in high school, my drama teacher told me that I “march to the beat of a different drummer and that drummer is on a hill several towns away.”
this last year I’ve pushed through my typical self-pitting, sardonic, whiny and short-tempered poetic tendencies to find joy, light, laughter and silliness.
i’m so thankful to have found Jokes Review who continue to appreciate what I’m up to, read for yourself, three new joke poems.
Today we’re treated to thought provoking readings of some works by two local poets. Our guests are Joseph Somoza, retired NMSU English Professor and current Organ Mountain High School English teacher, Tim Staley, reading selections of their own poetry. These writers reflect on their personal writing processes, and concepts of poetry in general, and more. The conversation touches on how language and poetry both shape and express the seen and the unseen aspects of who we are as individuals and as cultures. It’s a fun and thoughtful peek into the personal and professional realms of poetry. Their poetry books are available at some local bookstores and at online booksellers.
Have you ever done time in a New Mexico public school? if so, these bars are for you. Hear MC FLASHCARD preach over a beat made by Dr. SWA, one of his finest students. Flashcard delves into the New Mexico Public Education system from both sides of the dais.
LYRICS:
New Mexico C
(verse 1 MC FLASHCARD)
Crusty, musty our budget’s real low
Trust me, in the LC that’s how it goes
Grease up the grades like a mechanic
cars broke down, I feel kinda manic
All through high school the microscope’s on you
The adults round here got no follow through
And what exactly are you graduating to
Suicide hotline’s got a waiting room
(chorus)
Skiree skiree
Which one of ya’ll ever thinks about me?
I think I’ll grade ya’ll a New Mexico C
deserrrrrrrve it
(verse 2 MC FLASHCARD)
I sling the hammock up between your ears
Focus on your breath, now, never fear
All the trash card haters writin’ a diss track
I best ghost write it so it’s worth a crap
Now listen to me once, never to me twice
I’m not gonna ride you like a little tighty white
Now I never meant to do ya’ll a disservice
Half the time I feel my lessons are worthless
(chorus)
Skiree skiree
Which one of ya’ll ever thinks about me?
I think I’ll grade ya’ll New Mexico C
deserrrrrrrve it
(verse 3 MC FLASHCARD)
Some say I should shave, get a haircut
Buzz cut my B-Ballz, that won’t shut me up
Caramelized onions and chile relleno
Sure my life’s all wrapped up like a burrito
Don’t quit your cell phone cause i tell you to
My clothes get faded grading you
If only I was casually observing you
If only I was casually observing you
songwriters: MC FLASHCARD, DR. SWA
Staley, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, has a master of fine arts in poetry from New Mexico State University. He has taught at Oñate High School and as an adjunct instructor at NMSU. He started a KTAL radio open mic event. He sponsored the state “Poetry Out Loud” contest for eight years, and his students have gone on to national competition in Washington, D.C. He founded Grandma Moses Press in 1992 and currently serves as publisher. He is the author of “Lost On My Own Street” and “The Most Honest Syllable Is Shhh.”
Tim Staley, poet 