Poetry heals the soul in trying times.
Since the onset of the concept of social distancing,
poems are appearing giving rise to the collective voice.
After writing my commentary on social distancing, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my slicer writing friend, Kevin Hodgson, responded poetically to my poem. Several years agao, Kevin introduced me to the video-writing platform, Lumen 5. In gratitude for his gifts of Lumen 5-created video poems of my work, I am returning the favor. Below is the print version of Kevin's poem. You can view the video poem I created of his response to my poem by clicking on the word preview here.
Sharing our writing and creative spirit with friends is a way to bring voices together
and soothe the soul.
Do the birds understand
the concept behind
social distancing?
Neither flutter
birds still sing
of coming spring
While we fret
our days away
on the heels of
Winter
I'm noticing
the wire, the
gathering point
of convergence
feathers touching
to remember
the rains
before the presence
of sound -- it's me,
after all --
the flock
gone, distancing
the social norm
of the scattering
--a poem response --Kevin Hodgson
social distancing?
Neither flutter
birds still sing
of coming spring
While we fret
our days away
on the heels of
Winter
I'm noticing
the wire, the
gathering point
of convergence
feathers touching
to remember
the rains
before the presence
of sound -- it's me,
after all --
the flock
gone, distancing
the social norm
of the scattering
--a poem response --Kevin Hodgson
☵
Each year since March 2015, I have engaged in Two Writing Teacher's Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Slicing allows me to ponder life, literacy, and learning, capturing small moments poetically through writing, photography, and digital art. Welcome to Day 19 of 31 days of writing with Two Writing Teachers.
Lumen won't let me load the video...but I'm glad you found inspiration from a comment! Kevin's poetic responses are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteChris, thank you for alerting me to the Lumen 5 glitch. I will look into that, especially since I want to showcase Kevin's poem in a digital format.
DeleteChris, Kevin gave me a tip on how to get the video poem visible. Would you do me a favor please and check out https://lumen5.com/user/carol-varsalona/do-the-birds-underst-2luph/ to see if the link works? Thanks.
Delete"Poetry heals the soul in trying times." Unlike prose, poetry strikes at the heart saying so much with so little. It touches our emotions and gives us hope.
ReplyDeleteIt is the word HOPE in your comment that I am hanging on to. Governor Cuomo presented a well-run news conference on what is happening. There is hope that more ventilators will be sent to NYS.
DeleteI am commenting on your comment above first: I am not in New York but I have loved your Governor Cuomo's handling of this whole situation. I find him a stalwart promoter of common sense and a paragon of hope. I also hope he's getting some sleep...today he, like the poem, is soothing, and your artistry is always a balm to the soul, Carol. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFran, thank you for following what is happening in NYS. We need prayer for sure in order to handle all of the issues stemming from COVID-19. Even my cousin who lives 7 1/2 hours away in the western part of the state says that the grocery store shelves are empty. Everyone is feeling off kilter and we need to find "things" that bring us peace (even if they are only for moments).
DeleteThat's the best - when someone answers your poem with a poem! I don't think that I could love Kevin's poem more... so much truth in this!
ReplyDeleteKevin's poem is a gem, Trina, and the video poem looks great on my end but it is not loading right. If you see it can you please let me know?
Delete