Kay Kestner

Tag: poetry reading

  • June 6 Poetry and Events

    June 6 Poetry and Events

    Listen to a poetry reading of the 2022 version of “Until the End.”

    Flashback to June 6, 1999:

    Some highlights of the day, my favorite being the UK’s #1 Song: Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) – Baz Luhrmann. A mix of music and spoken word, absolutely worth the listen. That one’s been in my Spotify liked songs for quite some times.

    Meanwhile, in the US #1 Song: If You Had My Love – Jennifer Lopez. Clearly the UK had the better choice in the music department.

    Of course, there was also the largest jailbreak in Brazilian history. And Anne Haddy, the Australian actress passed away.

    And finally, June 6, 1999, was the birthday of this poem. In 2010, eleven years after its birth, it found publication in the literary journal Legendary.

    Here it is, on its 23rd birthday…(and I ask: Are you older or younger than this poem?)

    Until The End 


Too often I am fed 
only my inadequacies. 
My right arm too weak to hold 
up the ceiling.  And in the left 
my still-born son. 

My legs that could not run fast  
enough to catch my ghost as 
she left me. 
 

Daily, 
I could not be nourished on these. 
My weakness ever starving me. 

Yet, constant is my blood pulsing, 
never surrendering.  Even after defeat. 
Even after I am captured. 

Always, the sacrifice dies screaming, 
kicking violently at the face of God. 
Once she is tied to the stake, and 
the torch is pressed to the timber 
the vow is made stronger.  Fire 
burns belief hotter. 

The damned cannot alter allegiance. 
It is too late.  Conviction is forever. 


This is my strength:  In all of my failure 

I have not surrendered. 

(c) Kay Kestner - 1999

  • A Collaboration Under the Rainbow

    A Collaboration Under the Rainbow

    In collaboration with the Ministry of Artistic Intent and the Water Witch Poetry & Reading Series, Poetry Breakfast held an editor’s roundtable reading at the Water Witch Coffee House this past Thursday.

    Greeting us as we gathered was a lovely rainbow over the Water Witch Coffee House.

    The evening began with a workshop on submitting poetry for publication in literary journals, led by Poetry Breakfast’s founder and editor, Kay Kestner. Who was also the evening’s featured reader.

    After the open mic portion of the night, Kay gave a little guidance on Poetry Breakfast’s esthetic and then let the group have a go at being guest editors for the night.

    Poetry Breakfast would like the thank the wonderful artists, musicians and poets that helped review poetry submissions and bring a few new flavors to our menu.

    Guest Editors:

    Sean Navat Balanon – Sean is an artist from Old Bridge, NJ.  He has a BA in Music Technology from Stevens Institute of Technology.  Sean illustrates and makes video art.

    Jon Davies – Jon is a musician, writer, and vagrant who has traveled throughout the United States.

    John Flood – John is a local photographer, poet and musician focused on documenting and exposing the vibrant Monmouth County arts scene.  

    Charles Ignar –  Charles is a local emerging poet.  He is a mainstay at the Water Witch Poetry Workshop & Reading where he shares his work and enjoys hearing the diverse work of other poets.

    Chelsea Palermo – Chelsea is the founder of the Ministry of Artistic Intent. She is the hostess and organizer of the Water Witch Poetry & Reading Series.  In 2013 she was nominated for Poet Laureate of Asbury Park.  She graduated with her MFA in Poetry from Drew University.

    Patricia Rinaldi – Patricia is a poet and regular attendee of the Water Witch Poetry Workshop & Reading Series.  She consistently brings encouragement to all the poets at the Water Witch.

    Our Mystery Guest Editor – Though he chose to remain anonymous – anonymous is certainly not the word to describe this vibrant poet, writer, and musician.  He has actively participated in and fiercely promoted the local poetry and music scene for many years and he continues to draw attention to new and emerging artists in Monmouth County.