Beautiful in the Mouth: On the Reading and Writing of Poetry

 What is a poem on a page but a Field of Light and Shadow where

For Love of Common of Words, A Radiant Curve catches 19 Varieties of Gazelle

gazing into Darkening Water becoming Human Dark with Sugar going

Heart First into the Forest Meaning a Cloud, Torn Awake is coming to be

torch song tango choir Dismantling the Hills of The City, Our City is a Cloud of Ink

Becoming Weather just One Hundred Steps from Shore the Flood Song of a Floating City

floats in on The Heaven-Sent Leaf to rest among The Red Leaves of Night

where Bird Eating Bird in Green Squall leave us A Wreath of Down and Drops of Blood

that lie down too Beautiful in the Mouth

Now that National Poetry Month, with its reign of readings, has abated, why not plant new seeds in time for next year’s poetic harvest? Whether you are new to poetry or a seasoned reader, a particular poem or poet can inspire a desire to try your hand and pen your own musings. Reading poems can serve to whet one’s appetite for delving into the verdant realm of verse. You’ll find a range of poetic styles and subject matter hidden in the lines of the “found poem” above which is composed from titles of books in the library’s collection.

Read aloud, a poem sharpens the listener’s ear to nuance and meaning. A bounty of voices can be heard on the following audiobooks:

• The Classic Hundred Poems
• The Poets’ Corner
• O’ Black and Unknown Bards
• After the Fire
• Rumi
• Classic American Poetry
• American Poets
• She Walks in Beauty
• Heaven in a Wild Flower

If you’re ready to get in touch with your poetic voice, the following offerings will provide insight and inspiration to anyone venturing forth into the lush world of language:

• Unleash the Poem Within: How Reading and Writing Poetry can Liberate Your Creative Spirit
• Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out
• The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets
• The Everything Writing Poetry Book: a Practical Guide to Style, Structure, Form and Expression
• The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within
• Poetry as Spiritual Practice: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions