Happy fourth weekend of the new year, friends. Last year’s highlight and most
significant achievement was my first time participating in National Poetry Writing Month in April. What a fantastic creative outlet that was. God willing, I
intend to NaPoWri again this year.
Here’s one I meant to post last year, but overlooked. I hope you enjoy it.
(note: the color orange– or, its near-orange here– is for the color of the water tiger. It’s my sign in the Chinese Zodiac and I pay homage to it this way.)
Oh, the sneers, the lopsided grins, and the about-faces How dare the intruder stand up for the weirdness of one they detest Slowly withdrawing, their eyes stare intently, but from a distance Spitting out insults like stones that aim to maim But the intruder crosses himself like a Mother Teresa And like the good Mother, reaches down to the youngster Lying prostrate in the dirt. Curls his lips, Offers his arm, promptly shakes off his own upset A goody-two-shoes without hardships, the rascals called the young'un-- What did "her kind" know about their distress? Besides, with her being tight-lipped about her "pronouns," How was anyone to know "as what" she identified so they could reset? "Freak, weirdo," they shouted, like angry bigots, Causing more harm than good to themselves. The mean merriment of the sad flock running and cussing Lifted dust and nothing else in their wake While it's hard to prevent bad things from coming to oneself or others, It's up to each to take the noble path of opening eyes and hearts To make eyes learn to seek out the meek-- there under noses Teach souls to virtuosity claim That everyone is equal-- make that your overarching song Find the hidden talents in others-- something to be discovered yet. Cultivate a sense of nobility, courage, and integrity for the other Fill the minutes in worthy pursuits of see and wait In truth, we're all carnival attractions — freaks, weirdos In perfectly slant boxes we create of us and them Of the same color, world view, and finitude Hate for the others-- nothing will alleviate If you can direct your heart, nerve, and sinew In servicing others long after the hate is gone, To you belongs the earth and everything in it, And--what's more--you'll help win the more significant battles to come, my son! *** © 2021 selmamartin.com
I found the prompt daunting, so I had to rack my brain to come up with something.
Hmm, it could very well be that my brain is practically wrecked from all the thinking I’ve been doing this month.
Poetry, I love this! Check out the prompt:
And now for today’s prompt (optional, as always). One thing that makes me want to write poetry is reading poetry. Sometimes, reading another poet’s work gives me an idea or image. And sometimes I read a poem that I want to formally respond to – whether because I agree with it, or disagree with it, or just because it starts a conversation in my head that I want to continue on the page. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that responds, in some way, to another. This could be as simple as using a line or image from another poem as a jumping-off point, or it could be a more formal poetic response to the argument or ideas raised in another poem. You might use a favorite (or least favorite poem) as the source for your response. And if you’re having trouble finding a poem to respond to, here are a few that might help you generate ideas: “This World is Not Conclusion,” by Peter Gizzi, “In That Other Fantasy Where We Live Forever,” by Wanda Coleman, “La Chalupa, the Boat,” by Jean Valentine, or “Aubade: Some Peaches, After Storm,” by Carl Phillips. Happy writing!
The last stanza is my way of responding to the incomparable words of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If”
Thanks for reading and commenting. May you continue to feel the spirit of
the holidays: stress-free and joyous, full of gratitude and giving, and as
always, I wish you miracles. xoxo, Selma.
Photo: Image by Dmitry Abramov from Pixabay
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Very good words!
I appreciate the read and comment. Thanks for the support. xo
Very clever! ✨
xoxo. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the visit and comment. Be well. I wish you miracles.
That ending is precious!
Thanks,Rahul. Coming from you… xoxo
Yeah! I’m a carnival attraction!! I want my shirt now. 😀
One skirt. Colorful, yes? Yes! Coming right up. Thanks for reading and commenting. xoxo
😀 Okay, a skirt is even better. Yesss, with all the colours!
You got it ❤️ 💃🏼 👏 😉
I found miracles in the sixth and last stanza. Loved it!
You did? You have a good eye. Thanks for reading and commenting. xoxo
‘If’ is my all time favorite poem. You used it perfectly in the last stanza. The last two stanzas neatly wrapped up what the earlier stanzas tried to say.
“In truth, we’re all carnival attractions — freaks, weirdos
In perfectly slant boxes we create of us and them
Of the same color, world view, and finitude
Hate for the others– nothing will alleviate ” Very powerful!
“IF” wonderful poem. It’s one of my faves as well. And I’m so happy you liked what I did in the last stanzas. Makes me happy to know you read. Be well, Smitha. I wish you miracles.
Thank you Selma! This poem touched me, being that I work in a school and see and overhear the comments students make to others. I so want to help all of the beaten down little souls find their gifts and hidden talents. It is a harsh world we live in right now, but we need to seize the moment and extend a hand. God places us where he needs us. I am going to grab hold of one of your writing prompts when I can muster some confidence. I think I need private grammar lessons, I didn’t quit catch on as well as I should’ve in school. Maybe I should just jump in and take a writing class. I have a Microsoft excel class I am about to sign up for. Looking for a new job, I want my skills to be sharp.
Thanks for all you do, you are a true inspiration.
Love,
Monico
You were touched because you have a good heart. I know.
And God does place us where He needs us the most.
You’re right where you are meant to be. 👏
If I can help you in anything, let me know. You know where to find me, Amiga.
Love you tons.
Be well, my lovely. I wish you miracles.
Absolutely true! We weigh and value the world according to our nature. Nice thought, Selma 💕
Thanks for supporting my efforts, Jane. Xoxo
Welcome dear Selma. You are a miracle poet🤗
And so are you, Jane. 🪄 I bless you and wish you miracles. 💕
Thank you so much dear and i wish miracles for you too 💕
National Poetry Writing Month is a wonderful event to participate in. Bravo to you! Your poem is epic! I enjoyed all of it; the last two stanzas captivated me.