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Celebrating Everyday Matters

The Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda exalted the basic things of our daily existence. He celebrated the mundane in ways that were quite extraordinary. Through his poetry he discovered beauty in everyday  moments and objects, making them appear remarkable and worthy of sharing. Check out Pablo Neruda's Ode To My Socks.


I also recommend Valerie Worth's book, 'All the Small Poems And 14 More.'  Worth celebrates a range of everyday earthly wonders. Each poem a precise tribute to ordinary things. These poets have taught me to recognize the innate value of everyday objects and events.


When we sit quietly for a while, we begin to notice the beauty surrounding us. We develop a renewed appreciation for the seemingly invisible events that make up our lives. Young writers and poets need exposure to such potentially rewarding activities. Beauty exists in simple, everyday tasks and pleasures. We must show them how we engage in the celebration of the everyday, -how we smell the roses...


DISHES


We share the kitchen
Washing the dishes
There are too few to bother the dishwasher
When it's tea for two
Working instinctively
Easily
Back and forth
At our respective tasks
Washing, wiping
Restoring order
Never colliding
Never bumping
Waltzing
Through kitchen sink manoeuvres
Each plate, fork, cup 
Returning to its assigned place
Conversation floats easily like background music
Drifting through
A moment
A memory
As we measure the day just passed

The chore dissolves in a word sea
and sudsy waves
Task completed
We rinse and wring
Wipe and fold

The dishes are done
Order restored
Tea-towels retired

Alan j Wright




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Comments

  1. Linda B16 March 2018 at 12:15

    I used to use Neruda's poems with my students, epecially brought in tomatoes to see what they might write, then read them his Ode. I don't think I've ever seen this one, "They were so handsome for the first time
    my feet seemed to me unacceptable" (chuckle). And yours is equally wonderful, Alan, memories of the "chore (that) dissolves in a word sea/and sudsy waves." It's a love poem to me, and beautiful. Thanks!

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    1. Alan j Wright16 March 2018 at 13:10

      Like you Linda, I have used Neruda's words to model the writing of odes to everyday things. I have also used Gary Soto's 'Ode To Pablo's Tennis Shoes.'
      Thank you for your remarks regarding my little poem. I too think of it as a love poem...

      Delete
  2. GatheringBooks16 March 2018 at 14:42

    Thank you for finding beauty in the mundane. This is lovely. :) I love Neruda.

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    1. Alan j Wright16 March 2018 at 15:27

      Thank you for your kind and supportive response Myra. Neruda was a word wizard, no doubt.

      Delete
  3. Alice Nine16 March 2018 at 14:54

    "Conversation floats easily like background music / Drifting through / A moment / A memory / As we measure the day just passed" There's so much harmony and peace here. A comfortableness in each other's company. I enjoyed your poem, Alan. It was like reading about moments in my kitchen.

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    1. Alan j Wright16 March 2018 at 15:30

      Thanks Alice. So much surrounding our lives takes place in the kitchen. It is a reminder that ideas exist in things- and places. I'm pleased you found a connection in my words.

      Delete
  4. Kimberly Hutmacher16 March 2018 at 23:37

    You made the mundane task of washing dishes beautiful.

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    1. Alan j Wright17 March 2018 at 09:23

      Thank you Kimberly. That response pleases me. As writers it is important we learn to appreciate the potential of simple pleasures. I remain grateful to poets like Neruda and Worth for their most pertinent reminders.

      Delete
  5. Kay17 March 2018 at 05:32

    I love both of these collections--and your tribute to the simple pleasure of washing dishes together.

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    1. Alan j Wright17 March 2018 at 09:26

      Both poets provide us with eloquent evidence that the everyday object or event possesses beauty. We must learn to appreciate. Thank you Kay for your remarks.

      Delete
  6. Molly Hogan17 March 2018 at 09:53

    I love Valerie Worth's collection and often use poems from it with my students. I always enjoy when a poet describes an everyday object in a way that changes how I see that object. For example, because of Linda Baie's poem this week, I will always think of "bee invitations" when I see dandelions. I agree with her that your poem reads like a love poem. It really is a lovely kitchen duet.

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    1. Alan j Wright17 March 2018 at 10:33

      It is a joy when a poet directs our view towards objects and events that are frequently overlooked or passed by. It serves as a timely reminder that such things have inherent beauty. It pleases me that readers see the love in my poem. Thanks Molly and like you I love Valerie Worth's poetry.

      Delete
  7. Linda Mitchell17 March 2018 at 12:37

    Alan, this is such a beautiful and touching post. I have heard of Worth's book several times but haven't read it yet. I think its time. I hope I can be still enough this week to find a moment between now and next Friday to write something as delicate and true as Dishes.

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    1. Alan j Wright17 March 2018 at 13:04

      Thank you Linda for your generous remarks. I hope you do purchase a copy of Valerie Worth's powerful little book and may you quarantine some time in the upcoming week to capture the essence of those simple pleasures that await discovery.

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  8. Michelle Kogan17 March 2018 at 13:44

    What a lovely Ode to "DISHES" Alan, very lyrical, it could be set to music! I love the alliteration in it, moving it right along. Valerie Worth's book looks like a little treasure and Natalie Babbitt's illustrations are wonderful and sensitive (I like her books too)–I have to have a copy, thanks for sharing it with us. I'm familiar with "Ode To My Socks," I think I've shared it too–it takes you to an entirely new place.

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  9. Alan j Wright17 March 2018 at 13:57

    Thank you Michelle. I do love using alliteration. I have to be careful not to overuse it. May you find the same level of joy in Valerie Worth's poetry i have. I bought her books more than ten years ago while working in New York. I have never tired of it.

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