Re: Chorus of the Captains - Amanda Gorman

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 5:00:51 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>
> For those who missed the Super Bowl performance:
>
> “Today we honor our three captains
> For their actions and impact in
> A time of uncertainty and need.
> They've taken the lead,
> Exceeding all expectations and limitations,
> Uplifting their communities and neighbors
> As leaders, healers, and educators.
>
> James has felt the wounds of warfare,
> But this warrior still shares
> His home with at-risk kids.
> During Covid, he's even lent a hand
> Love-streaming football for family and fans.
>
> Trimaine is an educator who worlds nonstop,
> Providing his community with hotspots,
> Laptops, and tech workshops
> So his students have all the tools
> They need to succeed in life and in school.
>
> Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa Hospital.
> Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy, hope is possible.
> She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic,
> And fights to save other lives in the ICU battle zone,
> Defining the frontline heroes risking their lives for our own.
>
> Let us walk with these warriors,
> Charge on with these champions,
> And carry forth the call of our captains!
> We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion,
> By doing what is right and just.
> For while we honor them today
> It is they who every day honor us."
>
> https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2021-read-the-transcript-of-amanda-gorman-poem-chorus-of-the-captains/

Thanks, I miss a lot not being a football fan.

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:24:26 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> I know, you really do.

Let's wave at Senetto since we know he's lurking here now.

:)

[W.Dockery]

Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:56:43 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>> On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:53:43 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>> > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:52:35 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>> > > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:45:09 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

>> > > > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:27:29 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>> > > > > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:24:26 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>> > > > > > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:09:25 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:

>> > > > > > > On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 5:00:51 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > For those who missed the Super Bowl performance:
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > “Today we honor our three captains
>> > > > > > > > For their actions and impact in
>> > > > > > > > A time of uncertainty and need.
>> > > > > > > > They've taken the lead,
>> > > > > > > > Exceeding all expectations and limitations,
>> > > > > > > > Uplifting their communities and neighbors
>> > > > > > > > As leaders, healers, and educators.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > James has felt the wounds of warfare,
>> > > > > > > > But this warrior still shares
>> > > > > > > > His home with at-risk kids.
>> > > > > > > > During Covid, he's even lent a hand
>> > > > > > > > Love-streaming football for family and fans.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > Trimaine is an educator who worlds nonstop,
>> > > > > > > > Providing his community with hotspots,
>> > > > > > > > Laptops, and tech workshops
>> > > > > > > > So his students have all the tools
>> > > > > > > > They need to succeed in life and in school.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa Hospital.

>> > > > > > > > Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy, hope is possible..

>> > > > > > > > She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic,
>> > > > > > > > And fights to save other lives in the ICU battle zone,
>> > > > > > > > Defining the frontline heroes risking their lives for our own.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > Let us walk with these warriors,
>> > > > > > > > Charge on with these champions,
>> > > > > > > > And carry forth the call of our captains!
>> > > > > > > > We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion,
>> > > > > > > > By doing what is right and just.
>> > > > > > > > For while we honor them today
>> > > > > > > > It is they who every day honor us."
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2021-read-the-transcript-of-amanda-gorman-poem-chorus-of-the-captains/
>> > > > > >
>> > > > > > > Thanks, I miss a lot not being a football fan.
>> > > > > >

>> > > > > > I know, you really do.
>> >

>> > > > > Half time, usually.
>> >
>> > > > You miss the value of teamwork.
>> >
>> > > I missed The Who at half time a couple of years ago.
>> >
>> > You missed my point entirely.
>> >
>> I did not.
>
> Okay, so I don't get the sense from your responses that
> you understand what I was attempting to communicate.

I'm familiar with football, I'm just not a big fan.

The games bore me.

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 9:39:45 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> I'm talking about teamwork, not football.

Some of the best team work I've ever seen was from the members of The Who.

Perhaps you are not a Who fan?

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:03:13 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> I can certainly appreciate the cooperative effort required for people to make music together.
> Hop does the best teamwork you've ever seen apply to our discussion here this morning?
> More importantly, how does the idea of teamwork apply to Amanda Gorman's poem?

Hop?

Who is Hop?

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:05:13 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:03:13 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> > I can certainly appreciate the cooperative effort required for people to make music together.
> > Hop does the best teamwork you've ever seen apply to our discussion here this morning?
> > More importantly, how does the idea of teamwork apply to Amanda Gorman's poem?
>

> Hop? Who said hop? I meant How.

Okay, I wondered about that.

