Early in National Poetry Month, I shared how much I love Tracie Vaughn Zimmer’s new collection, Steady Hands. Now, here’s another collection of career poetry, taking a slightly younger, sillier (for the most part) look at the world of work.
| That’s right. It’s J. Patrick Lewis with a new poetry collection called Underwear Salesman: And Other Jobs for Better or Verse (illustrated by Serge Bloch). What a fun bunch of poems! Here are two of my favorites.
First, from the lighter side: Bathroom Attendant Toilet’s spiffy, I treat you –J. Patrick Lewis, all rights reserved
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And from the more lyrical side:
Mapmaker
I climb up a mountain by fine fountain pen.
I float down a Nile of ink.
I crisscross three countries, six cities and spend
A while on an isle to think.
I brush in the valleys and sweep in the sands,
I shadow blue oceans, green seas.
I’m the very particular painter of lands
Who measures the world…by degrees.
–J. Patrick Lewis, all rights reserved
Aren’t those fantastic?
Now, two other quick poetry-related announcements:
1) Today is the final day to sign your school up for a FREE event with poet David L. Harrison (he of the terrifc Pirates collection!). Participating classes/schools will use videoconferencing tools or watch by live webstreaming for this April 28 event. Go here for all the details! What a fantastic free opportunity!
2) I’m featured today in the Poetry-Makers series at The Miss Rumphius Effect. Whee! Please check it out if you have a chance (but don’t watch the video!) and leave a comment if you have time. I don’t want Tricia to think all her hard work is unappreciated!
The Poetry Friday Roundup today is at Lisa Chellman’s Under the Covers. Grab a flashlight, crawl under, and enjoy!