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Verses That Hurt: Pleasure and Pain from the POEMFONE Poets
What are are holding right now in your hands is a book. Not a telephone reciever, which is how most of the poems in this collection were first transmitted...There are plenty of examples of this spreading of one art form or another through popular mediums. There are all those wonderful Russian Constructivist posters, Dr. Alphabet's public poetry gatherings on football fields, Dada caberet antics, and various forms of street theatr...Essentially what all of these movements were trying to do was expand the playing field called "art". By making the field bigger they gave us all more room to frolic. They pushed art right out of the dusty museums and smack dab into your lives... Poetry should be everywhere, and slowly but surely it's infiltrating our lives. We are gla dto be the instruments of this infiltration." --from the Introduction
Featuring
Penny Arcade, Tish Benson, Nicole Blackman, David Cameron, Xavier Cavazos, Todd Colby, Matthew Courtney, M. Doughty, Kathy Ebel, Annie Elliot, Janice Erlbaum, Allen Ginsberg, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Bob Holman, Christian X. Hunter, Shannon Ketch, Bobby Miller, Wanda Phipps, Lee Ranaldo, Shut-Up Shelly, Hal Sirowitz, Sparrow, Spiro, Edwin Torres, Emily XYZ
With unabashed fervor the Poemfone poets are redefining poetry as we know it. Archaic literary rules that have never been bent have suddenly been broken., and Versus That Hurt chronicles this poetic phenomenon. This is a revolutionary gathering of disparate and brash talent that is not to be missed.
Featuring
Penny Arcade, Tish Benson, Nicole Blackman, David Cameron, Xavier Cavazos, Todd Colby, Matthew Courtney, M. Doughty, Kathy Ebel, Annie Elliot, Janice Erlbaum, Allen Ginsberg, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Bob Holman, Christian X. Hunter, Shannon Ketch, Bobby Miller, Wanda Phipps, Lee Ranaldo, Shut-Up Shelly, Hal Sirowitz, Sparrow, Spiro, Edwin Torres, Emily XYZ
With unabashed fervor the Poemfone poets are redefining poetry as we know it. Archaic literary rules that have never been bent have suddenly been broken., and Versus That Hurt chronicles this poetic phenomenon. This is a revolutionary gathering of disparate and brash talent that is not to be missed.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 1997
3 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 27, 2011
POEMFONE - for those that don't know, was a NYC poet's project where every day a poet called and recorded a new poem on an answering machine, and you could call and listen. The group involved all sorts of hip poets and musicians - including 3 of my favorites: M. Doughty (of Soul Coughing), Nicole Blackman (of KMFDM & other bands), and John S. Hall (of King Missile).
It's an amazing, beautiful, RAW collection of contemporary free verse, that introduces you to a host of talented poets - and includes a picture of each. I adore this book, and found an extra copy used, so others could share in this rocktacular joy. I can't recommend this book enough!
PS- they also have an audio recording (Poemfone: New Word Order) of some of the poems, but it's OOP. Still easy to find though.
It's an amazing, beautiful, RAW collection of contemporary free verse, that introduces you to a host of talented poets - and includes a picture of each. I adore this book, and found an extra copy used, so others could share in this rocktacular joy. I can't recommend this book enough!
PS- they also have an audio recording (Poemfone: New Word Order) of some of the poems, but it's OOP. Still easy to find though.
Read
November 16, 2008Features five poems of mine from the early 90s, including "Love Letter to his Dick."
March 21, 2012
so very very awesome. I loved this collection and I have to admit, I still LOVE CAKE!
December 7, 2018
*read only the poems which were written by women.
April 28, 2023
some of the poems were good, most of them were absolutely off the rails. i was bored.
November 24, 2015
One of the reasons I bought this is because one of my favorite poets, Nicole Blackman, has some poems in it, and her work is hard to come by.
Another reason is I love the idea of POEMFONE and was interested to see how these spoken word pieces would translate to paper.
I get that all of these poems were written in a day and are meant to be read aloud, I also understand that they are abstract and I really enjoy a lot of transgressive poetry.
