Today’s poetry celebration comes from Padma Venkatraman is the author of four award-winning, critically acclaimed novels: A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, and THE BRIDGE HOME. All were released to three or more starred reviews (accruing a total of 12 starred reviews), and all three were ALA/Yalsa Best Books, Booklist Editor’s Choices, and CCBC choices. THE BRIDGE HOME won the Golden Kite award for Middle Grade Fiction. Padma turned to writing after obtaining her doctorate in oceanography at the College of William and Mary. She lives in Rhode Island with her family.
Inspiration
Mirror and juxtaposition.
Juxtaposing different ideas can create tension or provide humor in a poem; that’s the basis for what I call a mirror poem. I haven’t come across other examples of this before, so it’s a fun invention of mine (I think), not a recognized category.
Process
Try thinking of two ways to do something. You might think, for example of two different ways to do something as mundane as eating peas – balancing on the back of one’s fork as the British do, versus spearing each pea with the prong of a fork as a child might; or two ways to play on a slide (sliding down like you’re supposed to versus climbing up). You might also think of two ways to approach an issue or answer a question or tell a story that’s more complex.
After brainstorming the possibilities, choose a topic that interests you. Write two short poems, each of which explores a different possibility.
Rewrite the two short poems so that they mirror one another closely in terms of line size, number of lines and/or shape.
Now, format the page so that you have two columns. Place the two short poems side by side, and voila – there’s your mirror poem – an interesting reflection on an aspect of life, with the poems mirroring one another even as they explore different approaches to a topic.
The model poem on the next page is an unpublished poem that explores how we often pass on our moods by the way we act. It also tells a story with the same characters, but with different endings. Notice the similarities and differences in the mini-poems on the left and right, which mirror one another.
Have fun, reflecting on serious themes or mirroring lighter ones!
Padma’s Poem
Write
Here is a video on how to create columns in the comment box. Of course, you do not HAVE to do this. Stacking your poems is just find, but if you are game for trying very easy code, here you go:
You can copy and past this code into the comment box and just switch out the words “left poem” and “right poem” for your poem. To add lines, just follow the pattern.
<div style=”float: left; width: 50%;”>
<ul>
<li>Left poem</li>
<li>Left poem</li>
<li>Left poem</li>
<li>Left poem</li>
<li>Left poem</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style=”float: right; width: 50%;”>
<ul>
<li>Right poem</li>
<li>Right poem</li>
<li>Right poem</li>
<li>Right poem</li>
<li>Right poem</li>
</ul>
</div>
Your Turn
Now, scroll to the comment section below to write your own poem. (This is a public space, so you may use only your first name or initials depending on your privacy preferences.) Not ready? That’s okay. Read the poems already posted for more inspiration. Ponder your own throughout the day. Return later. And, if the prompt does not work for you, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Just write something. Also, please be sure to respond to at least three writers. Oh, and a note about drafting: Since we are writing in short bursts, we all understand (and even welcome) the typos and partial poems that remind us we are human and that writing is always becoming. If you’d like to invite other teachers to write with us, tell them to subscribe.
* I also tried the code and failed – not quite sure where I messed up…sorry.
writing a poem
page empty
words flow
page fills
and
I stop to read
scratch and move
reread for flow
scratch some more
and reread
one more thing
page empty
line by line
fit the pieces
what next?
keep moving
a stanza end
a few more lines
a stanza more
thought complete
the end is near
Ah, we can all relate to these two types of poems coming off our pen or keyboards. Some days I write and post right into the comment section. Other days I spend more time. I believe in the end product no one can tell the difference in the way it came together for me. Be sure to read Stacey’s poem today.
I can relate. Sometimes the poems flow with ease, and sometimes not so much. I like the question in the middle, “what next?” – so familiar.
Reading vs Audio books
Crisp pages on the tips of my finger
My hand holding my next adventure
Eyes centered on the vanilla sheets
Sitting on the porch water on my side
Sun bearing down on my body
Lost in this moment in time
Headphones on read to hit play
Phone in my pocket ready to start
Gravel and grass at my feet with each step
Sweat dripping down my head
I get the notification
“Over heat stop playing”
I hit stop and return home
Two delightful ways to read books. For me the second stanza would have to be from the perspective of a distracted multitasker who missing out on the book with too many other thoughts and tasks. But you have created a poem of two perfect opportunities to enjoy reading. “eyes centered on the vanilla pages” what a beautiful line.
I have a question, does your phone know you are overheated or is the phone overheated? And how is that they coincide? That’s a great feature! 🙂
Ryan,
I really liked how to explained the difference between reading a book versus an audiobook being read to you. It seems to me that reading with a book in your hand is what you enjoy more. Thank you for sharing!
In the Classroom. Distance Learning
Classroom library. Digital library
Take out your books. Charge your devices
Pencil boxes. Text boxes
Write your thoughts. Record your thinking
Put your papers in the tray. Click check to submit your work.
HI Donnetta,
Isn’t it just insane? Great way to show the mirrored perspectives! My favorite line is Pencil boxes. Text boxes. I am having such a hard time accepting this may be our world for a long while.
Thank you!
Padma, I adore this prompt! What an fun exploration of opposition! Sarah, your video inspired me to try the column coding! I won’t know if this works until I hit “submit”!
Oh no! It failed! I did TRY, Sarah!
You have expressed this so well.
Oh, I love this. I love the flash of the neon pool against the steely stones, the feel of the splash against my face, and the tendrils of thoughts pulling me back to the poem. What a beautiful way to describe the push and pull of words and poetry.
This is GOLDEN!!!! I love it!
feel the tendrils
of my thoughts
pull me
back
to the poem.
What a beautiful reflection of your mind’s journey with poetry and memos! Truly a treat for me tonight.
I tried the coding too. Something we missed but hey, we are poets, not coders. ?
Allison,
The difference in word choice between stanzas 1 and 2 is perfectly apt. Stanza 1 is so beautiful and poetic. My goodness, the images – just of few of my favorite lines:
“flash the neon
pool against
the steely stones.
Splash the words
against my face,”
And of course, Stanza 2 shows the angst of too many memos, and trying to be pulled back to the poetry. Beautifully done.
I love the two very different effects the texts have on the reader. There is a visceral element. I love the way the poem is connected to natural images like the splash of water on one’s face.
