We're back in a new incarnation, and we're calling all poets who blog! Our Mighty Foursome plans to inspire ourselves and other poets through Wednesday prompts.
So now we are in the week after the week that was. "Open Link" is a hard act to follow after such great participation and wonderful poetry shared. Some of us still might need a bit of soothing, and maybe some of the poems we write/share this week may have that effect. That is what I hope anyway.
And now --- back to poetry!
I read Ada Limon's poem Cyrus and the Snakes and was really moved by it. In it, she shares some memories of childhood which involved her brother. One of them about her brother holding a snake. Another about the time they stole an egg from a backyard chicken coop and how it affected both Ada and her brother. But really you have to read it!! It is too long for me to share here.
Then there is the beautiful poem by W.S. Merwin, Black Cherries., which is short enough that I can share a copy!
Black Cherries
Late in May as the light lengthens
toward summer the young goldfinches
flutter down through the day for the first time
to find themselves among fallen petals
cradling their day's colors in the day's shadows
of the garden beside the old house
after a cold spring with no rain
not a sound comes from the empty village
as I stand eating the black cherries
from the loaded branches above me
saying to myself Remember this.
So what I would like you to write this week is a poem about a memory.
Perhaps a memory of childhood (or any other period in your life), inspired
by the poem that Ada Limon wrote, a memory of a significant person, place,
or happening. Or take inspiraton from Merwin's poem and write about
something more current that you WANT to remember.
I will close with a video by Disturbed of the song "Hold on to Memories." I
really like it. Such a meaningful song!
After you have written your poem, please link it below. Visit the links of other poets in the spirit of community. The prompt will close Sunday night at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Looking forward to reading your words!
Good morning, Friends! Sometimes it is nice to think back at the memories we have of times that have passed, I think. I look forward to reading some of YOUR memories in poetry form this week. Enjoy!
Thanks Mary for the beautiful prompt. I wished to write about one of my childhood photos and my father's association with it. I found this poem written in my other blog. So shared it here. I love all the beautiful poems in response to the topic. So lovely.
Thank you for the prompt Mary - Jae
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Jae! Always good to read your words.
DeleteI also enjoyed this poem, Jae, especially "My hand in yours / In peaceful companionship."
DeleteGood morning, Friends! Sometimes it is nice to think back at the memories we have of times that have passed, I think. I look forward to reading some of YOUR memories in poetry form this week. Enjoy!
ReplyDeletePlease don't miss the video of "Hold on to Memories." It is so beautiful and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteYes, very good!
DeleteThe video has special impact for me this week, Mary. Wow. I love the Black Cherries line: Remember this.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I understand about this video for you this week. Some of the lines tug at my heart too...every time I listen.
DeleteThank you, Mary, for the prompt. My poem describes an event that while not soothing, left everyone with a great sense of relief. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us, Dora. And, yes, the ending WAS a relief!
DeleteThanks Mary for the beautiful prompt. I wished to write about one of my childhood photos and my father's association with it. I found this poem written in my other blog. So shared it here. I love all the beautiful poems in response to the topic. So lovely.
ReplyDelete