That being said, this book, like any anthology; is a very mixed bag.
Some of these are very interesting to hear aloud, but simply don't translate to paper at all.
Others are just very amateur and badly written.
Some of the standout poems in this book for me were,
Kathy Ebel. Very aggressive work. I loved the poem Hardcore.
John S. Hall. I liked the rhythm and word play, very insightful and original, without trying too hard.
Nicole Blackman, of course.
Wanda Phipps has some very poignant lines about racism and stereotypes.
Janice Earlbaum, is really funny and sharp. Her comical poems add a nice contrast to a rather dark anthology.
I think anyone who appreciates transgressive poetry and spoken word will enjoy this book.
Another reason is I love the idea of POEMFONE and was interested to see how these spoken word pieces would translate to paper.
I get that all of these poems were written in a day and are meant to be read aloud, I also understand that they are abstract and I really enjoy a lot of transgressive poetry.
That being said, this book, like any anthology; is a very mixed bag.
Some of these are very interesting to hear aloud, but simply don't translate to paper at all.
Others are just very amateur and badly written.
Some of the standout poems in this book for me were,
Kathy Ebel. Very aggressive work. I loved the poem Hardcore.
John S. Hall. I liked the rhythm and word play, very insightful and original, without trying too hard.
Nicole Blackman, of course.
Wanda Phipps has some very poignant lines about racism and stereotypes.
Janice Earlbaum, is really funny and sharp. Her comical poems add a nice contrast to a rather dark anthology.
I think anyone who appreciates transgressive poetry and spoken word will enjoy this book.
May 25, 2022
Favorite quotes:
- “This is the only way I can help you. I can’t lift things with my eyes or read symbols through cards, I don’t bend spoons or talk to the dead. But I can think about you. I think about you all the time, conjure you between calls. I pass you on the street and remember you later, think of you filling out the rest of your life like a survey: job, hobby, source of greatest shame. I never forget a face. I could pick you from a crowd. I want you to know, I want everyone to know, I am thinking of you.”
- “I want to look in the mirror and wonder, “Who is that person? I’ve never seen that person before. I’ve never seen anyone like that before.” I want to call into question the very idea that identity can be attached. I want a floating, shifting, ever-changing persona. Invisibility and obscurity, detachment from the ego and all of its pursuits.”
- “This is the only way I can help you. I can’t lift things with my eyes or read symbols through cards, I don’t bend spoons or talk to the dead. But I can think about you. I think about you all the time, conjure you between calls. I pass you on the street and remember you later, think of you filling out the rest of your life like a survey: job, hobby, source of greatest shame. I never forget a face. I could pick you from a crowd. I want you to know, I want everyone to know, I am thinking of you.”
- “I want to look in the mirror and wonder, “Who is that person? I’ve never seen that person before. I’ve never seen anyone like that before.” I want to call into question the very idea that identity can be attached. I want a floating, shifting, ever-changing persona. Invisibility and obscurity, detachment from the ego and all of its pursuits.”
June 16, 2009
This, I believe, is one of the most influential books to have ever graced my shelves. "Verses That Hurt" expanded my terribly naive and adolescent view of poetry and what it COULD be if the poet were brave enough to let it be. A keeper.
September 22, 2025
An anthology of poems from the Poemfone Poets.
from Break by Nicole Blackman: "It will hurt less if you say it fast, / you'll tell him. / But when he speaks it will be graceless, / ineloquent, / with sentences full of only dry words. // He will say it is him and not you. / He will say how sorry he is, / that you don't deserve this, / that he wishes this all came / at a different time in his life."
from Just Say No to Family Values by John Giorno: "Do it / with anybody / you want, / whatever / you want / as long as you want / anytime / any place / when it's possible / and try / to be safe; / in a situation / where you must completely / abandon yourself / beyond all concepts."
