Ajax' Kindred's Soliloquy In Africa

[kurtnils]

I am a singer (or maybe I should say Parrott).. I do covers.. once upon a time I tried to write music (melody) with my band.. I found the most interesting thing. Phrasing is almost more powerfull than the melodic structure.. phrasing of words and lines.. that is really where the singers personality shines through.. that was my experience at least.

[Urgelt]

It's surely important.

Some bands just seem to have a knack for it.

I always found the Beatles' melodies to be child-like. But their phrasing was clever.

[kurtnils]

Wow! Wow! Wow! YOU ARE THE MAN! Do Work Urgie!

[Urgelt]

It's a beautiful, terrifying poem, isn't it?

I wish I could write half so well as Frank Coffin.

[kurtnils]

I bet you do! But you read far better than he ever could I am sure!

[Urgelt]

The best narrators are almost not there; the poem itself speaks through them, and all you can hear is the poem. I'm not that good, alas.

I would love to hear this poem in the poet's own voice - not to compare readings, but simply to enjoy hearing the poet speak his own words.

[reedeema]

urgelt , you would have given a great gandalf in the lord of the rings =)

[Broadwaystar2be5]

wow...you have made me find a new love of poetry. i hope you continue to record more poetry. you have such a talent.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Broadwaystar2be5. You are very kind.

[major600]

You inspire me to do a recitation. Of course, I have no camera and I'd have to start with Dr. Seuss, but I still want to do it. I once studied to do "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allen Poe as a dramatic monologue. It's quite an intense poem if you really look at it.

[Urgelt]

Incredibly intense, I agree. It's one of my favorites.

You can get a webcam with mic for $35 or less at the low end. Every PC or Mac comes with video editing software. There's a learning curve, but if you're motivated to join in, the barriers to entry here are quite low.

Be careful about copyrights, though. You'd need permission to present material from Dr. Seuss.

[major600]

Good tip regarding Dr. Seuss. I'd hate to have a Lorax or Sam I am show up at the door with a subpoena. ;-) Do you remember Grandfather Clock from Captain Kangaroo? He'd recite then fall back asleep. You remind me of that a little.

[Urgelt]

Heh, I was a Captain Kangaroo fan, too, back in the day.  Good memories.

[OscarLimaMike]

Urgelt I just discovered you and can only say thank you

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Frank.

[OscarLimaMike]

It is such a powerful piece and you do it justice. Peace to you Urgelt.

[OscarLimaMike]

I just watched it again.... outstanding piece of work, the prayer after, and homage to the artist, BRavo! People like you Urgelt, make Youtube a wonderful thing. Thank you once again.

[Urgelt]

I agree, YouTube can be a wonderful thing - and best of all, it's got almost no barriers to entry. Anyone can jump in and create.

Think you'll ever take the plunge and share your own creative vision here?

[SpFiota]

I only hope that one day I am as knowledgeable and as articulate as yourself. I tip my hat to you, sir.

[Urgelt]

You may already be there, or beyond me. Don't judge solely by what a few carefully edited short videos seem to imply.

Pretending to wisdom is not my purpose here. I'm just sharing things I know, or things I love, and inviting a conversation.

[Calistro]

You do your renditions of these with such emotion... I love it. I've enjoyed all of your videos so far, and it's nice to see you have a rather large variety. To me, just hearing you speak is the best part.

[Urgelt]

A wonderfully human thing to say, Calistro. Thank you.

[cosmopolitanbpy]

urgelt you are da man!

[twang34]

lol hahahaha i agree his voice is very soothing and calming..

[paratrooper543]

Nice man your voice calm me down when i saw it . you should be a Movie Star or something. you are cool.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Paratrooper, that's a very kind compliment.

[igorhaywire]

Completly amazing dude.

You have the voice of Gandalf of "The Lord of Rings Movie"

Loved the voice.

Best

[Urgelt]

I do? I really should go see those movies, heh. Thanks!

[marjet]

it's true. your voice is very soothing. i like some of your stuff on food, but 'just listening' is nice too.

[Urgelt]

You're very kind, Marjet, thank you.

