I came across this poem yesterday and love its meditation on gratitude, on how we show respect and to whom. As Americans, we may taut the value of experience and the need to respect those who have lived long enough to level up in this crazy world, but ours is not a culture of respect. … [Read more…]
Okay, so it’s not morning anymore. Still, I thought this day needed a little poetry action. My choice: Joe Wilkins’s “Then I Packed You Up the Ridge Like a Brother on My Back.” It’s the featured poem today over at Poetry Daily. I am not a hunter. I have nothing against those who are, so long as … [Read more…]
Well crap. It’s 3:00 am, and I’m wide awake. (No, not lonely, although the 90s child in me did just geek out a bit). Tonight it’s money issues. I am so tired of nearly being in the red every month. I need to finish this damned dissertation and get some more teaching. And seriously, childcare….if … [Read more…]
Saw this poem posted on Poetry Daily yesterday. I love its exploration of the urban experience, of being able to connect with one’s surroundings (natural or otherwise) and find one’s place in the “spiraling galaxy” of which we are all a part. The poem is also an excellent lesson in sensory detail, specifically capturing the sights … [Read more…]
Because I woke up from a most delicious dream this Monday morning, here is a love poem for you: Nikki Giovanni’s “I Wrote a Good Omelet.” It perfectly captures the discombobulation of being in love. “I Wrote a Good Omelet” I wrote a good omelet…and ate a hot poem… after loving you Buttoned my car…and … [Read more…]
Came across this Billy Collins poem, which is apt for Mother’s Day. I’m interested in its portrayal of debt and in how, as children, we fail to recognize our bankrupt state. To paraphrase the Black Widow, we will always have red in our ledger, owed to the people who raised us, be they mothers, fathers, … [Read more…]
Randomly thought of this little gem today– Robert Herrick’s “Upon Julia’s Clothes.” Upon Julia’s Clothes Whenas in silks my Julia goes, Then, then (methinks) how sweetly flows That liquefaction of her clothes. Next, when I cast mine eyes, and see That brave vibration each way free, O how that glittering taketh me! This poem has … [Read more…]
We woke up to a delicious morning here in East Tennessee. Just slightly chill but with the promise of later warmth. A poem is in order, I think. I haven’t had time to fully unravel it yet, but I am intrigued by its ambiguous treatment of the past, how it is at once relinquished and … [Read more…]