Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) did not see any of her almost 1,800 poems through the process of publication, but she did copy more than 1,100 poems in fair hand onto folded sheets of stationery, binding the majority of the sheets into the booklets Dickinson scholars call fascicles.

Although only a small minority of Dickinson’s manuscripts contain a large number of alternatives or revisions, her recurring use of this compositional, revising, or copying method suggests that at the very least she thought of her poems as always open to new formulations of her thought, or new thinking. In this she resembles her peer, Walt Whitman, who frequently revised poems for later publication. Dickinson’s variant versions of many of the poems she circulated also underline her sense of a poem’s fluidity. Writing a poem without alternatives in one copy did not prevent her from later recasting that poem in an equally stable but variant form. Dickinson’s alternatives resemble multiple performance options for a single production: variation is potentially unlimited, but when performing - in Dickinson’s case, reading a poem aloud or circulating a text to a friend - the artist chooses a single version.

Dickinson’s poems thus range along a continuum of resolution. Some scholars believe that Dickinson composed with attention not just to language but to the visual space of the page, and even to the kind shape of paper she chose to write on. They read a poem as a visual structure in which the slants of her dashes, the placement and shape of words and letters across the space of her writing surface , and the material characteristics of each scrap of paper or embossed stationery page all signify as elements of the poetry. Consequently each writing out of a set of words constitutes in effect a new poem.
Emily Dickinson's Poems: As She Preserved Them by Christanne Miller

Images of Dickinson’s poetry manuscripts are now available online in the Emily Dickinson Archive (edickinson.org)The archive gives readers the opportunity to explore the ways Dickinson might have played, brilliantly with the space on a page or the shape or previous use of some reclaimed paper scraps.

Dickinson knew by heart much of the Bible and many poems by her favorite authors. In some of her poems she quotes such sources exactly, with or without quotation marks. More frequently, she alludes to or echoes other work.

Estranged from Beauty - none can be -
For Beauty is infinity -
And power to be finite ceased
Before identity was creased
c.1879

Emily Dickinson’s Poems: As She Preserved Them by Christanne Miller

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

This is The Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden. She has a short video on YouTube about this oracle deck. You can find more of her work here. Kristen shares many creative ways of working. You might enjoy checking out her offerings!

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

Here are some suggestions for working with The Black History Oracle. I often just use the mini cards like this. I randomly spread them out on a table. I move them around in a sort of swishing way - mixing them up. I then - pull cards and place them together and write a poem or tell a story. These images evoke many emotions - thoughts - feelings as they move around on the table. On a particular day we are drawn to particular images. Take that as a sign that you will work with this story in this moment. Trust that the images will evoke something deeper inside you. Record your words in a journal. You can also collect the poetic words you write in a book. Over time you will develop a nice collection that you have formed from this particular oracle deck. Find the meaning of words that you have written through the connections made in working with this deck. This is all a part of self-discovery. I highly recommend purchasing this downloadable deck for a small donation of 5$. I store mine in a drawstring bag for convenience.

Reflective Exploration:

• Draw a card from The Black History Poetry Oracle and reflect on the figure or event it represents. Write a poem that captures the essence of their story and impact.

1. Intersectionality in Verse:

   • Select two cards from the oracle, each representing different aspects. Explore the intersectionality of these themes in a poem, highlighting the interconnectedness of various narratives.

2. Empowerment Poem:

   • Choose a card that symbolizes resilience or empowerment. Write a poem inspired by the strength and courage displayed by the person depicted on the card.

3. Time Travel Poem:

   • Pick a card and imagine yourself transported to the historical moment it represents. Write a poem that captures your experience as an observer or participant in that significant period of Black history.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor:

   • Explore the symbolism present on a chosen card. Write a poem using metaphor and symbolism to convey the deeper meanings and emotions associated with the human figure present on the card.

5. Dialogue with the Past:

   • Engage in a poetic conversation with the human figure on the card. Write a dialogue that explores their thoughts, challenges, and triumphs, bringing their voice to life in a contemporary context.

6. Collaborative Poetry:

   • Invite others to join you in drawing cards from The Black History Poetry Oracle. Each person can write a poem based on their drawn card, and then collectively create a collaborative poem that weaves together different perspectives.

7. Narrative Expansion:

   • Take a card and research further into the historical context it represents. Expand on the narrative by incorporating additional details and perspectives into your poem.

8. Haiku History:

   • Challenge yourself to distill the essence of a historical figure or event into a series of haikus. Use the brevity of the form to capture the significance and emotion of the subject.

