Poets United

This is an archive. For our active features, visit Poets and Storytellers United.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Poems of the Week ~ Three Poets on Poetry

Today we are sharing poems about poetry, written by Sanaa, Rajani and Sumana. Pour yourself a cup of tea, draw your chairs up close, and let's contemplate why we find playing with words so fascinating. I can't imagine what people do with their time, if they don't write!








POEM HOLDING ITS HEART IN ONE FIST*

And sometimes it’s better to counsel with our hearts
alone. 

I have found that pink buds are perfect within

and destined to open.
Perhaps it’s the inclusion of personal pronouns 
in daily life– 
of singular I, me
and plural we, us.
A few more days of warmth and it would bloom
one need only be patient.


Even cherries as luscious as lips bear secrets,
no matter how swift we wish to extract 
its nectar 
ease out carefully using a chopstick 
and the pit should fall through into the bottle.
As soon bathe in eucalyptus mineral bath salt
let go of the past 
it’s searing worries and pain augmented 
there are few things in this world that are better left
unsaid.
Yet, twilight disappeared over the horizon
the last vestiges of gutsy purple
robbing me of what little courage I had left 
I stand with my soul stripped for the perusal of night.
This poem after several years of growing up
and wisdom
shall laugh and ponder upon with unrestrained tears
cherishing every moment.
*A tribute response to Jane Hirsfield’s poem, 
“Poem Holding Its Heart In One Fist.”



 Sherry: This is a beautiful poem, Sanaa.

Sanaa: Sigh.. I remember this poem as if it was written yesterday. It was in response to Kerry's Challenge: Instructions for Living a Life ~ A Tribute to Poets of Our Time at Imaginary Garden with real toads. 

"Poem Holding Its Heart In One Fist," was inspired by JaneHirsfield's poem of the same name and is a glimpse of my subconscious. It's everything I believe about writing poetry and maturing as a person with time. 

These are lonely times we are living in, Sherry. An era where sorrow cannot name its friend. I personally feel that social media is somewhat responsible in disintegrating several aspects of life. People nowadays (especially the youth)  have no sense of regard for personal interaction other than spending a ludicrous amount of time chatting on the internet. Moreover, it's a rare thing if a person enjoys a simple meal at the dining table without being immersed in a smartphone.

Keeping that in mind I associate blooming of pink buds and personal growth with warmth and attention. One need only possess a kind heart and the rest is assured. 

As the poem progresses the words and their accompanying emotions become more personal, as I seek to explore my innermost feelings regarding growing up and life. There are moments of reflection and vulnerability, hence the reference to "soul stripped for the perusal of night."

Why do we write poetry? There are many answers to this question. But I, as a person who is young and has yet a lot to experience, believe that poetry is equivalent to therapy and healing. We write because we can no longer hold the words inside. I know for a fact that I will cherish and laugh heartily at my work ten years later. I will whisper in my heart; "every poem that you wrote blazed your path and instilled your faith in life which in turn just keeps getting better and better."

Sherry: So true, "we write because we can no longer hold the words inside." And our poems chart our path, for sure. Thank you, Sanaa.

Let's see what Sumana has to say about poets and the art of poetry.







THE POET HAS GONE

It’s comfortably cold here-
Winter birds have all come-
The pond is full
With water, tree-shadows and fish-
The blue sky seems dreamy,
So are the night stars-
Things of beauty,
Scattered everywhere
Like a Mary Oliver page-
Yet there’s an uncanny calm-
Where’s the ecstasy gone
With the “luminous fruits”,
“emerald eddies”, “lean owls”
“egrets”, “daisies” and all……
When I close my eyes
I see ‘red’
What’s burning, methinks-
A fire in a forest in a faraway land
Or a heart?
An ear of mine catches a note-
Is it a dirge in the woods?
May be-
A poet is gone-


*Words in inverted commas are from Mary Oliver’s Poems


Sherry: Sigh. Nature's beauty, spilling down the page. I love this, Sumana.