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:11:15 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> Okay, so what are your thoughts, if any, relative The Who, teamwork, and Amanda Gorman's poem?

I approve of all three.

[Will Dockery]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:16:29 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

No, I don't.

[Zod]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 2:00:51 AM UTC-8, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> For those who missed the Super Bowl performance:
>
> “Today we honor our three captains
> For their actions and impact in
> A time of uncertainty and need.
> They've taken the lead,
> Exceeding all expectations and limitations,
> Uplifting their communities and neighbors
> As leaders, healers, and educators.
>
> James has felt the wounds of warfare,
> But this warrior still shares
> His home with at-risk kids.
> During Covid, he's even lent a hand
> Love-streaming football for family and fans.
>
> Trimaine is an educator who worlds nonstop,
> Providing his community with hotspots,
> Laptops, and tech workshops
> So his students have all the tools
> They need to succeed in life and in school.
>
> Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa Hospital.
> Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy, hope is possible.

> She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic,
> And fights to save other lives in the ICU battle zone,
> Defining the frontline heroes risking their lives for our own.
>
> Let us walk with these warriors,
> Charge on with these champions,
> And carry forth the call of our captains!
> We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion,
> By doing what is right and just.
> For while we honor them today
> It is they who every day honor us."
>
> https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2021-read-the-transcript-of-amanda-gorman-poem-chorus-of-the-captains/

Excellent, Pastor Corey... I thank you...

[Zod]

On Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8:09:25 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:

> Thanks, I miss a lot not being a football fan.

As you know, I love the game, from the Buffalo Bills to the greal Roll Tide of Alabama...

[Zod]

Yes, you miss some good sporting events...

[General Zod]

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 6:56:04 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 6:52:04 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
> > Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> >
> > > On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 6:24:03 AM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:

> > >> Yes, the football just bores me.
> > >
> > > Amanda Gorman’s performance gave me chills, her
> > > diction and oratory impeccable, her words resonant.
> > I'm a fan, also.
> >
> > :)
> Good for you.

Hello, Pastor Corey...

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

> Is there a reason nobody else is discussing
> this poem and/or poet? What am I missing?



Her shoot to fame was welcomed, a fresh and new voice.

For me, this fell flat, its been done, praise of the front line, tip of the hat to three.

Read just before men make millions throwing a ball around.


The punch of her words fell flat, we've all heard them for a year and counting.

My opiniion.

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

opinion.

[W.Dockery]

See there?

We all make typos sometimes, Rochester.

:)

[Will Dockery]

Watch out, Nancy G. might accuse you of being drunk.

:)

[W.Dockery]

Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 4:12:32 PM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>>
>>
>> Why did you delete all your posts?

> Exactly.

Just like the Corey we remember from days of yore.

:)

[Zod]

Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> Nothing to see here.


The entire thread can be viewed at Nova BBS, Pastor Corey...

https://www.novabbs.com/arts/article-flat.php?id=53214&group=alt.arts.poetry.comments#53214

Just sayin'....

[W.Dockery]

Zod wrote:

> Hieronymous Corey wrote:

>> On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 5:26:07 PM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>>> Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>>>
>>> > On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 4:12:32 PM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> Why did you delete all your posts?
>>>
>>> > Exactly.
>>>
>>> Just like the Corey we remember from days of yore.
>>>
>>> :)

>> Nothing to see here.

>
> The entire thread can be viewed at Nova BBS, Pastor Corey...

> https://www.novabbs.com/arts/article-flat.php?id=53214&group=alt.arts.poetry.comments#53214

> Just sayin'....

Nothing to see here, though.

:)

[Zod]

On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 7:30:38 AM UTC-5, Edward Rochester Esq. wrote:

Ha ha ha ha... are you drunk, Senetto...??

Ha ha haha...

[Zod]

Notice that Nancy G. is no where to be seen....

[ashwu...@gmail.com]

An intervention is impertive to save this thread from a huminlating demise. The funny guys failed in their commentary and are resorting to what they know best.

Chorus of the Captains

chorus (many variations but all of the same theme)
A group of singers who perform together, ...
A group of vocalists and dancers who support the soloists and leading performers...
Or a refrain in a song, especially one in which the soloist is joined by other performers or audience members.
A group of persons who speak or sing in unison a given part or composition in drama or poetry recitation.
A speech, song, or other utterance made in concert by many people. A simultaneous utterance by a number of people.

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/chorus

Hopefully anyone with half a brain can see what I'm hinting at there-- at least one did.

captains
Basically: leaders, formally designated or informally by leading by actions.

