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new poems….

Photos of Barbie Angell by Rodney Smith - Tempus Fugit Design © 2013


I don’t usually explain my poems unless someone asks about something specific.  When that happens I always answer as honestly as I can.  This first poem, however, has a pretty cool story behind it.

I was a speaker at the Type-A conference in June & told the audience about my friend & former sister-in-law Cate Peterson.   Cate asked me about it on Twitter after the event and I replied, “you were a part of my speech.”  At this point Laura Hope-Gill, an Asheville poet & writer, said that I needed to write a poem using that line.  So often we say things that we don’t realize are profound if looked at from a different perspective.  I thanked Laura for pointing this out to me & jumped at the opportunity to do the line justice.   I hope that I have done just that.

This poem isn’t about the conference, Cate or Laura.  However all three helped to bring about its creation.   There are others who are points of inspiration in both of the poems below, some are already aware and some never will be.  Still, the intention of my writing is always the same.   I hope that I can make you, the reader, think, feel and understand the people I write about.  Sometimes the girl in the poem is me, sometimes she’s not, but my goal is always to entertain or enlighten you and I appreciate every person who reads my words.

Thank you to Joseph Barcia for always giving me his brain and his ears. He was essential to strengthening & clarifying the story I wanted to tell.

Vagabond Thoughts….

You were a part of my speech.,
the unexplained break in my voice.
You wrote the song in my head,
and I promise this wasn’t my choice.

You were the spin of the stars,
the sweet chaos of all I could see.
You haven’t uncovered the truth
of the wonder and magic of me.

You were the start of a thought
that I was too cautious to think.
Unable to fend off your charms,
you lured my heart to the brink.

You were a part of my speech.
A whisper too loud to ignore.
The voice that coaxed me to sleep,
the one this poem is for.

Not Said….

The world’s slowest conversation
can make a heart skip several beats,
and those distant observations
leave the brain stuck on repeat.

A few moments every season,
lost in one compelling gaze.
A slight graze on the cheek
can fill a mind for days.

So much yet unknown,
caught in the fickle web of self.
The fantasies and wayward dreams
tucked safely on a shelf.

And nothing’s ever offered.
There is no goal to be attained.
With no logic to the longing….
It can never be explained.

written by barbie angell.  copyright august 2011.

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9 Responses

    1. ohmywow, now you get an even bigger thank you. : ) those words have been taken out, put back in, revamped, rearranged, dissected & analyzed for the past month. i’m so happy that they worked that well for you. that stanza was certainly a labor of love. : )

  1. Lovely poems, Barbie! I especially love “Vagabond Thoughts,” but they are both good & make a compelling pair. I’d have to agree that the line “You were a part of my speech” pretty much screams for a poem, & you did it justice 🙂

  2. thank you john. : ) i’m rather proud of both of these pieces because i endeavored for so long to get them just right. a challenge since they’re actually full of hidden meanings and the characters are based on both real and fictitious people….i almost wish they would be picked apart in a literature class someday. i’m honored that you think i did that line justice. that means a lot to me. : )

    1. thank you. : ) i really appreciate it. i worked quite a long time on both pieces trying to make them as authentic as possible….which of course is a ridiculous task. i ended up thinking that they went well together & i’m pleased to know that you agree. there are actually two other pieces which i was also working on at the time, but neither of them are as hopeful or romantic. they’re a bit more real i guess. still, they may end up as something eventually. : ) thank you again for your kind words.

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Barbie Angell

Release Date

March 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Barbie Angell Uncensored” is a dazzling fusion
of poetry, comedy and tragedy

ASHEVILLE NC – Poet, playwright and raconteur Barbie Angell performs “Barbie Angell Uncensored: An Unfiltered, Uninhibited and Unapologetic Event” at 8pm Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at LaZoom Bar & Gorilla. The 90-minute show is a melange of works spanning Angell’s career, including her poetry, excerpts from her autobiographical play “Death by Sparkle,” pieces from her children’s book “Roasting Questions,” and rarely performed mature works.

A multitalented, multi-hyphenate personality based in Asheville since 1999, the always colorful Angell is recognized around town for her work as a poet, playwright, columnist, emcee, artist and fashion designer. She has been voted “Best of WNC” poet by Mountain XPress readers for 10 consecutive years, and her skills as an emcee have made her a sought-after host for local festivals and large events such as Planned Parenthood’s Condom Couture and the Reproductive Rights Rally. 

Angell has written sketch comedy, co-authored “The Kids Show: Definitely Not for Kids,” and penned one act of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” for Montford Park Player. She is currently creating and selling upcycled clothing in her own fun and funky signature style – some of which will be available for sale at the event, along with original artwork and prints.

Equal parts stand-up comedy, poetry slam and public confession booth, “Barbie Angell Uncensored” promises to be emotional, unsettling, hilarious, and as unique as Barbie Angell herself!

Tickets are available at BarbieAngell.com for a suggested donation of $20.