Sumana: Mary Oliver was one poet who asked us to be astonished, to stay amazed about life. She writes, in her poem “When Death Comes,” “I want to say all my life / I was a bride married to amazement”.  A nature lover, she has opened our eyes to the immensity of our surroundings. She helps us see the hidden pattern of the world in her simple language. Her critics sneered at her ‘simplistic’, ‘plain’ language and 'easy accessibility' to her poems by one and all. But she stuck to her own beautiful style and enriched poetry. When such a person dies the world seems bereft of beauty. My immediate reaction was an immense sadness. This little poem of mine is a kind of homage to this poet seer. I tried to include as many of her own words from her poems I could to embellish my own poem.


Sherry: It is a beautiful homage, Sumana. Mary Oliver's words will stand, long after the voices of her critics have been silenced. Thank you for this gorgeous poem.


I knew when Rajani penned the following poem that I must share it. Let's read.







JUST MATH




Even Rumi, who could fit the entire
universe inside his poem, was yearning
for the grace of the Beloved. The universe
is not enough. It cannot love us the way
we want love. Its miracles are just math.
What would language do, or poems, if
the poet did not suffer the anguish of
loving a sunset? The sky just is. The poem
reaches out to touch your cheek. The
words wipe your tears. The poet burns
in the orange light until he becomes the
darkness. The Beloved holds back the
wine. Love is only an empty tavern, the
sun has been extinguished and the stars
in the window will be gone by morning.





Sherry: Such a beautiful poem, Rajani! A poet does feel "the anguish of loving a sunset" and, through her words, the reader feels that ache too. I love that the poem dries our tears. 

Rajani: Thanks so much for featuring my poem, Sherry.  I wrote about 40 poems in what I called the “Universe Series”  around December-January. This was one of them.  They are all centred around the relationship of the individual with the universe– existential, spiritual or arbitrary. Rumi is probably more metaphor here than actual reference, but I’m not sure how the poem actually came about. I wasn’t really planning each poem, just going with the flow. I’ve posted a few poems on my blog and on Instagram but have no idea what to do with the rest!

Sherry:  We are very happy to be reading your work, Rajani. Thank you for this very wonderful poem. I love thinking of the poet burning in an orange light. 

Thank you, poet friends, for your wonderful words. We appreciate them very much.

We hope you enjoyed this feature, my friends. Do come back and see who we talk to next. Who knows? It might be you!

Posted by Sherry Blue Sky
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest
Labels: Past Poems of the Week, Rajani Radhakrishnan, Sanaa Rizvi, Sumana Roy

40 comments:

  1. Kim M. RussellMarch 25, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    I remember these poems and love all three of them - and the wonderful poets who wrote them. Thank you for sharing them again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 25, 2019 at 2:33 PM

      My pleasure, Kim. I never have to look far to find wonderful poems for this feature.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:27 AM

      Thank you so much, Kim!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    3. Reply
  2. Sanaa RizviMarch 25, 2019 at 2:08 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring us this week, Sherry!❤️ It's always a pleasure to learn how our fellow poets feel about poetry.

    Sumana: I love the sensitivity with which your poem is penned. It speaks eloquently about the power and simplicity of words and is a lovely tribute to Mary Oliver. Especially love; "What’s burning, methinks- A fire in a forest in a faraway land or a heart?"

    Rajani: This is a gorgeous, gorgeous poem and I love the imagery that describes and speaks of a poet's needs. These lines especially stood out for me; "The poet burns in the orange light until he becomes the darkness."


    In the words of Sylvia Plath; "Poetry is my deepest health." Sigh I couldn't agree more!❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 25, 2019 at 2:32 PM

      Thanks for taking part, Sanaa. The subject of poetry is of endless fascination to we poets. Smiles.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  3. Carrie Van HornMarch 25, 2019 at 2:18 PM

    Three lovely poets with each a unique and beautiful message!Love,Nature,Universe 💝🌷🌎 Loved these poems and background. Thank you for sharing this Sherry!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:27 AM

      And thank you for your love and kindness, Carrie!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  4. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 25, 2019 at 2:33 PM

    Lovely you stopped by, Carrie. So nice to see you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  5. brudbergMarch 25, 2019 at 4:54 PM

    A wonderful set of poets, and poems...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:28 AM

      Thanks Bjorn!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  6. Rosemary Nissen-WadeMarch 25, 2019 at 6:55 PM

    Three of my favourite poets, each with her own distinctive voice – and I love what each has to say here about poetry, in poetry. Thanks to you all, and to Sherry, for this post which has uplifted and enriched me at the start of my day.

