Poetry Friday, Week 29: Summer Swap From Iphigene #seepoetryeverywhere

7/23/2021

Today, Poetry Friday is hosted Downunder at Kat at Kathryn Apel. And she's shares her interesting pets.

This week I received this gorgeous painting and poem from Mary Iphigene.
Do you know her work? She's an incredible artist and poet.
And from the sounds of it life has been particularly challenging in the Philippines.
I love how she used mourning/morning in her poem.
I also love 'crows feet/gathering'.
Thank you for this treasure, Mary.

This is my response to Mary's poem. I used the phrase "Waking Up to Sunlight" for a sort of Golden Shovel (added an extra line).
Waking Up to Sunlight
Dream clouds fade with songbirds waking
me. The dog jumps up
tail wagging, nose nudging me to
rise and greet the morning sunlight.
This is joy.

©jone rush macculloch(2021, draft)

Kathryn Apel link

7/23/2021 05:04:40 pm

Oh, I love Iphigene's package; picture, poem and placement. The two things you commented on were the two things that struck me, too.
This is a poem of resilience. And looking life full in the face.
Your golden shovel is a joyful extension of the contrast.

Denise Krebs link

7/24/2021 04:23:19 am

Jone, that is a treasure that you received from Iphigene. I like the lines: "This is joy and / I finally know it."

I love your dog bringing joy to your day response.

Mary Lee

7/24/2021 04:23:54 am

What a gift! I, too, am struck by the contrast of mourning/morning, and the repetition of the word FINALLY.

Carol Varsalona link

7/24/2021 05:27:35 am

Jone, I, too, was blessed with one of Iphigene's glorious pieces of artwork and poetry. Her work is reflective and purposeful. There is a gentle touch in this poem that searches for meaning on life. The title and ending are a great pairing against a simple room filled with a solitary chair. Your response is full of joy. Enjoy your summer day.

Laura Salas link

7/25/2021 05:17:15 am

Two wonderful poems. Thanks, Jone. I'm thinking a lot about grief this weekend, and Mary's poem really dazzles. I want to remember to share it with someone in a few months...

Michelle Kogan link

7/25/2021 10:33:53 pm

Iphigene's somber image is a poem in itself, but the chair seems to be asking for the words, and the words unwind from mourning to Joy. Thanks for sharing her poem and art, and your waking joy filled response!

Gail Aldous

7/26/2021 05:51:41 pm

Oh my, Jone, what an amazing and beautiful gift! The empty chair painting perfectly pairs with the emotional poem. I easily resonate with this poem. It's universal, yet intimate. I don't know how Mary does that. Her first stanza immediately grabbed me. I agree with your comments, and I also love that the repetition of "this is" stanzas continue into "This is joy and I finally know it." I love how Mary starts with the title and takes it full circle and ends with it. Such a heartfelt poem that I will remember. I love how I can hear your golden shovel images and feel the wet "nose nudging me." I also love how you continued with Mary's "this is joy' for a perfect ending. Such a beautiful gifts. Thank you for sharing. Both Mary and you have inspired me.

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Poetry Friday, Week 29: Summer Swap From Iphigene #seepoetryeverywhere

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