Poetry Friday round-up is with Diane at Random Noodling.
Receiving a gift is exciting, and Tabatha Yeatts knows this. Each summer she organizes a poetry swap. She sends each participant a list of names and addresses, dates, and prompts. Then the fun begins.
This week I received a gift from Doraine Bennett of Dori Reads. Her poem gift was an original recipe for summer break. In the poem-recipe, she mentions blowing bubbles, a good book, and a cup of tea, so her gift included these goodies: a selection of teas, a bubble blowing kit, and an old book, The Poet’s Homecoming by George MacDonald. She collects MacDonald’s books. “George MacDonald is one of my favorite authors. He has a remarkable ability to impart the love of God through fiction. I’ve collected all of his books over the years and given many away.” The original publication date is 1887. What a thoughtful gift!
Recipe for Summer Break
Take one blue sky.
Place yourself gently
underneath the grand expanse.
Allow the azure to settle like goose down.
Watch it shift from moonstone to sapphire
and soften to a light cornflower haze.
Add a good book. One by an author
who knows what he knows and kneads
his wisdom with gentle, but sure hands.
Simmer with the scent of water,
pink orchids, and wisteria.
Sprinkle with long walks, quiet
conversations, and bird song.
Reserve some time to listen
to the one who knows you best.
Blow bubbles.
Find a puddle,
splash until done.
Heap with grace.
Enjoy with a strong cup of tea.–Doraine Bennett, all rights reserved.
Summer Poetry Swap gift from Dori.
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, I love Doraine’s poem! I also am a George MacDonald fan… The Princess and the Goblin books! Heroine named Irene. 🙂 Thank you, Margaret for sharing. xo
What a great surprise! I’m regretting not participating in the swap this summer, but I was starting to feel overwhelmed by summer, and everything it means–crazy busy-ness at the library, heat, dust, commitments, etc.
This is an AWESOME line: “Allow the azure to settle like goose down.”
I’m so glad you liked your package! Giving these things is just as much fun as receiving them! Enjoy your summer break.
Dori is definitely kneading with gentle, but sure hands here! “Splash until done” — love this advice! 🙂
What a wonderful recipe for a fabulous day.
The swapping is so wonderfully thoughtful, and this is such a grand gift you received to begin summer. Considering the world stage of politics lately, I especially love “heap with grace”. Terrific!
Dori’s recipe sounds exactly right! Hope you enjoy all these delights during your break!
Margaret, I really enjoyed reading Dori’s Summer Swap poem to you. Her package was a delightful mix of fun summer activities. Enjoy your summer months and do tell about the wedding plans.
How lovely to get a poem and gift from kindred spirit Dori. Her poem has echoes of all the creek poems she wrote during April. The other gifts are a poet’s delight. Thanks for sharing your good fortune!
Lovely!
“Reserve some time to listen to the one who knows you best.” What a lovely poem and such neat gifts! I have checked my calendar and added the book festival on 8/20. SEE YOU THERE! 🙂 We can plan a meeting closer to time. I’m excited to have this to anticipate!
A thoughtful gift, the joy multiplied by your sharing!