Join the Tuesday Slice of Life
Because I was at home for a book signing at Jackson’s landmark independent bookstore Lemuria, conversation often turned to writing.
At lunch on Sunday, my father offered this wisdom, “When you don’t know what to write, WRITE.”
Mom echoed that Hemingway said there is no such thing as writer’s block.
Minka, their friend and priest, said, “I sometimes have to write, ‘Stay, Minka.'”
We all value the time and commitment writing takes.
At church, I was asked by a former high school classmate, “What possessed you to write a book?” I had to laugh out loud at the question. As though to be a writer one must be possessed.
I am possessed by a love of language.
I am possessed by the belief that a teacher of writing should be a writer.
I am possessed by the story, the poem, the words that want to be written.
So, yes, I guess I am possessed.
The great blue heron guards this lake
standing on wrought-iron legs firm and tall
while his blue-grey wings fan the breeze.Mother mallard leads her paddling through
the canal, picking at the grassy border,
feeding class for the day.At sunset, I fish with my brother.
His casts are smooth and long,
Mine awkward and clumsy.Cast on this side
Don’t release your thumb until you swing,
Fishing class on the dockside.In the distance, a boat anchored with a father and son
creates a silhouette on the horizon.
We cast and draw in silence.It has taken this long life to learn
fishing is not about catching fish.
Reflections on the Teche 
Those photos are so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing them along with the incredible slice of life you wrote.
OOOh, sound and looks like a piece of paradise. Hmmm . . . I will have to remember Hemingway’s words the next time I feel like there is something blocking my thoughts and words if not a block what is it? Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos!
What a beautiful poem! Love the photos and your words!
Really beautiful, Margaret. Words fail me. I love lakes (used to live on one), love water birds, like herons, and used to fish with an uncle (nice memory). You are lucky to be able to be there with family and with your words!
Here are the things I loved in this writing:
“I never get tired of this place.”- What joy to know a place like that!
“standing on wrought iron legs”- perfect image
“a boat anchored with father and son”- another perfect image
“fishing is not about catching fish”- brings to mind some special times spent fishing with loved ones
Thanks for the beautiful writing!
I love getting specific feedback. It means that you not only read my piece, but you thought about it. Thanks for taking the time to stop with me.
I like how you introduce your writing IN writing, and then share more of your well chosen and heart touching words. Thank you for finding “the words that want to be written.” I am glad you are possessed. And I love Lemuria. I can picture you there signing books.