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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Innocence

During these several days past the end of National Poetry Month, I continue to read posts by fellow poets in my poetry community. Many penned poems daily or in my case as many days as my schedule would permit. It is within this cocoon of poetic goodness that I find peace among the unpacked boxes. Today's entry will be one that fills in the gap of some days of missing writing during April. The digitized photo of my 15-month old granddaughter becomes my poetry prompt to join the Poetry Sisters' challenge for April: write a poem in the style of the poem, Innocence by Linda Hogan. While thinking about this theme, I realized that there is nothing more innocent in my life right now than a baby's ability to feel and emit deep love.


There is nothing more innocent
Than a baby snuggled in one's arms.
Soft, supple flesh cuddling closely
Wide-eyed stares connecting. 
There is no knowing of what
Is to become in the 
great expanse of life.
For now, from babyhood to
toddler exploration, pure laughter
floods life with joy.

One day, she will mature, 
Perambulate about in a normal fashion,
Not struggling with awkward movements,
slowly understanding life's complexities.
For now innocence Is transparent,
Swaddled in a encasement of love.

As an observer of what is to follow,
I watch her growth, learning alongside her-
knowing within her new beginnings
mine are also on the horizon.
©CV, 2021

💕

Reading through Hogan's poem and the Poetry Sisters' responses, I realized how significant our ponderings become in our view of life. Could there be an deeper exploration of this theme? Could I be more introspective? This poem is but one small piece in an ocean of thoughts.

I offer these thoughts to both #PoetryPals and Two Writing Teachers as today's slice of life.





12 comments:

  1. What a beautiful poem and one that speaks to all of us who hold babies. They do exude innocence something we need more of right now. When I hold an infant it is as if the world seemingly disappears from view.

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    1. Thank you for joining me here. Babyhood is a state that brings joy to many. I would like to reach you via your blog ite or website so can you please send me your links?

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  2. How can one not be fully present when snuggling a baby? It's the best! Love your poem.

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    1. Thank you, Ramona. I am so in love with seeing my granddaughters and thank the Lord for this blessing. We took both girls and Grandma-sat when Devin had a fever after her 2nd vaccine and then took care of Aurora when Devin had to take Sierra to the doctor for her fever. While it is a bit exhausting taking care of perky little girls, it is always joyous. See you at SJT.

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  3. Carol, there is nothing more innocent than a baby. Full of life. Full of joy. Freely giving smiles. Love for all. Such a precious gift given to families to help mold and shape. If we could all keep the hope, joy, trust, and love as we age the world would be a much better place.

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    1. Thanks for the last bit of wisdom, Bob. Hope, joy, trust, love are all vital ingredients for a happy life.

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  4. Very lovely and heartwarming ❤️

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    1. Thank you, Devin, for reading the post and commenting. With all my love extended for your beautiful children and the opportunity to be their grandmother.

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  5. I adore this baby love poem, Carol, and the way you always invite readers to reflect more deeply. Babies are such a joyous part of our "great expanse of life" - as is poetry! Thank you as always for every nurturing word.

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    1. I like that you added: Poetry is a joyous part of our great expanse of life, Fran. I need to ponder how that will drive my day amidst the piles of paper on my desk and boxes in my study.

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  6. This is a beautiful poem! Who doesn't love baby snuggles and there is something just so tender about those moments.

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    1. Babies keep everyone on their toes while bringing cuddle moments and smiles. Thanks for the comment, Maggie.

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