Any attempt to pin down
this exact moment, that exact image
exactly what I feel and need to say
needs words that are not born yet,
metaphors for minds not yet formed,
such is exactitude.
Yet that is what poets attempt to do.
We stand at the edge of the crowd,
listening to the music
hearing the echoes of other times and places,
and ask a shadow to dance.
Copyright Β© 2021 Kim Whysall-Hammond
For this weeks Earthweal Challenge on the nature of poetry
yes, that’s where you’ll find me . . !
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Question is, tango or funky chicken?? π
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I’m definitely in the funky chicken category . . !
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Wave those elbows!
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A lovely description of what poets attempt, especially the last two lines — those really hit home for me.
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Thanks Dave. As with my best poems, those lines just came to me.
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‘and ask a shadow to dance.’ – Oh yes, great way of putting it!
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Thanks Ingrid.
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Asking a shadow to dance–that’s perfect. (K)
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It’s from Carl Sandburg:
“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.”
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A good source!
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Indeed
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This expresses the moments poems form very aptly. Like Kerfe I love the idea of asking a shadow to dance.
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Thanks Suzanne.
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You state the task exquisitely! Asking ” a shadow to dance” and with “exactitude.” Well done – Brendan
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Thanks Brendan.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Come and Enjoy this frim Kim!!
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Wow! A really Awesome poem, Kim! Bellissimo, Dear Bellissimo!
xoxox πππΉπ
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Thank you! π
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Always a joy and pleasure to read and share your posts with followers, My Dear! Have a great day!! xoxox ππππΉ
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And you…. :)
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This was a wonderful source of seeds of inspiration!! πππΉπ
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What a WONDERFUL description of poets and poetry – standing on the edges….asking a shadow to dance! Perfect!
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… at the edge of a crowd dancing in our heads searching for the right words. Nice!
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Thank you!
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