A Pause for the Cause (1.0)

I first heard that phrase — pause for the cause — listening to KSOL and KDIA, the San Francisco Bay Area's soul stations, back in the late 60s and early 70s. Johnny Quick, or some other DJ, would lay down that phrase just before cutting to a commercial . . . in that respect, the "cause" was selling something, keeping the station's and the music's body and soul together.

In a more general sense, "pause for the cause" can mean to take a break in order to take stock, to get back in touch with what's really important. For example, Run-D.M.C. used "pause for the cause" as the motif phrase in their anti-violence, anti-crime, anti-drug ditty "Pause." (For what it's worth, there are currently three definitions in UrbanDictionary.com that have yet to get much play.)

Today, I'm pausing for the cause (that is, no poems here today) to let you know about a couple of things you may find interesting.

-----	(ONE) ----	My "Craft of Poetry" website . . . lots of people have used this website to help them learn to write formal, rhymed and metered poems. They send me e-mail thank-you's from time to time. I must tell you, this is somewhat of a "cobweb" site, meaning I haven't updated it for some time. In fact, there's a note on the main page that says to watch out for changes that will come in Summer 2003. Oh well. Nonetheless, it's a good resource to learn about the elements of poetry and how to write in poetic forms.
	(TWO)	I will be the resident editor for Writing Away Retreats during June 12-16, 2009, in Vail, Colorado. Get away from the daily grind . . . carve out some unfettered time for your poems up high in Rocky Mountain air. Consultations about your work with two poets and a poetry editor (me). Should be loads of fun.

Okay . . . first, a PSA, a public service announcement, and then, second, a commercial. Check 'em both out.

That's today's pause for the cause, good friends. And now let's jump on back to the music: here's the inimitable Godfather of Soul, the one-and-only James Brown, with "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"!