9. Visual Poetry:

   • Use the visual elements on a card as inspiration for a visual poem. Create a poetic composition that incorporates text and imagery to convey the story and emotions associated with the depicted history.

Remember to approach these prompts with an open mind and a willingness to explore the rich tapestry of Black history through the lens of poetry.

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

“I seek”

vintage

Falls of Bleeding

Pull back from the brink of war - as flames rise higher and higher
A mothers heart aches for her child -
Once a tendril in her bones - watching as might drifts toward need -
Dismantled ideas becomes a resting place for unknowing -
Palms held together - beseech the whales song - breach
Crash toward catastrophe - peril of rage cast toward arisen sunrise -
I kiss your charred cheek - lest you never remember my soft hand -
Uniformed masters find way into any unwelcome dark hiding place -
Hidden from yourself - a young boy knows he likes to dream big -
A fire of rapture engulfs misguided strength - where will you go now -
Hunted become hunted - hostile take down of self exploration -
You meant to wrap the world in ribbons of hope - now a hostage to falls of bleeding -
Lost souls - all of us tramp forward - blindly forgetting -
Your mother - misses you.

~Linden
The Bone Lines

Autumn Candle

Fall Craft: Decorative Small Food Jar Candles with Autumn Leaves

Introduction: As autumn unfolds and the vibrant foliage blankets the ground, it's the perfect time to embark on creative seasonal projects. One such delightful craft involves transforming small food jars into charming decorative candles adorned with real autumn leaves. I will guide you through the materials you'll need and the step-by-step process to create these beautiful fall-inspired candles.

Materials Needed: Gather the following materials before starting your project:

1. Small, clean food jars: Empty glass jars work best for this project.

2. Mod Podge or clear craft glue.

3. Foam brushes or paintbrushes.

4. Real autumn leaves: Collect a variety of leaves in different shapes and colors. Make sure they are dry and free from moisture.

5. Tealight candles or battery-operated tea lights.

6. Twine or ribbon (optional): For an extra decorative touch.

7. Scissors.

8. Newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your workspace.

Process:

1. Prepare your workspace: Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your workspace from any potential mess. Ensure your food jars are clean and dry.

2. Select your leaves: Choose a variety of colorful and dry autumn leaves. You can find these in your backyard or on a nature walk. The leaves will be the key element of your candle decoration, so pick ones that have vibrant colors and interesting shapes.

3. Apply glue to the jar: Using a foam brush or paintbrush, apply a thin and even layer of Mod Podge or clear craft glue to the exterior of the food jar. Be generous with the glue but ensure it doesn't drip.

4. Attach the leaves: Carefully press your selected autumn leaves onto the jar's surface, arranging them in any pattern or design you like. Overlapping the leaves can create an attractive layered effect. Press down gently to ensure they adhere well to the glue.

5. Seal the leaves: After placing all the leaves, apply another coat of Mod Podge or clear craft glue over the top of the leaves. This will seal the leaves in place and give your candle a glossy finish. Allow it to dry for a few hours, or until it's completely clear.

6. Add a finishing touch (optional): If you want to give your decorative candle a rustic feel, you can tie twine or ribbon around the neck of the baby food jar, creating a bow or a simple knot.

7. Insert a tealight: Once the Mod Podge is dry and the leaves are securely attached, place a tealight candle or a battery-operated tea light inside the jar. Light the candle, and watch your autumn leaf decorations come to life.

Conclusion: This simple autumn craft project allows you to bring the beauty of the season into your home. These decorative small food jar candles, adorned with real autumn leaves, make for wonderful centerpieces or additions to your fall decor. Experiment with different leaf arrangements and colors to create a variety of charming candles that capture the essence of autumn's splendor. Enjoy the cozy and warm atmosphere these candles will bring to your home during this enchanting season.

Autumn

BY ALICE CARY

Shorter and shorter now the twilight clips

   The days, as though the sunset gates they crowd,

And Summer from her golden collar slips

   And strays through stubble-fields, and moans aloud,

Save when by fits the warmer air deceives,

   And, stealing hopeful to some sheltered bower,

She lies on pillows of the yellow leaves,

   And tries the old tunes over for an hour.

The wind, whose tender whisper in the May

   Set all the young blooms listening through th’ grove,

Sits rustling in the faded boughs to-day

   And makes his cold and unsuccessful love.

The rose has taken off her tire of red—

   The mullein-stalk its yellow stars have lost,

And the proud meadow-pink hangs down her head

   Against earth’s chilly bosom, witched with frost.

