Return to Spoon River, or Discover it for the First Time #poetry

You probably read this eminently creepy 1915 book in high school, but if you didn’t, let me introduce you. I discovered it this year during my first NaPoWriMo and made a note to myself to mention it to you sometime in October. Oh, man– it’s October! My favorite month of the year.

Oh, yeah, the book: “Return to Spoon River,” after Edgar Lee Masters’ book Spoon River Anthology. It’s a free book, and I invite you to check it out as it’s a-ma-zing for the month that houses Halloween!

And if you like, please check out my attempt, which first aired here on April 08th, 2021, to a limited audience. It’s a bit long for the kind of poetry I write, but not as long as some poems in the anthology.

Ada’s Monologue

I saw you doing it again today, Ma– 
that clamming you do with your lips 
whenever I questioned you about Pa’s whereabouts.

I’m no longer surprised.
All those times, so long ago– I always knew.

The scent of fresh-cut grass that wafted
from Pa’s foamy shaving lotion
was always missing on those mornings.

Ma, you never knew this,
but it was that scent that woke me up every morning.

And every morning, I’d walk to the door ledge
of the bedroom you shared with Pa
and find him standing 
with his long legs sprawled open,
bent at the waist 
over the basin of water,
and looking into the small
oval mirror attached to the furniture.

“Too dainty for a man,” Tate once whispered to me
about that furniture; “too much like a lady sort of thing.”
And Tate was right... (continues)

Ada’s Monologue is 465 words in its entirety. Please read the rest by clicking on the link below. Thanks, dearly.

You’re Doing it Again, Ma– Can’t Rest in Peace

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Photo: Image by Richard Mcall from Pixabay
Happy fall. I wish you miracles.

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Selma Martin

I’m a simple woman who dares to see the beauty in ordinary. I’d love to connect with you and like pen pals, I want something beautiful to blossom between us. Will you join me? Selma is my middle name. Its meaning—peaceful, complete, are euphoric affirmations I like to think of myself as having. They compliment the joy I feel when I write. I sincerely hope you decide to join me on my writing journey. I Wish You Miracles.

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This Post Has 5 Comments

Manja Maksimovič October 7, 2021 Reply

Oh, I remember this one. Thank you for giving it us once again.
1. Selma Martin October 7, 2021 Reply
  
  Yes, Manja. You were there. That was so much fun, huh? This particular prompt — I didn’t think I could do it. But I put on a brave face, read through a few and in the end found a good groove. I think. 🤣 enjoyed it. Glad you liked seeing this Spoon River Anthology reappear. Yay. Be well. 😘
sh sh status October 8, 2021 Reply

😍😍😍😍👍
Jaya Avendel October 8, 2021 Reply

I love the three opening lines in their body and sound! From start to finish, the piece is an engaging and imagist experience.
1. Selma Martin October 8, 2021 Reply
  
  Aww. Thanks a million for reading and engaging. You’re a gem in every way. Just, thanks. I wish you miracles