[519auto]

Very well done, Good Video that catches attention to things that are usually ignored

[Urgelt]

Thank you for your positive comment, 519auto. I agree.

[Throatjab]

There's nothing quite like experiencing a poem that perfectly conveys one's own thoughts about a certain topic, but with such articulation and diction.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you liked it, thank you. I'd sure have liked to hear Mr. Coffin himself reading this one. Can you imagine being his grandkid, having him speak this poem? Kids want to know the truth. Here it is.

[insaneshayne]

Your vocal inflections are amazing my friend. Great job in your delivery on this one. Thank you.

[Urgelt]

This is one of my favorites, Shayne. I don't know why I feel I can connect with Mr. Coffin so well, but I'm glad I can. Peace to you, Shayne. :-)

[grandplans]

It seems Urgelt that your voice brings out the deep meanings and heartfelt sayings and understandings of any piece of poetry you choose to read. This was a beautiful peom and the song was excellent too.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, grandplans, you're very kind.

[Spikeydrummer]

You are the best, Urgelt!!! Never stop your poetry readings. They are more inspiring than you might know.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Spikey. I'll keep reading long as I can.

[nayomee77]

"Is the time ever coming when i can see peace in this broad domain?"

Gee heaps of this poem sound like my thoughts.

WOAH! Love that song at the end!

Really Loved this one!

[Urgelt]

Yes. I imagine anguish, whatever its source, feels much the same.

I loved the song, too. Thaumata has such a great voice... mmm.

Thanks for your comment, Naomi. :-)

[LUCYONER]

i dont get why i am subscribed to this and i dont understand what this is but great video anyways? LOL

[Urgelt]

What it is, is a poetry reading. I've been doing them from time to time because friends and subscribers have asked me.

I'm not offended if someone unsubscribes, Lucy. YouTube works best when you subscribe to content you like, and ignore the rest. That's what I do.

[LUCYONER]

oh nah than for that but nah i think that its kool! im not hard out into poetry but yeah i thinki its wicked!

thanks for that!

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you think it's wicked. I think!  :-)

[baybea]

As I have said to Yombotolompi (who, btw, writes his own poetry with passion); I haven't the brain function to understand all the hidden meanings and messages in poems but I do like to hear them spoken with passion and emotion. You seem to capture the heart of a poem somehow almost like you wrote it yourself.:)

[Urgelt]

I think Mr. Coffin doesn't dabble with Shakespeare-like nuances and layering, and that makes his works more approachable to a modern audience.

Instead, he just tells a story with emotional force. You feel as if you've gotten to know his characters in just a few lines.

Thank you for your comment, Bea. :-)

[FreeWingzComments]

"I long for the wings of the blue bird of flight"... Isn't it cool how just about any later generation of readers can still relate and appreciate such meaningful literature? If only he could see today how his words had reached all the mountains of the world through YouTube. Now that's what I call some awsome "flinging"!

~FWz~

[Urgelt]

Huey, I share your enthusiasm. Giving Mr. Coffin a fresh voice in a new medium is a wonderful thrill.

If it brings more readers to his poetry, it will be an added bonus, for his words illuminate where we have been, and what we are.

[Minniver]

I am definately going to look for some of Coffin's work.

[Urgelt]

He's an interesting read, Minniver. He was a pharmacist to the African-American community in Little Rock, Arkansas during much of his life; his words are not always so polished as you may find in his more advantaged contemporaries.

But he is passionate and deep, and often he presents an utterly original expression that makes you stop and say, "wow." I think he clearly belongs in the pantheon of great American poets.

[philryanshow]

Wonderful stuff as always. Here in icy London with our tree lit up its very christmassy, sitting watching and listening to your splendid rendition of these beautiful and compelling words. Another mini triumph.

[Urgelt]

Heh, all of my triumphs are small. I need no ragged slave in my chariot, whispering "Remember, you are naught but a man" into my jubilant ear.

