It is said to be out there as a poet, you need to be out there. So I took this literally and earlier in the week ventured out for a coffee.
As I at my outdoor table attentively observing the passing parade, a poem gently formed around me. I made a few notes rehearsed some words and sipped my cappuccino. The poem landed as an everyday observational narrative, consciously devoid of any profound turn of deeper significance...
Tuesday's Coffee Guests
I choose to sit at the tightly arranged round tables outside the cafe
I prefer my coffee with a side of life.
A woman passed by
walking a small dog adorned in booties.
He's got sensitive feet she informs a man who stares intently at the booted pup.
At the next table two frosty matrons complain bitterly about the fashion choices of young people,
Just as people have done since Plato famously launched a tirade about the lack of respect shown by young Romans.
I chose to look skyward and sight a pod of pelicans wide winging across a naked autumn sky.
And at this point, it might be expected that my poem should begin to reveal some deeper significance held within these words.
But I am content to leave things where they sit...
The coffee has quelled the fire within.
I'm content to note
Puppies, people and pelicans,
All passing through this brief scene
While I sat outside a cafe.
Alan j Wright
It is once again Poetry Friday and our genial host is Heidi Mordhorst who delivers a video conversation with fellow teacher poets, Jone rush MacCulloch and Ruth Simon discussing approaches to teaching poetry, why its important and how writing with kids inspires and sustains their respective efforts.
Here's to being "out there," Alan. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGetting out there is indeed vital, Irene. Essentail research and mental stimulation.
Delete"I prefer my coffee with a side of life" is a great line. I enjoyed the puppies, people, and pelicans. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for noticing that line, Rose. When it landed on the line, I was pretty chuffed, I must admit.
DeleteHow fun to go to a coffee place. And this line won the poem: "I prefer my coffee with a side of life."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jone. Coffee and collecting is always fun.
DeleteLovely. Thanks for letting us sit alongside you for a cuppa and a gander.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the sipper's club, Mary Lee. There's so much to take in...
DeleteYes, to be a poet you have to get Out There, even if your Out There is only your introvert's homebody space--but then again, how would you sight "puppies, people and pelicans"? Most enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi. Glad you enjoyed the various sightings while sipping coffee.
DeleteLike several others, I love the line, "I prefer my coffee with a side of life." Thanks for the coffee and the people-watching, Alan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. You're most welcome. Glad you like that particular line.
DeleteDelightful, Alan. There really is extraordinary in the ordinary, I mean where else but at the local coffee shop could you enjoy "puppies [especially in booties], people and pelicans"? And you gotta love those sunshine yellow umbrellas!
ReplyDeleteGood pick up Alice, on those dazzling umbrellas. Thank you for your comments and you are right about finding extraordinary within ordinary experiences and observations.
DeleteAlan, this is so gorgeous. I can see you at the cafe with all these guests. My favorite line is about the pelicans. This is a perfect description;;"I chose to look skyward and sight a pod of pelicans wide winging across a naked autumn sky." pod of pelicans, wide winging, naked autumn sky. So much beauty and depth!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. I appreciate your remarks regarding my poem. Our observations can uncover so many simple pleasures when we stop for a while and sit in the silence.
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