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Poetry Friday: The Safety Pin Poem

Poets not only write poetry, they also read poetry. In order to be able to write poetry, one must read it. Lots of poetry in fact... 

 I want to share a short little poem by Valerie Worth. I bought Valerie's book, 'All The Small Poems And Fourteen More,' while living and working in New York, some time back. It remains a personal favourite. 

 I love the way the poet shines a special light on everyday objects, transforming them into something unique and worthy of attention. Her close observations elevate her poems into the special category. 

 Each poem in the collection celebrates earthly wonders. From eggs to garbage, from potatoes to pockets, each object is given special attention in the form of short poems employing keen observations. 

 Valerie Worth demonstrates through her poems she totally understands the saying-'ideas exist in things.' 

 The poem I have chosen to share with you (one of my personal favourites) is titled, 'Safety Pin'.
Safety Pin

Closed, it sleeps
On its side
Quietly,
The silver
Image
Of some
Small fish;

Opened, it snaps
Its tail out
Like a thin
Shrimp, and looks
At the sharp
Point with a
Surprised eye



Valerie Worth

Comments

  1. Sally Murphy11 November 2016 at 15:23

    Oh I have this book too, and adore it. I too love the way she focusses on 'small' things and sowmhow manages to make them big.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 November 2016 at 16:16

      So true Sally. She brings these small objects into sharp focus.

      Delete
  2. Julie 11 November 2016 at 21:07

    I have the book as well, Alan, and love so many of her poems. My own favorite is BELL, which to me is an absolute perfect poem (concise, musical, visual, full of heart) but this safety pin poem is wonderful, too. She is so spot on with her metaphorical thinking - in this case, both the object(safety pin) and the metaphor (fish) are "small things." Thanks for sharing Valerie Worth with all of us.

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  3. Alan j Wright11 November 2016 at 23:09

    Julie, your remarks most accurately capture the essence of Valerie Worth's poetry focus in this anthology.

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  4. Linda Mitchell11 November 2016 at 23:09

    I love this! And, paired with this article I just read....well...I will be wearing a safety pin for some years now. Thank you Alan!

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    Replies
    1. Linda Mitchell11 November 2016 at 23:13

      ooops! I neglected to add the link to the article:The Powerful Reason Americans Are Wearing Safety Pins
      https://www.good.is/articles/safety-pin-america-trump-brexit

      Delete
    2. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:44

      It seems my focus on safety pins had some measure of synchronicity, Linda. I am well pleased with this conjunction of symbols.

      Delete
  5. jama11 November 2016 at 23:39

    I love Valerie Worth, and as Linda pointed out, safety pins have new meaning now. Your timing is perfect! :)

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:33

      Thank you Jama. i am pleased with this timing of events and symbols.

      Delete
  6. Brenda at FriendlyFairyTales12 November 2016 at 01:32

    Great book, and wonderful example of giving the little things life.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:30

      Agreed Brenda. A poetry book with much to recommend it.

      Delete
  7. Linda B12 November 2016 at 01:37

    I also was going to say that your sharing of Valerie Worth's poem is so timely. The books by her are treasures that I used often in my teaching. Glad you reminded us of this poem today, Alan.

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    1. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:35

      Thank you Linda. It appears many of us have come to love and appreciate Valerie Worth's poetic endeavours.

      Delete
  8. Jane @ www.raincitylibrarian.ca12 November 2016 at 05:47

    There is wonder and beauty in the little things, in every day lives! Thank you for reminding us of that today.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:37

      Jane, I think we all benefit when we can see the beauty in small things and simple pleasures.

      Delete
  9. Tara12 November 2016 at 08:55

    I've always loved this book, and this verse in particular. Now, the humble safety pin ha taken on a greater symbolic significance in response to hate crimes unleashed by the US election.

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    1. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 14:42

      Tara, the election has been disturbing on so many levels. Even from this distance I remain aware of its ramifications on a global scale as well as the national scale for each of you. I gain some measure of strength from Michelle Obama's powerful comment,' When they go low, go high.'

      Delete
  10. Julieanne12 November 2016 at 15:14

    I love this book. Thank you for highlighting it. I pick a poem a week for my students. It's time to celebrate the simple things!

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  11. Alan j Wright12 November 2016 at 21:56

    All power to you Julieanne as you explore and celebrate the wonders of small things.

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  12. Violet N.13 November 2016 at 05:09

    Another book to put on my library reserve list. Thank you, Alan!

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  13. Mary Lee13 November 2016 at 22:49

    We are seeing the world with new eyes, aren't we? And there is power in the small and ordinary...like a #safetypin.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright15 November 2016 at 13:26

      Perceptive observations Mary. There is indeed power in the small and ordinary.

      Delete

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