Elevator vs. Stairs
Claustrophobia
Weightless, sinking, unsteady
Avoid eye contact
Invigorating
Rhythmic, burning, breathtaking
Embrace the challenge
Rachel this is an accurate reflection! My mom suffered terribly with claustrophobia and when we would have to get on an elevator after she was too elderly to climb stairs, she would almost fall out. ” Weightless, sinking, unsteady” is EXACTLY what she must have experienced.
Thank you for this clear reflection!
I nver thought about the space difference when it came to stairs and elevators thsi brought that to my mind. I enjoyed the picture that you draw with all of these people crammed together in the elevator.
[Note: I took a left turn from the prompt today, Padma, I’m sorry. Instead, I just wrote about mirrors. I love the prompt though…just couldn’t quite get in that groove today. I finally, after 30 days of lockdown, took a drive to the lake home of some friends (I totally socially distanced, not to worry) and sat there staring at the mirror images on the water’s surface. I’m asking Sarah to post the pic I used as my mirror inspiration. Susie]
Mother of Mirrors
Liebig, a chemist of German descent,
studied reactions of silver and glass,
surely stunned, he was jolted
maybe even revolted –
looking down with that frown,
there was Liebig
himself staring back —
the modern mirror was hatched!
But wait …
we’ve had all sorts of mirrors
for six maybe eight thousand years —
polished up copper, steel, silver, gold,
even obsidian – lava gone cold;
from Romans to Egyptians
to Chinese to Venetians,
the looking glass returns our face.
But the crafter, the artist,
twinning images the smartest —
to stop us in our tracks —
Mama Nature, her palette perfect eye
leans over the lake,
blurring wet with the dry,
and hands back
the bank row of spring cypress,
mirrored in a shimmering, frescoed
doubling.
by Susie Morice©
http://www.ethicalela.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/susie1.jpg
Susie,
Pardon my language…
You’re a fu!%ing poetic genius!
First of all, I can’t even believe the picture was somethiing you captured in person. Just WOW. How could you leave that place?
Then you craft a poem that blows me backwards. So I guess one of these days, you’ll admit that you’re not Susie Morice, you’re some famous poet hiding behind that name.
I’m in total awe.
What a gorgeous slice of love from nature:
Mama Nature, her palette perfect eye
leans over the lake,
blurring wet with the dry,
and hands back
the bank row of spring cypress,
mirrored in a shimmering, frescoed
doubling.
Tomorrow, I demand the truth! Who are you??
I laughed when I read Stacey’s demand to know the truth of what famous poet lurks behind these words. Maybe we have met her: Susie, modern minstrel. This was a beautiful place of inspiration. A beautiful fresco. I love when you introduce the oldest and most beautiful author of twinning:
“But the crafter, the artist,
twinning images the smartest —
to stop us in our tracks —
Mama Nature, her palette perfect eye”
I love that you call her Mama Nature too. Thanks for this subtle detour from today’s assignment.
Padma, I had fun with this! It seemed easy BEFORE I began, but it was a fun challenge. I enjoyed your poem, picturing the cat starting all the play and chaos. As a cat lover, it made me smile. Tried the coding twice and it didn’t work. I think there’s a little more to it and now I want to learn it! Dang.
On Writing and Being a Writer
By Stacey L. Joy
Love how you wrote this.
What a beautiful way to describe our experience together here – the tender eyes and hearts to love. That assessment of white doc and black shapes, looking for meaning and purpose is what drives us, but so does that response. The sounds (tap, tap, tap) and feel (scrunch of eyes) and imagery (fingers grip marker) draw me in too.
Stacey, I love the two types of drafts you describe here. Both with the same delightful conclusion. “For tender eyes and hearts to love” That warms my heart.
The process seems about the same in both drafts–constant revision as you search for meaning, order and emotion in the gift you share with us each day. You succeeded today, my friend.
Stacey – You are SOOOO right…”for tender eyes and hearts/To love.” And we do LOVE what you give us each day. Your words come like a giggle in a burst or a whack of wake-up or a long soothing exhalation…. I love that you “write drafts,” as they consistently bring me something special each day. I’m so blown away by the power of our “family” here. Glad to have such a sista. Cyber hugging you right now. Susie
here’s a link to my poem (I couldn’t get the formatting right): https://bit.ly/3a5OpaR
Swaney,
Your poem is visually gorgeous, and the language choices are ethereal. Love the “shimmering canopy,” the image of the tree’s staircase branches, and the personification of the tree hugging. Have you read “The Hidden Life of Trees”? It’s a beautiful analysis of human qualities of trees. Thank you for this spectacular concrete poem.
—Glenda
Swaney-beautiful visually and in your words.
Hi,
I love it! It’s so pretty to look at and the images you painted jumped right out.
This was my favorite part:
Each limb led me upwards
To climb like a staircase
I always loved climbing trees as a child. Today, when I see climb-worthy trees, I just stand there and wonder if any children are taking the time to climb anymore.
Thank you! I couldn’t get the formatting either. Oh well. I’m a writer not a coder. ?
This was so fun! When reading the prompt, I was immediately reminded of one of my favorite DMB songs- “Funny the Way it Is” (Link to lyrics if you are curious: https://bit.ly/2XzZBcZ)
Jennifer,
I love how this is a narrative and embraces the juxtaposition prompt. The repetition of “poop jelly beans” is adorable, and that contrasted with the glass of wine offers just the right juxtaposition of childhood imagination and adult joy in noticing.
Sarah
I’m betting lettuce and carrots were harder to get this year, which makes the cookies easier. This glimpse of Easter excitement has it all – conversation, childhood quirky humor (pooping jelly beans), arranging the grass, getting dressed up. I know how much that wine is a great end to the day. Tying them together with the repeated line shows how much your days align despite individual journeys.
Oh, great!
It’s movie date night where we
as we sink into the couch
Oh, popcorn!
Emily, I really enjoy how well you articulate the differing attitudes about watching a film together. The subtitles part was especially funny for me as I love to be able to read what the actors are saying as I am now so hard of hearing, but it drives my husband nuts. Very enjoyable read!
I love the way you chose to shape this (I messed around trying to get mine set up in columns with the last line positioned to “tie” the pair together but to no avail so I really appreciate this positioning visual). The balance of word length, punctuation (! to start and stop), and the contrast of the two perspectives is effective.
An echo of our house—I am the one on the phone, and my husband wanting subtitles. I love the contrast…
Emily, your poems always deliver! I love the bonding time that gets iffy! LOL, so realistic. You nailed it with
Is it rude if I’m on my phone?
an eyeroll
Classic!
