Today's visual prompt from Magpie Tales took me back to Cottage Grove, a small town I visited this week in Oregon. It was once the home of Opal Whiteley, a literary granny swathed in mystery. She was a child prodigy (or not) she talked to trees and fairies (or not) and she continues to inspire the curiosity of many, including me.
Today's Poem:
What if We?
alice in slumberland
dreamy state we somehow feel
compelled to interrupt with
our concrete sledgehammers
against her humbly
pregnant abstractions
what if we stopped insisting
our way was right?
green against green against green
snuggly leaf comforter, not a poly throw
pink halo not golden rays
straps and necklace and hay
crown tell me she’s still
firmly here
hasn’t quite escaped
what if we unlocked the shackles
and handcuffs we bind to ourselves and them, always
flat footed
in the one or the other?
she sleeps away the sandpaper
the shrieks of the leaf blower
the torrential downpour of
less than thoughts and shouts
and other's opinions
what if we decided to
learn from her?
Julie Jordan Scott inspires people to experience artistic rebirth via her programs, playshops, books, performances and simply being herself out in the world. She is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy-extraordinaire and mixed-media artist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming in September 2015 and beyond.
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Love you opening line, "alice in slumberland" and also your idea of earth/green as being divine and wise. We could learn a lot from her, if we slowed down and gave it a try. Bravo on both your form and content.
Posted by: Other Mary | August 02, 2015 at 11:01 AM
ah yes! The roar of suburbia! Nicely done!
Posted by: Kathe W. | August 02, 2015 at 01:09 PM
nicely done!
Posted by: Sandra | August 02, 2015 at 05:23 PM
What if? Love it!
Posted by: Charleen Martinez | August 02, 2015 at 05:40 PM
what if we stopped insisting our way was right..I think it would open the line of communication thus bringing about change.
Posted by: Truedessa | August 02, 2015 at 06:35 PM
So much wisdom, insight in your lovely poem ~~~~
Posted by: Woonietest.blogspot.com | August 03, 2015 at 08:28 AM
Love the phrase "concrete sledgehammers".
Posted by: Magaly Guerrero | August 04, 2015 at 12:18 PM
We could learn a lot. Nice take I enjoyed it.
Posted by: Bekkie | August 04, 2015 at 12:34 PM