Friday, August 21, 2020

Inspiration from Others

Drip drops landed on my family room roof outside my window.  Dark clouds hung low and stillness sat upon morning.  It was dreary but not the type of day that was meant for Hallmark movies and hot chocolate, although I was cold and could have used some quiet cuddle time.  There was work to do.  In between laundry and cleaning-out-a closet duty, I snuck a few minutes to read some Poetry Friday posts from last week that I missed.   As I  read posts, I hunkered down to savor words and being inspired to write. 

Writing I did, after I stopped at adolescent author Tanita S. Davis' blog.  Tanita shared Jane Tyson Clement's poem, Bach's Inventions.  I was impressed by the following line that I chose as my strike line for a golden shovel poemif I could define my end 

Within the hustle of a day, if
life was simply organized and I 
as well, balance would follow. Could
order bring me to a place where I define
existence in this odd quarantine life and fill my
restless time with fruitful ponderings that never end?
©CV, 2020


Next, I gathered more Inspiration as I watched the last night of the Democratic National Convention tonight.  After accepting the invitation to become the Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biiden delivered an optimistic and memorable speech.  I created a found poem of some of his compelling words.

"I will draw on the best of us, not the worst." -Joe Biden

Hope lives at the convention.

Become a united America,
Put politics aside, and find the light.

Life can be cruel but
Stay strong with purpose.
Let us save our democracy!
©CV, 2020

Joe Biden's called all to "overcome this season of darkness".  With hope and faith, this call to action has lifted my spirits enough to walk into the light and continue writing from the heart.

Tonight I join the Poetry Friday Roundup with my long-distance friend and grandma reading lover, Ramona Behnke.  She discusses her significant week with interesting links. Is your curiosity peaked?   Connect to find more poetry goodness.


Poetry Friday Friends:

With summer on beautiful Long Island estranged in many ways due to COVID-19, I am gathering my collection of image poems sent in for my Embraceable Summer Gallery.  If so inclined, please share a new image poem on the topic, Summer 2020 in the Midst of Quarantine Life,, at your blog for the September 4, 2020 Poetry Friday that I am hosting.  It will be a way to showcase the beauty of nature during trying times.   

18 comments:

  1. A wonderful post, Carol! You must be busy these days. But, to gather that strike line into your poem, wow! This odd quarantine, indeed. I did not watch the convention. I'll go back and watch the speech today on youtube. I have been catching the highlights that way. Thanks for the reminder for a summer poem.

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    1. Linda, busy defines who I am these days but I need to carve out time for a #poeticdiversion as often as I can. I think you will be inspired by the speech. It is so refreshing from the usual rhetoric.

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  2. Can order help? I imagine so many are using that to stay in their lives as happily as they can, Carol. Your poem makes a good case for it. And, last night, very exciting & inspirational as captured in your hopeful poem. Wishing won't make it so, but with all of us acting, we can! I loved the convention this week!

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    1. Linda, I agree that the convention has been a wonderful success. Action calls us to bring light into our days as opposed to the darkness that we have been exposed to this year. I was just at your post. Writing my response shortly.

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  3. Ooh, Carol. Now *I* want to try a Golden Shovel with that poem. It has so many good bits to borrow, doesn't it?

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    1. Tanita, thanks for sharing the poem that led me to imagine a new poem's direction. If you create a golden shovel poem, please send me the link.

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  4. Carol, I love your golden shovel and your found poem. We watched the PBS coverage of the Convention every night. It was a blessing to listen to the speeches and be inspired. Blessings as you continue cleaning out & prepping for the big move.

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    1. Today's newspaper was not totally favorable to Biden's speech as I was. I live in a divided world of feelings but I am holding strong to my thoughts. Thanks for the blessings, Ramona. I am constantly prepping for the move. It's a daunting task but prayers help.

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  5. I was also inspired by Biden's speech, but even words like that can't change some minds set against democracy. I enjoyed your post and your golden shovel and your poem inspired by Biden's words. Thank you.

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    1. Yes, you, I, and other PF friends have been inspired by the DN Convention. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my poetry, Janice. I hope you are enjoying summer in Syracuse. It is such a lovely time of year.

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  6. I love your golden shovel poem--and the line you chose to use for it. I can definitely use some inspiration right now--and you and the DNC both helped. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks for joining me, Susan. We can all use inspiration right now. I am glad that you, like me, are finding in the right places.

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  7. The convention did make me feel hopeful, and I love the poem you've crafted from Biden's inspiring words. I admire you for finding time to write as you prepare to move. I can't wait to hear more about your new life in Virginia! Good luck with your packing!

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    1. Catherine, thank you so much for your good cheer about my move. We had prospective buyers today and our realtor said it went very well. I am looking forward to the move and being able to be near my little granddaughters. I hope to watch the ABC Interview with Biden and Harris tonight but my husband, son, and friends are all Trump supporters so I hope they will be quiet when I watch it. I am longing for the day when respect for others is a united effort for change.

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  8. I enjoyed that golden shovel - and the optimism in this post! And, appreciations for the diplomacy you must exercise being in a household of folks with different political bents. --Moving? I hope that goes smoothly! What wonderful memories you will make with those growing girls. And here's to a future for them with civility and kindness and wisdom and strength apparent in our leaders.... XO

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    1. I am thrilled that my family and friends who shared dinner outside tonight also watched the ABC interview of Biden and Harris with me tonight. Yes, Robyn we are having a home built in Virginia only a 1/2 hour away from my grandgirls. It will be so wonderful to watch them grow up in a town close by. I second the notion of a future with civility, kindness, wisdom, and leaders who lead by showing what this means.

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  9. Ah, if life could only be "simply organized" things would be so much better, yes? Perhaps...but although we humans long for constancy and rhythm to our lives, much of the joy (and, alas, pain) comes from the never knowing.

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    1. The never knowings of life make for an interesting prospect, Matt. Thanks for joining me here.

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