Happy that you enjoyed the time on the couch, regardless of what you did or didn’t do together.
Emily — This poem made me giggle. Very real top to bottom. Oh, popcorn! LOL! Love it. Susie
I tried the code, but it didn’t work for me! Maybe, I’m too techno ignorant! 🙂
Donna, I thought I had my poem more separated but when I came back to read and respond to the poems, I noticed it did not look like at all like I meant it to…..Oh well! I really like the two different perspectives here. I definitely feel as though there has been a shift about life after college and your specific details show this well! Nicely done!
Donna — I’m smiling at the argument you have going for yourself. That’s a fun set of ambitions. You can’t go wrong with any of them! Susie
So sweet! It’s funny how our ambitions can change so much at different points in life. I love the rhyme in this line: “To ‘see the U.S.A’, perhaps in a Chevrolet”.
Right Poem
Tide comes in
Goes out slowly
Storm ceases
I look at you
You glare at me
Who would have thought
The hurricane was the best part
Left Poem
Tide pulls out
Comes in quickly
Storm begins
I glare at you
You look at me
Only you would have thought
The hurricane was the worst part
Nice! For some reason, I envisioned a married couple in week two of marriage counseling as I read this. I love the imagery and the deeper message. It really puts the situation or “storm” into perspective from both parties or “tides”. Awesome job!
Wow, Lauryl, everyo work matters in this poem. The mirroring works so well, and like a mirror, you draw us in for a closer look at what we are not seeing clearly. This question of perspective, and then “only you would have thought/the hurricane was the worst part” — well, that was a sense of knowing that was revealed in thus the right line of this poem.
Sarah
Lauryl — This is so well crafted. Quite impressive and packs a punch of reality… who would have thought/only you would have thought. Yeow! Really a dandy piece…and so tight in it’s word choices and placement. Love it. Susie
Lauryl,
each person feels the importance of the other looking at them and it holds such weight. Others can have such a impact on each of our lives. I loved the mention of a hurricane at the end of each, it really made the endings perfect. Thank you for sharing!
Blue and Brown
Soft hands touch
What blue eyes see
And brown eyes see
What rough hands touch
He holds her cheek
and plants a kiss
Who knew that he
Could love so much
Soft hands hold
What blue eyes see
And brown eyes see
What rough hands hold
She breaks her gaze
To hide her tears
Who knew that love
Would soon grow cold
Ann, thank you for sharing your poem! I love the way your lines start off so similar but end in such conflicting ways. It makes me want to look closer at this kiss. What a familiar bit of heartache!
Ann,
The repetition in the mirroring of these lines works so well in this juxtaposition poem. I found myself waiting for the revelation, to discover the change. There is this sense that we know what is possible, we know of impermanence in life and love, but it is still a surprise to see, to witness that change in another.
Peace,
Sarah
Unsure
loving
caring
laughter
smile
fun
support
help
sincere
friends
loving?
caring?
laughter?
smile?
fun?
support?
help?
sincere?
maybe not?
These short, succinct, specific pieces work so well in this format. The brevity makes it more impactful. And the singular punctation mark hits home. This would be a great challenge for students too (write with only x number of words and still get your message across).
This poem represents every beginning and/or ending relationship. A simple end mark makes all the difference—I really like this!
Monica, your poem is so thought-provoking. I’ve often felt this way at times….my inner voice thinks, “Really, I thought you were a friend?” and then realizing that my perception has been “off”. That kind of experience can be particularly painful, especially if you feel you’ve been mistreated or manipulated. I like how the sequence of words are exact and to the point. Well done!
The question marks definitely change the lines. I like that the last line in the second poem is different than the last line of the first. Maybe me think.
Dishes in the Sink
Seana,
I want to come eat at your house. Your images in the first stanza have my tummy growling, but oh that aftermath in the second stanza is not at all appetizing. That’s when I call in the canine clean-up crew. Thank you.
—Glenda
Seana,
I love the mirroring of “red” in these two stanzas. The adjectives are everything to show connotation: remnants, limp, unidentified, but that one word “gook” is just perfect to contrast the gooey mac n cheese, which I am now craving!
Sarah
Yum!!! Your poem made me hungry! Apples and brown sugar are my favorite! I love the imagery and your word choices were perfect!-“Limp noodle pieces” and “unidentified gook” are my favorites! Thanks for sharing your wonderful writing with us today.
Cats and Dogs
We exist
To serve cats.
They take a message
When we call; maybe they
Will answer, or maybe they won’t.
Indifference is the key to being a quality cat.
Ask any quality cat—but they probably will not reply.
Dogs, on the other hand, await their purpose
Defending their person from danger, real
Or imagined. Always on the ready for
Any adventure to come their way.
Dogs do not condescend.
They are here to fill
The holes in
our love.
Oh, Gayle, I wonder what of your poem will most resonate with cat and dog lovers in our community. I do not live with animals, but these two characterizations remind me of my sisters.
Sarah
Gayle, I really loved that you gave your poem shape! It really added another dimension to it.
I can appreciate those cat qualities. But the dog attributes? That’s where my heart lies. – Always on the ready, defending their person. But “here to fill the holes in our love” is my favorite reason why. What a beautiful way of stating that.
Gayle, thank you for sharing this fun poem! I love putting voices to animals – mostly cats and dogs! This juxtaposition made me smile. “Ask any quality cat..” – my favorite line!
I love this – I stopped to read because of your form – as a dog and cat owner you hit the nail on the head – such fun – your language so clear
This is a found poem from a blog post by Arlene Hirsch, “Revisiting the Metaphor of the Half Empty Glass”
The Glass
stereotypical metaphor
half full
optimist
positive thinking
rose-colored glasses
positive action
winner
half empty
pessimist
negative thinking
what’s missing
inaction
loser
Both only see half the whole
Face the facts, we need you both
Conjures up bold
and
audacious
dreams
recognizes weaknesses
finds vulnerabilities
points out obstacles
call to action
We need both halves to make a whole
Denise,
I love the lines “Both only see half the whole /
Face the facts, we need you both.” I struggle w/ the constant push to be positive, as though it’s not human nature to have pessimistic thoughts sometimes. I remember reading somewhere that it’s the dissatisfaction of pessimists that lead to innovation. Of course, that kind of pessimism requires a “can do” optimism to solve and innovate. Love this,
—Glenda
What a fun discussion between seemingly opposites! I wish we saw more of this thinking in our world; particularly: “recognizes weaknesses” and “conjures up bold and audacious dreams”
(I also couldn’t get the code to work…but it certainly was a welcome distraction to monitoring student progress online!)
