Ray Zimmerman's Blog, page 7
November 23, 2017
Current Projects
I have not posted many reviews on Goodreads lately, because time to read seems to have evaporated due to ongoing and new responsibilities.
For many years I have edited the Chattanooga Chat, newsletter of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Copies of a few past issues are available here http://www.chattanoogatos.org/ Click the link called Chat Newsletter for copies.
Due to the recent death of a friend and colleague, I have become Acting President of the Chattanooga Audubon Society. Information on that organization appears here. https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/wh...
I have been writing and submitting work as time permits. The Avocet (quarterly journal) has published a few of my poems, and several in the companion publication, the Weekly Avocet (email distribution). . http://www.avocetreview.com/
I have also had a few poems appear in Number One, a publication of Volunteer State Community College in Gallitan, Tennessee.
Add all of this to my day job, working in tourism and these are busy times indeed.
For many years I have edited the Chattanooga Chat, newsletter of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Copies of a few past issues are available here http://www.chattanoogatos.org/ Click the link called Chat Newsletter for copies.
Due to the recent death of a friend and colleague, I have become Acting President of the Chattanooga Audubon Society. Information on that organization appears here. https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/wh...
I have been writing and submitting work as time permits. The Avocet (quarterly journal) has published a few of my poems, and several in the companion publication, the Weekly Avocet (email distribution). . http://www.avocetreview.com/
I have also had a few poems appear in Number One, a publication of Volunteer State Community College in Gallitan, Tennessee.
Add all of this to my day job, working in tourism and these are busy times indeed.
July 4, 2017
Owl Aboard
I wrote this article while working at Woodlands Nature Center of Land Between the Lakes near Clarksville, Tennessee. Knowledge of the Saw-whet Owl's distribution and migratory patterns has since increased substantially due to research conducted in the 1990s.
Owl Aboard
When the little owl arrived at Woodlands Nature center, it seemed alert enough, but it couldn’t fly or even open its left wing. There was a red raw spot on its left wing and another on its breast where it had flown into a barb wire fence. The bird clacked its beak in warning as we examined and disinfected its wounds.
The owl couldn’t have weighed more than three ounces and stood about four inches tall, but it was no baby; it was a saw whet owl, one of North America’s smallest. Although common in some areas, the saw whet is rare in southern states, and this was only the second recorded for our area.
Our nature center is not in the business of wildlife rehabilitation, but a few animals are permanently placed here as educational exhibits (most of them given to us by rehabilitators after determining that they are non-releasable). People know us as “that animal place, and often bring us injured animals hoping that we can “fix them up” as did the farmer who brought us the owl.
We generally provide only immediate care (first aid and rehydration) and then transport the animal to a rehabilitator in the area. We suggest that anyone calling about an animal take the animal in question directly to a rehabilitator. On this April Day though, everyone seemed to have their hands full, even the raptor clinic at the local university. Their director examined the bird for serious injuries and suggested a regimen of food and exercise.
At first the owl could only flutter enough to break its fall, but its appetite was excellent. It ate two mice each day, and sometimes jumped from its kennel carrier home to hop around the room. At times it inflated its chest and clacked its beak, a sure sign that it was remaining a wild creature and not becoming accustomed to humans. That fear of humans is necessary for any wild animal’s survival, so it was important to keep the owl isolated from humans and to see that it did not become accustomed to us.
A week after its arrival, the saw whet owl was flying around the auditorium between programs, and ten days after arrival it was ready for release. We drove to a pine woods well away from busy traffic and removed it from the carrier. At first it sat on my gloved hand and peered at the surroundings but would not fly. Then it stretched its wings and a sudden burst of energy took it to a nearby branch.
Today I can only speculate on the owl’s whereabouts, for saw-whet owls are migratory. It is a comforting thought though that, thanks to a concerned farmer who took the time to rescue and bring it to us, that saw whet owl is once again flying over North America.
Owl Aboard
When the little owl arrived at Woodlands Nature center, it seemed alert enough, but it couldn’t fly or even open its left wing. There was a red raw spot on its left wing and another on its breast where it had flown into a barb wire fence. The bird clacked its beak in warning as we examined and disinfected its wounds.
