Without further ado, the final angel poem!
Maybe I'll challenge myself to sell the poetry picture book I wrote last year. I submitted it once, never heard back, and haven't tried again. Chickensh*t is what I am!
Since this is the first day of National Poetry Month, I want to announce the return of "Ekphrastic Mondays." Each Monday during April I will post a poem about a piece of art. I wasn't sure, at first, what I wanted to do, but, I finally decided to feature the works of a New England artist whose work I greatly admire, Frederick Childe Hassam (1859-1935). Hassam, largely self-taught, created more than 3,000 works over his lifetime. I'll have plenty of pictures to choose from! Please come back on Monday!
There will be oodles of poetry at the Round-Up today being hosted by Amy at The Poem Farm.
I like Hassam too! Looking forward to your project. (And I understand not wanting to put the sketchbook pressure on yourself again.)
ReplyDeleteI think I like Hassam because even his rainy day paintings have a certain brightness about them.
DeleteI like the why of angel tears and wondering of its purposeful diversion...really thought provoking
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I was able to give you something to ponder!
DeleteI love Pourquoi poems.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, and pourquoi/creation stories.
DeleteNice job! I like that definition of stars. Looking forward to your Hassam inspired poems.
ReplyDeleteI'd better get started! It's only April 1 and I'm already behind. ;-)
DeleteI'm all for relieving the pressure, but, just for the record, I'm not tired of the angel poems. I'll get my PBs out there if you do!
ReplyDeleteOoo, that sounds like a dare!
DeleteOoo, me, too!
DeleteYou raise a good point...it's not so bad, at all! What IS bad is sitting on a manuscript that needs to be submitted - so get to it, young lady!!
ReplyDeleteI have gotten so out of the habit of sending off manuscripts! The whole business has changed drastically over the past 10 years and I'm not sure I can jump back in!
DeleteYour query in the poem is a fun one, why so bad? I grew up knowing the tale of Rip Van Winkle, learning about those gnomes bowling when thunder happened. I guess we all have stories than help our fears. I have enjoyed your poems, Diane, but know it has felt like lots of pressure these years. But do send in that picture book! I'll cross my fingers for you!
ReplyDeleteLinda, the pressure is all self-inflicted, so, I should be able to step away at any time. The picture book, though, is another matter. I like the concept and I think it would be a fun and unexpected book, I just have to find the right place to send it.
DeleteThe last angel? Now that is a sad idea.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry--I never fully abandon an idea.
DeleteI like this practical angel!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee!
DeleteI won't look at stars in quite the same way... Thanks for this lovely angel farewell poem, though I'll bet another might fly in when you least expect it. And my vote is with the others - send out the PB. Maybe a guardian angel will usher it to just the right pair of eyes? XO
ReplyDeleteI could use a secretary, but a guardian angel would do...
DeleteI like the idea of angels and I believe they're out there--even if I don't subscribe to the traditional Christian concept. Your angel is more my style!
ReplyDeleteMaybe instead of the sketchbook project you and I should join Sub-It? I have the same kind of goal for the rest of 2016.
I'm not familiar with Sub-It. Could you quickly explain?
DeleteWhat a comforting poem! I love it! Thoughts of angels really are good thoughts to think and speak. (Speaking of speaking, I often regret what my poor angel has to listen to that comes out of my mouth.) As much as I respect your choice to "move on," poetically, past the angels, selfishly, I hope one or more--even all--of the choirs of angels gently nudge you to give voice to them again, when the time is right! God bless you, and thank you! Last night we had quite a storm--hail and all! Wish I had read your poem before I heard the tumultuous rains; we surely have a lot of sorrow here and everywhere to be washed clean. You've given me a beautiful way to think of the rains. Thank you! Peace!
ReplyDeleteComfort is important, I'm glad this poem gave you some. :-)
DeleteI agree with this angel. If it helps you and hurts no one, do it, believe it, live it. Beautiful advice. And yes...send that out, Diane! Send it! Your angel wants you to. Happy Poetry Month! xo
ReplyDeleteWell...if my angel wants me to...
DeleteThat first stanza is absolutely beautiful and I read it over and over again. I'd never heard of pourquoi poems but am now intrigued. I second the many voices urging you to pursue your poetry picture book. I'm finishing up so I can go read your poem again!
ReplyDeletePourquoi (French for "why?") are simply ways to explain the unexplainable. I don't know if there are many pourquoi poems, but if there are pourquoi stories in most cultures, then it seems reasonable.
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