Slice #18, A Poem a Day...
I'm choosing to explore my identities this month, focusing on a different angle of me each day.
Today, a slice on my poetry habits.
Just before the new year, I had a chance to see Billy Collins do a reading to promote his new book. Part of the event was an interview, and he spoke about his time as poet laureate, including the Poetry 180 project. I was familiar, but hadn't looked through the collection in some time.
It gave me the idea for a 2023 resolution... to read a poem a day. I bought both of his 180 books, and I've been reading one entry a day since the 1st of January. It's not as moving as I expected. Most don't speak to me the way I had hoped. But today, a gem.
stands for all things,
even those things that don't flower,
for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing
though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness,
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
-excerpt from St. Francis and the Sow, by Galway Kinnell
This one spoke to me. I often need to be retaught things about myself, to be told I am lovely. Which certainly means others do too. I hope we all reach out to someone today and remind them of their loveliness.
I like this idea. Thanks for sharing the poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this resource. The way Billy Collins explains his writing process is very accessible and resonated with me and I use his methods when i write. I like that you have committed to reading a poem a day. It will change you. I need to make the same effort. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely resolution and challenge - to reach out to someone and remind them of their loveliness. Thank you for inspiring me today!
ReplyDelete