The robin, that was busy all the June,

   Before the sun had kissed the topmost bough,

Catching our hearts up in his golden tune,

   Has given place to the brown cricket now.

The very cock crows lonesomely at morn—

   Each flag and fern the shrinking stream divides—

Uneasy cattle low, and lambs forlorn

   Creep to their strawy sheds with nettled sides.

Shut up the door: who loves me must not look

   Upon the withered world, but haste to bring

His lighted candle, and his story-book,

   And live with me the poetry of Spring.

“October
Is it winter again, is it cold again,
didn’t Frank just slip on the ice,
didn’t he heal, weren’t the spring seeds planted
didn’t the night end,
didn’t the melting ice
flood the narrow gutters
wasn’t my body
rescued, wasn’t it safe
didn’t the scar form, invisible
above the injury
terror and cold,
didn’t they just end, wasn’t the back garden
harrowed and plantedI remember how the earth felt, red and dense,
in stiff rows, weren’t the seeds planted,
didn’t vines climb the south wall
I can’t hear your voice
for the wind’s cries, whistling over the bare ground
I no longer care
what sound it makes
when was I silenced, when did it first seem
pointless to describe that sound
what it sounds like can’t change what it is didn’t
the night end, wasn’t the earth
safe when it was planted
didn’t we plant the seeds,
weren’t we necessary to the earth,
the vines, were they harvested?”

— Louise Gluck

Honoring Our Ancestors Through Poetry

Poetry is a powerful medium for expressing our deepest emotions, thoughts, and connections to the world around us. One of the most profound themes that poetry can explore is the relationship we have with our ancestors. Honoring our ancestors through verse allows us to celebrate their lives, acknowledge their legacies, and reflect on the wisdom they've passed down through generations. In this blog post, we'll explore a collection of poetry prompts designed to help you to honor your ancestors and create beautiful, meaningful poetry.

Ancestral Memories:

Prompt: Write a poem that vividly describes a memory, story, or moment shared with an ancestor. It could be a tale passed down through generations, a personal encounter, or even a fictionalized account inspired by their experiences.

In the creaking rocking chair, I see her face,

As she spun tales of a bygone time and place,

Her laughter like music, her wisdom profound,

In her stories, ancestral voices resound.

Ancestral Landscapes:

Prompt: Describe a place that holds significance for your ancestors. It might be the country or region they came from, a family homestead, or a place of historical importance. Craft a poem that pays tribute to the beauty and significance of this location.

Example:

In the rolling hills where my forebears tread,

Their footsteps in the soil, their stories widespread,

The ancestral landscapes where my roots were sown,

In the whispers of the wind, their spirits have known.

Ancestral Traditions:

Prompt: Write a poem that explores the traditions and customs that have been passed down through your family or culture. Celebrate the rituals, celebrations, and values that continue to shape your life.

Example:

In the kitchen's warmth, where stories were told,

Family recipes, secrets in the fold,

Ancestral traditions, timeless and true,

In each lovingly-prepared meal, they shine through.

Ancestral Challenges:

Prompt: Reflect on the trials and tribulations faced by your ancestors. Write a poem that captures the resilience, courage, and determination that helped them overcome adversity.

Example:

In the face of hardship, they stood unbowed,

Ancestors strong, resilient and proud,

Challenges they faced with hearts unafraid,

Their legacy of strength, a debt never repaid.

Ancestral Blessings:

Prompt: Express gratitude for the blessings, talents, or characteristics that you've inherited from your ancestors. Write a poem that celebrates the positive qualities and attributes that you've received from your forebears.

Example:

In the mirror's reflection, I see their grace,

In every smile, the contours of their face,

Ancestral blessings, a gift from above,

A legacy of love, an unbreakable bond.

Honoring our ancestors through poetry is a beautiful way to connect with our roots, celebrate our heritage, and preserve the wisdom of those who came before us. These poetry prompts are a great starting point for delving into the rich tapestry of your family's history and the legacy left by your ancestors. So, pick up your pen, let your creativity flow, and let your ancestors' stories and spirits inspire your poetry. In doing so, you'll be paying a heartfelt tribute to those who have shaped your life and continue to guide you from the past.

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Here are a few books that can inspire and guide you in your journey of honoring your ancestors through poetry and other creative expressions:

"The Ancestor's Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution" by Richard Dawkins:

This book offers a unique perspective on ancestry, taking readers on a journey through evolutionary history. It can inspire poetry that connects the broader concept of human ancestry and our shared origins with all life on Earth.

