Poetry Corner: Fragile and Resilient

POETRY CORNER

– 2/21/18

Cloud Ridden watercolor (Photo – Michele L. Harvey).

Hosted by Kathabela Wilson

These are the moments we always remember, sometimes they are very small instances that are signposts, strong insights that affect our thinking as examples, changing our minds and lives. Sometimes they are dramatic and almost always surprising. Occasionally they are everyday comforts, recalled for their impact and significance. They are the things that make us feel better about life, support our efforts and and encourage us. Observe the variety and depth of experience described by our four fine poets. Roy, Michele and Karla speak to us in “tanka” a short poem that is like a pearl, where all the power and beauty is concentrated. The poet Tzetzka Ileva has written a cherita. This is a tiny story that encapsulates the memories and warmth of her past. The poems will remind you of your own strong moments that give impetus to your own life and work.

~ Kathabela

Pivitol moment (Photo – Roy Kindelberger).

Roy Kindelberger

the airplane
departed without me
a decision
to stay one more day
or maybe forever

Sometimes pivotal decisions can be ruled by fear. When fear is let go, the free mind can make a clear decision and serenity prevails.Roy Kindelberger is a children’s writer, poet, and teacher from Edmonds, WA.

Ο Ο Ο

Michele L. Harvey

he didn’t know
he had given it to me…
father’s approval
of my artistic talent
when he said my clouds move

Like most other artists, Michele L. Harvey had to overcome the doubts of family and friends. When she invited her frail and widowed father for Christmas dinner, he took a late afternoon nap in the bedroom which also served as her studio. Upon rising and tottering into the kitchen he said, “Michele, Michele, your clouds…they moved!” He was referring to paintings, standing in the studio, being readied for the next show. Michele’s father never openly expressed his approval of her work, but his brief comment was enough to validate her years of effort. Throughout life there are turning points which serve as landmarks, marking an individual’s path. This indeed, was a memorable one.

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Father and child (Photo – Tzetzka IlievaI).

Tzetzka Ilieva

simpler times

when Mom’s slow cooked
“bad weather” soup

and Dad’s “we-don’t-
have-to-call-it-ice-cream-in-winter”
could make my doll feel better

Tzetzka Ilieva lives in Marietta, Georgia. She writes short poems in Bulgarian (her native language) and English, and takes countless photos of birds, flowers and bugs every day. She says: “No matter how old, busy, or serious I am now, I try to remember that it is the small things that make us feel loved and supported: the everyday conversations, the time spend together, the laughs. A hug cannot make all the pain go away, but it can bring just the right amount of courage so we can start working on making things better.”

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Karla Decker

mowed lawn
wounded dandelion
stirs
broken petals
try to bloom

Karla Decker says: “When I was a small child I fell in love with dandelions. I remember the devastation I felt the first time I saw my father mow down my favorites. And then there are those who dig these beauties up and toss them on the refuse pile. And the sense of triumph I feel when I see these feisty little flower do all they can to survive. In light of the latest school shooting the feistiness of dandelions has added meaning. I have lived in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Minnesota but never felt at home until I moved to beautiful, unpretentious Nebraska. The plan when I move here was to stay for one year, fifty years ago and have never regretted staying.”

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> We welcome and encourage your response especially in the form of short poems. You may reply by leaving a comment below.