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Forums > Katharine Activities > Katharine 'Projects'
Subject: McPoetry Project Poem Thread
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Username: plhgirl2277
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Posts:283

Katharine Addict
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Location: Simi Valley, CA


Member Since 4/9/2006
07/16/2006 10:07 PM Alert 

Here is my last poem.  I'm still not sure about the title.  I couldn't make anything else fit.  Let me know what you think.  Hope you enjoy!!

Thank you

by Christina (plhgirl2277)
 

For making the right choice

And blessing us with your voice

 

Thank you

 

For giving us a piece of your heart

And sharing with us from the start

 

Thank you

 

For all that you give

And the life that you live

 

Thank you

 

For all of the strides that you took

And confirming how an idol should look

 

For inspiring us to think in a positive way

And to strive for a better life everyday

 

Thank you

 

For the love that you share

And your never-ending care

 

Thank you

 
"Never Give Up"
Username: Trina
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Member Since 5/25/2006
07/16/2006 10:48 PM Alert 
Christina, you go girl!! I am really impressed with what you have submitted. You are able to do different styles of poetry. I wish writing poems would come a little easier for me. I am working on two presently and hoping and praying for a successful outcome.

All of you talented poets help give me the incentive to continue to write and not give up.

Thank you Kat fans!!!
Username: plhgirl2277
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Posts:283

Katharine Addict
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Location: Simi Valley, CA


Member Since 4/9/2006
07/16/2006 11:04 PM Alert 
^^Thank you again Trina!! That is really sweet of you. You as well as all of our other fellow McPhans definitely provided inspiration, so thank you for that I can't wait to read your poems!! Just keep going, I'm sure they will be beautiful. You'll be in my prayers

Thank you again!
"Never Give Up"
Username: Trina
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Member Since 5/25/2006
07/16/2006 11:19 PM Alert 
Christina,

You will find my first poem titled "KATHARINE" a little before you posted your inspired poetry. I hope you like it!
Username: plhgirl2277
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Katharine Addict
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Location: Simi Valley, CA


Member Since 4/9/2006
07/16/2006 11:38 PM Alert 
Posted By Trina on 07/14/2006 4:43 PM

"KATHARINE"

Kindles a fire within the hearts and minds of all who hear her voice.

A passionate and caring devotion to people and animals.

Treasured and adored by family, friends, and fans.

Heavenly voice that embraces a melody of love.

Amazing ability to touch the earth's most fortunate souls.

Radiant beauty on the surface and within.

Inspired to make the world a better place.

Natural, flowing grace which covers a determined inner strength.

Effervescent nature that brightens the human spirit.

By Trina


Trina!  I love it!!  I really liked your idea of spelling out her name!!   I especially love the last line.  Beautiful poem    Can't wait to see your next ones!!

Christina
"Never Give Up"
Username: Trina
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Member Since 5/25/2006
07/16/2006 11:49 PM Alert 
Thank you Christina!! Your compliments make me feel good inside.

Let us continue to be an inspiration for all involved in this awesome project!!

Username: Gregoriancant
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Posts:3698

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Location: Oregon, USA


Member Since 5/26/2006
07/17/2006 1:29 AM Alert 
Posted By KatKrazy on 07/16/2006 9:37 PM

I hope this is somewhat helpful and not simply obtuse. I feel this poem of yours will be a unique, important, and very meaningful contribution to the collection.

Gary



Not obtuse at all, Gary--and I appreciate the constructive analysis. I've attempted to write poetry before--and usually don't get the educated opinions that you're doing...so thanks for your time doing this.

I agree with you that this was probably a little more challenging than I should have attempted, but leave it to me to try something different. Perhaps I just fear giving out personal subconscious thoughts in poetry and prefer to make comment on a macrocosmic level instead.

Speaking of obtuse, I hope you got that Latin quote "Sapere Aude!" That's a reference to famous philosopher Immanuel Kant and the term he referenced in his books about enlightenment ("Dare to Know!").  I used that as pointing to one moment of time in the past. But, to answer to the early civilization aspect at the beginning: I'm referring to very early cultures such as the Greeks (especially), Egyptians, Aztecs, etc., who all had a uniform opinion on what constituted high art. That's not to say that there probably wasn't some unrecorded dissent on some piece of art created (hence the "little subjectivity" line rather than "no subjectivity")--but there's historical evidence that these cultures went to see the same plays and did the same types of art then. Perhaps why there was more uniformity was because they had nothing to compare it to as cultures did later.