Denise,
I so appreciate your attention to text features in this to add a visual message of emphasis and subtlety. These lines are gorgeous in their slant and vowels.
Conjures up bold
and
audacious
dreams
Sarah
I love that you brought the two together to show why/how we need both to make the whole – face the facts. This is a positive way (glass half full way) of looking at this.
Your reflections are so strong. I love the way you carry the idea of how it takes two halves to make a whole. throughout. We have all experienced the ying and the yang of life’s ups and downs. The downs make the ups so much more enjoyable, for how can you understand joy, if you have never experienced pain?
Denise—this is perfect.
The concept and the execution. Conjures …dreams/ recognizes weaknesses/call to action. We really do need both!
Denise — I really like the whole notion of needing both sides of that coin. “We need you both.” and really loved “Conjures up bold/and/audacious/dreams.” “…to make a whole.” Yup. The sense of balance comes through. Thank you, Susie
I’m trying to use the code, but not having luck!
falling asleep
Like a bubble bath brimming with
swirling, soothing, silky oils,
gently shooing
mollified memories
forgotten fears
attainable aspirations.
Like a bubble of gas from deep within,
bursting through Earth’s crust
threatening to spew
molten memories
fiery fears
ashen aspirations.
Mollified memories – such a pretty line, as are the soft sounds in gently shooing. I love the contrast between these two.
Laura,
I love the deep imagery in both of these poems. “Swirling, soothing, silky oils” such great words to describe a bubble bath. And wow “molten memories” is such a wonderful line I love the connotations that that has in your poem. Thanks for sharing!
like your line mollified memories – words feel smooth – second stanza hot and rough
Padma, thank you for provoking our brains to observe in a different way today. Your piece reminds me of what we talk about in the classroom – what’s happening to one of us, how we respond to each other, affects all of us. Spat vs purred.
1
his little feet gallop
the sound pitterpattering
in hurry and explore
life can’t wait
let’s go see
there’s so much more
along the path
words chitterchattering
daffodil smiles
and bubblegum cheeks
eyes blue agate marbles
slowing down
his hand tucks into hers
2
Her old feet muddle
A scrape, scuff, shuff
Of watch and wait
We’ll get there
Won’t you notice…
Spent some time here
Along the path
Words waltz in 3/4 time
Worn linen smiles
Her cheeks faded pages
Eyes forget-me-not
One pace
Her hand tucks into his.
Jennifer, you’ve done such a lovely work of creating a quicker pace with the first poem even with the same structure. I had to reread the first part as it skips through, whereas I fall into step with the second.
This has me missing my 17 month old granddaughter – so dear! Love the tucking of the hands, love the different paces…pitterpattering versus muddle. Thank you for this!
Jennifer, I love this poem! It brought a huge smile to my face. His pitterpatter to her scrape, scuff, shuff – what an amazing mirror poem. It’s brevity brings out a simple beauty in the imagery it paints.
As always, I love everything about this. I love the quick pace of him, and the slowed pace of her as Laura said as well. The “bubblegum cheeks” and “let’s go see” remind me so much of my girls on our neighborhood walks. Then there is me, “old feet muddle”. I love it! Thanks for sharing.
Left Poem
“Crippling”
Bed,
I can’t seem to get out of you
I’m so tired,
but I don’t use you properly
I hardly sleep
You bring me thoughts and sadness
I’m awake when I’m with you
You always know how to draw me in
and sometimes you don’t let me leave
Who am I kidding?
I don’t try leaving very hard
I wish I would try harder somedays
and I wish you would make me get up
Right Poem
“Rest”
Bed,
I love the way you hold me
I’m so tired,
but you help me properly
I hardly lose sleep
You bring me tranquility and peace
and I’m hardly awake when I’m with you
You always make me so comfortable
and sometimes I don’t ever want to leave
Kidding? no
I don’t want to leave
I wish you could hold me harder somedays
and I wish you would ask me to stay
Love these two poems, Naydeen! The subtle differences in each poem really show how much a change in mindset can make. Getting out of bed these days is definitely a chore! Thank you for sharing.
This writing shouts out the struggle I have as well. I love that last line – I wish you would ask me to stay. Crippling is such a powerful word and beginning there really sets the tone for that first poem.
Naydeen — This feels like you were voyeuristic here…is that me!?!! LOL! The first “hardly sleep” and “you draw me in… don’t let me leave” feels so real. And then the 2nd half “I don’t want to leave…hold me harder…ask me to stay.” This is quite fun. It’s a very real argument I’ve been having. Thanks! Susie
What a fun and novel poem idea! I really like how the mirror image “pops” with the two columns. Nothing like a pandemic to give me time to play with code – ha! I’m going to dare to try this…I figure I can repost vertically, if this is a fail, right?
Maureen, I love this. As I read through your preferences, I think of what I also like or dislike, and how my preferences are also in opposition to my “he.” This is also why my sweets drawer is full of pieces and he doesn’t have a drawer…:D
Maureen,
It’s uncanny how accurate your descriptions are to myself and my husband. I can not stop at one or just a bite. Ken can make a single chocolate lady all day. Love that the last line in each stanza rhymes, creating a harmony ic yin to yang chocolate consumption. Thank you.
—Glenda
Maureen — You’ve made me SOOOOO hungry! I’m laughing at myself, as I am (at different times) BOTH of these two! Oh dear! But mostly, now, I just have to go have a piece of chocolate. LOL! Susie
I like the idea of looking at the same thing from two povs – and chocolate! there are so many ways to look at chocolate – see myself and others I know in your words
I love the detailed reactions each person has to their favorite chocolate. I was thinking how well this would pair with the essay “Chocolate Equals Love” by Diane Ackerman.
