88th Virtual Poetry Circle
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Welcome to the 88th 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.
It’s a new year, and if you haven’t heard there is a new feature on the blog this year . . . my first ever, poetry reading challenge. Yup, that means everyone should be signing up because all you need to do is read 1 book of poetry.
Today's poem is from Alicia Suskin Ostriker's collection The Crack in Everything:
Somalia (page 32)
Compared to being burned alive When they torch your village Death by starvation is a good death Compared with being shot Dying slowly of wounds Or being beaten By frenzied young men This is much better
You experience little pain You become like dry wood Though your lips parch It is not so bad You simply shrink up, except for your eyes Which grow ever larger, like sponges Taking in the beautiful liquid sun
And the night stars--
And if you are a baby, like me, Sighing and growing sleepy Strapped to this woman who keeps Humming high in her throat A thing to drive the devil far away Death by starvation Is very good, yes, good As life can be.
+++++++++October 1992
Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.
I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles. It’s never too late to join the discussion.