162nd Virtual Poetry Circle
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Welcome to the 162nd Virtual Poetry Circle!
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.
Also, sign up for the 2012 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry. Please visit the stops on the 2012 National Poetry Month Blog Tour.
Today’s poem is from Tracy K. Smith's Life on Mars collection:
EVERYTHING THAT EVER WAS (Page 59-60)
Like a wide wake, rippling Infinitely into the distance, everything That ever was still is, somewhere, Floating near the surface, nursing Its hunger for you and me
And the now we’ve named And made a place of. Like groundswell sometimes It surges up, claiming a little piece Of where we stand.
Like the wind the rains ride in on, It sweeps across the leaves,
Pushing in past the windows We didn’t slam quickly enough. Dark water it will take days to drain.
It surprised us last night in my sleep. Brought food, a gift. Stood squarely
There between us, while your eyes Danced toward mine, and my hands Sat working a thread in my lap.
Up close, it was so thin. And when finally You reached for me, it backed away,
Bereft, but not vanquished. Today, Whatever it was seems slight, a trail Of cloud rising up like smoke.
And the trees that watch as I write Sway in the breeze, as if all that stirs
Under the soil is a little tickle of knowledge The great blind roots will tease through And push eventually past.
What do you think?