SUCH a lot of talent here! Thanks so much, dear teachers! I will do my very best to check in again later today – and forgive the brevity of my comments below, but I loved reading this. It’s just that we lost power because of the storm so we need to conserve batteries, so I will confess my reading was much more cursory than usual, but I loved every one of these poems! MOST OF ALL, I want to say thank you a thousand times to each and every one of you for doing what you do and taking care of our kids during this crisis. You are heroes. I am in awe of the load you carry – and the fact you still took time to compose such amazing poems. I have, btw, been doing some quick writing prompts on Wednesdays, once a week, so if you’d like to see them (or check out the meditations that I plan to post once stuff is a bit better here at my end), please feel free to visit http://www.padmavenkatraman.com – you can scroll through the blog posts, or if you’d like to see all of them in one place, here’s a link:https://padmavenkatraman.com/writing-prompts-meditations/
Also, in case any of you feel like you’d like authors to enter your classroom (virtually of course) with a short message, encouraging them to continue social distancing at this time, please scroll through the #AuthorsTakeAction thread on twitter or ig. I know it’s SUCH a resource filled world that you may be totally swamped, but I did want to try and help in some small way, so these are a few things that I’m doing.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU once again.
Padma Venkatraman
Padma, thank you for the prompt and the resource links!
Commas precede
Conjunctions when
You list items in
A series.
Oxford
Rules!
Never
Place
Commas
Before “and, but,
Or “or” when you
List items in a series.
Wow, Katrina! You know you’ve just opened up a can of worms, right? LOL
I love this condensed summary of the two sides. I do think you should have placed the Oxford comma poem on the “right side” however 🙂
Katrina, Love it! Very clever poem!
Katrina — You made me giggle… these Oxford comma rules are right up my alley. It makes me miss William Safire in the NYT magazine …he always had that page “On Writing” (I think that was the name of the slot…anyway… I loved that rhetoric/language jabber. Thanks, Susie
Often I put the cutlery away
I know I have done it the proper way
Knives have a spot in the top left drawer
Yet I must open drawers one through four
Though the info I oft on you bestow
Flatware etiquette is what you don’t know!
Honey?
Where does this knife go?
Mo, your rhyme scheme and your poem about one simple organized task is a breath of fresh air today. Your question at the end after bestowing the info is priceless!
Oh, boy! I can relate to this frustration. I love the visual set up of this – the lengthier “explanation” of where the knives go and the quick response indicating he never listened/paid attention (I’m assuming female first and male second, but could be entirely wrong).
You are correct Jennifer, as am I!
Mo,
This is so much fun in articulating the kitchen wars. Love the rhyme pairings in the lines. The questions are a fun reminder of one person’s inability to learn where to put stuff. I love it’s incongruity w/ the preceding lines. Thank you.
—Glenda
Mo — I just burst out laughing. This is hilarious! My dog just looked up at me like I was nuts…”what are you laughing at, Mom?” You hit a chord with this one and with so so so many of my friends. And my niece… in fact, my niece could’ve written this one with you. LOL! Love it. Susie
“Essential Worker
1
Why do I need to work
Stuck at home with family doesn’t sound bad
I come in every day, clockwork
People tell me to be glad
But a fear of getting sick looms over me
What if I infect the ones I love
Before I go in I pray and plea
Whatever happens, it’s in the hands of the Man above
2
Thank goodness I get to work today
I get to see the kids smiling faces
Despite the world feeling grey
I feel the blessings from his many graces
I sent in bills that I could afford to pay
I know there are many people with worse cases
I choose to be positive today
And brighten coworkers and kids days
Such an important thing to remember. To respect, encourage, honor our essential workers. They are heroes!
I love the contrast between your two sections – “people tell me to be glad” vs. “I choose to be positive today.” Both acknowledge “the Man above,” but the first section has almost a helpless feel, and the second has a get up and go feel. Thanks for sharing!
Kole — Whoof! What a punch this is… such a good spelling out of the worries and contradictions. The blessings mixed up with the fears….so monstrous a mess. Sending you my wishes for safety and health. Susie
Dr. Venkatraman,
This is such a wonderful poem challenge! The opportunities to create are endless! Thanks for sharing this with us today.
I couldn’t get my mind off of a conversation with our kids last night . . . politics and religion and world view and more came into the dialogue. I may try to create a different one later after I get finished with all of this eLearning work I’m juggling! I also don’t have the patience to figure out the column thing right now, but I do think that’s something that really makes this poem form rock!
Wants Aren’t Needs
I don’t have enough
I have more than I could ever need.
Who needs 35 pairs of shoes
or a $200 pair of jeans?
Who needs three homes
in various parts of the world?
Who needs the fanciest,
most current gadgets?
I have love and security
and safety and warmth
I have a roof and shelter.
I am blessed abundantly.
I have what I need.
I don’t have enough
I need more
I need a bigger house,
the most recent cell phone,
the nicest car.
I deserve to have
what others do.
Others
have an abundance
and I don’t have enough
I deserve more.
I want more.
I need more
Susan,
This poem would be great as a conversation starter for many. I too have had similar conversations with my own kids and internally. I thnk your line, “I deserve to have” brings this all to light, who defines this for us–media, friends, family, etc.? Thank you for this poem today.
Susan,
I love the use of questioning in your poem. Who dies need these things? You get to the important ideas about how we often think we need luxuries and conflate wants and needs. I’m trying to do better about keeping my own desires in check. Well done. Thank you.
—Glenda
Susan,
Your poem really resonates with me. I was just thinking about this accumulation of things and how being home this past month has made visible what things are only needed when we are “out” or engaging with others in physical, visible ways. These lines:
Who needs 35 pairs of shoes
or a $200 pair of jeans?
Are we even wearing shoes now? Does anyone care how much our pajama pants cost? There is no comparing happening or “est” — no “nicest car” because we are not driving around. No one knows about the “cell phone” style as long as we can communicate. So eye opening!
Peace,
Sarah
Love the gratitude you express so beautifully here. So important to remember to be grateful at this time.
Susan, what a great time to be reminded of the blessings of all that we do have – – and to appreciate the simplicity of less baggage in our lives. Extravagance can’t compare to the ease of traveling lightly. This is beautiful.
Susan — Your title says it all for me. This is a conversation that many are having. You have hit a nerve that is complicated enough that it gets lots of people caught in the middle. What I love the most is that it is, indeed, a conversation, a true discourse that is worth having. Good for you! Thanks, Susie
Do You Love Me or Do You Not?
You loved me
You loved me not
You loved me
You love me not
You disrespect me
Torn apart
Broken my body
Dead skin
Lungs burned to ash
Clogged veins
With plasticy blood
You don’t care
Greed drives your need
Now I may die
Because of you, child
I could grow
If you needed me
If you thought me precious
Purified blood
Smooth moving veins
Life giving lungs
Sacred skin
Nurtured my whole body
Every part
If you respected me
You loved me not
You loved me
You loved me not
You love me.
