Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Progressive Poem Arrives - Line 24

           It’s my turn to add a line to Irene Latham’s annual Kidlitosphere PROGRESSIVE POEM, now the third one being written.  Find all about it here. And see where’s it’s been, and who will finish the week in the list on the sidebar. I’ve been reading and imagining what might be next each of the past twenty-three days, and now it’s time for me to step into this traveler’s shoes.     
             With peacocks and elephants, riding on eagle’s wings, following Irene’s advice, and packing sapphire eggs for the journey, my pack and thoughts are filled. I’m headed to the coast, ready for anything. (I think.) Amy Ludwig VanDerwater has brought a new idea to me, one of determination and affirmation, but then... I love surprises, and hope Michelle Barnes of Today’s Little Ditty likes them well enough too. She picks up the pack next.  There are only six days left!  Here's Line 24:


2014 Kidlitosphere Progressive Poem

Sitting on a rock, airing out my feelings to the universe

Acting like a peacock, only making matters that much worse;
Should I trumpet like an elephant emoting to the moon,
Or just ignore the warnings written in the rune?
Those stars can’t seal my future; it’s not inscribed in stone.
The possibilities are endless! Who could have known?
Gathering courage, spiral like an eagle after prey
Then gird my wings for whirlwind gales in realms far, far away.
But, hold it! Let’s get practical! What’s needed before I go?
Time to be tactical— I’ll ask my friends what I should stow.
And in one breath, a honeyed word whispered low— dreams —
Whose voice? I turned to see. I was shocked. Irene’s
“Each voyage starts with tattered maps; your dreams dance on this page.
Determine these dreams—then breathe them! Engage your inner sage.”
The merry hen said, “Take my sapphire eggs to charm your host.”
I tuck them close – still warm – then take my first step toward the coast
This journey will not make me rich, and yet I long to be
like luminescent jellyfish, awash in mystery.
I turn and whisper, “Won’t you come?” to all the beasts and birds,
and listen while they scamper, their answers winging words:
“Take these steps alone to start; each journey is an art.
You are your own best company. Now it's time to depart!"

I blow a kiss.  I hike for days, blue eggs pressed to my chest

One evening's rest, campfire low, shifting shadows brought a guest.



28 comments:

  1. Oh yay! A guest! Who could it be? I have a million ideas and am so curious about tomorrow. Such a fun line. And a campfire. What could be better?

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    1. Thanks Amy, these final few days are going to be fun!

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  2. Oh Linda, pretty dangerous leaving a line like that in my hands. My mind immediately veers toward my children's horror inklings... fighting it! fighting it! Just the same, it's a great line and thank you for opening up the possibilities to me. :)

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    1. I know, I thought a bit that way too, Michelle, but can't wait to see where you take us next! I'm sure it will be exciting!

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  3. A guest! How wonderful and unexpected! Can't believe just six lines to go... April is on the Autobahn!! Thank you, Linda. xo

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    1. Thanks Irene, love thinking of the autobahn and the hurry for this traveler. Can't wait to see!

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  4. Exciting! Your line reminded me of this small poem by Gary Snyder:

    How Poetry Comes to Me

    It comes blundering over the
    Boulders at night, it stays
    Frightened outside the
    Range of my campfire
    I go to meet it at the
    Edge of the light

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    1. That's beautiful, Laura. Thank you for sharing. I don't know it, and now am happy to have it.

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    2. What a great little poem! Thanks from me too for sharing.

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    3. I read it first without noticing the title - that's just great, and one I didn't know. Thanks, Laura!

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  5. Ah, the campfire warms and then a guest arrives. Makes me think of a sign I saw in a local Vietnamese restaurant that invites "the guesses" to come to a Cambodian festival. You have invited a guess.

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    1. Perfect for this! A guess of a guest is next!

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    2. Wonderful story, we've been 'guessing' with Irene as host all month, haven't we?

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  6. Oh Linda I love the campfire and the guest! And Laura, I am saving this poem by Gary Snyder. I love how he captures this/his(?) writing process. It's like the itch I feel when a poem comes to life. I often get my best ideas at night. Thanks to you both for such a nice start to the day.

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    1. I agree, Janet, the poem is wonderful. Thanks!

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  7. A guest! A guest! Has this guest been following and there all along, or is has our character come into their area? Maybe the guest is hungry! Hey, we could cook eggs over the campfire! I can hardly wait to see what happens!

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    1. And will the guest finish the journey with our traveler? I can't wait either, Donna. Thanks!

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  8. Oooh...mysterious and yet (perhaps) welcome...you've opened up new avenues for those of us at the end of this poem's journey, Linda!

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    1. I bet you're really wondering what's going to happen, Tara, since you are in charge of wrapping every thing up in a tidy package, or may not so tidy? Thanks!

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  9. Ah a guest (now that we've thrown off those beasties!) I wonder who it will be?

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    1. Up to Michelle now. It's rather fun handing off something like this, isn't it? Thanks, Buffy!

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  10. Ahhh - shadowy intrigue. What fun, Linda! Thanks, and I wonder what Michelle will make of it?

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    1. Me, too. I'm sure she already has a terrific idea! Thanks, Robyn!

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  11. I really liked Amy's line and was wondering what you'd do with it - well done! Intriguing, with internal rhyme and a surprise...can't wait to find out who the guest is! (I have to admit, the image of a campfire reminded me of our highlights workshop - could the guest be David, banging the bongos??)

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    1. Ha! What a wonderful thought, Matt. But I guess you would have to be the next writer, then, for that notion. Thanks for the comment. There's so little time to go that I am really wondering how it will all turn out!

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  12. I love that you brought a campfire into it, Linda. All adventures should have campfires in. And great suspense to pass on too.

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    1. Thanks, Catherine. It seemed like a walking, camping journey to me, hence the fire. Excited to see what's next after Michelle's boy appeared!

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