Some lovely poems here, Dick. I wonder if the collar in Futility recalls Herbert’s “The Collar”. I don’t know much about Johnson, but I imagine Herbert would have been well known at this point, at least in CofE circles, and “The Collar” is a strikingly rebellious poem.
Helen Johnson's work illuminates her prescience and confidence. I would love to have had lunch with her -- or a drink -- to discover how far past the pen her bravery ventured.
Yeah, same - sounds like she would have been a great person to have a drink with. I think as a 19 year old African American woman in the 20s who moved to New York, to hang out with cutting-edge poets and artists, she was likely an incredibly brave person. ;-)
Oh, holy, holy, "Futility" is so great—that parlor/collar near-rhyme is brilliant.
I know right! What a poem. Hadn't noticed that near-rhyme - but now that you point it out, damn - even more of it to enjoy. Cheers Sherman.
Some lovely poems here, Dick. I wonder if the collar in Futility recalls Herbert’s “The Collar”. I don’t know much about Johnson, but I imagine Herbert would have been well known at this point, at least in CofE circles, and “The Collar” is a strikingly rebellious poem.
Yeah, hard to say? Interesting connection though. Hadn't read the Herbert poem before - dig it. :-)
Yeah, it’s kinda awesome isn’t it. 🙂
Totally! :-)
As I was reading, I was getting the flavor of Hughes, especially in "My Race", and "Futility".
Thanks for sharing her words!
Absolutely - they hung in the same scene together, and you can definitely feel the cross-influence in those poems :-)
Old pine got my heart 💛
Awww, thanks Fotini 💛
Helen Johnson's work illuminates her prescience and confidence. I would love to have had lunch with her -- or a drink -- to discover how far past the pen her bravery ventured.
Yeah, same - sounds like she would have been a great person to have a drink with. I think as a 19 year old African American woman in the 20s who moved to New York, to hang out with cutting-edge poets and artists, she was likely an incredibly brave person. ;-)
Love Johnson’s “Futility,” and your poem is exceptional, Dick, especially that final “rattling” line!
Yeah, Futility is a banger for sure. Aw thanks Paul - that means a whole bunch - really really appreciate it! 💜