Powerful stuff! Thank you so much for your courage in writing this poem.
Angie,
I have read this a couple times, and I am not sure how to respond. I keep second guessing my interpretation. The direct address of the “you” makes me wonder if the audience is literal or figurative. There is such corporeal, body, visceral imagery with the “Smooth moving veins/Life giving lungs. The “g” consonances is very musical though haunting.
Sarah
Angie, you remind us today that our actions and the choices we make also speak love to those we care deeply about. Thank you for sharing this.
Angie — This poem is loaded. The repeated words “respect” and “disrespect” are really hard…as you rock back and forth between “loved me” “loved me not,” I was feeling you caught in a really hard reality. This poem reaches out (“I may die, child…”) and I think there is courage here to keep reaching out. I respect how hard it must have been to write this. Sending healing vibes, Susie
Winter Vs. Summer.
Winter
Winter
Stuck
With nothing to do.
Snow cascading to the ground.
The grayness of the sky.
Dreary.
Murky.
Gloomy.
Sad.
Boy do I want it to be summer!
Summer
Summer.
Freedom.
With so much to do.
Sun shining in glory.
The patches of clouds.
Forming into shapes.
The perfect sky.
Bright.
Laughter.
Joy.
Happiness.
I don’t want summer to end!
Winter to summer is a stark contrast. From Bleak to Bright. In Michigan, more so than South Louisiana, I imagine summers are delightful. My poem of summer would include lots of heat and sweat.
I’m wishing for summer, for sure. We lost power because of last night’s storm. Much easier to be staying in place with electricity than without in winter, especially.
Alexa,
I love this line: Snow cascading to the ground.
I want to be the snow.
Sarah
Living further south than you, my feelings about the season are sometimes the opposite with our mild winters and unbearably hot summers.
Alexa, I love summer too! Plenty of time for the lazy haze of an afternoon, drinking cool lemonade on the porch swing with a book and a napping dog in my lap……and at the same time, I love the hope of a snow day – – gloomy, skies that threaten power outages, a warm fire and a blanket and a cup of coffee so I can bundle up and write (and have an excuse to do nothing but read and write). Summer arrived early for us this year, so we can surely take advantage of the love of nature and warmth! Blessings.
The difference between winter and summer is like night and day! You have captured the meaning of the exercise, perfectly. The opposites of mindset and the physical are clear in the descriptions of each season, example: “The grayness in the sky” vs “Sun shining in glory”.
“How do you deal?”
Such an important topic. I used to study the physical chemistry of pollutants when I was a scientist! Thanks!
Wow! Your dark is so very dark and your light is very light. It’s scary to think that these two minds can be in one person.
I love your title and the way it influences my reading of your two sections. I also love your use movement – the first section seems so passive and frozen (“eyes glued,” “sipping each hour”) and the second so active (“dancing,” “smelling,” “moving to gain muscle”). You emphasize the joy of DOING. Beautiful!!
This does relate to the times that we live in right now I enjoyed all of the actions that some people do to get over a event in their lives. Like all of the activies and deatil that you use in this poem.
Thank you, Padma, for the inspiring prompt today. I may have taken a bit of liberty with the mirror poem offered, but have crafted a found poem (found mirror poem?) that I have been thinking on recently. A question many adults are wrestling with regarding whether or not to post senior pictures in social media spaces. The title comes from the consensus of my high school seniors.
“It Doesn’t Really Affect Me”
Joining the trend
to celebrate our grads
that have had
their time cut short.
In support of the
class of 2020,
share your senior picture
no matter how old you are.
Come on friends,
you’ve got those
boxes of memories
let’s see everyone’s pictures!
So I deleted my
Senior picture post;
It’s actually not helping
Seniors in high school.
It’s painfully reminding
them of all the things
they are missing out
on right now.
Come on friends,
you’ve got those
boxes of memories –
be respectful of those who don’t!
Andy,
Thank you for sharing this poem and a less “viral” opinion of this topic. I saw a question yesterday asking something along the lines of “what boomer came up with this?” How do we allow each generation to handle situations in the social media sphere without shaming each other? This is rhetorical of course, but something I find myself thinking of often.
Oh, my! I’m so glad you pointed out this “painful reminder” of what they are missing. I was innocently participating without thinking about this problem at all! Makes me wonder how many other trends are actually more harmful than good.
Such an important thing, isn’t it – to be respectful of others even if something doesn’t affect oneself! Particularly now, which is why I started that whole #AuthorsTakeAction hashtag campaign, to send messages to young people to remember it’s so tough to continue social distancing but they must, both for their sakes and others’
Andy, wow! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you make an excellent point about this. Now I’m rethinking my own picture post……thank you for opening my eyes to a new way of seeing this.
Quarantine by Paige H
1
2
Lovely. Arguments with family v. Time with family…perfect.
Paige,
I loved the stark contrast between the first and second poem. That pessimistic side versus the optimistic side of things. I know I am struggling with the same kind of situation myself. I can relate to the phrase “sleep all day snack all day”. It’s something we all I think love to do. Great poem! Thanks for sharing!!
Paige,
Life is all about perspective, isn’t it? Way to take the negatives of quarantine and turn them into positives. Thank you.
—Glenda
Such a great juxtaposition of positives and negatives! Thanks!
Paige, your poem shows us that it’s all about the attitude and how we look at things. As they say, “A lot of what we see depends on what we’re looking for.” I love the second spin on time with family!
You perfectly capture the duality of our current situation. Who would have thought we would be where we are right now? It’s still so strange to me, that it takes a few seconds for reality to set in upon waking each day.
You have captured the feelings of so many of us in this one short poem! Each day is a crap shoot for which side of this mirror will be reflected! Good work!
Paige,
the internal fight in the first one is hard. “Stuck inside/nowhere to go” it’s hard to have to stay inside sometimes. The second one is a different mindset “Inside/staying safe”, you are helping others by staying inside. Absolutely lovely!
“The Sun Shines on the Field”
I.
The Sun Shines on the field,
Which blinds the farmer,
Who walks into the fence post,
Which knocks over the fence,
Which releases the cattle,
Who trample the crops,
Which starves the village.
Do we blame the farmer,
Or the sun?
II.
The Sun Shines on the field,
Which grows the crops,
Which the farmer collects
and turns into bread,
That feeds the village.
Do we thank the farmer,
Or the sun?
Robin,
I love the movement and rhythm of this poem. It reminds me of the green grass grows…song. I like the juxtaposition of blaming and thanking the farmer–great questions to ponder.