The captains cited in the poem are not our usual formally appointed and elevated leaders but are us, essential workers, every day people that are stepping forward to lead the way in their everday duties and actions- while our appointed leaders fail us. This is our chorus. And here is where I respectfully disagree with Mr. Rochester. I can understand his feeling that it's well worn and losing its voice, but we cannot have enough of it. This is poetry for the masses, so it needs to be tailored to the audience just like with music. And still so many have not listened despite it being said for a year.

One thing I admire though, is Mr. Rochester pointing this out:

"Read just before men make millions throwing a ball around."

Someone who feels the same as I. Our so called essential workers are not likely to see millions in their entire lifetimes while our entertainment idols do. America sure knows where its priorities lie.

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

Look to those that run the leagues and I would assume, none sit at home reading poetry. Amanda Gorman
was jumped on after her reading for the Inauguration, they smell viewership increase, which becomes money in pockets, nothing more.

She was used. Her poem was lackluster most likely due to time limitations and wanting to duplicate what we all thought was great writing at the inauguration.

I do hope her handlers can see what could amount to a Judy Garland syndrome...used abused and eventually desperate.

Walk slowly Ms. Gorman.

[ashwu...@gmail.com]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:00:42 AM UTC-5, Edward Rochester Esq. wrote:
> Look to those that run the leagues and I would assume, none sit at home reading poetry. Amanda Gorman
> was jumped on after her reading for the Inauguration, they smell viewership increase, which becomes money in pockets, nothing more.

You called that one well.

> I do hope her handlers can see what could amount to a Judy Garland syndrome...used abused and eventually desperate.

I hope not. But then as you said, fame is money and the hands controlling fame are fickle.

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:44:26 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:00:42 AM UTC-5, Edward Rochester Esq. wrote:

> I think that’s overly dramatic and a bit condescending.
> The NFL was looking to capitalize on her celebrity. She
> got an opportunity afforded few poets, and a paycheck.
> Win/win. It’s nice to see a spoken word artist get some
> national recognition. She is a Harvard grad, you know. I
> don’t think she has any handlers, but with three books in
> the works, I’m sure she has at least one literary agent.


I stand by what I wrote.

Harvard has nothing to do with my opinion.

Thank you

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 12:28:32 PM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> Okay, all good. Not arguing. Just talking here.


Absolutely..but I would like to quote you, if I may..

"The NFL was looking to capitalize on her celebrity."

Which is the basis of my comment

[Michael Pendragon]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:00:42 AM UTC-5, Edward Rochester Esq. wrote:

Both poems left me unimpressed.

However, with both the Inauguration and the Super Bowl on her resume, her place in literary history is assured.

Michael Pendragon
“Now it turns out that Waffle House is open until nine at night, which is a major change from the open all night schedule that was traditional.”
-- Will “Poppin’ Fresh” Dockery

[Edward Rochester Esq.]

No doubt about it. Follow the yellow brick road.....

[Michael Pendragon]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 2:16:30 PM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> Both poems left you unimpressed with
> their content, with the poet, or both?
> What did you find most unimpressive?

Both are amateurish works.

A partial line-by-line breakdown should suffice:

> When day comes we ask ourselves,
> where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

When day comes, the never-ending shade disperses. I understand that she's speaking metaphorically, but metaphors are supposed to make sense.

> The loss we carry,
> a sea we must wade.

The first line is oxymoronic -- she's carrying the emotional weight of her loss, not the actual loss itself.

The second line presents a ridiculous metaphor: the sea must be pretty shallow if she can wade through it.

> We've braved the belly of the beast,

Here she throws in a Biblical cliché without any context linking it to the poem -- apart from its representation of a hardship or, possibly, struggle.

> We've learned that quiet isn't always peace,
> and the norms and notions
> of what just is
> isn't always just-ice.

The first line contains a good idea. It's worded poorly, as "peace" and "quiet" are not synonymous. She should have said "We've learned that quiet doesn't always come with peace."

"Norms and notions" are repetitive padding.

The "just is"/"just-ice" homonym reminds me of a rap lyric (not a good thing), in that it places the emphasis on the sound, but fails to explain the sense behind it. She's basically saying that life isn't always fair, but I believe she'd intended it to take on more specific sociopolitical ramifications (racial prejudice).

> And yet the dawn is ours
> before we knew it.

Huh? I'm guessing she's alluding to some clichéd dawn metaphor here, but whatever it is, she hasn't given the faintest clue.

