Poetry Friday round-up is at Karen Edmisen’s site.
My debut children’s poetry book, Bayou Song: Creative Explorations of the South Louisiana Landscape, is coming soon. June 18th is the official release date. I can hardly contain my excitement as well as my apprehension. There is a small section of my body that hits a nervous button every time I think about placing my heart in the hands of others.
One way that we poets get over a hump of “I have no clue what I am doing” is by emulating famous poets. Artists do this, too. Copy the masters. Steal like an artist. Whatever you want to call it, there is comfort in writing alongside someone who has done it right and done it well.
In Bayou Song, I wanted to honor the grand oaks that surround me. I wanted to write like Emily Dickinson in “The Mountains Grow Unnoticed” as she honored the majesty of mountains.
The Mountains—grow unnoticed—
Their Purple figures rise
Without attempt—Exhaustion—
Assistance—or Applause—In Their Eternal Faces
The Sun—with just delight
Looks long—and last—and golden—
For fellowship—at night—Emily Dickinson
Grandmother oak in the morning. Photo by Margaret Simon
From Bayou Song: Creative Explorations of the South Louisiana Landscape by Margaret Simon, copyright 2018.
The Live Oaks–
Grow UnnoticedThe Live Oaks–grow unnoticed–
Their Moss covered figures rise
Without effort–Collapse–
Comfort–or Celebration–In Their Draping Arms
the Raccoon–with sheer impulse
climbs high–and hidden–masked–
finds home–at night–Margaret Simon, (c) 2018 after Emily Dickinson
Bayou Song’s Book Blog Tour begins next week. Join the journey.
Friday, June 22:
Michelle Kogan
Tuesday, June 26:
Catherine Flynn at Reading to the Core
Friday, June 29:
Ruth Hersey at There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town
Friday, July 6:
Kimberly Hutmacher at Kimberly Hutmacher Writes
Friday, July 13:
Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise
Tuesday, July 17:
Laura Shovan
Tuesday, July 24
Amanda Potts at Persistence and Pedagogy
Friday, July 27:
Carol Varsalona at Beyond LiteracyLink
Monday, July 30
Linda Baie at Teacher Dance
Friday, Aug. 3
Dani Burtsfield at Doing the Work that Matters
Reflections on the Teche 
What an impressive line up of poets joining you in the blog tour! I’m just delighted at the beauty Bayou Song brings to all of us. And, I’m off to hunt for a poem from a master to “steal like an artist” right now.
They grow unnoticed, and now you’ve helped them be seen, Margaret. Don’t worry. This is going to be fabulous!
I know I’ve said it before, but I’m just thrilled for you and can’t wait to read “Bayou Song.” Your blog tour line up is fabulous! I’m so glad you’ve shared your poem about those gorgeous southern oaks that entranced me when I sailed down the US coast. Thanks for reminding me to “steal like an artist” and sharing your poem to show how to do it masterfully.
How exciting for you! I can’t wait to read your book! I promise to hold your heart gently as I celebrate your words and your bayou!
Beautiful take on Dickinson’s poem, Margaret – simultaneously majestic and solemn. And congratulations on the book! Looking forward to following the blog tour.
Hip hip hooray and congratulations on your new book birthday! It’s an auspicious day that shares my daughter’s birthday. Those oaks are majestic as is your poem honoring them.
It is my mother’s birthday, too!
Beautiful poem by Emily Dickinson and mentor/response poem of yours for your grand “Live Oaks,” Margaret. I love the way she uses her M-dash. Congrats and many warm wishes for your forthcoming Book Birthday–Hooray! xo
The book looks wonderful! I can’t wait to read more, Margaret!
The book looks gorgeous, in both words and illustration. Looking forward to its release!
A beautiful pair!
I am thrilled for you, Margaret!
Happy book birthday!
Margaret, I am so excited for you with this beautiful publication. Your poem is such a lovely one, done in the Emily Dickinson style. It makes me want to sit under the draping arms and soak in nature that is found in your locale. You certainly knew what you were doing with your collection. Thank you for the opportunity to showcase your work.
So excited for you, Margaret! I love “Grandmother Oak” … your photo and your poem and illustration are perfect.