Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
You guys, I have so missed you! I hope you’re all well, and I’m excited to start catching up on all I’ve missed over the past month or two. We’re still getting settled in, but I’m going to try picking back up my Poetry Friday posts and visits.
Edited to add: Of course, just as I say this, I have discovered that the Poetry Princesses met last Sunday instead of this coming Sunday. I was not doing a good job of keeping up with our communications, and I totally missed out on our live writing session. Again.
Meanwhile, I had already written this post and scheduled it before the poetry princesses even met. So at least I have something, but I have missed out on doing the cool artsy poems they are sharing this week. ???? I swear I will get my act together eventually…
Anyway, earlier this month, while writing with a small study group, I decided to revise a poem I originally wrote for BookSpeak (though it never appeared in that book). It was called “Why Aren’t All Books Happy?” I shared it here.
Here’s the new version. It’s still not finished, but I do like it better.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, join Linda Mitchell for the Poetry Friday Roundup!
12 Responses
Laura, I read your first version and realized that i read it in 2020. At that time, I felt the pangs of sorrow, loneliness, and heartache that some books portray‑a deep dive into reality. This version is a more sophisticated format that reaps the same benefits for me-time to pause and feel strong emotions felt by others at this moment. Well done. As for moving, I know the roller-coaster feelings and how difficult it is to be in the muddle. Best of luck with settling in. I am just about ready to say I am getting to a point of peace but I have to transverse this sinus infection that has added a new feature to the adventure.
Laura, so glad you are settling in and finding your way back to your writing groups. I love both of your poems, a different way to tell the story. “Why Aren’t All Books Happy?” and now “Why You Cry When You Read Me” — children would recognize the two kinds of books–skimming across the water, perfect curlicue waves, white triangles and circle suns draw for us a two-dimensional seascape. The second kinds of book, illustrated here, is nearing the cliff and monsters. You’ve invited children to read those books safely. Beautifully written and illustrated.
“Not every boat returns to port.” Both sad and exciting — and true! I can really feel this poem. I’m glad you are settled in your new home!
You really have put all the feelings in this one, Laura. “And then there are books like me” feels so downhearted. I’m thinking it’s a challenge whether to feel sorry for the book or for the poet! : ) There’s gotta be hope in there somewhere! (Sorry you missed the zentangle.) It was fun!
Laura, how fun to take an old poem and give it a new spin. I kind of love poems that make me cry. xo
I love your creative way of presenting this poem. Canva? I love to hate books that make me cry. When I read aloud to my students I always warn them when I might cry, and I usually do. So now I will think of how we are holding each other on this turbulent ocean.
Thanks, Margaret–yep, Canva. Aww…one of my earliest memories is 3rd grade, Mrs. Gracey reading Where the Red Fern Grows, and her own voice cracking as I (and some others) silently cried. There’s a certain communion there…
My favorite books are ones that make me cry. I think it takes a great author to draw the reader in that deeply. Thanks for a poem that acknowledges the importance of tear-jerkers!
It’s a perfect metaphor! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Oh, my goodness.…yes! I understand trying to keep all the stitches from falling off the needle! As in how I double booked myself on Friday, the ONE day of the year I hosted Poetry Friday! Ha! Thank goodness our friends take our catching up in stride. I love this poem. A student of mine from years ago used to talk about this with me. She only wanted books with happy endings! LOL. I love this answer to her search.
It’s good for a reader to know exactly what she wants :>)
Laura, your poem is gorgeous so moving and emotive, you took my breath away. And I love the stormy, white capped water image too, And these lines, “and a tentacle slithers up from dark swells. / Here there be monsters.” but you bring us home together at the end, thanks!