My well has been running dry lately. I could use the excuses that I’ve had a lot on my plate, but the real answer is I haven’t felt much like writing.
When I get this way, it helps to turn to poetry prompts. Georgia Heard sent out a monthly newsletter with a calendar inviting us to write daily tiny letters.
Today, to make myself accountable, I will share two of them from my notebook.
Dear Breath,
Find my sorrow.
Lift it up.
Draw from within
a purple flower
a single petal
remembering
how to bloom.Margaret Simon, draft
Dear Voice,
From your hiding place,
come home.
Give me strength
to know when to say no,
when to say yes.
Be there as a guide
when silence
grates on my nerves
like the rain
clanking through the drain.
Wake up, oh voice of mind.
Find my comfort zone.
Come home.Margaret Simon, draft
If you are not familiar with poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, I have found her poems uplifting and accessible. I signed up for a poetry class with her that begins next week. I am hopeful she will put me back in touch with my own voice. She has released an album of spoken word. This amazing and uplifting poem is included. Take a moment to listen.
Reflections on the Teche 
Wow. You might not feel like writing but the depth of soul in these poems is really beautiful. “Find my sorrow, Give me strength, Find my comfort zone.” These lines all speak to me. Thank you for sharing them.
i love both of these poems today. I can see that purple petal, just hiding beneath the surface. and knowing when to say yes or no is such a skill.
Dear Margaret, I hope you find your voice because you have a lovely one – caring, compassionate, and loving. It’s a hard spot to be in and all you can do is try to push through – taking a class is a great idea – I also love the tiny letters idea. I hope you find both useful. I especially love that you shared these to poems to “make yourself accountable.” It is something I would do. You have a sense of obligation to yourself, your writing, and our community of poets. I’ll be hoping the best for you.
Georgia Heard has offered support and you have used it find your words, Margaret. May this be a relaunch. Ebb and flow is a natural part of a poet’s existence.
Alan, thanks for this affirmation that ebb and flow is a natural part of a writer’s life. I know this, yet it still frustrates me.
Both poems are lovely, Margaret. I know that I so appreciate Georgia’s generosity in sharing her prompt calendars. I love that you’re using that inspiration to spark your words. Looking forward to class next week!
What an affirmation that spoken word poem is!
I’m also struggling to find a rhythm in my writing life, to find a way to WANT to write again. I signed up for Georgia’s newsletter. Maybe her prompts will help me, too.
So moved by “Dear Breath,” Margaret. I’m glad you are taking a class with Rosemerry. Your flowers (written and photographed) are stunning. xo
I’m glad you are finding ways to be kind to yourself, Margaret. Gardens and poems and listening to the silence –even as it grates — is feeding your poetic muse. It’s been three months since my dad died and I’m only now beginning to meet the desire to sit and try to write. xoxo
Thanks for commenting. These are tough days, but as poets, I feel it is my duty to find beauty. Hugs!
These are beautiful Margaret. May the course enrich your writing and your soul
Love that “singe petal/ remembering/ how to bloom” I hope your breath brings many more poems trickling out and filling you up. Enjoy the class, thanks Margaret!
Wow! These little letters are beautiful and moving! Sounds like a great way to nudge your writing along.
Margaret, Georgia Heard’s prompts brought forth such beauty from you. I think that sometimes when we’ve dropped from a peak into a valley, the valley ends up serving as an impetus for a new stage of creativity. Wishing you strong, powerful blooms that break through the parched earth.
Rosemerry’s poem is so lovely too. Thanks for sharing it here.
Margaret: Your beautiful poems seem like winter in the middle of summer… your pages white with snow… yet I feel such strength in the emotions expressed. The purple flower, the grating of the rain. Like flowers in a storm, we bow our heads together in such times.