Great juxtaposition of two different storylines, starting the same way! Thanks!
DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Hurry, no wait Wait, no hurry
Curly or straight Straight or curly
Slacks or jeans Jeans or slacks
Blouse or shirt Shirt or blouse
Pantihose or socks Socks or pantihose
Spikes or flats Flats or spikes
Rouge or blush Blush or rouge
Lipstick or lipgloss Lipgloss or lipstick
Teardrops or hoops Teardrops or hoops
Suit coat or hoodie Hoodie or suit coat
Yes or no No or yes
Ready or Not Not or ready
Coffee or juice Juice or coffee
Walk or Jog Jog or Walk
Drive or bus Bus or Drive
Hurry, no wait Wait, no hurry
I see a perfect mirror image, love the simplicity you chose – and a profound message, whether moving slow or hurrying, are we accomplishing the same?
Anna,
Not only does your poem fully embrace the qualities of a mirror, but it also captures the indecisiveness I feel from time to time. I love the way you tie the poem together by mirroring the last line with the first line. Thank you!
Struck by how the poems circles in on itself. Not easy to do and you do it so well. And makes me think of all the time wasted wondering what to wear each day!
Padma, thanks for the prompt. We’re each showing what’s really important to us, right? Did you happen to see my poem posted yesterday? Maybe this poem explains the problem described in that poem. 🙂
Anna, I adore this poem! The rhythm makes it seem so playful. Wahat a creative approach!
Anna, I appreciate how you integrated the reflection phrases within the same lines. No need for two columns! I get a push and pull feeling reading it, as if, someone can’t make up their mind. This is an everyday struggle; one decision can spoil your whole day! 🙂
Before After
Once Now
Young Old
Thin Plump
Fun Beat
Impulsive Vigilant
Free Closed
Barb Edler
April 14, 2020
So simple, so clever – comparing perspective and ways throughout the ages. Fun!
Barb,
I really like the opposing ideas of “Fun Beat” and “Impulsive Vigilant.” They both hold a variety of meaning that gets your reader to think a bit deeper. Thank you for this poem.
Barb,
Concise, accurate distillation of then vs. now. Love it.
—Glenda
As I enter the age when ageism becomes a thing, it is so great to see this poem about, among other things, aging. Thanks Barb!
How clever! It reads both left to right and top to bottom!
Padma, thanks for hosting. I had fun playing w/ the mirror poetry form. Your model inspired me. I’ve been obsessing about my hair during quarantine. I visit my stylist once a month and have had the same one since 1989. Before I get to the self-cut stage of social isolation I’m having my husband hide all the scissors.
“Haircut”
I.
Take a seat
In stylist’s chair
Watch her snip
Each strand of hair
Hold a mirror
In your hands
Look real close
At shiny strands
What a marvel
You exclaim
A broad smile
Across your face
You love your hair
This genius sculpts
A scissor artist
Head canvass exults.
II.
Notice you’re
In need of trim
Stand and stare
At face grown grim
You got this
Or so you think
Snip, Clip, cut
Hair falls in sink
Observe your style
Homemade done do
Not what you planned
You had no clue
Nailed it, you did not
Beneath your nose
Form globs of snot
See bald head in mirror pose.
—Glenda Funk
Glenda, I needed this today. I needed the laugh and the warning. What looks so simple (I mean, let’s face it – – our stylists just comb and snip – – how hard can it be?) is in fact the work of talented artists. The snipping temptation is real – – and where I laughed out loud was at the end – the gobs of snot and the bald spot. Thank you for this chuckle today. Your art talent is truly in verse and word (use pen, not scissors).
I think it is a good thing that your husband is hiding the scissors! Don’t do it!! This mirror poem is so fun, and I love that mirrors are so essential to the plot. Love the short lines, echoing a haircut, snip, clip, cut!
What a fantastic topic for this form! Oh, the difference to be in the chair v. in front of the mirror at home. The broad smile v. the globs of snot. Funny and sad at the same time.
This is a hilarious juxtaposition. I, too, have had the same stylist for a long time. I love the rhymes of think and sink, do and clue. I’ve gone slack on even washing my hair and putting on make-up. But when I do, I feel like myself again. We are learning to appreciate so many things we once took for granted.
Glenda,
I so appreciate this poem and understanding your respect and admiration for your stylist. I be she/he’d love this. I never go to the stylist. I cannot look at myself in the mirror as I sit there. I always feel so bad about myself during and then disappointed after because I am still the same. But here, you make me see what I have been missing and what it can be…
This genius sculpts
A scissor artist
Head canvass exults.
Thank you,
Sarah
I texted the poem to my stylist, Kaylene, and told her I’m over here growing a mullet and a mustache. Sarah, you are stunning, and your hair is gorgeous. Now, hold that head high, pull those shoulders back, and strut the runway of life. ?
Such fun! Thanks for reminding us, Glenda, that poems can also be light and full of laughter!
I love this, Glenda. One of my male coworkers gave himself a haircut and it looks pretty good. I was actually thinking, I could probably do that. Your poem provided a much-needed reality check for that thought. Thank you!
What fun, Glenda. We all, male and female, are developing another level of respect for our hair caregivers! Who knew how much we depended on them to keep us these “fake” looks! Who knew how difficult it would be to find hair care products that produce comparable results when we use them as it does when our stylists/barbers use them!
Will we recognize one another if we all meet on ZOOM!
How clever the last three lines of the first stanza are. I like the comparison you create to describe hair stylists as artists, “This genius sculpts, a scissor artist, head canvas exults.”
Sarah,
This is a fun way to think about a peanut butter sandwich. The fork as scythe and peanut butter as blanket feels like farm country food. “Dipper,” “confection,” “misen bouche” turns something familiar into something exotic. Fun poem. Thank you.
—Glenda
A peanut blanket! confection to mouth! I love the inclusion of the French words and the imagery of the slathering of the bread on both sides of this kitchen. The simple act of making a peanut butter sandwich is romanticized and beautified as a work of art and an edible pleasure in your verse!
Yum! “a peanut blanket” is perfect. We have had to buy a LOT of peanut butter these days. It’s truly comfort food in this house.
Love the imagery here with a peanut blanket. I also learned a little French which makes this every day sandwich seem like elegant tea time with a princess.
Mouth watering! Never knew you were a foodie dear Sarah!
Love the way you make a “mundane” dish turn into a delicacy!