Maybe that's a good reference point to consider in a re-edit on that poem.

The "One Voices" in comparison from now to the past is basically showing a complete turnaround (or at least a more subtle one) in how we may be viewing art with Katharine around today. That's probably a fantasy aspect to the poem--but implies there may be more of a turnaround (or somewhat of a renaissance) ahead than we think. I agree that the impact of Katharine's own involvement is a little blurry there--so I'll have to tweak that somewhat.

I'll take what you said and do a slight re-edit this coming week. Instead of reposting, though, I'll just re-edit what's already there and give a post indicating that.

Thanks again, Gary. I want to give some time to making comment to your re-edited poem and the other good poems posted here. This is a great project that goes much deeper than we probably all imagined.

Username: KatKrazy
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Posts:258
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Location: Chicago


Member Since 5/17/2006
07/17/2006 1:51 AM Alert 
Hi Greg,

Two quick follow-ups to consider:

1.  The balance between our knowing what we mean in our poetry (and I do mean our/we), and the average, decently-educated reader being able to see it.

2.  Have you thought about making Katharine more of a symbol of what you would like to see happen with art as opposed to having her "bear the burden" of single-handedly revolutionizing music?
 
Yes, help me see what needs work in any of the four poems I've posted, but especially The Contest which has most recently been revised.

All the best,

Gary
Username: Gregoriancant
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Location: Oregon, USA


Member Since 5/26/2006
07/17/2006 2:03 AM Alert 
Posted By KatKrazy on 07/17/2006 1:51 AM
Hi Greg,

Two quick follow-ups to consider:

1.  The balance between our knowing what we mean in our poetry (and I do mean our/we), and the average, decently-educated reader being able to see it.

2.  Have you thought about making Katharine more of a symbol of what you would like to see happen with art as opposed to having her "bear the burden" of single-handedly revolutionizing music?
 
Yes, help me see what needs work in any of the four poems I've posted, but especially The Contest which has most recently been revised.

All the best,

Gary



I'll take some time to analyze 'The Contest' here in the next couple of days. I just have to digest it a little more before giving extensive comment. Though, from one read-through, you give a wonderful comparison to what the contestants go through on 'AI' and what most of us will probably encounter in real life. But also, most acutely, what Katharine will probably still have to contend with to a degree in her show business life.

Yes, that 'our/we' problem is something we all have to be careful with in deep thoughts. And putting my own opinion on where Kat should take art is a great idea. Although that puts a level of subjectivity into where she should take it--even after I note that subjectivity is a bit of an anathema to the art world. Nevertheless, there's probably a balance I can put in there that gives an opinion, yet make people conjure their own spin.

Thanks again, Gary, for the comments...and will make comment on the other poems this coming week.
Username: KatKrazy
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Member Since 5/17/2006
07/17/2006 2:16 AM Alert 
Dear Christina,

What can I say about your third poem, except...thank you  ...just teasing.

I would like to push you just a bit on this one. The core idea of expressing our gratitude to Kat is very important and you make that case strongly and clearly. I wonder, though, if you could reach more for some more uncommon rhymes and in doing so give us more detail about Kat. In some ways, most of the verses could be about many much-loved individuals. It's hard to be innovative on poem #3, I know, but what new things can we learn from you about Katharine?

One of my favorite poetry-related quotes is from Stephen Schwartz, the song writer of Wicked and several other major Broadway hits. He said in an interview that the key to writing good song lyrics is to find rhymes that are both completely unpredictable but also feel inevitable. No easy task to be sure (and we are not Schwartz), but I think it's a goal to shoot for.

Whatever you decide about this, you've made terrific contributions to the project.

Gary
Username: plhgirl2277
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Location: Simi Valley, CA


Member Since 4/9/2006
07/17/2006 2:33 AM Alert 
Gary,

Wow, this is certainly a challenge but I am up for it. The whole time I was writing this poem, something wasn't right about it. I think you have found what that is. This may take some time, but the product could be good. Thank you for your advice. Off to work!

