98th Virtual Poetry Circle
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Welcome to the 98th 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 2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry. Please contribute to the growing list of 2011 Indie Lit Award Poetry Suggestions, visit the stops on the National Poetry Month Blog Tour from April.
While I'm off enjoying the Gaithersburg Book Festival, I'm going to leave you to discuss the following poem from David Livingstone Clink's collection Monster:
The Soldier (page 35)
If he could speak he'd ask for some food, some water, and you'd invite him in. Taking off his boots and putting his feet up, he'd sip lemonade with you on the back porch. He'd talk about where he grew up, which sports he played, and the women he knew. He'd say this place is very much like the place he grew up in, but the sky seemed bigger in his hometown. You'd ask if he wanted to stay for the BBQ, and he'd surprise you by saying yes. He'd eat his fill, wash it down with a few beers. Before it gets dark he'd say he lost his map. Can you tell me where the enemy is? he would ask, and you'd point beyond the trees, and he'd thank you for your hospitality, and he'd be off, walking in the direction of those trees. But no, the faceless soldier cannot speak, you don't strike up a conversation, you don't invite him in. He passes your house and you get a sense of relief as you watch him become some distant memory, become the landscape, the soldier as much a part of the world as that distant mountain that draws everything in, even the clouds.
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.