"And the glamour of communing with their own souls . . ."
~
Who knows why you found it appropriate to write that nice poem, but it does feel appropriate. It's probably something to do with her poetic spirit more than any of the themes or formats. She does seem to have been a gentle and observant soul...
Love that Hasse - yeah, I think you nailed it - her poetic spirit moved me in this way. Yeah, I agree - and you've said it so beautifully, "a gentle and observant soul..." 💜
Aw thanks so much Kim - it was one of those magical moments, where as the words came, I knew the poem was finally going to coalesce, after a good hour of pushing words around the page. It’s what I seek each time I write a poem.
Really like your poem, Dick. It’s arresting. Oddly, as I read it a second time, an additional, penultimate line popped into my head - “Sorry for not being”. I’m not sure quite why - there must be a small nihilist inside me somewhere...
Thanks so much Thomas - super meaningful of you to say so. Yeah I get that - for not being present maybe too? I numb out a lot with everything that’s going on in the world - it’s overwhelming! I think a little nihilism is healthy tbh, just to cope with it all. 💜
This is so beautifully penned - you embody her voice so beautifully here! I enjoyed the structure and your use of the ampersand. It is indeed a terrifying world we inhabit. Thanks for sharing - I enjoy these posts immensely. 🍁🧡🍁
Aw wow - thanks so much for lovely comment Carolyn, I really appreciate it. Your comment on the structure is really meaningful, cause that’s something I think about a lot, so thank you so much! Super meaningful. Here’s to making the world a little less terrifying together with poetry 💜💜💜
Dick, this is stunning. I loved all her poems, but the cinquain is my favorite. And your response is so powerful. This is the poetry we need right now. I remember reading a op-ed in the NYT when Trump was president that said resistance is writing a poem, listening to music, creating a song, reading a book...I hold on to that.
Thanks so much LeeAnn - yeah I love that chinquain too - such a banger! And totally agree with you re: poetry at the moment. Can’t imagine what it’s like being in America at the moment with Trumpism at its height. Watching it from over here in NZ - seems like a horror show. Thinking of y’all and really hoping for the best 💜💜💜
It’s really crazy. It makes me crazy, although I try to keep the news itself at a distance. I’ve made phone calls for Kamala. People are working really hard to get her elected.
Yeah I can only imagine. We are under a right wing government at the moment, which is bad enough, but nothing compared to Trump and his administration. That's great you're doing what you can - I am sure it will make the difference in the end! I got all my fingers and toes crossed for you. <3
Your poems in homage to Ritter are wonderful, Dick. I also loved the entry on Henry Bellamann, whose poetry probably never got much attention after he published his best-selling novel Kings Row in 1940.
Aw cheers Paul - I really appreciate it! I was just wondering - does the format of these suggest they are separate poems? Cause they were intended as stanzas of one poem. I wonder if I should not number them, but instead separate the stanzas with "* * *" or something like that? Not that it matters much haha. Just curious.
Yeah - Bellamann does seem to have fallen out of the consciousness - and I think you're right, once he became known as a novelist his poetry from the 20s seemed to vanish. But some of his work was so stunning! I really should do a longer post with a bit more of his work some time.
I see now, Dick - it is one poem of 5 stanzas and all work following the theme set forward in stanza I. Perhaps I was relating to them as separate because you included 5 of Ritter’s poems. My mistake. Don’t change a thing in the way you present your work.
Sweet - I just worry the numbers make it confusing haha. But I will keep them, as you have suggested. :-) I mean, in the end, they’re written to both be independent stand-alone stanzas and a whole - kinda like renga in haiku poetry so it’s a totally understandably reading you did!
"And the glamour of communing with their own souls . . ."
~
Who knows why you found it appropriate to write that nice poem, but it does feel appropriate. It's probably something to do with her poetic spirit more than any of the themes or formats. She does seem to have been a gentle and observant soul...
Love that Hasse - yeah, I think you nailed it - her poetic spirit moved me in this way. Yeah, I agree - and you've said it so beautifully, "a gentle and observant soul..." 💜
An urgent need for kindness ❤️❤️
Absolutely 💜
I adored all these poems, Ritters and Whytes.