Glad you enjoyed it, Phil. :-)

[valjazz]

Your postings have become one of the reasons that I visit Youtube. Thank you for introducing me to Frank Barbour Coffin.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you found him interesting, valjazz, and thank you for your kindness. :-)

[myfavoriteperson]

Unbelievable! Wonderful reciting! And, talk about obscure. "the lynchers love feast"? Now there is a phrase. How did you come upon this Mr. Coffin?

[Urgelt]

I do make an effort to respond to every comment. Many times YT drops them, reasons unknown, and it may be a time before I notice.

To answer your question, I often browse oldpoets dot com for out-of-copyright poetry, they have a marvelous collection.

[Filmnerd81]

The poem reminds me of Dinesen's(Blixen's) writings, (which aren't related to the poem of course). It reminded me of my favourite book by her. Very nice reading Urgelt.

-J

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Filmner81. :-)

[sandisocean]

Beautiful. They may not be your words, Urgelt, but they live and breathe with your voice and your soul. Thanks, as always, Sandi.

[Urgelt]

You are kind, Sandi, thank you. :-)

[schantifreund]

Urgelt! :)

As always....GREAT and full of spirit! THANK YOU!

Truly yours

[Urgelt]

The spirit comes from the poet and the musician, in truth. I have become a miniscule Ed Sullivan, whose show drew my family around our primitive black-and-white television every week when I was a boy. He merely presented arts created by others, but it was a useful service.

Glad you liked it. :-)

[ovationceleb]

Another brilliant reading Sir, which gave me goosebumps. You remind me of my late Father, reading poetry to me when I was a child. Thank you.

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, ovationceleb, and thank you for your kind words.

[claushah]

My Dear, Urgelt...very nice...such a nice reading voice. Love2U!

[Urgelt]

I'm happy you liked it, Claushah. :-)

[itsonlymejosh]

I could listen to you read poetry all day. You're readings are just amazing! Awesome!

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Josh, for your kind words.

[Fiends4]

Once again, excellent job Urgelt. The music at the end was also very appropriate. Once again, I can't wait for the next one!

[Urgelt]

Me either, my fiendish friend. The rotten thing is, I can't just wait for the darn things to get posted. I have to *work* to make them!

That's why I like everyone else's channel more than my own, heh.  :-)

[vrhodes1982]

No one does a reading like you do Urgelt! Just marvelous work. XX

Vanessa :)

[Urgelt]

You say the nicest things, Vanessa. Thank you. :-)

[scarface1234321]

you should narrorate for a movie i bet if you advertised yourself right you could totaly get signed but i could understand if that sort of thing is a little overboard i play guitar but i wouldnt try to get a deal i just do it for self pleasure

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Scarface. But I'm pretty happy as an amateur. I won't rule out some sort of compensated work in the future, but I'm not fixated on the idea, and it's not any part of my purpose on YouTube.

[LadySeneca]

I try my best not to envy other people, but it's impossible with you! You speak so eloquently, no matter what you're reading, that I can't help but be jealous. ;) And this comment isn't days late! Woohoo :D

[Urgelt]

Trying to respond for the fifth time. Grrr, YouTube and its glitches.

Milady, you need feel no envy, for your own talents stand up well to all comparisons. And you are even punctual, once in a while. :-)

[coyoteglee]

This is the first I have heard you read that I didn't know, and I enjoyed the focused listening that demanded. More both old and new, please! Music was great too.

Happy Yule.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, coyoteglee. Yes, Mr. Coffin is not as well known as some classical poets, but I like his work very much.

New poetry is harder, because I can't just lift copyrighted works without permission, and it's time-consuming to seek that permission.

[intracoast]

Well done. Beautiful music. More please.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, intracoast. There will be more, be assured. :-)

[bbburton]

Chilling commentary no less relevant now as it was then. What possessed you to post this particular piece? The music seemed out of place yet it picked up on the poem's thrust. Very good. Thanks once again for the reading.

[Urgelt]

I admit the music is out-of-place, thematically. I have no valid excuse, really. It's just such a lovely song, speaking of hope for Africa and her children... and perhaps it is lovelier still when considered against the poem's gritty sadness.