This is such a glass half full/empty view. The word choices fascinate – scythe vs dipper, sinks vs glides. And the elevation of the basic – butter to bread vs confection to mouth – helped along by the French. We are finding our mise en bouche in the ordinary of late.
Ink flows
a hand writes
words become
kites
to beauty in the sky–
A poem.
Ink dries
a hand cramped
words fail like
bubbles
blown too hard
Pop!
Margaret,
You’ve captured in images of play what so many of us feel when writing. Love the kite and bubble imagery and the word economy. Thank you.
—Glenda
Margaret, “words become kites to beauty in the sky” is my favorite line here – – you sure captured the writer’s pulse today with the flowing and the drying of ink. I love the simple form but the powerful imagery and message of your poem today!
ooooh, this is great…the writing process in a single poem.
Margaret,
I never thought of poetry, let alone writing like this before. The very first line in the poem, “ink flows” makes me visualize the ink drops on the paper as you write. Then when you juxtapose to “ink dries” it makes me think of writers block when I can’t think of anything and it creates chaos in my mind. I just love the imagery that you use! Great job!
I’m having one of those cramped days! We lost power last night after the storm. Hope to have a flowing ink day soon and wish you all that, too, especially you, Margaret!
I enjoyed the imagery that yiu use in the poem it brought it to life for me. I like the contrast with the work at first becoming a poem then on the other hand you try to make this work then it fails. It shows what can happen in the real world. I enjoyed this poem
Dr. Venkatraman, what a delight to find you here this morning with a poem prompt. Some days I am the cat who purrs and other days I am the cat who spat. What fun you built into your invented form. I love it! I really love writing about science-y things in a way that makes it fun. As I was brainstorming, I thought of the Continental Divide.
I’m not sure how to format my poem so that it shows side by side, here. So I will simply stack them. And, for anyone who REALLY wants to see them formatted the way you have showed us, it’s on my blog: https://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/
Continental Divide, Colorado
If you are snow
Join friends
at high places
in the mountains
Come spring,
melt in sunshine
dive head first
onto a water slide
to the great pool
of the Pacificbelow.
Zig-zag ski slopes
chuting through
grand canyons
layered inred and brown–
dusted gold.
Wave to fishermen
on river banks
in gentle valleys
of Mexico.
Wander through
delta mud
kick off your sandals
feel the ocean
kiss your toes.
If you are snow
Join friends
at high places
in the mountains
Race Pecos
as a source
of life rushing
over rocks
plains and mesas
to a gulf in Mexico
Let gravity do
the heavy work
tumbling, falling
flowing swiftly
in shades of green
and gold.
Don’t regard boundaries
between people
how they say hola
or hello.
Sizzle in the pan
of Texas, drawl
a little bit
kick off your boots
sidewind, amble-over
move real slow.
(c) Linda Mitchell #verselove 4/14/20
Linda, I love this meandering of snow on one side, then the other. I especially love, “Don’t regard boundaries.” Is this a #waterpoemproject poem as well?
It’s fascinating how brains work to find the two sided perspectives. This amazes me. Your piece amazes me. I want to know where these ideas come from and the path from inspiration to finished piece. My favorite lines –
zigzag slopes chuting through grand canyons
wave to fishermen on riverbanks
let gravity do the heavy work tumbling, falling
sizzle in the pan of Texas (my favorite favorite!)
Linda,
You’ve taken us on a gorgeous journey and crafted a beautiful metaphor filled with celebrations of nature and people. I love, love, love this poem. Thank you.
—Glenda
Linda, I want to be a snowflake. What a beautiful travel advertisement for snow – such adventure, meandering downhill in the spring and seeing all the gentle warmth that Texas has to offer — I love this message best:
Don’t regard boundaries
between people
how they say hola
or hello.
I love this adventure best:
Come spring,
melt in sunshine
dive head first
onto a water slide
to the great pool
of the Pacific below.
I’m just gathering morning eggs on a rural farm in Georgia. I’m ready for spring in the mountains!
Gathering eggs! Wish I could! We did have a plastic easter egg hunt that my husband set up yesterday, which your poem made me think of. (He hid the last egg in our compost pile – can you imagine???)! Have a good spring, stay safe and well, Kim!
Linda, So cool how you bring us right to Colorado. Totally traveling through your words! Thanks!
Linda, How clever to personify the snowflake then describe a journey we readers could experience vicariously with the snowflake! That’s about all we can do now during our sheltering in place….but, we had a lovely river cruise today!
Padma, what a fun prompt you have given us today! Your poem – the war and peace theme – is compelling for deeper thought about who sets the tone in the world and in households, and your rhyme and sounds are beautiful! I love that this domino effect all started with the cat. If we can all be more like the purring cats and not the cat who spat, we could change the world with that. Thank you for helping us grow as writers.
Divided Love: A Garage Snapshot
Hers………………………………..His
Blue………………………………..Red
Toyota………………………….Chevrolet
Rav-4…………………………….Suburban
Left…………………………………Right
Hood to world………..Hood to House
The New Yorker…….Weekly Town Paper
CNN……………………………….FOX
Love of his life……….. Love of her life
“Sugarbutt”……………….. “B Baby”
Oh, Kim — This is a heck of a “house divided” and loving, and I love the way you’ve juxtaposed it so succinctly. I’m glad I came to read early…maybe this can help me figure out how to do this today. For the record…you’re a better woman than I. LOL! Hugs, Susie
Oh, goodness….how did you know? So much of your poem speaks to my household. Although, I’ve not tried Sugarbutt…must try that one today. I love how you figured out formatting. I didn’t. Ha! Gosh, the Mars v. Venus dynamic is alive and well here. The CNN and FOX made me laugh…because it’s so true!
Absolutely love the title of this. Your use of ….. tying the words together to increase that tension is effective. And while there are few words, there’s a complexity in them. I applaud you for handling the CNN…FOX yin yang. Love the choice of “hood to world” vs “hood to house.”
Kim,
Love this and find the car types, directions, colors, and position in the garage a glorious reflection of you and the love of each of your lives. Very clever. Thank you.
—Glenda
Kim,
First of all I love the title! This indeed gives me a clear snapshot into your poem. I love the different contrasts you used and how you used the ………….. to separate the two lives. I especially like the phrase “left and right” because it reminds me that without the other we can’t achieve our full potential.
Thanks for sharing!
So creative! Love how they come together at the end despite the differences and the tension you create with so few words.