Poetry Friday is at Donna’s site: Mainly Write
In November at NCTE16, I was privileged to finally meet poet Jeannine Atkins. I got a copy of her upcoming book in verse, Stone Mirrors. I didn’t know what this book was about. I just loved the cover.
The beauty of this book is on the inside and the outside. Jeannine tells the story of Edmonia Lewis, a Objibwe-Haitian-American woman, who in 1862, had the rare chance to attend Oberlin. While there, she became mixed up in a controversy over poisoning. She was acquitted, but forced to leave the school. Her future took her to Boston and Italy where she became a successful sculptor.
The facts, however, are not the important aspects of this story. What I found intriguing was Jeannine’s unique way of writing story in verse. As I read, I was drawn in by the melody of the language as well as the fascinating story. I loved following Edmonia through her growing confidence as an artist and as a woman. I wonder how Jeannine got into the mind of Edmonia. How did she know the feel of the stone she carved? “She hammers out stillness, holding a life in mid-speech or stride, like a deer between danger and trust.”
Intertwined into the story of Edmonia Lewis are lines of wisdom, carved into Jeannine’s poems like the images Edmonia carved in stone.
Broken Colors
Edmonia carves the smokey smell of drawing pencils,
like a burned-down fire, and hardening clay,
with its whiff of a pond bottom. She goes to the art room,
where each mark on paper offers a new chance.
She has nothing left but hunger for beauty,
small as the tip of a paintbrush.She wishes the stove were lit,
though if smoke rose she might not be alone.
She smashes ice that sheathes
a jar of water to rinse a paintbrush.
She no longer draws goddesses, gods,
or anyone in transformation.
White people think metaphor belongs to them.She opens a cupboard with boxes
printed with names, none hers.
She reads them as if studying a map
of places no one expects her to see.
The shelves and boxes are divided
like classrooms where walls come between
art, poetry, and myth. In history class,
teachers separate the dead from the living.
All through the school, lines are drawn between
right and wrong, white and colored, rich and poor,
truth and lies, facts and dreams, courage and fear,
what belongs to one person and what doesn’t.
They forget that every time the wind blows,
the world asks everyone to bend.from Stone Mirrors, Jeannine Atkins, January 2017
On a recent trip through New Orleans, we crossed the Hale Boggs Bridge. My daughter was driving, so I could take this amazing picture. As the time changes over to a new year, I contemplate what may lie ahead.
Towers reach for time
Carved into parting clouds
Tuning a future
Margaret Simon
#haikuforhealing
Reflections on the Teche 
All poets should have their heads in the clouds, like your photo. I love the way Jeannine tells a story, too. She doesn’t duck the hard issues, but instead makes poetry of them.
I love this excerpt from Jeannine’s amazing novel in verse. Having been privileged to read an early arc of this book, I want to point out that she sustains this beautiful imagery and story telling throughout the entire book. The sensibilities and devotion of a true artist burn through the poetry.
Edmonia Lewis and her sculpture inspired many poets, beginning with Anna Quincy Waterston. “She has wrought well with her unpractised hand…” http://edmonialewis.com/blog.htm#Poets
The poetry of Jeannine Atkins is stunning. What powerful messages lie in this single poem. And that photo, wow.
Oh, I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Sounds wonderful. And, a very nice review. I love the bridge….don’t forget to look up!
Jeannine is a marvel! Can’t wait to get my hands on this upcoming book and thanks for alerting us to it. Have a wonderful New Year, Margaret. A poetry bridge into the new year – I’m ready to cross it.
Margaret, your poem has led me to think about new direction this morning. May your new year be filled with promise and insights. Thank you for presenting Jeanine’s new book. It sounds wonderful. Happy New Year.
I will have to read Jeannine’s new book! One poem evokes so many images, I can’t imagine what a book-ful of poems will do to my head. Happy New Year, Margaret!
I, too, have had the pleasure of reading Stone Mirrors and agree with your assessment 100%!
Thanks for the gift of your haiku this month, Margaret. I’ve so enjoyed the experience of writing together. 🙂 Warm wishes for 2017!
Thanks for your review of this book, Margaret! I also love your image of those towers as a tuning for the year. Have a happy one!
I can see why this book “had you” at the cover! Very well done! And the story sounds captivating – and in verse yet.
I love your “tuning a future”!
Wow, that sounds so good! Putting it on my list. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
My TBR list grows ever-longer! Those last lines of Jeannine’s poem are breath-taking. I’m so happy you were able to meet her at NCTE! I love your photo and the idea that we’re “tuning a future”. Happy New Year, Margaret!
You chose a striking, central piece of this book to share, Margaret. Will I make time to read this book this year? Will I choose a new OLW? Did my last OLW have any influence on my thinking or actions? Your tuning bridge haiku is exquisite–thanks for accompanying me (and all of us) on our #haiku journey!
I am struggling with my OLW choice. I’m not ready to let go of presence, such a great word for a poet.
I love this photo and haiku-maybe that makes it a haiga? It’s a dramatic image. I think of the towering bridge as a gigantic tuning fork reaching into the future beyond the clouds. For me it symbolizes the reverberations that will echo throughout the coming years. Well done!
Oh, and Jeannine’s book sounds terrific. I will seek it out! Thanks for sharing her amazing verses.
This sounds like an inspiring story of a strong, spirited woman, beautifully told. The snippets you shared are so stirring, I cannot wait to read more.