Whimsy, not rational purposes, drives all of my poetry choices.

[KewlJul10]

Wonderful video <3

[Urgelt]

Thank you, KewlJul10, hugs to you. :-)

[occultus]

good video

[Urgelt]

Thank you, occultus. :-)

[hayatemarcantel]

I watched it a couple of times to understand it. Truly enjoyed! What time was it written? It reminded me of "Heart Of Darkness" By Joseph Conrad except from a different perspective.

[Urgelt]

I believe it was written around 1930, but I am not certain. Glad you liked it, hayatemarcantel.

[Nalora]

You are pure joy to me.

[Urgelt]

Nalora, coming from a 'tuber of your stature and reputation, such praise astonishes me. Many thanks to you for your kindness.

[radioelvis]

There is but one Urgelt. It's always so nice to see what you pick, how you read it, and frankly just to enjoy it. Better than NBC.

I've been hoping for something from the American Romantics. For example Hawthorne's short "Hollow of the Three Hills" which foreshadowed his later work in Scarlet Letter and House of the Seven Gables is perfect for you. Much love from California.

[Urgelt]

I'm certain I'll dig into the American Romantics in time, Elvis. It's been a while since I picked up Hawthorne, so I'll go read that one tonight. Thanks for the tip. :-)

It's been 5 years since my TV was powered up, so I'll have to take your word about NBC. Shame, that.

[radioelvis]

Thanks U, the surf community of Dana Point,California is well prepared to trip on your Hawthorne read! One man/one vote/one wave/one smoke. You'd be amazed how many English majors and writers and Kerouac types have you as a favorite. You're real.

[Urgelt]

I've reviewed it, and yes, it's a very good work to speak alound. But there's bad news. It's too long. I can't fit it into a 10 minute video.

I could serialize it, but I think for my purposes I'm better off sticking to short poems, essays and stories that can be presented within a single video. YouTube isn't a good place for longer presentations, really.

[radioelvis]

You're 100% right. It's over-long. And therein comes the magic of editing. Even self editing. I need to tell you something. I'm one of the few VO agents in America who does what I do. Call me reasonably impressed at what you do. I picked that piece on purpose. I have a show in development. I'd like to hear you own that Hawthorne. Edit it anyway you want for time and content.

[Marihani]

Oooo. Too late at night for me to wrap my brain around that one. But I loved the song at the end!

I have a Christmas wish - that you make a regular vlog - about your present or with stories from your past. Would love to get to know _you_ better :-)

[betough]

lol people persuaded you to do more readings, than diet stuff... nice!

[Urgelt]

Heh, aye. I'm mostly through with nutrition. I will do more health-related videos from time to time, though.

[sarautu]

i *think* this is the first time i've heard this piece. i used to do quite a bit of reading and was an English major in college, so it's pretty rare these days to hear an older piece for the first time.

thought the addition of Coffin's pic and Zulu Prayer were nice touches, too.

thank you, Urgelt!

[Urgelt]

I don't think Mr. Coffin is as well-known as some of the other poets whose works I have cadged for my videos, but I think he belongs in their ranks. Glad you enjoyed it, sarautu. :-)

[CartoonWorks]

what about more pictures with the poems and background music, this is a video after all, great voice! no comparison to The Cremation of Sam McGee

[Urgelt]

A reasonable request, I suppose. The difficulty is obtaining pictures that are in the public domain. I simply didn't find any to go with the piece, and I don't wish to violate anyone's copyright.

[KennyWrites]

Another interesting poem, well read by you. I think the addition of Thaumata's song adds a lot to the experience.

[Urgelt]

I do, too, Kenny. Glad you enjoyed both poem and music.

[scrumsrus]

awesome as ever

Take Care,

Health & Happiness,

Seasons Greetings,

Andy.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Andy. Your well-wishing is returned gratefully.

[ic19band]

great as always! best youtuber ever !

[Urgelt]

Um, thank you, but I hardly think "best YouTuber" is a title to which I may lay claim.

