It is getting to be winter here in Maine and my thoughts turn to snow and ice and the coziness of being "tucked in" behind the glass. It is actually my favorite time of the year when there is actually TIME to sit and knit and write. I am teaching two classes (Freshman and Soph Comp) so I have constraints on my time. But I enjoy it, and hope I am making a difference for my students.
One really great thing about winter here is loads of time to read. The stack next to my chair is growing. I read and then cannot bear to put the good book into the bookcase. After all, I might want to get back in! I'd love to hear from my friends and family what they are reading, so come on! Give me some hints as to what I could add to the stack!
I went to the Dodge Poetry Festival this fall and brought back a group of books (poetry of course) and I think I will create a topic later for books we love. So watch for that one. Anyway, I am reading a great collection of war poems, American War Poetry, edited by Lorrie Goldensohn. It traces poems from the pre-colonial time to the present day. Wow. Poets have surely been writing about war a long time. I have been surprised by a few of these. Who knew that the Star-Spangled Banner was originally entitled, Defence of Fort Mc Henry? or that it has three other stanzas? Who knew that Robert Frost wrote war poetry? I recommend reading "Not to Keep," which is wonderful. Although it was written about W.W. I, it is pertinent today. I guess that is one thing about war poems: they (like war) are timeless. I hope for a day when no one will have to write war poems. Having said that, I am doing it myself, adding to the ones in my collection (Daughter of the Ardennes Forest). I guess it will get to be a longer collection. Who knows.
Well, why not send in a favorite war poem of yours, friends. Let's see what we are reading in that area of poetry!
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Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteGood blog spot!
I have begun reading The Outermost House, which you recommended to me a few years back. I'm really enjoying it - I dive into it every night just before I go to sleep. I have also piled up a number of other memoirs - most recently, Ava's Man, by Rick Bragg. It's an excellent book about an everyday Joe who lived in the distant south all those years ago.
Haven't read (or written) enough poetry lately - you're inspiring me to get back to it! I have become the editor of the Poetry Society of Michigan's journal Peninsula Poets. Just getting the hang of that.
Carolyn W.
Well, that is wonderful. I will be interested in seeing that journal!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteYour book,"Breakfast At The Brass Compass" - is wonderful. The variety of style and thoughtfulness of each poem has amazed me. This is a truly "classy" presentation---crisp, clear, uncluttered. Thank you!
Margaret Bryant