It's interesting what you say about "writing our way into poems" as well - a great phrase! It's like shaking off the day's dust, a little bit of preamble to get the juices flowing.
I so look forward to these posts, Dick. Maybe I dream that someone will unearth some of my poems, note when I wrote my first one (because I have no idea), and find new meaning in a new generation. It's a wonderful thing that you do.
Cheers Rod - that means a lot! :-) I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Part of what gives me pleasure doing this is being able to hold space for poems by poets who probably felt the same way, 100 years ago. And it's how I feel too :-) I don't think I'll ever be a "famous" poet, whatever that means - but yeah, like you, I hope one day someone unearths some of the good ones I managed to get out, and gives them a new life in another time. :-) Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
"Height" might be my favorite for those last two lines, but all of the poems surprised me in some way. I especially liked "In the grave—his home,—/ We are such friends." Thank you for highlighting her work. Your tanka is lovely.
Yeah, I am a big fan of Height as well - such a lovely flow, and imagery. So glad you enjoyed Spencer! And thanks for the comment on my one too - really appreciate it. :-)
Thank you for introducing readers to Anne Spencer and giving her the recognition she deserves. I particularly appreciate her projection of voice—approachable, assured, and resolute.
A pleasure! Yeah, she has a great way about her - I love the way you describe her voice - approachable, assured, and resolute - what a marvellous way of putting it! :-)
I often have to write my way into poems, too. Those five lines seem to capture Anne Spencer’s essence.
It's interesting what you say about "writing our way into poems" as well - a great phrase! It's like shaking off the day's dust, a little bit of preamble to get the juices flowing.
Aw thanks LeeAnn! Means a lot.
I so look forward to these posts, Dick. Maybe I dream that someone will unearth some of my poems, note when I wrote my first one (because I have no idea), and find new meaning in a new generation. It's a wonderful thing that you do.
Cheers Rod - that means a lot! :-) I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Part of what gives me pleasure doing this is being able to hold space for poems by poets who probably felt the same way, 100 years ago. And it's how I feel too :-) I don't think I'll ever be a "famous" poet, whatever that means - but yeah, like you, I hope one day someone unearths some of the good ones I managed to get out, and gives them a new life in another time. :-) Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Another great post - thoroughly enjoyed these, thank you
Aw thanks April! So glad you enjoyed it.
Love them all. The Earth One 💜
Yeah, Earth is something special! One of my favs too.
Her poems, your poem 💛 💛 💛
💜💜💜
Very interesting, Dick - I’ve not come across Spencer before. Her poem “Height” here reminds me of Marvell.
Ohhh - I've not heard of Marvell before - any particular poem you'd recommend? Something for a slow Sunday morning . . .
Probably his most famous poem is The Garden, which is here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44682/the-garden-56d223dec2ced
My personal favourite is The Mower Against Gardens, here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48333/the-mower-against-gardens
"Height" might be my favorite for those last two lines, but all of the poems surprised me in some way. I especially liked "In the grave—his home,—/ We are such friends." Thank you for highlighting her work. Your tanka is lovely.
Yeah, I am a big fan of Height as well - such a lovely flow, and imagery. So glad you enjoyed Spencer! And thanks for the comment on my one too - really appreciate it. :-)
Thank you for introducing readers to Anne Spencer and giving her the recognition she deserves. I particularly appreciate her projection of voice—approachable, assured, and resolute.
A pleasure! Yeah, she has a great way about her - I love the way you describe her voice - approachable, assured, and resolute - what a marvellous way of putting it! :-)