from Yet Another Drug Poem by Spiro: "Say goodbye to all your old friends / They won't understand / Say hello to your new roommate who sells your stereo / Your new posture is fashionable / Stooped over, collapsed and shaky / Your new apartment is dark, small / In a dangerous neighborhood but / Strategically close to where you cop"
from Break by Nicole Blackman: "It will hurt less if you say it fast, / you'll tell him. / But when he speaks it will be graceless, / ineloquent, / with sentences full of only dry words. // He will say it is him and not you. / He will say how sorry he is, / that you don't deserve this, / that he wishes this all came / at a different time in his life."
from Just Say No to Family Values by John Giorno: "Do it / with anybody / you want, / whatever / you want / as long as you want / anytime / any place / when it's possible / and try / to be safe; / in a situation / where you must completely / abandon yourself / beyond all concepts."
from Yet Another Drug Poem by Spiro: "Say goodbye to all your old friends / They won't understand / Say hello to your new roommate who sells your stereo / Your new posture is fashionable / Stooped over, collapsed and shaky / Your new apartment is dark, small / In a dangerous neighborhood but / Strategically close to where you cop"
May 31, 2018
A very entertaining collection. I bought it for Nicole Blackman and discovered several other poets that suit me. Among these, M. Doughty's poems were funny and imaginative. Janice Erlbaum's 'Love Letter to His Dick' is a fun one, Bobby Miller's chilling and real 'Thirteen' . While Blackman's bit remains my fav, I was highly impressed with Allen Ginsberg, Penny Arcade and Todd Colby. Overall, fun beat-type feel and it's super 90's.
February 7, 2023
Edgy memorable poetry from phone messages left by New York poets, I think 1980s. My 23 year old daughter loves this book. It'll speak to every generation who is comfortable with raw, unfiltered poetry.
November 19, 2022
I came for Nicole Blackman and left with a list of new poets to track down.
P.S. Ginsberg still sucks.
P.S. Ginsberg still sucks.
May 10, 2023
Oh man, these are the epitome of bad 90s poetry! There were a few good ones in there but most were just so.....bleck.
April 5, 2011
Most of the poems are just trash. i can't judge the poets based off of a few meager "poems", but really they should have put more effort into putting their thoughts into a more poetic form. a lot of this is nothing more than pissy diary entries.
Having said that, i have realized that 1) they are "alternative", 2) all poems were written in a day, 3) some of them are probably good when performed live... the writing is still sub-par, but yes, they probably sound good spoken and 4) maybe some were amatuers who have now matured into better writers... anything is possible.
On to who I really liked:
-M. Doughty is pretty good, some of his poems were a little strange, but that's good!
-Anne Elliott is funny, i love "Worm Christ"
-Janice Erlbaum is very funny - i especially love "love letter to his dick" and "old me", she's very clever, very modern, but pays serious attention to actual [traditional] poetic form.
-Shannon Ketch
and
-Spiro, good old fashion dark humour
I guess it's worth a read, but you have to wade through some rotten trash to find the good stuff.
Having said that, i have realized that 1) they are "alternative", 2) all poems were written in a day, 3) some of them are probably good when performed live... the writing is still sub-par, but yes, they probably sound good spoken and 4) maybe some were amatuers who have now matured into better writers... anything is possible.
On to who I really liked:
-M. Doughty is pretty good, some of his poems were a little strange, but that's good!
-Anne Elliott is funny, i love "Worm Christ"
-Janice Erlbaum is very funny - i especially love "love letter to his dick" and "old me", she's very clever, very modern, but pays serious attention to actual [traditional] poetic form.
-Shannon Ketch
and
-Spiro, good old fashion dark humour
I guess it's worth a read, but you have to wade through some rotten trash to find the good stuff.
September 8, 2015
I think this title is misleading. I went in thinking this will be some of the worst poetry I have ever read. Thankfully I was wrong. Throughout this book I was entertained, confused, sad, and happy. Some poems I understood others I had no idea what they were talking about. Some I liked and some did not fit my taste. Some felt that I have written them myself. Others made me cringe. I feel all poetry so do something for you and this collection truly did just that. I recommend reading a poet a day. Let each author sit with you each day and be in their world. It will take longer to read but will keep you coming back each day.
