National Poetry Month 2018
See more posts at Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life .
Today is a combination post, Slice of Life and my final poem for National Poetry Month. This weekend was Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette. I was blown away by the fiddling of Dominique Dupuis of New Brunswick, Canada. She first played at this festival in 1999 when she was 12 years old. South Louisiana (Acadiana) has strong ties with Canada stretching back to the 1700’s when Acadians were exiled from Nova Scotia and given land in Louisiana. Someone at the festival commented that we are all cousins. I am not a Cajun but living here, I have great respect for the culture and music.
I chose ekphrastic poetry to challenge myself to write a poem a day in April. My poems this month have mostly responded to my father’s art. I’ve also included a few photographs and art by other artists. This poem is not a traditional ekphrasis which is defined as poetry about visual art or sculpture. Today’s poem (written on Monday, April 30th) is poetry inspired by music.
Dominique Dupuis
The song I was most attracted to was one Dominique wrote about her gratitude for being able to do the work that she does and to connect countries and cultures through music. The title is “Ma Petite vie” which translates to “My Little Life.”
Dominique’s bow
travels across the land
roaming over climbing rocks,
flowing through rivers,
billowing in the wind.Her strings vibrate
with warmth of a handshake,
a hug, a welcoming smile.
Across miles
from Canada to Louisiane.Feel time
bow by bow.Feel rhythm
in your own heart.Feel distance
crossed by instruments.Echoes
of Acadian ancestors
speak in notes
connecting us all
to each other.This is where we belong.
–Margaret Simon (c) 2018
Reflections on the Teche 