Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Really There is no other choice

Some not-quite-as-random-as-they-seem facts:

  • Once the SOLSC was over, I knew I wanted to keep slicing on Tuesdays
  • I have an old notebook and a tattered folder with some bits and pieces of old writing
  • Last night, the BONS were together--eating, laughing, telling stories, and sharing writing
  • The BONS know there is poetry hidden here and there in the notebook and folder
  • It's Poetry Month
So really, there is no other choice. I'm feeling nudged (pushed, pulled, encouraged, called--you pick) to pull out a couple of the poems and put them here. Where you can see them. 

To the BONS: I'm holding you all personally responsible for this!

This one was first written in spring of 2003, though it's about a fall tradition.

Round the bend
at the top of the hill,
smoke curls over the barn
where family history is made.

Cars standing,
head toward the wind
like cattle shoulder to shoulder
in the pasture.

Familiar faces
appear distorted,
like looking into an old mirror;
it happened so quickly.

Approaching slowly,
reconnecting with nods
and picking up
year-old conversations.

Rich tradition
sticks across generations;
through change, much stays the same
as the family story goes on.

8 comments:

  1. I think I'm thankful that you got the 'nudge' to share from the BONS. This is beautiful; you caught that family reunion feel so well to me. I've been there with those cars lined up like cattle, & seen the change, but pick it up as if it were yesterday. You said it all!

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  2. The last stanza--especially "through change, much stays the same...family..." A paradox but oh, so true! "Familiar faces appeared distorted--getting older? A lot to think about here.

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  3. The imagery is so strong in your poem! I have never experienced that kind of family reunion...but now I wish I would have. Clearly your writing talent all comes from that brilliant oldest son of yours. (You know, the one with impeccable taste in slicers' comments?) I am so glad you have a supportive community of writers around you to push you to keep slicing!

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  4. Yeah, Ruth. Your poem is beautiful. You capture moments with precise phrases that allow the reader to linger and imagine. :)MaryHelen

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  5. I could see it - your sensory details!! Keep slicing. As you know, it's pushing me. :)

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  6. I loved your poem. You have such great imagery. I was also struck by the comparison of cars to cattle. I like your line about reconnecting with nods -- how very true.

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  7. I enjoyed reading your posts from the solc! I've added you onto my blogroll! :)

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