'Writing is evidence that we exist.'
Donald Graves
This poem regarding notebooks emerged during my recent holdiay in Bali. Since returning home it has undergone some polishing. The poem's title gives a nod to the late actor, Karl Malden who made the phrase famous in an advertisement for American Express some years ago.
My one small regret is that this poem emerged after the publication of my latest book, 'Notebook Notions.' I opened Notebook Notions with a poem about writing and feel this poem would have neatly closed the book. Afterall, the book is a reflective journey through 43 years of notebook scribing.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
Take your notebook
with you
When you leave
For other lands,
Visit other cities,
When you wander
down streets
Of unfamiliar
towns.
Your notebook
Will remind you of
exactly who you are
And where you are
from
And matters
residing safely in your heart.
Years from now,
The words you
gather will reveal
To future
generations
The life you lived,
The path you
forged,
In those exciting
times.
Alan j Wright
It is yet again , Poetry Friday and our host on this occasion is Carol Varsalona who is celebrating the arrival of Autumnal days in the northern hemisphere. Fall into Autumn with Carol.
Alan! LOVE your poem and I am printing it out and pasting it into your amazing NOTEBOOK NOTIONS and my notebook!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Mona for your gracious gesture. It pleases me greatly that this poem will be nestled in a safe place.
DeleteAs you may see, I travel by walking to lots of places in my city, but rarely get to other places. But, I take my notebook, & am often surprised by how it entices me to look & look again while walking out! Love that your poetic 'invite' is so, so enticing, Alan!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I very much like the notion of notebook enticement. I have experienced the exact same thing. Thank you for your kind response.
DeleteKeeping a notebook close by when one is out and about is a great way to slow down and really OBSERVE, isn't it?!!?
ReplyDeleteSo true, Mary Lee. It summons you as an observer of the world to look closely at your surroundings and react to something you experience, something that demands consideration. There are many benefits to be derived from carrying a notebook, this is right up there for importance.
DeleteThe best travel companion: my notebook! Congratulations on your new book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. Appreciate your comments. The new book has been well received which is always a relief.
DeleteOver the years I have become almost exclusively a computer composer--my morning Daily Draft practice allows me to write and then snip and publish (whether for myself or audience) almost immediately. But I'm very aware of what is lost when eschewing a hand-written notebook, and now that I'm in this sabbatical period, I hope to get back in the habit. What emerges and then rises to the surface is very different indeed (but a lot harder to search back for!) Congratulations on that new book!
ReplyDeleteI am a roving composer myself. There's no doubt I compose, or commence composition in my notebooks, but I frequently revise and refine on the computer. I also initiate composition on the computer. The convenience of the notebook is a major influence for me. Thank you for your thoughts on this, Heidi. Process is such a personal thing and we each have to find a way that works best.
DeleteThere is nothing as satisfying to me on a trip than jotting down notes in my notebook. It's such a delight to write by hand with pen and ink. I love it...your poem puts me right there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Your observations are on the mark. I'm pleased my poem took you to that exact place.
DeleteThe notebook MUST always be at hand. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your definitive statement, Karen. It has always sserved me well in the preservation of memory markers.
DeleteAlan, the cover of your notebook is a collage that holds your wondrous poems. I am sure it has many stories to tell about far-away lands. Congratulations on your new book. Donald Graves' thought , "Writing is evidence that we exist," is one that will go into my digital notebook. Donald was a fabulous thinker and writer. I met him decades ago at a conference and continued to see him throughout the decades. The year he passed, the NCTE Conference in NYC held a remembrance workshop. The room was so crowded that many of us sat on the floor,listening tohis renowned friends praise him, as they should. Your ending to the poem brings the i mportance of the word.
ReplyDelete