Not Overthinking
a Five Things essay
Hello, Poetry Friend
(Tresta Payne wrote a Five Things essay at More Beautiful Than Necessary, and after trying and not-writing all morning, my pencil finally got to work.)
It isn’t too hot for hot tea, and I can’t get over how it’s noon already and I’m still working on my back patio, with the ceiling fan on high. Not so much writing as taking notes. The sun isn’t whitewashing, just accenting. How very un-August-like!
“I’ve heard grief is only love / with nowhere to go.” from “Against Distance,” by Trey Moody
Yesterday I watched a movie in the middle of the afternoon, which I don’t even do when I’m sick. It was “Wildcat,” about Flannery O’Connor. And I want to dial her up and talk about daily Mass. I fear she’d hate my singing—my voice far more pure than my heart.
It’s a waning crescent moon. On August 1, 1966, it was a full moon. One man climbed a tower on a Monday, and another man—my father—never knew what to do with such grief but drown it ever after.
I’m on my fifth Father since becoming Catholic in 2012. Each one does things the same, only different. At daily Mass I am noticing every nuance so I can help the folks worship. It’s like learing a new pianist—all the shades in their notes. This: this is what I love.
Happy poeming! Or Five Things-ing.
Megan
I need to do one of these! How fun!
Love this! I have a five things essay from a couple years ago that was really a lovely experience to write. I need to go back to it, see what's there.