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The Definition of Poetry

IMG_1818Poetry is not my genre of choice. Not because I don’t appreciate it, but because I’m more comfortable writing short essays and fiction.

Ever since National Poetry Month, though, the folks in the creative writing class at Harwood Place have challenged me to read more, write more, and discuss more poems. They continue to produce wonderful pieces, so I in turn bring them examples of works by published authors, essays on the aspects of poetry, and prompts to feed the muse.

Last Saturday though, one of the writers asked me point blank, “What’s the definition of poetry?” and I thought, Oooh…this might be a good time to guide them back to the personal essay. I mean, how much do I really know about the form and function of a good poem?

Well, I do know this: teaching is learning. So, I answered their question to the best of my ability with words like succinct, imagery, and cadence. Then, I went home in search for more. I found this article on the meaning of poetry that includes a quote, which, for me, answers the question well:

Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful.
~ Rita Dove

And, I left them with a poem that speaks to this definition somewhat. Go read “One Good Thing,” (posted on The Writer’s Almanac on September 15th)  by Edwin Romond. It’s a beautiful look into the light and life a father discovers during a simple moment with his son. My favorite line from the poem is the prompt for next month’s meeting:

this is one good thing.

I want to say more. But, I really want you to go read that poem and reflect on your own “one good thing.” After all, that’s part of the gift in poetry: reflection.

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Memories, Stories, & Poetry: Threads that Bind Us

“I was taking it all in, / filming the heart”
~ from “Take Two, They’re Small” by Cristina Norcross

In the last few months, the senior citizens in my creative writing class at Harwood Place have become very interested in poetry.

author photo1 medium 2013I know a lot less about poetry than I do other genres, so I invited Cristina Norcross, poet and editor, to lead the group this month. I told her the numbers tend to run small with three or four people in attendance. But after word got out that I had invited a published poet to meet with them, eleven (!) eager faces gathered around the table, some core members and some new to writing in general–a room full of enthusiasm!

Cristina is a gentle soul and an all around creative spirit. She came with paper, pencils, and prompts and stirred up memories that translated into 6-word memoirs and vivid descriptions. And, as so often happens in this group, writing fosters relations. One woman, who had never attended the class but recognized a few faces, told me later that she heard things she hadn’t known about the people sitting next to her. That is the thing I enjoy most about this group, witnessing the discoveries that lead to connections. That, and so  much more.

Memories, stories, and poetry. An hour well spent on a Saturday morning.

Just for fun, here’s the beginnings of a poem I wrote after Cristina led us through a guided imagery exercise.

Sipping Turkish Coffee

Cardamom and grit
and a small, porcelain cup.
The drink is bitter
But the day sweet.
He sits across from me
Pachouli, a page-boy haircut,
A nervous grin.
The windows that frame him
Pull at the sunshine,
Light up the floor,
the table,
the faces
of his mother
on my left
his father
on my right.
Glowing.
Excited.
They must have known.

~

Are you a poet? You could be. Try one of Cristina’s prompts: What did you give away that you miss now? A favorite toy or jacket? A pair of shoes that no longer fit, but you still love them? A CD that you gave to your cousin?

5574872-5fa61a87b3c20a918ac7f7e198ae8542-fp-1395665841Cristina M. R. Norcross is the author of Land & Sea: Poetry Inspired by Art (2007), The Red Drum (2008, 2013), Unsung Love Songs (2010), The Lava Storyteller (2013) and Living Nature’s Moments: A Conversation Between Poetry and Photography, with Patricia Bashford (2014).  

Her works appear in North American/international journals and anthologies.  She was the co-editor for the project One Vision: A Fusion of Art & Poetry in Lake Country (2009-11) and is currently one of the co-organizers of Random Acts of Poetry & Art Day. Cristina is also the founding editor of the online poetry journal, Blue Heron Review (www.blueheronreview.com).  

Her new book, Living Nature’s Moments: a conversation between poetry and photography(Vox Novus Press, 2014) by Cristina M. R. Norcross and Patricia Bashford, is available online from Blurb.  Signed copies are available on Etsy. Find out more about this author at:www.FirkinFiction.com. 

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Writers at the Table: Meet Betty Sydow

IMG_0872Once a month, I meet with writers at Harwood Place retirement living center, and every so often I get to share one of their stories. Today, I’m excited to introduce Betty Sydow.

Because last month was National Poetry Month, I asked the writers to come to this month’s class with a poem.

Betty is known for bringing in wonderful short fiction, stories about an eclectic group of folks living in an old apartment building. But, turns out, she’s an excellent poet at well. 

~

Then and Now, Sweet Treats
By Betty Sydow

Then

Pastel candy dots
On a paper strip.
Pink Double Bubble lumps
Twisted in a comic.

Licorice whips, jaw breakers, red hot hearts.

Sugary cigarettes
With bright lighted tips.
Gum drop reptiles,
Malted milk balls.

Wax ruby lips and vampire teeth.

Three pennies in my pocket.
This will take a while.

Now

Chocolate truffles,
Macadamia nuts.
Pecan turtles,
Petit fours.

Chocolate covered cherries and creamy fudge bars.

Marzipan fruit,
Mint melt aways.
White chocolate drops
And crunchy fairy food.

Bittersweet chocolate almond bark.

Plastic in my wallet.
I’ll pay tomorrow.