The owl couldn’t have weighed more than three ounces and stood about four inches tall, but it was no baby; it was a saw whet owl, one of North America’s smallest. Although common in some areas, the saw whet is rare in southern states, and this was only the second recorded for our area.
Our nature center is not in the business of wildlife rehabilitation, but a few animals are permanently placed here as educational exhibits (most of them given to us by rehabilitators after determining that they are non-releasable). People know us as “that animal place, and often bring us injured animals hoping that we can “fix them up” as did the farmer who brought us the owl.
We generally provide only immediate care (first aid and rehydration) and then transport the animal to a rehabilitator in the area. We suggest that anyone calling about an animal take the animal in question directly to a rehabilitator. On this April Day though, everyone seemed to have their hands full, even the raptor clinic at the local university. Their director examined the bird for serious injuries and suggested a regimen of food and exercise.
At first the owl could only flutter enough to break its fall, but its appetite was excellent. It ate two mice each day, and sometimes jumped from its kennel carrier home to hop around the room. At times it inflated its chest and clacked its beak, a sure sign that it was remaining a wild creature and not becoming accustomed to humans. That fear of humans is necessary for any wild animal’s survival, so it was important to keep the owl isolated from humans and to see that it did not become accustomed to us.
A week after its arrival, the saw whet owl was flying around the auditorium between programs, and ten days after arrival it was ready for release. We drove to a pine woods well away from busy traffic and removed it from the carrier. At first it sat on my gloved hand and peered at the surroundings but would not fly. Then it stretched its wings and a sudden burst of energy took it to a nearby branch.
Today I can only speculate on the owl’s whereabouts, for saw-whet owls are migratory. It is a comforting thought though that, thanks to a concerned farmer who took the time to rescue and bring it to us, that saw whet owl is once again flying over North America.
May 24, 2017
Old Works Republished
Several years ago, I had a column in the Hellbender Press of Knoxville, Tennessee titled Nature's Bookshelf,. The first installment was a reiew of three books by nature authors, and the following installments were author profiles. Each profile included the author's story, and a sidebar with commentary on each of several published works. I am now republishing these on my blog. Here is a link to the latest one. Scroll down for more. http://www.rayzimmermanauthor.com/the...
February 7, 2017
We are Water
My new book, We are Water, is in the final stages of production. I review the final draft at the printer tomorrow, and hope the print run will be complete next week.
This book is a very small product, featuring haiku and color photographs. The photograph and matching haiku appear on facing pages, and in a sense the poems are ekphrastic.
Initial production will be a short run, due to the cost of color printing, and book will be available from the author and through a local book store.
I began looking at my photographs (originally shot on 35 mm slid film and digitized more recently) and writing matching haiku after reading The Art of Haiku by Stephen Addiss.
This book is a very small product, featuring haiku and color photographs. The photograph and matching haiku appear on facing pages, and in a sense the poems are ekphrastic.
Initial production will be a short run, due to the cost of color printing, and book will be available from the author and through a local book store.
I began looking at my photographs (originally shot on 35 mm slid film and digitized more recently) and writing matching haiku after reading The Art of Haiku by Stephen Addiss.
January 26, 2017
Snow Leopard Revisited
Review of The Snow Leopard
I read this gem by Peter Matthiessen several years ago and set it aside. Shocked at how much my memory had changed the original text, I have just completed another read.
The beauty of Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa were fresh in my mind, but I had left out the arduous hours of trekking, the miserable conditions in the towns were they camped along the way, and Matthiessen and Schaller’s high handed treatment of the Sherpas, porters and local people. Although I remembered the portion of the final entry (December 1) in which the author describes his failure to find the Sherpa Tukten at their appointed reunion, I had forgotten the harrowing tale of Schaller’s departure from Shey. He is lucky to have survived.
Clarity in this reading brings to life the Sherpa Tukten. Matthiessen relied heavily on this man during the journey out and recommended him as a head Sherpa to the trekking company on their return to Katmandu. The company representative to whom he spoke at the end of the journey wanted to hear no word of Tukten, pointing out his many failings on expeditions as a brawler, and one whose language offended other Sherpas. Tukten shows no surprise when the recommendation is rejected.
