It’s Poetry Friday!
Heidi Morhorst hosts the weekend roundup. She’s an inspiration to so many of us…from new poetry forms (her latest…a “Narcissus”) to coaxing poetry magic out of school kids (check out her WHISPERshout e-zine here) to her tireless push for justice in all its forms. I have no idea what she’s cooked up this weekend (since I’m writing this Tuesday), but Heidi never disaappoints!
Get over there NOW!
BEGIN AGAIN…
My husband and I head out on a last, large #YearOfPlaying-Europe trip next week.
In many ways, this trip is a last hurrah. In late September we will return to “begin again.”
Begin living in the mountains– perhaps as full-time residents. Since my dad’s death, I feel a strong need to be geographically closer to my mom and sisters.
Begin establishing deeper roots in this alpine community that has seasonally cradled us for the last 30 years.
Begin finding new routines in keeping with real autumns and snowy winters.
(Yes, this is a real place…Beautiful Lake Tahoe!)
And so, I offer this poem, by Kathy Pon (my sister).
Begin Again
We are tender
at dawn, shadowed bodies
giving way to the blue hour.
Our soul pips at hardshell
that coats us in safety, finds light
and conviction to begin again.
Haven’t we prayed this before…
Read the rest of the poem here.
Poetry News:
Last March, while travelling in Asia, I penned numerous small poems, one of which I submitted.
I was notified last month that my poem was a finalist in RockPaperPoem’s annual contest. I hope to share it here once the issue goes live.
If time and travel permit, I’ll try to post in the coming Fridays. If not—see you in late September!
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
How fun to see this one! I wrote it at dawn one day— and it is dark and dawn as I read this now!
Patricia, it is interesting to find out more about your family. I wish you well in your decision making on where you will live. Losing your father is a difficult part of your life. My son is feeling the pangs of loss of his father. Going on our 9-day trip viitng places Richard loved gave my son, daughter, and son-in-law the chance to enjoy the memories with the children. Congratulations on your new poem. Your sister’s poem is deep, intense and one to read several times (shadowed bodies-what an opening.) Enjoy Beautiful Lake Tahoe!
I like the theme – begin again. Full time CA Patti would definitely be fun!!
Patricia, your sister’s poem is beautiful. Life is full of so many beginnings and I love “no finish line/yet”!
Best wishes on the last big travel hurrah!
Kathy, if you’re reading here, I also loved “Conversion.” Beautiful and poignant.
Means a lot to hear that you were able to relate to “Conversion”. Thanks for sharing.
K
Patricia, enjoy that European trip! I enjoyed reading Kathy’s poems. I especially appreciated the second one, “Conversion.” Congratulations on being a finalist in RockPaperPoem’s poetry contest. Thanks for sharing your “Begin Again” activities for your future. Enjoy!
Just wanted to thank you for letting my poem resonated with you!
K
Sending Serene Scenery wishes, to you, traveling Patricia & Hubby.
Loving the idea of a Sublime Sisterhood, two enriching sibling souls with soulful words. Both of the ORCHARD LANGUAGE poems promise future publications.
And I toss up my hiking hat [ recent in our Maclay Gardens State Park] for your Acceptance!
Finally, I wish you much fun unpacking, digging-in & mellowing out in the to-be-permanence of a beloved WestNest. BRAVA to you both, for the choice.
Your fan,
JAN
Have a great trip! Looking forward to the poems it inspires and the photos you take! And then, three cheers for the beginning again!
Patricia, thank you for your enthusiastic words! I return the admiration: the way that you gracefully manage to keep writing wherever you are and how ready you are to let emotion pour out, with lovely restraint. I am fascinated that you and your sister are both at it professionally! What a wonderful poem, and particularly
” And damn,
we forgot again
to bring along the songbirds.”
Don’t leave home without them!
Have a safe and glorious trip, Patricia! I look forward to reading the poems that come from it. Thank you for sharing Cathy’s poems. So much talent in your family! And congrats again on being chosen for RPS.
Have a great trip, Patricia. How nice that your sister writes poetry as well. Congratulations to you both on your recent publications. I like how you wrote the poem that was selected as a finalist while you were on your Asia trip. We are headed to Scotland in October and maybe I’ll just take a journal instead of my computer. We’ll see. Take care as you begin again.