The Kidlit Progressive Poem is with Heidi Mordhorst today. Watch as the magic unfolds with each line. Yesterday Mary Lee landed us solid on the end of a story and Heidi has added a bit of rain. Tomorrow Tabatha will take us a step further. but not too far because we have many miles to go before we sleep.
Molly Hogan and I are working through our self-created challenge to write a poem each day. We thought a calendar without dates, more like a Bingo card, would give our writing some kind of structure with freedom. I am a morning blogger. Last night I went to a Cajun Fais Do Do put on by The Books Along the Teche Literary Festival. I danced, and danced, and danced. Feet tired and head spinning, there was no way I could have produced a post, let alone a poem last night. So I left it alone, this space blank until this morning.
Lately I’ve been listening again to Joni Mitchell. Her songs defined my college days (my husband and I saw her in an intimate concert more than 40 years ago) and when I listen now, I hear the pure poetry and smooth soprano of her voice. I am skipping down the grid a few “weeks” and writing from a song.
The lyrics for A Case of You led me to write about my 91 year-old mother-in-law. She’s an incredible woman whom I admire beyond the stars.
In the Light
for Anne Lennan Simon
I’m a lonely writer.
I live on a clean white page.
I’m frightened by my own grief.
And I’m drawn to those who age.I remember when you told me,
you said, “You are a deep griever.”
Surely you know grief like mine
‘Cause a part of you is a part of me
in these words I try to find.You’re in my soul like dandelions.
Margaret Simon, after Joni Mitchell “A Case of You”
You’re my longed for wish.
You’re so pretty and so wise,
beauty and wisdom are yours.
I want to be like you, and
Still be in the light.
And still be in the light.
Her son, my husband Jeff is in the background.
Reflections on the Teche 
What a lovely tribute. Brings tears to my eyes. It’s so important to say all the things while we have the chance. So here goes — I am so grateful to have you in my life, Margaret Simon!
Another lesson I’m learning. I’m grateful for you too!
Beautiful way to remember and pay tribute. I love the line – “You’re in my soul like dandelions.” Reminds me of the times I would pick dandelion greens with my grandmother and she would make dandelion tea and dandelion greens with eggs. Very bitter – but I loved them – because she did.
My grandchildren have discovered dandelions and brought me back to the childlike wonder of them.
I love that. I took care of a little girl when I was in my 20s. She was 15 months and discovered dandelion puffs. I told Emma to blow on the puff, but she ate it instead. For a moment I was horrified, but then I remembered they are edible! Those kinds of moments with young children are priceless.
I still love Joni Mitchell and have since college. It is fun that you speak through her song. I think we’re all lonely writers.:)
I decided to join NPM by writing a haiku each day on my blog, Salt City Verse. I don’t know if projects are listed somewhere. Just thought I’d mention it.
This is very sweet, Margaret, full of love for your mother. I love “‘Cause a part of you is a part of me
in these words I try to find.”
I am singing your lovely words, Margaret. Did you see this?
Joni and your mother-in-law still have it!
I missed the special. I hope to find the whole show somewhere. Thanks!
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[…] National Poetry Month, Molly Hogan and I committed to a flexible schedule of writing different forms of poetry, but I insisted on a weekly space for writing to a photograph. While out on my walks these days, I […]