I encountered this back in January, and I instantly knew that it was the one this year. Ted Kooser has recently become one of my favorites. Since Nebraska claims him, there are more Kooser poetry collections in the local library than any other poet. I'm just glad I remembered where I put it before it went in my pocket.
as if I’d opened it a thousand times
to see if what I’d written here was right,
it’s all because I looked for you too long
to put it in your pocket. Midnight says
the little gifts of loneliness come wrapped
by nervous fingers. What I wanted this
to say was that I want to be so close
that when you find it, it is warm from me.
If you want to play along, Here are the rules:
1. Find a copy of your favorite poem...or one that tickles you fancy today...or one that actually fits in your pocket. Finding in on your phone is okay, but it's always more human if you have transcribed it yourself and fold it up and put it in your pocket.
2. Carry your chosen poem around all day, ready to be shared. Don't forget to share with me!
3. Share the poem with people (friends, neighbors, complete strangers) throughout the day.
4. Soak in the awesomeness that is poetry!
5. Check my Instagram (@joeaveragewriter), Twitter (@joeavgwriter), or Facebook for the video of this year's poem!
If you want even more fun, check out my chosen poems from years past!
Being
ReplyDeleteBY TANAYA WINDER
Wake up, greet the sun, and pray.
Burn cedar, sweet grass, sage—
sacred herbs to honor the lives we’ve been given,
for we have been gifted these ways since the beginning of time.
Remember, when you step into the arena of your life,
think about those who stand beside you, next to, and with you.
Your ancestors are always in your corner, along with your people.
When we enter this world we are born hungry,
our spirits long for us to live out our traditions
that have been passed down for generations.
Prayer, ceremony, dance, language—our ways of being.
Never forget you were put on this earth for a reason—
honor your ancestors.
Be a good relative.
Thanks for sharing!!!
Love this poem, Eric!!
DeleteMe, too. Nicely done, sir.
DeleteThe Waking
ReplyDeleteBY THEODORE ROETHKE
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
I hope this feels warm to you.
Definitely. Loved it.
ReplyDelete