Blog of the Week ~ Gabriella's Writing Corner

Kids, I'm sure you have encountered Gabriella on the poetry circuit. This talented poet writes at Gabriella's Writing Corner, and is active in the online community. On her About page, Gabriella describes her poetry as "impulsive, evocative, and feminist" - all good descriptions! As I so love to do, I sleuthed around her site, magnifying glass in hand, and plucked four of my favourites of her recent poems for your delectation. Enjoy!

I SING

I sing the hills and mountains,
dark forests, fresh brooks,
the deep blue sea

i sing the generations before me
lives of my grandmothers
lore of my forefathers

i sing public education
dedicated teachers
printed books and libraries

i sing freedom of speech
reporters, newspapers,
poems and protest songs

i sing the affection of pets
the words of friends
comforting smiles of strangers

i sing the fireworks of summer
thin bubbles of champagne
and your name

     *     *     *

Isn't that beautiful, kids? Here is another very evocative piece :

photo (and tree) by Gabriella

WINTER MOMENTS

The sky is everywhere
white snowflakes whirl
on the horizon, pale
seasonal blanket

the sky is everywhere
we retreat to the house
enjoy the dance of
joyous red flames

the sky is everywhere
as we rewrite
the lost and forgotten
languages of love

fragile eternity

     *     *     *

So wonderful! And another: 

GOD’S PRAYER TO MAN

Do not seek me in the blue sky above,
I am not hiding in the clouds.

Do not seek me in antique cold buildings,
I do not care for old grey stones.

Do not seek me in ancient books and scrolls,
I am not a definition.

Do not seek me in long-winded sermons,
I prefer life to homilies.

Instead, seek me in the songs of young children,
In their imaginative games.

Seek me in passionate conversations,
in correspondence between friends.

Seek me in the shudders of first embrace,
In the yearnings of hungry eyes.

And above all, seek me in rhymes and rhythm,
In the skilled words of the poets.

     *     *     *

Yes, "seek me.....in the skilled words of poets", most of all. And speaking of the skilled words of poets, check this out!

OF LIGHT & FAITH

Past is the blind faith of childhood,
the sun is low as men yearn to find
a path, soft gleam in busy lives,
remember an ancient promise.

some hold battered dog-eared books,
with dark or thankful hearts they bow.
pleas softly whispered, sacred words,
they offer gifts or just themselves.

spry burning flames on golden oil
dancing shadows on clouded walls.
incense sticks glow, smoke blurs the line
between what is profane, divine.

enduring light of red candles,
human presence, smiles of strangers,
mischievous laughter of small children,
comforted souls now cease to fear.

reassured there will always be
bright chirping birds, cool mountain streams,
red dawns, use for old skillful hands
deep love, joyful chapters to write.

     ***     ***     ***

This poem filled my heart so much I wanted to start at the beginning and live life all over again! Thank you, Gabriella, for the gift of these poems, and for your participation at Poets United. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you through your wonderful poetry. 

Have a wonderful Christmas, those of you who celebrate, and bright blessings to all!