February 17, 2012
Don't be fooled by the title or cover, this isn't a book of poems about S&M. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but what this is is a collection of Poetry from the Poemfone poets. There used to be this awesome thing where you could ring an answering machine and there would be a recording of a poet, reading one of their poems on the other end of the line.
I'm not an expert on poetry, but I think quite a few of the poets at least were part of the Beat movement. Anyway, it's a great collection. For a more informed review, check out Nicole Bunge's review below :)
I'm not an expert on poetry, but I think quite a few of the poets at least were part of the Beat movement. Anyway, it's a great collection. For a more informed review, check out Nicole Bunge's review below :)
November 26, 2007
More than anything I love the idea of PoemPhone.
Recommended if you like emotional poetry with catchy word play - Avoid it if you can't handle angst.
I'm no expert on poetry but most of the poems in this collection really worked for me. I think the title is a bit ridiculous and full of itself, but the contributing poets shouldn't be blamed for the publishers poor choice. In most cases you can really tell that the poems were meant to be read aloud.
Recommended if you like emotional poetry with catchy word play - Avoid it if you can't handle angst.
I'm no expert on poetry but most of the poems in this collection really worked for me. I think the title is a bit ridiculous and full of itself, but the contributing poets shouldn't be blamed for the publishers poor choice. In most cases you can really tell that the poems were meant to be read aloud.
August 25, 2008
Well, hurt is a strong word, especially when you have John S. Hall (King Missile fame) and Todd Colby poems. I love this book ever since high school and continue to read it. Many of them are funny, odd, and interesting. I love John S. Hall's poems(the reason I bought it), along with Sparrow's simple, yet disturbing poems, Todd Colby's off-the-wall verses, Hal Sirowitz's deprecating humour, etc.
I love this book.
I love this book.
February 12, 2013
A divinely bizarre and off-beat anthology of poetry compiled from phone messages left by strangers. The poetry is well crafted, though some may border on offensive or be offensive, so if you take issue with strong language or sexual situations, this book may not be for your reading list. I like the collected poems and find many to be humorous and others to be masterful and poignant.
March 28, 2014
Many of the poems in this collection are hard-hitting, dark or thought provoking. Some made me laugh, some had me cringing and some left me feeling uncomfortable and like I needed to take a shower . . . but I'd rather feel something than nothing. Favorite poets for me were Nicole Blackman, Janice Erlbaum and Hal Sirowitz.
Want to read
July 18, 2007OK - I found this through Goodreads, making it my first real revelation here: not, I trust, the last. I have and cherish the Poemfone CD called "New Word Order", and I can't wait to find and devour this text. Does anyone know if it contains any M. Doty poems?
June 13, 2008
Several poems in here resonate so much within me. I've had this book since high school, and I recited John S. Hall's poem, "It's Saturday" as my graduation speech. Of course, "Love Letter to His Dick" is a fabulous poem, too, but in a slightly less profound way.
October 27, 2008
I took my dog-eared, coffee-stained copy with me everywhere when it first came out! I was about 17 then...it's 10 years later and I still love these poems! Dark, funny, sad, many different writers and styles.
May 30, 2010
Man do I love this book. Yes, it hurts, but it hurts oh so good. A fantastic anthology of modern verse that kicks you in the ass and then spray paints its victory on the water tower by your biggest crush's house.
Read
March 31, 2011A very mixed bag, there's some knock outs that stay with me, as fresh as the day I first read them a decade ago and there are some absolute clunkers guilty of the worst excesses of the NY poetry scene
March 10, 2007
I have no idea when I read this book, but it's awesome. And I owe it all to Tracey! ;D
July 21, 2007
this is one of my favorite poetry collections. probably because it seems to be written by people i would know and definitely relate to their mindset.
February 8, 2008
too goddamn bad Hurricane Rita destroyed my copy of this book 'cause it slays. penny arcade is my favorite. i will buy this again.
February 18, 2008
Graphic accounts and language. Not for the faint-hearted or religious!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2008
this book cheered me up at a really sad time. some of the poems are weird, some are dirty, a lot are hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews