Since today was my first “official” day of summer vacation, I decided to do a free write of sorts. I combed through my notes, I read poetry, I scoured some essays, and I made lists of solitary words that sounded good to my ear. As I did that, I began to group random words together to form phrases that I thought sounded pleasing when read aloud. This process took some time, but it was worth the effort because at the end, I had a pretty lengthy list of words and phrases from which to choose.

Then I let the Poetry Faerie take over my imagination. I arbitrarily chose words and phrases from my list and started writing my poem. While this seems so very random, something magical always seems to happen.

As the poem emerged, a pattern of eight syllable lines and quatrains began to take shape. I stood, slack jawed as always, in wonder as to the poem that emerged. Somehow, in the writing process, an idea unfolds and a poem takes shape out of nowhere.

I can honestly say, this process always amazes me. I can also honestly recommend this crazy method to anyone who thinks they cannot write.

It works.

Every time.

Trust me. You won’t regret trying it. Let me know if you do. 🙂

Good Graves

Unthinkable suffering happens 
in spurts—seasons turn and shadows 
sustain the night like mourning songs
bellowing sorrows to the stars.

Come morning, fresh-washed and brilliant,
I no longer believe in babes 
or bathtubs or the heady hum
of brass bugles rousing the sun.

I play in the dry dust behind
the barn and near the water jar
and wash my soul clean as a voice
whispers: You no longer believe.

My wandering soul has found rest
under the distant black gum tree, 
who flashes fiery and fulgent 
in the humid heat of summer.

--Carla Jeanne Picklo Jordan