THE STONE GATHERER (A Poem by Patricia Kelly)

THE STONE GATHERER

On first attempt, I do not drown
but float to the surface, my back bent
above the water.

Now I collect stones, and tell others
they are grave markers.

But my body is the true marker
and its own grave, deserted by all
but the faintest signs of life that twist
upward like stunted flowers
through graveyard dust.

And I continue to collect stones, lining
my seams with pebbles, my pockets with rocks,
my shoes and socks with gravel.
I even swallow small ocean worn stones.

I will not surface
this time.

Patricia Kelly © 2007 (original draft 1990)

* * * *

Life's been the pits recently. Could you tell by the above? :-D Too much has been going on all at once, most of it upsetting. Although this is a very old poem, I have made recent revisions, and it does unfortunately fit my mood a bit too well and too often these days. I hasten to add, though, that I am living the life given to me to live, eating well and losing weight, and still planning to move out of this apartment and maybe even this city. Not to mention undertaking various creative projects and keeping up with three blogs. So I'm not as utterly lost as I was in the days I wrote this piece.

[BTW, the photo above is one of those I've had on my computer for years. The web site in the lower right hand corner (www.bird.fl) is defunct.]

* * * *

Resource: Ideas for Writing Poetry in the Classroom, for children, but good for anyone who wants to prime their writing pump.

‘til next time, keep dreaming,

Roswila
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing or poems, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”)****My other blogs ROSWILA’S TAROT GALLERY & JOURNAL and ROSWILA’S TAIGA TAROT.

REVIEW OF WILD MERCY (Tarot-Inspired Poems by Elizabeth Cunningham)

Tarot inspired musings
by Elizabeth Cunningham
Creatrix Books
P.O. Box 366
Cottage Grove, WI 53527

To review this wonder-filled book of poetry and musings without dithering endlessly is quite a challenge. Yes, I’ve been a fan of Cunningham’s novels and poetry for many years. Yet each new book still manages not only to please and teach, but to astound me.

Each of this unique collection’s eight parts explores in a variety of poems the essences of The Tarot card that it opens with. In fact, after my first read through I had the feeling I’d just witnessed a beautiful, deeply honest, courageous and caring Tarot reading that the author has done for us all.

However, one does not need to be even vaguely familiar with The Tarot to appreciate these poems. Cunningham (as does The Tarot) explores enduring themes such as relationships, death, and loss, and sets her gems in a love of the natural world of birds and trees, rivers and mud. All this, heightened and deepened by memory and acute, unflinching observations. Time and again, I found myself stopped short by an intake of breath at a bit of difficult wisdom so naturally revealed.

By the time of my second read-through, the book was a-flap with yellow sticky notes next to favorite poems and passages. For example, from “What Kali Tells Me” in the Moon card part:

...
The trick is knowing
what needs to die
and what is coming to birth.

All that clutter chokes
the next breath....

Let go let go let go.

Or here’s all of “Sacrifice” in The Hermit card part:

The gods will accept as sacrifice
whatever we bring to the altar
fears, shames, rages,
things we have hidden or denied.

The gods do not despise these gifts
the gift of what is wounded in us
the courage it takes to lay ourselves bare.

Then there are the celebratory pieces. Such as “Breasts” in The Empress card part:

Mountains are breasts
so are swells on the sea.
We live inside
a round blue breast of sky
milky with cloud.
Everywhere you look the world is round.
Even when the sea is calm
even when there are no hills
you can see the curve.
The moon spills milk
all over everything.
The sun shines brightest
on breasts, always seeking
the heart in the hollow.
Everywhere we lay our heads on earth
that is her breast
that is her breast.

And, following that lead, I will add that anywhere you lay your attention in this book you will find something of value.

I would be quite remiss if I did not also comment on the art work by Janet Black on the cover and for each of the eight Tarot card parts. It is delightful and unique, and pulls together this exceptional and deeply moving collection of Tarot-inspired poems and musings.

* * * *

Resource: Passion of Mary Magdalen, novels by Elizabeth Cunningham.

‘til next time, keep dreaming,

Roswila
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing or poems, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”)****My other blogs ROSWILA’S TAROT GALLERY & JOURNAL and ROSWILA’S TAIGA TAROT.

THREE HAIKU: Response to One Deep Breath's Prompt of 7-23-07

THREE HAIKU

sheltered cove
a shakuhachi crying
high above the wind

* * * *

prayerfully
a man’s hands cupping
the wild bird

* * * *

early morning light
fills the empty glass
rainbow

This week's prompt at One Deep Breath is "Comfort," in support of Jennifer and her family and loved ones on the death of her father on July 18th. May their memories of him be treasures they share.

If you wish to read other's comfort click on One Deep Breath above.

* * * *

‘til next time, keep dreaming,

Roswila
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing or poems, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”)****My other blogs ROSWILA’S TAROT GALLERY & JOURNAL and ROSWILA’S TAIGA TAROT.