> Somehow we do it.

Somehow we do what? Know the dawn is ours?

I'll stop here, as her poem is probably copyrighted (and as she isn't a member of the group, and won't benefit from my comments).

In short, I'm getting a lot of loosely formed ideas that are poorly developed and expressed. If she were 14, I'd say she had a great deal of potential. As a Harvard grad, I'd say that the future of poetry isn't looking too good.


Michael Pendragon
“I’m only here for the waffles”

[Will Dockery]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:44:26 AM UTC-5, Hieronymous Corey wrote:

> On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:00:42 AM UTC-5, Edward Rochester Esq. wrote:

> I think that’s overly dramatic and a bit condescending.
> The NFL was looking to capitalize on her celebrity. She
> got an opportunity afforded few poets, and a paycheck.
> Win/win. It’s nice to see a spoken word artist get some
> national recognition. She is a Harvard grad, you know. I
> don’t think she has any handlers, but with three books in
> the works, I’m sure she has at least one literary agent.

Well put.

I wish Amanda Gorman great success in her poetry career.

[Will Dockery]

> “I’m only here for the waffles."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Good trolling, Pendragon. A quick note to point out that the quote attributed to me above is fake, I didn't write it.

:)

[Zod]

As usual, Pendragon is a lying hypocrite...

[W.Dockery]

Hieronymous Corey wrote:

Yes, Waffle House is famous for being a late night, all night, diner.

> Both poems left you unimpressed with
> their content, with the poet, or both?
> What did you find most unimpressive?

Good questions.

[ashwu...@gmail.com]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 6:42:05 PM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:

> Hieronymous Corey wrote:
> > Both poems left you unimpressed with
> > their content, with the poet, or both?
> > What did you find most unimpressive?
>
> Good questions.

As I feared...

[W.Dockery]

Really?

Do tell.

:)

[ME]

Oh shit, Ash.
Will isn’t sucking up to you anymore.
What will you do?
Soon he’ll be referring to you as a malicious troll. Oh..no....

[General Zod]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 8:41:15 PM UTC-5, ME wrote:
> On Friday, 12 February 2021 at 19:19:26 UTC-5, ashwu...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 6:42:05 PM UTC-5, Will Dockery wrote:
> > > Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>
> > > > Both poems left you unimpressed with
> > > > their content, with the poet, or both?
> > > > What did you find most unimpressive?
> > >
> > > Good questions.
> > As I feared...
>
> Oh shit, Ash.
> Will isn’t sucking up to you

You seem confused as ever, because I never saw any sucking up being done.... can you post proof..?

Of course not...

[ashwu...@gmail.com]

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 10:15:16 PM UTC-5, General Zod wrote:
> You seem confused as ever, because I never saw any sucking up being done.... can you post proof..?
> Of course not...

Reread this and you may see what the "as I feared" may have been in reference to:

> > > An intervention is imperative to save this thread from a humiliating demise. The funny guys failed in their commentary and are resorting to what they know best.
...

> > > > Both poems left you unimpressed with
> > > > their content, with the poet, or both?
> > > > What did you find most unimpressive?
> > >
> > > Good questions.
> > As I feared...

Mr. Hieronymous Corey, who would be the confused ones?

[W.Dockery]

ME wrote:
>
> Oh shit, Ash.
> Will isn’t sucking up to you anymore.

I never have, but in your world being friendly with a new arrival is considered sucking up, I suppose.

:)

[W.Dockery]

ashwu...@gmail.com wrote:

> On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 10:15:16 PM UTC-5, General Zod wrote:
>
>> You seem confused as ever, because I never saw any sucking up being done.... can you post proof..?
>> Of course not...

> Reread this and you may see what the "as I feared" may have been in reference to:

>> > > An intervention is imperative to save this thread from a humiliating demise. The funny guys failed in their commentary and are resorting to what they know best.

> ....

>> > > > Both poems left you unimpressed with
>> > > > their content, with the poet, or both?
>> > > > What did you find most unimpressive?
>> > >
>> > > Good questions.
>
>> > As I feared...
>
> Mr. Hieronymous Corey, who would be the confused ones?

Do you want a list?

:)

[ashwu...@gmail.com]

So it has come down to this... he's mad, you're mad, we're all mad.

[W.Dockery]

Hieronymous Corey wrote:
>
> I found my glasses. I don’t need my car keys.
> I just had a healthy breakfast, and last night’s
> dinner went smoothly. I still don’t understand
> the question, but I’m feeling much better now.

Great news.

:)