) for "Screaming Pretty" (Ariel Chart)
Nominated for Best Of The Net (2021) for "Back On The Polychromatic Drip-Dry Flying Carpet" (Ariel Chart)
Nominated for Best of the Net (2020) for "Where's Redemption?" (Ariel Chart)
Author of the Month (Setu Bilingual Journal) December 1, 2019
Poet of the Week (October, 2019) at Poetry Super Highway
Nominated for Best of the Net (2019) for "A Train To Somewhere"{Cirrus Poetry}
Nominated for Best of the Net (2018) for "Guitar" (Pangolin Review)
Nominated for Best of the Net (2018) for "The Value of Shadows" (Ariel Chart)
Nominated for Pushcart Prize (2017) for "Ensorcelled Within the Moonlit Eyes of P'aqo" (Ariel Chart)
"Green Be My Body" chosen for Best of Nailpolish Stories (2017)

Translations

"Crystal Ships" translated into Mauritian Kreol by Mauritian Poet/Translator Vatsala Radhakeesoon.
"The Lateness of the Hour," "What Burns With Meaning," "Voices Of The Caves," and "I Have Come To Know Things" translated into French by Mauritian Poet/Translator Vatsala Radhakeesoon.
"The Most Deafening Sound" translated into Greek.
"Crystal Ships" translated into Swedish.
"Within The Din" translated into Hebrew by Isaac Cohen
"Fisherman" "The Message of Breath" and "What's Not To Believe?" translated into Sequoyah-Cherokee by Mysti Milwee
"Fog" translated into Norwegian by Svanhild Løvli.
"If Only" "My Mother's Secret" "What's Not To Believe" into French, "Music Theater" Gray To Black" "Thin Reeds" into Mauritian Kreol by translator Vatsala Radhakeesoon
"Atop the Hill" into Malayalam by Williamsji Maveli (India)
"Guitar" Where's Redemption and "Dependence translated into Afrikaans by translator Don Beukes.
Five poems translated by Vatsala Radhakeesoon of Mauritius. "A Train To Somewhere" "The Value of Shadows" "Ensorcelled Within The Moonlit Eyes of P'aqo" into French. "Grave" and "Liar" translated into Mauritian Kreol.
"If Only For Modesty's Sake" "A Train To Somewhere" "Wings" "Until" "Hands" Dreams Garden" "Dependence" "In The Days of Lennon" "The Glass Windows Behind The Plant" "Lachrymose" translated into Spanish by Maria Fernanda Del Castillo Sucerquia
"Where That Place Used To Be" translated into Italian
"Horizontal" "Beautiful Ruin" :The Army In The Clouds" translated into Afrikaans by Don Beukes

Linda

Monday, June 17, 2019

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