(Link to dVerse Poets)
summer thoughts flutter
capture words like butterflies
netted poetry
My love of poetry began with a book ordered from Weekly Reader in late elementary school, Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle. I read and re-read this collection of contemporary poems. Besides being a voracious reader, I enjoyed writing. I remember writing my own chapter book about a dachshund named Brandy.
In high school, I delighted in the poetic words of Ogden Nash, e.e. cummings, and Shel Silverstein. I memorized the lyrics of musicians like Neil Diamond, Elton John, and John Denver (living in Colorado). Words fed my dreams.
My paternal grandfather loved poetry. He could recite Longfellow’s “The Village Blacksmith” to us. When he passed, I treasured his timeworn volume of Edgar Allen Poe. Inspired, I purchased the complete works of Emily Dickinson to read.
As a young mother, I submitted a few poems to Welcome Home magazine. Later, I discovered the blogosphere through devotional writers like Ann Voskamp. Then I followed a friend who endured a difficult foreign adoption process, blogging her feelings and experiences. While reading her blog, I contemplated writing my own.
With a busy farm and family, I wanted to keep my posts brief…a poetry blog! I dug up and tweaked a few old poems and published them as “a poem in my pocket” on WordPress in 2012, the same year I became a grandmother. For fun, I signed up for an online poetry writing class. I read Billy Collins and Luci Shaw.
My ears like rhyme and rhythm but my ideas usually flow as free verse or haiku. I feel compelled to write my thoughts and challenged to try prompts from various sources, particularly d’Verse Poetics and Carpe Diem Haiku Kai. I hope my blog is a spot of beauty in a sometimes ugly world. Poetry is a creative outlet for me, a personal retreat from the busy mundaneness of life.
“There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind…So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself. ” — MARCUS AURELIUS
a poem in my pocket 
Mar 20, 2018 @ 14:51:04
Love the story… so much comes from writing… friends and that sense of a journey.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 15:02:40
Yes! Thanks, Bjorn.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 12:11:14
I loved reading your story! 🙂
Mar 20, 2018 @ 12:13:41
Thank you, Jo. Glad you stopped by!
Mar 20, 2018 @ 12:14:44
I enjoyed yours too…but was unable to comment (log in). Words can be healing!
Mar 20, 2018 @ 10:49:23
Marcus Aurelius was right 🙂 You describe your journey like a true storyteller.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 11:57:36
Thanks, Jane!
Mar 20, 2018 @ 12:20:07
🙂
Mar 20, 2018 @ 10:07:10
Such a beautiful haiku, and a wonderful recount of your poetic journey. Thank you for sharing.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 11:57:05
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mar 20, 2018 @ 08:43:15
Great story. I love your lifetime love for reading. I can identify with you in appreciation for the d’Verse and other groups that challenge us to become better poets. Butterflies in a net… what a great image.
dwight
Mar 20, 2018 @ 11:56:36
Thanks, Dwight…I enjoyed reading about your poetic journey too 🙂
Mar 20, 2018 @ 05:04:11
Great story Lynn, I hope you continue using poetry to convey your thoughts and feelings.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 05:17:21
I appreciate your encouragement, Michael.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 04:18:42
I really enjoyed the story of your poetic life, Lynn. Starting with a haiku is a great idea – I love the image of ‘netted poetry’ – sometimes it feels like we are chasing butterflies! The title of that book is so unusual: Reflections on a Piece of Watermelon Pickle.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 05:16:33
That title and book got my attention 🙂
Mar 20, 2018 @ 01:04:52
a personal retreat from the busy mundaneness of life.
this really speaks to me. your haiku is superb
Mar 20, 2018 @ 05:13:37
I thank you for reading and commenting!
Mar 20, 2018 @ 23:59:28
You’re welcome, Lynn!
Mar 19, 2018 @ 22:28:03
I remember the Weekly Reader as well. Song lyrics are probably where it started for me.
Mar 19, 2018 @ 22:25:39
Wow Lynn! Such a wonderful history of writing. I am loving your love of writing and poetry. The haiku is simply gorgeous…butterflies and poetry.
Mar 20, 2018 @ 05:12:23
Thanks, Toni! You gave us a fun and personal prompt.