"The Lost Spells" by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris:

While not directly about ancestor honoring, this beautifully illustrated book contains enchanting spells and poems that celebrate the natural world and its creatures. It can serve as a source of inspiration for poetry that connects with the earth and its ancient wisdom.

"The Way of the Earth: Encounters with Nature in Ancient and Contemporary Thought" by T.C. McLuhan:

This book explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world throughout history. It provides insights into how various cultures have honored their ancestors through their connection with nature, which can be a rich source of inspiration for poetry.

"Ancestor: A Novel" by Scott Sigler:

While this is a science fiction novel, it explores the idea of genetic ancestry and its implications in a futuristic setting. It can inspire creative and speculative poetry on the themes of genetic inheritance and ancestral connections.

"The Poet's Guide to the Cosmos: Poems of the Night Sky" edited by Jeff Bahr:

This anthology includes a collection of poems that celebrate the night sky, constellations, and our connection to the cosmos. It can serve as a starting point for poetry that contemplates our place in the universe and our ancestral ties to the stars.

These books, while not specifically focused on ancestor honoring through poetry, can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your creative endeavors. They offer diverse perspectives on the themes of ancestry, nature, and human connection, which can enrich your poetic exploration of honoring your ancestors.

The Enduring Legacy of Joni Mitchell: Her Poetry, Music and Magic Music

This is a long post. When you might be in love you have a lot of things that float through your head and heart. I hope you find something here that bubbles up and helps you remember something about music that speaks to you.

Joni Mitchell, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, remains a constant source of inspiration for generations of music lovers. Her remarkable career has spanned several decades, and her unique blend of folk, rock, and jazz influences has left an indelible mark on many people. After attending an interesting lecture and program about her life and a performance of her music, I continue to enjoy more than ever, Joni Mitchell's enduring legacy.

The Lecture: A Glimpse into Joni Mitchell's Life

The lecture I attended provided an intimate look into Joni Mitchell's life and the profound influence she has had on the world of music. The unique musicality, lyrical poetry and emotional tones evident throughout all of her catalogue of work was discussed throughout the evening. It revealed her early struggles as a young artist trying to find her voice in the bustling folk music scene of the 1960s. The lecture touched on her deep connection to nature, which is evident in many of her lyrics, as well as her ability to turn her personal experiences into beautifully crafted songs. It is the art of biography in song and poetry.

One aspect of Joni Mitchell's career that stood out was her unapologetic approach to songwriting. She often wrote about her own life and emotions, which made her music incredibly relatable - the biographical form. Her songs, such as "A Case of You" and "The Urge for Going" “Amelia” are all pieces that carry for me a melancholic and descending tone. However, each person will find what it is that most resonates for them in that moment. Ask anyone that grew up listening to Joni Mitchell what they found/do find in her music and it will be different for everyone - at various stages of life as well.

The Performance: Capturing the Essence of Joni Mitchell

The performance that followed the talk were three local musicians - who paid tribute to Joni Mitchell's musical genius. The artists on stage skillfully recreated the ambiance of Mitchell's music, allowing the audience to experience the same emotions that her original recordings evoked. I found the singer Emmy Dell’Orfano very beautiful and moving to listen to. Her artistry was her own essence of Joni’s songs rather than someone trying to recreate Joni’s voice. She is a choral scholar and has ten years of voice training.

One of the highlights of the performance was the musicians' ability to capture the unique tonality of Mitchell's guitar work - distinctive chords, progressions and open tunings. Her intricate guitar tuning’s and the way she used her voice as an instrument were brought to life with precision and dedication. Hearing classics off of the album Blue with a background musical viewpoint - performed live was a memorable experience. The songs that were included and experienced and discussed were -Urge for Going, I Had a King, A Case of You, Amelia, Moon at the Window, Yvette in English, While they were all very beautifully done both vocally as well as musicianship - I would say that Amelia was my most favorite of all the pieces performed.

Furthermore, the performance highlighted the timelessness of Joni Mitchell's music. Her songs remain as relevant today as they were when she first created them. The themes of love, nature, and self-discovery are universal and clearly resonated with the audience in attendance.

Joni Mitchell's Influence on Contemporary Music

Joni Mitchell's influence on contemporary music is immeasurable. Her unique songwriting style, vocal range, and genre-blending have inspired countless artists across generations. Musicians such as Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, and Adele have openly acknowledged their debt to Mitchell's artistry. Last year Joni Mitchell gave a surprise performance at The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island - a thrill for all who were able to witness this. Her brilliance is again seen by new audiences.

