National Library of Poetry

Consumer Reports, noted watchdog for the public interest, has investigated the National Library of Poetry.  The following is a summary of their findings as reported in the June 1998 issue after one of their reporters submitted the following intentionally bad poem to the National Library of Poetry's "free" poetry contest:

Days' end

Where once the savage current roared
the barren bed turns hard and dry
its aspect bitter, pinched and crazed
Where once days past and days to come
mingled in wild, unruly league
a point, a geometric nil, remains
And shades in mournful prospect launch
the verity that numbs the core:
The promised resurrection will not be


National Library of Poetry Scam



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The National Library of Poetry is now called the International Library of Poetry.

This poem was "chosen" as a semifinalist. Here's what was awarded--an Editor's Choice Award certificate offering "congratulations on your creative achievement."

But that's not all the poet received---He was offered the opportunity to purchase "The Fabric of Life," an anthology containing his poem, for only $49.95 plus $7.00 postage. He also could have his biography printed with the poem for only $20.00; a copy of his poem on a plaque for only $38.00; an audio tape of the poem ($29.00 plus $4.00 postage); an invitation to join the International Society of Poets (dues $95 or $125, in different mailings, plus $12 shipping and handling); laminated cards printed with the poem (24 for $19.95 plus $4.00 postage and handling); another chance to order anthologies and plaques; and an invitation to submit another poem. Total cost at least $279.85.

Thus ends the Consumer Reports article.  It doesn't take a genius to see what the National Library of Poetry's real business is--certainly not poetry.


Web page by Charlie Hughes,
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