Yay, a fellow Kooser-lover! A poet friend introduced me to him about a decade ago, and I've been in love ever since. This collection has given me a reliable way into writing a poem when I feel like I'm stuck. There's always weather, and there's always a metaphor.
LOVE THIS ONE, MEGAN! Love weather and love Ted Kooser. I can't wait to write this one. Thanks! ... Sandy
Yay, a fellow Kooser-lover! A poet friend introduced me to him about a decade ago, and I've been in love ever since. This collection has given me a reliable way into writing a poem when I feel like I'm stuck. There's always weather, and there's always a metaphor.
P.S. There's more on this poem at meganwillome.com!
Thanks for this prompt, Megan. Here's my poem:
28 January
foggy morning drizzling
As I walked away
from my house
a titmouse sat on the gate
bidding me ‘good-day.”
Above, angry starlings
squawked and flew
as if angry at me
and my eyes fell
to all the dead things—
trees barren holding
empty nests, grass
turned to beige,
leaves rotting
and fallen branches
that could hold
no more water.
My bones moaned
with each step.
In the distance,
a siren rang of distress
and then, a starling
pierced the air in a whistle.
Drops of water lingered
on thirsty grass. A spurt
of green reminded me
spring was coming.
Returning to my yard,
the bird feeder hung
empty calling me to fill
it for the winter birds
as we yearned for spring.
So much feeling in your poem, Sandra. And all the better because you show it in the weather-related details.
Thanks for sharing.