I'll be quite happy to be thought a worthwhile content contributor. That should be enough for any poster. :-)

[pixelchick]

Another powerful reading, Urgelt. Thaumata's "Zulu Prayer" is ver beautiful. Thank you for sharing!:D

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Pix, I'm grateful for your kindness.

"Zulu Prayer" is really an unfinished track. Thaumata's intention is that people add to it: vocals, percussion, instruments, whatever they like. All possible at the web site I cited. A fascinating development in music collaborations.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Mary. I suppose, thematically speaking, Thaumata's gorgeous vocals don't fit the mood of the poem; but I did not want to end on a bitter note.  I cling to hope, and her lovely voice is suffused with it.

[Kirsti555]

A beautiful, emotive reading lush with passion for living. Does one develop such a depth and vibrant zeal for living without a close call or two with living's partner? Wondering. We are all one, Robin

[Urgelt]

I've responded 4 times without it posting; try #5 here.

Life's partner is a shadow we all cast before us, I think. I am aware of mine, as I think most people are. That's as good a reason as any to make each day of life a celebration.

Thank you for your beautiful, inspirational comment, Robin.

[Kirsti555]

Thank you for your persistence Urgelt. I, myself, attempted to email you three times after this comment with no success. Happy Holidays and a toast to you and to the 'celebration', hear, hear. We are all one, Robin

[Urgelt]

It's America's history, NWM, and we should not forget it. There is much cruelty in our past, and it lingers still.

[intracoast]

There are those who don't know the past, and there are those that won't forget the past. I don't know which is the worse choice. Cruelty was not the sole possession of America, but there certainly was cruelty here as this poem illustrates. Let us not forget Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King and their gift of civil rights to the world. Thank you for this challenging poem.

[Urgelt]

And thank you, intracoast, for your thoughtful comment.

[Urgelt]

A Quixotic hero, perhaps, heh. Thanks, NWM. :-)

[pnkdragn]

Urgelt, thank you.

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, Trena.

[yombotolompi]

By God you're so very fine at the acting - or rather the "being" of the narrators you take on with your readings!

Humbling you are. I am, every time, reminded to slow down and feel the Urgeit to speak before opening my mouth for the next line. For your example teaches me that the next line is a statement of an honest impulse and not a speech which needs be merely recited.

UTUBE's Olivier, you are!

Yombo

[Urgelt]

I find it astonishing to draw such ebullient praise, for I believe any excellence here lies in the words. Anyone can call forth their essence, if they will only allow themselves to feel their passion as they are spoken.

Yet lest I seem ungrateful, I thank you for your kind words.

[GrandmaDig]

You've done it again Urgelt, that was a very evocative reading. I love your voice. Thank you.

[Urgelt]

Thank you for your kind words, GrandmaDig.

[GrandmaDig]

I also meant to thank Thaumata for the lovely music, it was special and worked really well with what you do.

[Urgelt]

It is, isn't it? When I first heard the piece at splicemusic, I played it over and over and over, savoring her harmonies. She deserves a ton of credit for putting it into the Creative Commons for people to use, and praise for her lovely singing. I hope she'll sing often for her growing fan base.

[marcspoor]

You chose quite a sad poem for christmastime, but you read it awesome like you always do ;-)

[Urgelt]

Sad, yes, but this isn't a Christmas offering, really. I hope to have something more upbeat for that occasion, soon. Thank you for your encouragement, Marc.

[kenrg]

Brilliant reading! Very compelling.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Kenrg. I thought the poem was compelling, too, and I love Thaumata's "Zulu Prayer."

[Phyallus]

keep it up dude, you rock

[Urgelt]

Much appreciated, Phyallus, thank you.

[harrydude]

that was great urgelt. I'd love to hear more.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Harry.  Now that I've started reading poetry, I don't think I'll want to stop for quite some time.

[lloydhb]

A truly exceptional reading. You know i have listened very carefully to your words over recent times, you have captured the spirit of your own voice here, it resonates a powerful timbre, more urgelt than the urgeltist of urgelts i have had the pleasure to listen to. Marvelous.

[Urgelt]

Heh, that's pretty Urgelty, Lloyd. Glad you liked it. :-)