POETRY FRIDAY

A couple of weeks ago, Mary Lee told me about Laura Shovan's found poem project.
I wanted to participate. I really did. I even went so far as to paste the first two pictures, one of an old box, and one of vegetables, into blog posts. But somehow it just hasn't happened.

Life is just a teeny bit much right now and I haven't been writing. At all. Hardly even blog posts.

I decided, then, that I would feature African American poets on my blog this month. Last week, I had Langston Hughes. Today's offering is from Eloise Greenfield's book, IN THE LAND OF WORDS, first published in 2003.  The book is divided into two sections. The first half of the book, THE POET/THE POEM features poems about Greenfield's family, past, and experiences. Each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of its history. The second half of the book, IN THE LAND, features poems about books, and words, and other literacy-related topics.

Here are a couple of my favorites from that book:

Poet/Poem
by Eloise Greenfield

Poet:  Where are you, words,
           the ones that will fit
           the thoughts I am thinking
           as here I sit.

Poem:  Hiding, I'm hiding,
             I let you see
             only the smallest
             part of me.
             If you want to see more,
             you'll have to go deep
             into the forest
             where I sleep.

Poet:   But suppose I get lost?

Poem: You might.

Poet:    I'm afraid.

Poem: All right. Good-bye.

Poet:   Wait. Don't go.
             I'll try.

I Go to the Land

by Eloise Greenfield

I go to the land of words,

for I am at home there,

and never leave

for long. My thirst

pushes me through

the open door.

The more I drink

of the falling water,

the more I know.

I drink. I think.

I grow. 

Review copy of book provided by publisher. 

Poetry Friday today is hosted by Kimberly Moran. Kimberly is featuring Kristine O'Connell George's book, HUMMINGBIRD NEST. A friend just gave me a beautiful new journal and I really want to try some nature journaling. This book seems like it would a good mentor text. 

Happy reading! Happy writing! Happy poetry!