It's April. It's Poetry Month!
Remember to check out the list of what everyone is doing at Jama Rattigan's blog: Jama's Alphabet Soup.
And check on the Water Poem Project where every day, a poet is sharing a prompt connected to water, hosted and created by Laura Shovan!
Plus! Check each day for the added line to the Progressive Poem, created by Irene Latham, now hosted by Margaret Simon! The link is above and the graphic to the right!
A leap with the theme of CIRCLES for poetry month, poems & small sketches. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts. I'm sure I will love each one, knowing they're done during a time we've not lived before. I am worried about so many, those close and those far, my community, too.
April 1 - haiku
April 2 - cinquain
April 3 - a couplet
April 4 - limerick
April 5 - a kyrielle
April 6 - a skinny
April 7 - quatrain
April 8 - tanka
April 9 - a prose poem
April 13 - a nonet
April 14 - haikuApril 15 - lune
April 16 - sonnet
April 17 - free verse
April 18 - silly verse
April 19 - couplets
April 20 - free verse
April 21 - a skinny
Best wishes for continuing good health to you all!
April 21 - a skinny
Best wishes for continuing good health to you all!
Hauntings
The last time I held a donut was March 14th, the same day I put up a sign at the bookstore where I volunteer, the sign that said, “Sorry, closed, until further notice. We will miss you!”
It was at Safeway, one donut packaged in a plastic box. The donut shelves were empty. I knew then that our days were not going to stay like always – a quick stop at the bakery to grab a box, grab a waxed tissue to fill it up. Bring the box home ready for crunching that chocolate or caramel, watch the sprinkles fall onto the floor, lick my sticky lips and say “Yum!”
I haven’t returned. I miss the donuts, but even more I miss chats with the checkers. I hope they’re okay. The donut isn’t everything but it’s my marker,
the “before”
and “after”.
Isn't it funny how little things become our markers of before and after? I really like how you use the donut as the symbol of both here.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Several replied on FB that toilet paper was that marker for them. Others mentioned the first masks seen. What a tough time for so many this is. Missing a donut is the least of people's challenges, I know.
DeleteIt is those little things that seem to mark these days. One of mine has been missing visits with my little sister (through Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I was so excited when her grandmother (where she is staying) let her use a phone to call me. I've been sending letters, but she hasn't written back.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound sad, Kay. I'm glad you were able to talk with her, but wonder if she just doesn't have the materials to write back? I Yes, I see that it could be a very sad 'marker'. I'm glad you shared!
DeleteI think my marker is the day I went out in the rain (because I thought fewer people would venture out) to get distilled water needed for CPAP machines. I brought home a dozen, still have nine.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to read the differing parts that made everyone remember, isn't it? Perhaps that rain is what clicked for you? I just know that here & on FB, etc., each had a different story. Thanks, Elsie!
DeleteI like this piece. It carries the feeling, the mood and the essence of "before" and "after" so perfectly. I remember the taste of the last handmade chocolate I bought before staying at home. We have been to the regular store and bought regular chocolate, but it is not the same.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Terje. There is a bakery that I love & we can still order from them, but have to have them bring it out, no more hanging out for a while. Even their pastries aren't quite the same because of the setting, I guess.
DeleteI have special memories of donuts because of my high school friends. So even though this marks a sad time, doughnuts do bring me smiles.
ReplyDeleteI need to think about that marker. We left for spring break just when all of this hit, so I'm not really sure that I have a sure marker. Something to think about.
Yes, I have other memories of donuts, too, but this time is the last time I've been to my store, & it's sad to me that I don't know about those checkers. If you figure it out, come back to share! Thanks, Leigh Anne!
DeleteI like this, and I know that's not a very good way to leave a comment. Still. I like this. I've never written a prose poem before and you make me want to try. After getting my gall bladder out, there are several things I can no longer eat -- donuts are one of those foods. I miss them...especially after reading your poem.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it intriguing what things come up when we read, Ruth. like this connection because you can no longer have them, but for a different reason? What we miss feels important this strange time of the pandemic, not the big things, but the little ones It's nice to hear another perspective.
DeleteOh donuts! Such a common thing that I haven't indulged in for over a month. Your prose poem is fantastic - especially how you reveal that your marker is the before and after.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Trina. It is that checker connection that I miss which of course encompasses all that it means, no more grocery bakery or deli, no more easy chatting with the clerks. Our lives changed so quicky. Thank you!
DeleteYour final line:
ReplyDeleteThe donut isn’t everything but
it’s my marker,
the “before”
and “after”.
That reminds us of a defining moment when you knew life was changing, or perhaps already changed. I love the little donut you created with your wood circles -- it looks delicious! I'm not a big donut person, but you have made it enticing today! Thanks for writing!
I am definitely not versed in prose poems, but I love the building of detail on detail, and then the very brief lines at the end. A beautiful way to emphasize. I also love the way it spurred your readers to think about their markers, and doughnuts!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a post-stay home order donut celebration! What a sweet celebration that will be!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, Anne, & Christy, we must keep imagining that a donut celebration will happen!
ReplyDelete