This, though. This is everything:
& all that is left to say
is sorry,
sorry for not being
kinder
sooner
Aw thanks so much Kim - it was one of those magical moments, where as the words came, I knew the poem was finally going to coalesce, after a good hour of pushing words around the page. It’s what I seek each time I write a poem.
Thanks Dick as always. For new poets and your "conversation" with them♥️
Awww thanks! Always a pleasure 💜 Thanks for reading!
A tree
Against the sky
And then no tree at all
But just an inky silhouette
On grey.
.... love the imagery ! -thanks for sharing.
An absolute pleasure - yeah, it's a stunner of a cinquain! So glad you enjoyed it.
Indeed 🎶
I've copied your stanza V into notes on my phone to remind myself of this too.
Oh wow - I’m honoured Treasa. I hope it serves you well.
Thank you for this. For everything. 🖤
Aww - not sure what I did to deserve such thanks. But you are very welcome always. Give the trees my best. 💜
I will :)
🌴🌳🌲
Really like your poem, Dick. It’s arresting. Oddly, as I read it a second time, an additional, penultimate line popped into my head - “Sorry for not being”. I’m not sure quite why - there must be a small nihilist inside me somewhere...
Thanks so much Thomas - super meaningful of you to say so. Yeah I get that - for not being present maybe too? I numb out a lot with everything that’s going on in the world - it’s overwhelming! I think a little nihilism is healthy tbh, just to cope with it all. 💜
This is so beautifully penned - you embody her voice so beautifully here! I enjoyed the structure and your use of the ampersand. It is indeed a terrifying world we inhabit. Thanks for sharing - I enjoy these posts immensely. 🍁🧡🍁
Aw wow - thanks so much for lovely comment Carolyn, I really appreciate it. Your comment on the structure is really meaningful, cause that’s something I think about a lot, so thank you so much! Super meaningful. Here’s to making the world a little less terrifying together with poetry 💜💜💜
You're very welcome! Always looking for that next challenge! 🩷
Dick, this is stunning. I loved all her poems, but the cinquain is my favorite. And your response is so powerful. This is the poetry we need right now. I remember reading a op-ed in the NYT when Trump was president that said resistance is writing a poem, listening to music, creating a song, reading a book...I hold on to that.
Thanks so much LeeAnn - yeah I love that chinquain too - such a banger! And totally agree with you re: poetry at the moment. Can’t imagine what it’s like being in America at the moment with Trumpism at its height. Watching it from over here in NZ - seems like a horror show. Thinking of y’all and really hoping for the best 💜💜💜
It’s really crazy. It makes me crazy, although I try to keep the news itself at a distance. I’ve made phone calls for Kamala. People are working really hard to get her elected.
Yeah I can only imagine. We are under a right wing government at the moment, which is bad enough, but nothing compared to Trump and his administration. That's great you're doing what you can - I am sure it will make the difference in the end! I got all my fingers and toes crossed for you. <3
Love your poetic response, and big fan of 'Dedication', the one with the mirrors. Thanks for the work that goes into these!
Thanks so much Jordan - I really appreciate it! :-) Oh yeah, Dedication is such a good one - I almost forgot to include it haha - so glad I did!
Your poems in homage to Ritter are wonderful, Dick. I also loved the entry on Henry Bellamann, whose poetry probably never got much attention after he published his best-selling novel Kings Row in 1940.
Aw cheers Paul - I really appreciate it! I was just wondering - does the format of these suggest they are separate poems? Cause they were intended as stanzas of one poem. I wonder if I should not number them, but instead separate the stanzas with "* * *" or something like that? Not that it matters much haha. Just curious.
Yeah - Bellamann does seem to have fallen out of the consciousness - and I think you're right, once he became known as a novelist his poetry from the 20s seemed to vanish. But some of his work was so stunning! I really should do a longer post with a bit more of his work some time.
I see now, Dick - it is one poem of 5 stanzas and all work following the theme set forward in stanza I. Perhaps I was relating to them as separate because you included 5 of Ritter’s poems. My mistake. Don’t change a thing in the way you present your work.
Sweet - I just worry the numbers make it confusing haha. But I will keep them, as you have suggested. :-) I mean, in the end, they’re written to both be independent stand-alone stanzas and a whole - kinda like renga in haiku poetry so it’s a totally understandably reading you did!