Christina
"Never Give Up"
Username: groucho
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Member Since 4/4/2006
07/17/2006 11:16 AM Alert 
This isn't supposed to scan perfectly. This is just how it came out.
Now that I think of it, it's kind of like a song with verses and a repeated chorus.

DIAMOND GIRL

Something tells her to fly north to see what she can find.
She knows her dreams, she knows her skills, she knows her own mind.
Progress feels so slow, so slow, despite the whirlwind pace,
And she feels like both the hare and the tortoise in the same race.

But if you look closely you can see diamonds in her eyes,
And if you look closer still you can see the future.
It’s all right there, just written in code for initiates only.
Doubters doubt, lovers drown them out,
But only she knows the truth.

The numbers dwindle, the pressure mounts, the dream tantalizingly close.
She sings, she cries, refuses to give up, and dispels the old ghosts.
She learns to give them what they want, makes the stage her own.
She finds her look, she finds her voice, finds old fears have flown.

But if you look closely you can see diamonds in her eyes,
And if you look closer still you can see the future.
It’s all right there, coming closer every day.
Detractors scream, lovers beam,
But only she knows the truth.

On top of the world, or so it seems, the crooked path made straight--
A clean shoot like a laser beam, and on out through the gate,
Where the fields all bloom with flowers, and well-wishers await--
And she’s almost wary that so much good might be tempting Fate.

But if you look closely you can see diamonds in her eyes,
And a yellow brick road stretching toward the future.
It’s all right there, just past the poppy fields.
Her feet will never leave the path.
Many outstretched arms, many warning alarms,
But she will always know the truth.
katpedia.com - watch and listen to Idol, pre-Idol, and post-Idol McPhee performances all in one convenient location

"And everything around her is a silver pool of light... She makes you calm, she holds you captivated in her palm"
Username: BellaMcPhee
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Location: Minas Gerais, Brazil


Member Since 7/6/2006
07/17/2006 12:54 PM Alert 
Guys, I really really wanted to do something original, but it's too hard for me to write poetry even in my own language, so in English was simply impossible... =/ So I decided to be a part of this with a song that reminds me a lot about Kat.

The Way You Look Tonight (Tony Bennett/Frank Sinatra)

Someday, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.

Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
Just the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
Touches my foolish heart.

Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won't you please arrange it ?
'Cause I love you ... Just the way you look tonight.
Username: Kat_time
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Posts:29

Katharine Fanatic
Katharine Fanatic
Location: Canada


Member Since 7/12/2006
07/17/2006 2:01 PM Alert 
Hello Katharine Fans! I have a poem here for the lovely Katharine Mcphee!
Have Fun Reading!

"Cherished Moments"

The stage is filled with spotlights
Millions of people are watching
Very excited, very nervous
Her name is announced

She stands at the center of the stage
Feeling proud
Ready to sing to us
Like an angel ready to spread its wings

Her soothing voice melts all hearts
Fills us with peace
Brings us happiness
And soars like a shining star across the galaxy

We clap, feeling greatful
With such wonder
How this incredible singer came to be
Her beautiful smile very touching
A moment forever cherished

By: Aaron (Kat_time)
Username: groucho
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Katharine Addict
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Location: Detroit area


Member Since 4/4/2006
07/17/2006 2:45 PM Alert 
Personally I've always wished I could hear her sing The Way You Look Tonight. I love that song. Maybe someday when she does an album of standards she'll consider it. And yes, it's certainly a song one can imagine being sung TO her as well.
katpedia.com - watch and listen to Idol, pre-Idol, and post-Idol McPhee performances all in one convenient location

"And everything around her is a silver pool of light... She makes you calm, she holds you captivated in her palm"
Username: plhgirl2277
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Posts:283

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Location: Simi Valley, CA


Member Since 4/9/2006
07/17/2006 9:14 PM Alert 

I have completely re-wrote the 'Thank you' poem.  Thank you again for the advice Gary.  I really liked writing it this way.  Let me know what you think.  Hope you enjoy and happy writing!! 

