“So Much Love” — A Definito

Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)

Okay, friends, here’s another definito to go with Finding Family (coming in March from Lerner). I’m having a blast with these!

Also, I’m wondering if anyone else has had a sneak peek at Billy Collins’ new collection, Musical Tables. I’m usually such a fan of his work, but I admit this one doesn’t do it for me. Most of these uber-short poems (and y’all know I adore short poems!) left me shrugging. Many are the equivalent of dad jokes, where you just give a faint, polite chuckle. A few are allusions to works or artists I don’t know, so I just feel dumb. And a handful (but not nearly enough) make me feel something. I completely support an artist’s right to explore new forms, genres, etc. But…isn’t it disappointing when you look forward to a work by one of your favorites and then find it’s missing everything you love about their work? I’ll be interested to hear other Poetry Friday folks’ thoughts on this new collection.

Meanwhile, Jama is dishing up a delicious post and the Poetry Friday Roundup today! Happy Poetry Friday, everyone!

(I have a few more Finding Family F&Gs to share with bloggers who might want to feature the book on their blog. If you’re interested, will you put your info here? I have about five more to give away, I think.)

19 Responses

  1. Laura, thank you for your Billy Collins review. I haven’t read the book yet. Short poems are so tough! I have your same reaction to a lot of haiku, even ones by the old masters. But when one DOES makes me feel something, it’s usually pretty darn special. xo

  2. Thanks for the definito! Looking forward to the release of this book. 🙂

    Sorry to hear the new Collins book is a disappointment. Haven’t seen it yet.

  3. Love this image and your definito… the DOTE really hit me. Thanks, and have a wonderful warm Minnesota Thanksgiving!

  4. Laura, thanks for sharing, and for highlighting the word “dote!” This poem was so sweet. Happy Poetry Friday!

  5. Your poem and image is one big hug from top to bottom and all around, it’s just beaming with “dotism”
    and I ???? it. I’ll have to look at the Billy Collins book… Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Laura!

  6. Laura, your definito poems have prompted me to dig back into these poems in the last week or so. So thanks for that. Enjoyed ‘Dote.’ I’ve been doing a bit of that of late…

  7. I am just thrilled that so many people are enjoying my lil’ ol’ definito! It’s interesting to me that you are responding to and expanding on your own work using poetry–but I guess besides being fun for you it can become a resource for readers and their teachers. Smart!

  8. Awwwwwww, how sweet! I love this. And, I like seeing definition poems. I see so many students pretend to know what words mean instead of actually knowing. It’s poetry to the rescue!

  9. Your doting poem is adorable, Laura. (A‑dote-able?) 🙂 I haven’t read the newest Billy Collins yet. Thanks for your take on it. I’m curious to see what I think as I do normally love his stuff.

  10. Somehow I missed your post yesterday, Laura. I’m looking forward to your new books, know they will be terrific! The poem of love seems like it’s needed for everyone, all over the world, lately. Thanks for it & “DOTE”, haven’t thought of that word in a long time, super fun!

    1. Thanks also for the query about the new Billy Collins. I have it requested from my library so will see. I’m reading The Rain In Portugal right now. The poems are not short, offer a lot to ponder every time.

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