Tukten seems to be the sort of savant who performs well at some things but folds under pressure. In this regard, he is an alter ego of the author who frankly admits that he has failed his family when they truly needed him simply by going on an expedition which he regards as a failure. Despite all this, there were bright spots along the way, and Tukten and Matthiessen, each in his own way, hesitates to end the trek.
In the end, Matthiessen left a compelling tale of a journey in which he encountered a remarkable Holy Man, the Lama of Shey and made important self-discoveries. This book is well worth the read.
I read this gem by Peter Matthiessen several years ago and set it aside. Shocked at how much my memory had changed the original text, I have just completed another read.
The beauty of Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa were fresh in my mind, but I had left out the arduous hours of trekking, the miserable conditions in the towns were they camped along the way, and Matthiessen and Schaller’s high handed treatment of the Sherpas, porters and local people. Although I remembered the portion of the final entry (December 1) in which the author describes his failure to find the Sherpa Tukten at their appointed reunion, I had forgotten the harrowing tale of Schaller’s departure from Shey. He is lucky to have survived.
Clarity in this reading brings to life the Sherpa Tukten. Matthiessen relied heavily on this man during the journey out and recommended him as a head Sherpa to the trekking company on their return to Katmandu. The company representative to whom he spoke at the end of the journey wanted to hear no word of Tukten, pointing out his many failings on expeditions as a brawler, and one whose language offended other Sherpas. Tukten shows no surprise when the recommendation is rejected.
Tukten seems to be the sort of savant who performs well at some things but folds under pressure. In this regard, he is an alter ego of the author who frankly admits that he has failed his family when they truly needed him simply by going on an expedition which he regards as a failure. Despite all this, there were bright spots along the way, and Tukten and Matthiessen, each in his own way, hesitates to end the trek.
In the end, Matthiessen left a compelling tale of a journey in which he encountered a remarkable Holy Man, the Lama of Shey and made important self-discoveries. This book is well worth the read.
November 14, 2016
Current Projects
Greetings
I am pleased to announce two events, two books and a new development.
I hope you are safe from our sudden outburst of forest fires (they made national news) and finding time to enjoy our lovely natural world (those parts which aren’t on fire). I have several projects in the works right now, and a brief synopsis of each follows.
My Favorite Poem, a Fifth Tuesday event featuring YOU
Star Line Books, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Tuesday, November 29
6 PM to 7 PM
No sign up; just come prepared to read.
https://www.facebook.com/events/21133...
Solstice Storytelling
Grace Episcopal Church
6 PM to 9 PM
Contact Ray Zimmerman or Diana Peterson if you would like to participate
https://www.facebook.com/events/63198...
Words on Sand
My new chapbook, Words on Sand, combines poetry with some of my best nature photography. I have wrapped up the revisions and hope to have it published soon.
Posters
After an invitation to participate in an art exhibit this past summer, I produced a poster of my poem, “Water,” and a larger poster of my photograph of a mountain stream at Cloudland Canyon State Park, They were displayed as companion pieces. I have now developed some small posters which combine one of my photographs and one of my poems on one page. These are ready to print. I have also produced my first post card size miniature which combines a photo of a Canada Goose with Goslings and a Haiku. I have approved the design, and these will be available in the next few weeks.
Nature is my Muse
My full length book of poetry is now completely assembled and in the editing stage. I expect it to be ready for publication by the end of the year.
I am pleased to announce two events, two books and a new development.
I hope you are safe from our sudden outburst of forest fires (they made national news) and finding time to enjoy our lovely natural world (those parts which aren’t on fire). I have several projects in the works right now, and a brief synopsis of each follows.
My Favorite Poem, a Fifth Tuesday event featuring YOU
Star Line Books, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Tuesday, November 29
6 PM to 7 PM
No sign up; just come prepared to read.
https://www.facebook.com/events/21133...
Solstice Storytelling
Grace Episcopal Church
6 PM to 9 PM
Contact Ray Zimmerman or Diana Peterson if you would like to participate
https://www.facebook.com/events/63198...
Words on Sand
My new chapbook, Words on Sand, combines poetry with some of my best nature photography. I have wrapped up the revisions and hope to have it published soon.
