The Hallmark channel is on again. I pour a glass of wine. I search for something positive to say. I’ve always thought of myself as an optimist, but these days are dark. Winter is an apt metaphor for the state of our country. I am carrying a weight of pessimism that I find too heavy and hard.
So I turn to my passion, poetry. Poetry is like prayer for me. I go inside my thoughts and work to make some sense of them.
Laura Shovan is getting ready for her annual February poetry project. She has built a Facebook group. It’s a closed group, but if you ask, you can join. We are a bunch of liberals looking for ways to make sense of the news by taking 10 words from a current news report and writing poetry.
On Saturday, I found an empty journal on my shelf. It is quite beautiful, a gift from someone, I’m sure. The title reads, “Personal Journal with Quotes & Art by Women.” I decided to use this book to pen the poems I am writing for Laura’s challenge. On this page I share below is a sculpture called “Invocation” by Edith Schaller. I wrote a poem for the January 25th warm-up using ten words from Janet Mock’s Women’s March speech. I am not accustomed to being outspoken, political, or radical. I am uncomfortable in this position, but I find solace in poetry, in writing, in words.
I am my sister’s keeper.
I hold her body.
I am committed to this work
of loving and comforting,
feeling safe and sensitive.I refuse to crawl deeper into poverty,
refuse to give up all that we have fought for.
I will not be invisible or neglected.But his words tear at a core
I fear is weak. My liberation
is linked to my resolve
to not be moved, to hold fast.Why must I turn into a revolutionary?
I once was a peaceful woman,
teaching, learning, writing,
minding my own business.Why must I be confrontational?
Someone who has written herself
into this story of marches,
signs and petitions?Sister, help me be this new me.
–Margaret Simon
Margaret, you turn to poetry and I turn to a the novel Echo.
Your stanza Why must I turn into a revolutionary?
I once was a peaceful woman,
teaching, learning, writing,
minding my own business. brought tears to my eyes.
What a world we now live in. I’m comforted in know that others seek strength through the written word. Also, I’m excited for your February writing project. Keep being brave. The world needs your voice through your words.
Oh, Margaret!! I love your poem! These words ring true for me too, “Poetry is like prayer for me.” Keep holding on. Keep fighting. We are in this together. We have to make a difference. We have to continue to believe that! Hallmark channel. Good idea! I’ve been watching Gilmore Girls. Always remember self-care!
xoxo
Beautifully written and powerful words here, thanks for sharing what a lot of us our feeling right now…
Your poem speaks to my heart. I am as troubled by current events as you are. I am also generally not a political writer. I write for kids of all ages, but I believe kids today are as troubled by events as adults. Maybe more so because they didn’t get to vote, but they will inherit the problems created.
We write from our hearts, and our hearts are troubled. It’s not confrontational to stand your ground. We will get through this together.
The book is beautiful as is your poem. I believe we have lived in times of joy and plenty. Thankfully there are people beside us to lift us out of this mess.
So moved by your poem. You’ve inspired me to try this challenge – especially as a vocal way to attack the insidious anger, fear I am feeling – and I live in Canada! Thank you
Finding solace in poetry is a beautiful title that shows forth in your writing and poem that I have read at Laura’s site. I am amazed at the peace that emanates from the act of writing and sharing our voices, Margaret. Thank you for our poetry connection as we begin a new round of sending our voices out into the Twittersphere.
I loved this when you shared before, and know that Laura’s challenge will form a bond to help us all. “I am my sister’s keeper” is a statement we may all grasp and not let go.
Excited to read more about your journey with poetry. Lovely poem too! Words can heal.
Margaret, your poem captures my feelings exactly. Your words give me courage and hope: “Sister, help me be this new me.”