Welcome, and happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’m so happy you’ve dropped by. Whether you’re a regular participant in the Poetry Friday world, or you ended up here from a search or a link, please know that we’re a welcoming community! Read, comment, think, share, and enjoy!
I got my contributor copy of If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility, the anthology created by Irene Latham and Charles Water, gorgeously illustrated by Olivia Sua. Wow! What a dreamy book, both in look and in content. It’s a celebration of possibility and imagination and heart in so many different ways.
Here’s my poem, followed by a few fun facts. This poem is feeling very apropos at the moment, as our older daughter has significant health issues that are impacting her ability to hold a job and her overall quality of life in a big way. Good thoughts are appreciated.
Nobody Remembers
If everybody was healthy,
the hospital would empty out.
All around,
kids would hit pop flies,
granddads would tend roses,
grown-ups would push strollers,
ice cream trucks would sing down streets,
beagles would ask for belly rubs,
and teachers would share stories,
until, finally,
one day,
the hospital would be
just a dusty shadow,
and nobody would remember
what was ever there.
–© Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved,
from If I Could Choose a Best Day
Fun facts:
- My initial poem that was accepted for the anthology was “If You Listen to a Shell.” I’ll share that one another time.
- It ended up not fitting well as the shape and mood and illustration considerations of the anthology developed further.
- Irene and Charles invited me to write a new poem on the topic of health (but not Covid).
- We were under tight deadlines. I wrote 8 different health poems that week and sent them all in. “Nobody Remembers” was the 8th one.
- I believe the longest single sentence I’ve ever written in a poem is in this poem!
- My poem shares a spread with a wonderful poem by Robyn Hood Black, and you’ll see plenty of other Poetry Friday friends too!
- You can attend a free virtual reading!
I’m so grateful to be in this anthology. Over the past five years or so, there have been several anthologies that I’ve loved so much and been so sad not to be part of. I’m glad I’m in this one! It’s stunning and hopeful and comforting. Congratulations, Irene, Charles, Olivia, and Candlewick on this glorious book, coming March 4. Pre-order now!
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with lovely Linda at Teacher Dance!
17 Responses
Laura, I LOVE that you shared the backstory about this poem! Your work ethic is so impressive and inspiring… I mean, you gave us 8 poems to choose from! Working with you is a dream. xo
Right back at you, Irene. I’ve learned so much from watching and reading your work…<3
This is indeed a fun backstory. Congrats on the anthology! I hope I can attend the online reading. I send good thoughts your way, too, Laura.
Thank you for sharing your poem, Laura! I am so looking forward to this book and have already ordered it and I hope to attend the virtual reading. Health is such a concern for so many. I especially feel it as I get older.
Thanks for sharing your poem, Laura (and congrats on being included in the new anthology). If only hospitals could become obsolete because everyone remained healthy!! Sending positive healing vibes to your daughter.
Linda, I am so sorry about your daughter’s health concerns. I hope that she recovers quickly. If only we did not need hospitals! Your poem is so fitting and beautiful.
Thanks Laura for sharing your back story to your poem. I hope your daughter gets well soon. With my husband’s illness, we have spent a lot of time there too. I look forward to the day when:
one day,
the hospital would be
just a dusty shadow,
and nobody would remember
what was ever there. 🙂
Looking forward to the reading event!
Thanks, Cathy. Our daughter isn’t going to “get well,” so we’re just hoping she gets better, you know? Sending healthy thoughts to you and your husband <3
I want those hospitals to be “dusty shadows” as you wrote, Laura, & wonder about the other 7 poems, too. Congratulations on being in this anthology, one that feels as if it’s very needed. Best wishes for your daughter’s health to be better!
A poem of hope and longing, Laura. Some delightful images included. The personal connection makes your poem more relevant. Congratulations on this latest publishing conquest.
Love this, Laura! I’m looking forward to sharing this book with my students!
What a treasure this book is/will be. So needed for These Times.
Your poem is lovely and holds so much meaning. I have pre-ordered this anthology and can’t wait to read all of the poems. I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s health issues. Sending love and hugs to your family. xo
Congratulations, Laura! To me you are so inspiring with so much great work out in the world. My best to your daughter. I hope she gets well.
Laura, congratulations on your inclusion into this beautiful anthology. I can’t wait to read it. It was interesting to see the fun facts at the end of your poem. Prayers and good wishes for your sweet daughter.
Hi, Spread-Mate! So honor to share the spread and the pages of this anthology with you. Your poem provides a thoughtful “jolt” almost, amidst this dreamy collection, and will resonate with so many. Sending warmest thoughts and prayers for you and yours and wishes for healing/improvement for your daughter. xo
Oh, I too loved reading this backstory! And I’ve registered for the reading — looking forward to it!