In addition to her musical influence, Joni Mitchell's lyrical storytelling and her ability to convey deep, emotional truths in her songs have made her a revered figure among poets and writers. Her work has been analyzed and celebrated in the context of literature and art, reinforcing the idea that her impact reaches far beyond the realm of music. She is an icon to me and I have loved her music and poetry for over 40 years now.

Attending the lecture in Coventry, CT about Joni Mitchell's life and experiencing the live performance of her music was a deeply enriching and interesting journey. The program was shared through the eyes of people quite recently having come to her music in a new and interested way. I would say that having lived with the enduring feelings of her poetry all of these years shapes one in a different way than a somewhat newcomer. Her ability to capture the essence of the human experience through her songs is a testament to her enduring legacy as an artist. Joni Mitchell's music continues to touch the hearts and souls of people around the world, making her a true icon in the world of music and an everlasting source of inspiration. As I  reflect on her life and work, I  marvel at the timelessness of her art and the profound influence she has had on the world.

The program was put on by The Coventry Arts Guild and held at The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library of Coventry, Connecticut. Peter Kaminsky is a Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut. Megan Lyons is an Assistant Professor of Music Theory at Furman University. Emmy Dell’Orfano is an Honors Laureate in music education at the University of Connecticut.

Program

Amelia

I was driving across the burning desert
When I spotted six jet planes
Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain
It was the hexagram of the heavens
The strings of my guitar
Amelia, it was just a false alarm

The drone of flying engines
Is a song so wild and blue
It scrambles time and seasons if it gets through to you
Then your life becomes a travelogue
Of picture-post-card-charms
Amelia, it was just a false alarm

People will tell you where they've gone
They'll tell you where to go
But 'til you get there yourself, you never really know
Where some have found their paradise
Other's just come to harm
Amelia, it was just a false alarm

I wish that he was here tonight
It's so hard to obey
His sad request of me to kindly stay away
So this is how I hide the hurt
As the road leads, cursed and charmed
I tell Amelia, it was just a false alarm

A ghost of aviation
She was swallowed by the sky
Or by the sea, like me, she had a dream to fly
Like Icarus ascending
On beautiful foolish arms
Amelia, it was just a false alarm

Maybe I've never really loved
I guess that is the truth
I've spent my whole life in clouds at icy altitude
And looking down on everything
I crashed into his arms
Amelia, it was just a false alarm

I pulled into the Cactus Tree Motel
To shower off the dust
And I slept on the strange pillows of my wanderlust
I dreamed of 747s
Over geometric farms
Dreams, Amelia, dreams and false alarms

~Joni Mitchell

Blue by Joni Mitchell

A beginning for me was Blue. Back in the late 1970’s listening to this album on my long drives up to Vermont. Driving up Route 89 - trying to stay awake. Singing my head off with tears streaming down my face. Trying for those high notes. Feeling all those melancholic notes - grabbing my young heart. I was Blue. The soundtrack of my teenage years included Joni Mitchell’s music - forever indelibly marked - resonance. I have always been a fan. I liked all the changes she has gone through - don’t we all change and evolve? She is still inventing things now, almost 80 - still growing up into herself - and us. Oh - the music.

Gathered Light: The Poetry of Joni Mitchell’s Songs edited by Lisa and John Sornberger

My friends Lisa and John Sornberger edited this book Gathered Light: The Poetry of Joni Mitchell’s Songs. It is a book about how different songs effected people that they had invited to write and submit to this project. I was asked to write something. I declined at the time. I regret not having participated afterward. It’s a good book that you might enjoy reading. Joni Mitchell herself agreed to the project and was a part of the discussion of it. Joni has always been around the periphery of my life. Is that not how music works on us? We are introduced to an artist - they grab hold of something inside - away we go for at times - a lifetime.

Blue

Songs are like tattoos
You know I've been to sea before
Crown and anchor me
Or let me sail away
Hey Blue
And there is a song for you
Ink on a pin
Underneath the skin
An empty space to fill in
Well there're so many sinking
Now you've got to keep thinking
You can make it thru these waves
Acid, booze, and ass
Needles, guns, and grass
Lots of laughs
Lots of laughs
Everybody's saying that hell's the hippest way to go well
I don't think so, but I'm
Gonna take a look around it though Blue
I love you

Blue
Here is a shell for you
Inside you'll hear a sigh
A foggy lullaby
There is your song from me
~Joni Mitchell

“In some ways, my gift for music and writing was born out of tragedy, really, and loss.
”

— Joni Mitchell