I love this! I own a lot of poetry books and even write poems, especially haiku (because they feel fun & easy) but honestly many of my poetry book have gone unread- why is this? Maybe I am drawn to the poets themselves, more than their words…or maybe it’s a combination of lots of the things you mentioned. (Like maybe I don’t understand some poems ) I recently bought Mary Oliver’s book Owls and other Fantasies; because I love Mary Oliver, and owls…and I’ve been trying to read one a day. I just find my mind wandering with poetry, like I can’t focus as much as I can fiction and non fiction…. But I’m feeling inspired to try and read one poem a day; and blow away the dust that’s collecting on so many of my beautiful books…
I think so many times we are drawn to books and authors, collect them, and then end up reading them just when we're meant to. I have many books as yet unread!
Owls and other Fantasies is a wonderful collection. Mary is my go-to when I'm feeling particularly off-course with poetry; I feel like I'm being spoken to by a lyrical friend.
And honestly, I think it's okay that your mind wanders... in a way it's like a meditative practice where you remain aware of that and bring your attention back, as much you can, to the lines. Over time I think it gets easier? Until life distracts us with all its noise and we have to relearn it, all over again, of course!
Yes so so true…. I just saw a meme online that said collecting books is like collecting wine. That it’s ok to keep buying and organizing and not reading straight away, because then you pull them out when the time is right. I absolutely love this! You’re spot on!
I went back into my draft and added your resource when the email came in! I was so delighted to have something tangible, by a poet, to share -- a great resource for those finding ways to embody poetry anew, again, or as always!
I enjoy poetry and have written several poems, mostly for children. I used to employ a poetry contest at the children's and college libraries where I worked. I recently bought a Mary Oliver book and plan to start reading it this month. Happy National Poetry Month!
I even have Mary Oliver’s “Rules for the dance- a handbook for writing and reading metric verse” and guess what, I’ve never read it!
That's one I haven't read, either!
I love this! I own a lot of poetry books and even write poems, especially haiku (because they feel fun & easy) but honestly many of my poetry book have gone unread- why is this? Maybe I am drawn to the poets themselves, more than their words…or maybe it’s a combination of lots of the things you mentioned. (Like maybe I don’t understand some poems ) I recently bought Mary Oliver’s book Owls and other Fantasies; because I love Mary Oliver, and owls…and I’ve been trying to read one a day. I just find my mind wandering with poetry, like I can’t focus as much as I can fiction and non fiction…. But I’m feeling inspired to try and read one poem a day; and blow away the dust that’s collecting on so many of my beautiful books…
I think so many times we are drawn to books and authors, collect them, and then end up reading them just when we're meant to. I have many books as yet unread!
Owls and other Fantasies is a wonderful collection. Mary is my go-to when I'm feeling particularly off-course with poetry; I feel like I'm being spoken to by a lyrical friend.
And honestly, I think it's okay that your mind wanders... in a way it's like a meditative practice where you remain aware of that and bring your attention back, as much you can, to the lines. Over time I think it gets easier? Until life distracts us with all its noise and we have to relearn it, all over again, of course!
Yes so so true…. I just saw a meme online that said collecting books is like collecting wine. That it’s ok to keep buying and organizing and not reading straight away, because then you pull them out when the time is right. I absolutely love this! You’re spot on!
I've definitely been so busy that I've just not know where to start or pick-up with poetry. Thanks for the inspiration.
I've got a few books in which you could start!
I recently bought a book of poetry so this feels serendipitous!
Oooh, which one?!
The Orange by Wendy Cope!
Oh, I haven't heard of her! Just did a deep dive and looking forward to checking her work out!
Hey Kristine, I think you and I will be traveling a similar poetry awareness journey this month. So glad to be connected here!
I went back into my draft and added your resource when the email came in! I was so delighted to have something tangible, by a poet, to share -- a great resource for those finding ways to embody poetry anew, again, or as always!
Oh wonderful, thanks for sharing!! I think it will be a great resource for families, kids and grown-ups.
I enjoy poetry and have written several poems, mostly for children. I used to employ a poetry contest at the children's and college libraries where I worked. I recently bought a Mary Oliver book and plan to start reading it this month. Happy National Poetry Month!
I love that, Penny! And that doesn't surprise me at all!
Which Mary Oliver book did you get?
I got Devotions, a compilation of many of her poems and I bought A Poetry Handbook.
Great choices! I'm actually starting A Poetry Handbook this month!