August Greetings, dear friends, occasional writers, readers, and beloved rascals of all stripes. This post marks the start of my fourth year sharing my view of today’s world through the kaleidoscope lens of poetry, music, art, activism, and yes … humor. I’m most grateful to be here, so glad you’re part of the circle and helping draw it wider by sharing these missives with friends.
It was the poet William Stafford who, decades ago, reminded us that the darkness around us is deep, making it so easy to get lost in that sea of despair John Lewis warned against, all the while encouraging us to make some noise and get in good trouble. And so, still refusing to turn away, I will continue to shine Light Waves of hope (and maybe sometimes just light) when, where, and however I can, knowing it is impossible to touch on it all.
As one who believes that creativity doesn’t necessarily fade with age, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with Cento poetry, a very old but little-known form of creating new stand-alone poems using lines from others. While some poets tend to think of centos as more of a gimmick, I find them not only legitimate, but (as I said) fascinating. I mean, really, why let a beautiful phrase or line be used only once and in just one context? Does a good idea really care who had it first? Is this not the age of reclaim, reuse and recycle? My chapbook, Tributaries … words of homage & gratitude to other poets and artists, contains three full centos and a number of other less than full ones. Here’s an example titled “Ode to Joy (Harjo)”.
So today I’m offering a Cento poem whose lines are taken from a variety of newsfeeds as well as poetry and music. If you choose to read it (and I hope you do) I’d be very interested in hearing your thoughts.
If you’re further interested in knowing where the lines came from, you can check out the link provided at the end. Clicking on the colored lines will then take you to their source. For example, “When I die, I want my heart to be covered in stretch marks” comes from the beloved poet, Andrea Gibson, who left their 49-year-old body on July 14th and “in this great turning …” from Joanna Macy, who departed the planet she loved on the 19th at age 96.
There is material from some of my favorite and most trusted resources, Thom Hartmann, Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, and Robert Reich, as well as inspiration from Krista Tippet, the Raging Grannies, and Naomi Shihab Nye. Here we go!
Reading between the (head) lines
the future is, as always, unwritten, always something
left to unfold or be discovered … a turning point,
a call to stay awake and you don’t know where to start.
With a little practice you’ll believe anything.But there’s a profound decency in the sinews
of America. Most Americans are generous
and kind. One day everyone will have been
against this.Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have
to consider our own lives and the lives of others.
When I die I want my heart to be covered in stretch marks.
Let’s be the same wound if we must bleed.
Let’s fight side by side even if the enemy
is ourselves.The edge is beneath our feet.
If we keep pretending not to see it,
gravity will make the decision for us.
But there are sources of hope all around.
Find them. Cling to them. In this great turning
we shall learn to lead in love.You don’t have to be loud to be brave.
You don’t have to be radical to demand dignity.
You just have to care enough to speak up.I’m not interested in who suffered the most.
I’m interested in people getting over it.
Why are we so monumentally slow?The modern world was built and shaped by optimists.
We owe it to them to carry the torch.
Either we have hope within us or we don’t.
Until next time, know that I am grateful for your company on this ever-emerging path. Blessings on Us All … Everyone, Everywhere.
Love, Sulima
