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November 18, 2016

Poetry Friday--"November 2016"

A few days before November 8, I was full of hope about the presidential election. I was also almost giddy at the idea of finally devoting my time to reading something other than political articles. Then November 9 came and I quickly came to realize that I am obligated to continue with my reading. It's depressing and so exhausting. I'm tempted to leave everything behind, since, the effects of the next four years may not be undone in my lifetime. But, where to go?

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Brenda at Friendly Fairy Tales is waiting for you to stop by for the Round-Up! She also made me aware that screen readers for the visually impaired cannot "read" the text within a jpg, so, I will have to remember from here on in to also include the text.
November 2016

Not even certain she'll
be around after January
she brings home a bag
of mixed hyacinth bulbs.
The decision to plant
need not be made at all.
Bulbs will bloom in a
glass jar on a windowsill
anywhere there is hope.
And, if you're looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, Run, Turkey, Run!: The Musical is being performed at 10 AM Saturday and Sunday at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH.

25 comments:

  1. Poetry blooms anywhere there is hope, too. Your poem blooms right here. XOXO

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  2. Exciting about the musical, Diane!
    I'm too sleep-deprived from worrying to know what to say about current events.

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    1. The musical is fun, nothing like the book, really, but enjoyable in its own way.

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  3. I've been grateful for your posting, although sometimes I look at still another piece of news and, while not surprised, there is a part of me that wants someone else to take care of it, then I realize that I must be part of that someone. Sitting hope on a windowsill is a beautiful image, Diane.

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    1. Surprisingly, many people have begun putting their money where their mouths are--donating to organizations on the chopping block, or ones that will fight injustice. Its heartening.

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  4. Thanks for planting this bulb of hope for all of us, Diane. I'm grateful we have each other for support.

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    1. Bulb of hope! I like that. I better get that bulb in water before it starts to rot. :-(

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  5. I didn't realize bulbs could be "planted" in a glass jar - I am going to try it as the desert is not conducive to growing bulbs and I need all the hope I can get. Regarding the news/social media, I've taken to only looking once a week - it is all I can handle. Hugs to you, Diane. =)

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    1. Forcing bulbs was quite common about 100 years ago. Special hyacinth glassed were used (classier than a jar). Go here.

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  6. I find nature to be my balm, my hope, my reminder that no matter what we humans do to ourselves and even to the world, in the end the world will outlive us all. It helps give me perspective, which is definitely something I need help with these days!

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    1. Here, not only are our freedoms being challenged, but the president-elect's appointments may threaten the future of our federal lands and national parks. So sad.

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  7. Hyacinths to feed your soul! Beautiful!

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    1. Exactly! For those who aren't familiar with the poem Ruth's line came from, it's from a Persian poet, Saadi, who lived around 1200.

      Hyacinths to Feed Thy Soul

      If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
      And from thy slender store two loaves alone
      to thee are left,
      Sell one, and with the dole
      Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

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  8. It's the hope of others that keeps me going. Thanks for this. Send pics of the flowers!

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    1. I will, undoubtedly, write about hyacinths again and include pictures. In the meantime, look here.

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  9. Diane, Thank you for your beautiful poem and the Saadi poem, too. I feel as you do. I find myself doing anything I can to stand with immigrants-attending musical events, volunteering to join a language skills knitting circle with immigrants. Your poem makes me want to feed my soul with blooms this winter, too.

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    1. Do it, Joyce. Head down to Home Depot or any garden center. They will probably have bags of bulbs 50% off. Start with a small bag of hyacinths (more bang for the buck, they smell awesome). Or go to Christmas Tree Shoppe, where they sometimes have cheap hyacinth glasses in a box with a bulb.

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  10. One day at a time is what I keep telling myself. Admittedly, it helps that I've had a little ditty of a book to occupy my thoughts. I've heard hyacinths also help.

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    1. Now that it's finished, you'll have to find another project. Too much time on one's hands can be deadly.

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  11. Love the poem, Diane. And I wish I'd known about 'Run, Turkey, Run' in Portsmouth...My 3-yr-old read that this past Thur. at library story time and LOVES it!

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    1. They seem to produce it on an every other year rotation, so put it on your calendar now for 2018! (If you have a calendar that extends out to 2018, I'm afraid you need a hobby!)

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  12. Diane -- we need to find hope in every small moment we can. Thank you for the gift of this poem.

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