Thank you

by Christina (plhgirl2277) 


For expressing yourself through song choice

And liberating our minds with your voice

 

Thank you

 

For all of the positive thoughts you have planted

And the window to your heart you have granted

 

Thank you

 

For making us a part of your journey

And sending us heartfelt messages frequently

 

Thank you

 

For being fearless to show your emotion

And set a brilliant career into motion

 

Thank you

 

For creating a quality image for young girls

And modeling an elegance like pearls

 

Thank you

 

For your desire to give through your fame

And inspiring us to do the same

 

Thank you

 
"Never Give Up"
Username: KatKrazy
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Location: Chicago


Member Since 5/17/2006
07/17/2006 9:50 PM Alert 

Hi Groucho,

I really like your poem. It's simple and sophisticated at the same time. It tells a great story and uses strong and well-known images to do so. I also enjoyed the refrain pattern. Just in the vein of polishing, the only thing that seemed hard to read was the third line of the following stanza: 

But if you look closely you can see diamonds in her eyes,
And if you look closer still you can see the future.
It’s all right there, it’s just written in code that only the initiates can read.
Doubters doubt, lovers drown them out,
But only she knows the truth.

What if that line was slightly modified to run something like:

It’s all right there, just coded so only those who know may read.

Thanks for this great contribution.

Gary
Username: gottahavemcphaith
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Katharine Friend
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Location: outside talking to the chickens


Member Since 7/18/2006
07/18/2006 2:04 PM Alert 
Here's mine!!!!!! more to come. comments plz!!!!!!!

The Stage is Blessed Tonight

The stage is blessed
Tonight,
Touched
By the shadows of her
And warmed by the sharp spotlight
Distilled through deep brown hair
To rest soft against
The plateau rising
Above a hushed sea of eyes
Holding pleading gaze
On her
For now, just
Waiting, tense
Every breath is soft withheld
Until
Raising
Sweet strong lilting
Voice, she
Breathes life into the still scene, a
Blessed benediction
On the stage, and who surround.
Username: groucho
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Location: Detroit area


Member Since 4/4/2006
07/18/2006 5:08 PM Alert 
Gary--
I guess I'm just enamored of that word "initiates" for some reason, but I went back and shortened up that line. After all, "poetry" is about condensing experiences into images, and condensing is about shortening and tightening. Well, I tried to condense an experience lasting from what, October to May into six stanzas.

Simplicity... it's harder than anyone knows to be simple without being trite. That's why we go over and over poems to get them right, most of the time. Didn't Greg quote something about poetry consisting of rhymes that are at once unexpected and inevitable? That says it--once somebody has expressed something in a way you particularly relate to, you wonder how you could have missed thinking of it yourself because it just feels so right.

I had that feeling in your poem about her being like Venus, rising at dawn to illuminate, or oh shoot, here I was trying to compliment you by quoting you and I can't remember the line exactly. But I know I loved it. Shame on me. I have to go read it again.
katpedia.com - watch and listen to Idol, pre-Idol, and post-Idol McPhee performances all in one convenient location

"And everything around her is a silver pool of light... She makes you calm, she holds you captivated in her palm"
Username: KatKrazy
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Posts:258
Katharine Addict
Katharine Addict
Location: Chicago


Member Since 5/17/2006
07/18/2006 6:44 PM Alert 
Dear Groucho,

Of course, if you are attached to that word you must use it! And nice condensing, too.

Greg has brought many good things to this forum, but it was your humble servant who quoted Stephen Schwartz concerning the best rhymes being unpredictable and inevitable.

Thanks for the renewed compliment on my first Kat poem (way back when!). I've actually revised it a bit since then and I repost for your consideration (hopefully I haven't made it worse---which IS a danger sometimes!). Comments welcome.

Gary



Morning Song  

 

Her voice quickly scales my far horizon. It is clear

and slides back dark remains of nights before,

like star Venus, modest but bright, merry in blue light. I adore

that she rises like cool dawn to cheer. 

 

Listen, to be unwrapped and reheated is a certain surprise.

This young thing in brunette wings, funny faces,

makes pure sound by nature, nurtured through hard years. Graces

and Muses go green when her song flies.     

 

Everyone’s daughter, older sister, girl, live all you now find.

Beautiful? Exactly. And simply charmed. In your grateful eyes,

far-away strangers feel nickname-close, strangely wise.

This dear tune you leave in mind. 





************