Posters
After an invitation to participate in an art exhibit this past summer, I produced a poster of my poem, “Water,” and a larger poster of my photograph of a mountain stream at Cloudland Canyon State Park, They were displayed as companion pieces. I have now developed some small posters which combine one of my photographs and one of my poems on one page. These are ready to print. I have also produced my first post card size miniature which combines a photo of a Canada Goose with Goslings and a Haiku. I have approved the design, and these will be available in the next few weeks.
Nature is my Muse
My full length book of poetry is now completely assembled and in the editing stage. I expect it to be ready for publication by the end of the year.
October 21, 2016
Sunburst
Green leaves fade in fall
Morning light on bare branches
Sunburst red maple
Morning light on bare branches
Sunburst red maple
Sunburst
Green leaves fade in fall
Morning light on bare branches
Sunburst red maple
Morning light on bare branches
Sunburst red maple
September 8, 2016
Hallelujah Voices
There is no Goodreads entry for this item, but Marsha Mathews has an excellent book or poetry in Hallelujah Voices. The poems relate the struggles of a female pastor serving a rural congregation.
https://www.amazon.com/Hallelujah-Voi...
https://www.amazon.com/Hallelujah-Voi...
August 30, 2016
The Lost Neruda Poems
Then Come Back
The Lost Neruda Poems
Translated by Forrest Gander
Copper Canyon Press
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Pablo Neruda is perhaps best known for his love poems, and this volume does not disappoint in that regard. Several of the poems celebrate, through direct and indirect reference, Matilde, the poet’s muse and third wife. Matilde was a major inspiration for Neruda’s body of work, which included over 600 published poems.
Other poems praise his Chilean homeland, bordered by the Pacific coast to the west and the cordilleras of the rugged mountains to the east. One poem describes the land slipping out of sight as a ship, likely carrying Neruda to one of his diplomatic posts, moves out to sea. He also celebrates the rugged nature and the resilience of his countrymen, the Chilenos. In the poem which gives the book its title, Neruda advises a younger poet to “toughen up/ take a walk/ over the sharp stones/ then come back.” He remembers his own youth in this same piece.
Archivists found manuscripts for these twenty-one poems and fragments while conducting an inventory of the poet’s personal papers, now in custody of the Neruda Foundation. The new volume went to press in Spanish forty years after Neruda’s death, coincidentally near the time when new evidence came to light supporting the long held belief that the poet was assassinated by a follower of the military dictator Augusto Pinochet, a man whose brutal regime ordered the execution, torture, and “forced disappearance” of thousands of people.
Rather than publish the poems in Spanish and in English translation on facing pages in the traditional manner, the Copper Canyon edition presents the English and Spanish versions in separate sections. Facsimiles of some of the original hand written drafts also appear in this unique volume. The book is a great read from one of the great poets of the twentieth century.
The Lost Neruda Poems
Translated by Forrest Gander
Copper Canyon Press
Reviewed by Ray Zimmerman
Pablo Neruda is perhaps best known for his love poems, and this volume does not disappoint in that regard. Several of the poems celebrate, through direct and indirect reference, Matilde, the poet’s muse and third wife. Matilde was a major inspiration for Neruda’s body of work, which included over 600 published poems.
Other poems praise his Chilean homeland, bordered by the Pacific coast to the west and the cordilleras of the rugged mountains to the east. One poem describes the land slipping out of sight as a ship, likely carrying Neruda to one of his diplomatic posts, moves out to sea. He also celebrates the rugged nature and the resilience of his countrymen, the Chilenos. In the poem which gives the book its title, Neruda advises a younger poet to “toughen up/ take a walk/ over the sharp stones/ then come back.” He remembers his own youth in this same piece.
Archivists found manuscripts for these twenty-one poems and fragments while conducting an inventory of the poet’s personal papers, now in custody of the Neruda Foundation. The new volume went to press in Spanish forty years after Neruda’s death, coincidentally near the time when new evidence came to light supporting the long held belief that the poet was assassinated by a follower of the military dictator Augusto Pinochet, a man whose brutal regime ordered the execution, torture, and “forced disappearance” of thousands of people.
Rather than publish the poems in Spanish and in English translation on facing pages in the traditional manner, the Copper Canyon edition presents the English and Spanish versions in separate sections. Facsimiles of some of the original hand written drafts also appear in this unique volume. The book is a great read from one of the great poets of the twentieth century.
