What we do is follow our churchy routine but instead of a reflection (which is what we usually have instead of a sermon) we go up one by one, those who choose, and read a poem--a favorite poem by someone else, or a poem of our own. There are several fine poets at church, including my mother! Also, I've invited members of my poetry workshop to attend today, if they like, to listen or join in.
And this afternoon, the poetry workshop meets at my house to share poems and wine!! Yes, we are participating in the poem-a-day celebration of National Poetry Month by writing (or attempting) a poem a day. I gave them 30 prompts in advance, and am doing them myself, sometimes combining my own prompt with one of the kazillion wonderful prompts out there at various poetry blogs. It's fun and inspiring.
I won't be posting my attempts here, but I'll post this poem, which is in today's church bulletin as our "gathering words" (I am very honored!) and also from my chapbook Living on the Earth.
Early Morning, River and Grasses
This is dawn in our own private Eden.
We have risen
from the soft grasses
as deer rise from their trusting sleep
and are gone.
Trees shine in the river
beside our bed
and take a pale fire from the morning sun.
The curve of the earth is visible.
Beside the wild slope, the farmer plants his ordered rows.
A dead branch hangs fragile and stricken
in the live oak.
Let us care for each other.
Let us care for this earth.
*****
White Camellia with Vase is another wonderful painting by Jonathan Koch.
To participate in the Big Poetry Giveaway, go here (my post, where you can click other links to get to other giveaways!).
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