Thursday, June 21, 2018

Poetry Friday - Swap Fun

           Poetry Friday is over at Michelle Kogan's site, here! with a beautiful introduction to Margaret Simon's book just out three days ago, Bayou Song. Margaret blogs at Reflections on The Teche. Thanks, Michelle!

          I have only words of appreciation: to Tabatha Yeatts at The Opposite of Indifference for the idea of poetry swapping, to all the poets (of which there are many) who continue to send what I think of as "slow-mail smiles", small packages arriving in one's mail with wonderful words. 
            This time, my swap begins with a lovely poem with a special collaged frame from Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise. It feels just right to start the summer with a poem about a poet, doesn't it? Thanks, Linda!









Here's the text:


A poet

The poet doesn't invent. He listens.
                                            ~Jean Cocteau

A poet listens with all the
senses —tree, moon, flower, child, dance. An artist 
in a playground--each morning, recess. She doesn’t
simply write words…she can invent
nuances of knowing. She
begins a poem and even the pen listens.

Happy Summer, Everyone!


33 comments:

  1. Artful frame + the ending! "even the pen listens" - at the right moments they do that, yes - pencils too. (thought not my pencil lately.)
    Linda's poem gift to you is also a gift to us all. Appreciations for sharing.

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    1. Isn't it wonderful, I agree with all you wrote, Jan! And I can hang it on the wall by my desk! Thanks!

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  2. Two lines are especially amazing--"she can invent nuances of knowing" and "even the pen listens." I think it is interesting that the senses are tree, moon, flower, and so forth. Wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You're welcome. It's a poem I will use for inspiration.

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  3. "She begins a poem and even the pen listens." Love this.

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  4. I'm with everyone else, "even the pen listens," is a winner!

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  5. I love thinking that these are the senses —tree, moon, flower, child, dance!

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    1. I think those words can be the start for many branches reaching out? Thanks, Liz!

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  6. I'm so glad you like this poem....it was written for you, with you the poet in mind.

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    1. I do, and it's a treasure, Linda. Thank you for this special gift.

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  7. I love "even the pen listens" but the whole poem is lovely--and what a beautiful frame. They are slow-mail smiles, indeed.

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    1. Thanks, Kay, it's wonderful to find these beautiful surprises in the mailbox! Linda's line will stay with me!

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  8. I agree with everyone else's swooning over "even the pen listens." What a wonderful poem and slow mail smile.

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  9. Those senses are marvelous as is "even the pen listens." The poem fits you so well Linda, lovely–and ready to hang to, thanks for sharing it with us!

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  10. Linda's framed poem is wonderful and just right for you, a true listener.

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    1. Thanks, Margaret! I will enjoy it for a long time!

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  11. I love "nuances of knowing." Have a great summer, Linda!

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    1. Thank you! There is much to love in the six lines! Happy Summer to you as well, Laura.

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  12. Oh, so lovely! This will be my first summer for the Poem Swap. I'm so happy about that. :) Well, not happy that I waited this long, but happy that I'm doing it *now.* :)

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    1. I'm happy you are, too, Karen. It means sweet and creative gift surprises, like this one!

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  13. Oh, I love how she used things you especially enjoy - tree, moon, flower, child, dance. Just perfect for the author of Teacher Dance! I also like the idea of writing time as recess. Totally delightful!

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    1. Yes, it's a wonderful poem that's so personal, too. And you know that teachers love that 'recess'! Thanks, Ramona!

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  14. Oh, I love your description of "slow-mail smiles", Linda! And as for Linda's poem, "even the pen listens" - indeed it does. =)

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    1. Thanks, Bridget, the poem was a bright light in this week!

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  15. Linda's poem is perfect for you, Linda! You do "listen with all [your] senses" to "invent nuances of knowing." Happy summer!

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    1. Thank you, and now that "your" summer is here, wishing you a wonderful one, too!

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  16. Gorgeous all around! "Even the pen listens"--subtle and powerful.

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  17. I love the truth of how poets "invent nuances of knowing." Lovely poem, Linda.

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