I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

27 November 2016

How Fortunate, Dear Readers

How fortunate, dear readers, that you enjoy 
all these poems about my garden and my cat.
They are likely to keep right on coming.
My obsessions nowadays are quiet, insular.

All these poems about my garden and my cat
connect me to earthy, practical ways of being. 
Otherwise I might fly off, disappear into dreams.

They are likely to keep right on coming,
the dreams and flights – but so are the frangipani,
the red geraniums, my cat's games and her hungers.

My obsessions nowadays are quiet, insular.
After all, I grew up on an island; and I carry quiet
within me, an interior island of words, of poetry.


Linking to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #331


24 comments:

  1. I feel I have learned about the trimeric poetry form from a good teacher.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I have learned by practising it this month.

      Delete
  2. Thank you
    My pleasure
    Keep 'em coming

    ReplyDelete
  3. Now is definitely the time to keep quiet within oneself! And everyday obsessions can help us survive and thrive in an otherwise turbulent world!

    ReplyDelete
  4. love the 'interior island of words, of poetry.'...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Like that interior island of words... lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  6. interior island of words....wow this sounds so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love how you connect us to your profound thoughts on writing and sharing.. makes me feel a whole lot closer to you💜 Beautifully penned.


    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, to carry the Quiet! "Otherwise I might fly off, disappear into dreams."

    ReplyDelete
  9. So are you saying Rosemary that when John Donne said "No man is an island..." he specifically excluded you or all women? Just asking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Different metaphor! I agree with Donne; and since he wrote in times when it was understood that 'man embraces woman', I don't believe he intended to exclude anyone. But the kind of island I'm describing is neither entire of itself nor indistinguishable from the main – rather, a place to retreat to at times, but still within reach.

      Delete
  10. I think your garden and cat are gatekeepers to those magical dreams.. all of which i hope will always keep coming

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, that's a good thought, about them being my gatekeepers.

      Delete
  11. Otherwise I might fly off,
    disappear into dreams.

    Don't do that. Connect to practical ways of being. Yes Rosemary!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  12. I carry quiet
    within me, an interior island of words, of poetry.

    and many your words always flow like the ocean tides..

    ReplyDelete
  13. A lovely poem Rosemary and thank you for sharing with us your stories about your garden and your cat

    i'm happy you dropped by my Sunday Standard today

    much love...

    ReplyDelete
  14. A garden and a cat, a library, what can you wish for more.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've always found that the simple, everyday things are the most real as well... helping to ground us, and inspire us with poetry.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I LOVE this poem! The simple joys........"otherwise I might fly off into dreams"......I so know that carrying quiet within ourselves........that "interior island of words, of poetry." Perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  17. My pleasure, dear writer/poet.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Few things are as glorious to read as poetry birthed from pure love.

    ReplyDelete
  19. A charming piece - I almost expected to come upon the word "magic" somewhere in the lines; though I think, perhaps, it is implied. (That distinctive black hat has always suggested to me, that there must be a cat familiar nearby and a bit of enchantment to be found in that garden.)

    Loved the phrase "I carry quiet within me". Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I so agree, that quiet within gives us the strength to continue our outward activities. There is a prevalent peace within all of your poem. I felt it and thank you,

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is lovely Rosemary. To me your "obsession" with your garden and your cat are but symbols of your wisdom, your groundedness balanced with the purity of hopeful dreams.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated and will be visible after being approved by the blog owner. If you can only comment anonymously, please include your name in the comment, just so I know who's talking to me.