    Rajani, may I suggest you create a chapbook from those poems? And perhaps from other series such as the city poems, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ThotpurgeMarch 25, 2019 at 11:50 PM

      Thanks so much, Rosemary. Fingers crossed, someday soon, a book of sorts! Am trying to figure out the best way to get things published from here. Sherry- I do look forward to that!!! Thank you!

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:28 AM

      Thank you so much, Rosemary!❤️ I am so glad you enjoyed it.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    3. Reply
  7. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 25, 2019 at 7:54 PM

    A wonderful idea, Rosemary - and we can feature it when it comes out. Smiles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  8. Myrna R.March 25, 2019 at 9:07 PM

    I am so delighted to have read these three beautiful poets. They each cite known poets I love and have written such insightful and beautiful poems . I've been going through a long "dry spell" as far as writing. I feel inspired now and am grateful to Sanaa, Sumana and Rajani for sharing their inspirational words.
    Thank you Sherri for featuring these three talented and sensitive poets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:29 AM

      Thank you so much, Myrna! Your words warm my heart ❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  9. Wendy BourkeMarch 25, 2019 at 9:11 PM

    This post was a pleasure to read! What a splendid collaboration! Lovely poems and an illuminating conversation, with three wonderful poets who are so supportive of our community of poets, here at Poets University - as are you, Sherry (for making so many good things - such as this - happen). Thanks so much Sanaa, Rajani and Sumana - and, of course, Sherry - for this scintillating share.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy BourkeMarch 25, 2019 at 9:30 PM

      Poets United - not Poets University - though what an intriguing slip, given the focus of this weeks post. ~ smiles ~

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:30 AM

      Poets University .. not bad haha .. seems suitable as we learn so much from one another. Thank you for reading, Wendy! I am glad you enjoyed it ❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    3. Reply
  10. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 25, 2019 at 9:59 PM

    Poets University....we'll take it. LOL. Thanks, Myrna and Wendy.....so happy you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  11. ThotpurgeMarch 25, 2019 at 11:46 PM

    Thanks so much, Sherry. Being part of PU has been enriching, educative and fun. Thank you all for your kind words and constant support.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:31 AM

      It's a pleasure being featured alongside you, Rajani!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 26, 2019 at 11:48 AM

      I am grateful to have talented poets to feature. Thanks so much for taking part.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    3. Reply
  12. Sumana RoyMarch 26, 2019 at 12:25 AM

    Thank you, thank you, thank you Sherry for featuring my poem with Sanaa and Rajani's. At PU we're definitely in the 'days of warmth' to quote Sanaa and I have experienced how 'The poem / reaches out to touch your cheek. The / words wipe your tears." as Rajani puts it out so beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:31 AM

      Thank you so much, Sumana for your kind and loving words!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 26, 2019 at 11:49 AM

      I love "the words wipe your tears".....sigh. Thank you for sharing your wonderful poem, Sumana.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    3. Reply
  13. Akshay BaggaMarch 26, 2019 at 2:10 AM

    Wow Sanaa, a beautiful piece of tantalising textual texture !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 26, 2019 at 7:32 AM

      Thank you so much, Akshay! I am so glad you enjoyed it ❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  14. MarjaMarch 26, 2019 at 4:28 PM

    Wow what a treasure to read these poems from Saana, Sumana and Rajani. An inspirational way to start the day Nice to see the photos and read some background information Thanks Sherry Back to work now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 28, 2019 at 7:35 AM

      Thank you so much, Marja ❤️ I am pleased that you enjoyed it!

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  15. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 26, 2019 at 8:40 PM

    Thanks for stopping by, Marja! So lovely to see you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  16. Anjum Wasim DarMarch 27, 2019 at 4:03 AM

    Dear Sherry What a beautiful touching striking collection of poetical thoughts. A pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing the great expressions of gifted writers Saana Sumana and Rajani. Long Live PU.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 28, 2019 at 7:36 AM

      Awww thank you so much, Anjum ❤️ that's high praise from one who is so talented herself.

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  17. Gillena CoxMarch 27, 2019 at 1:03 PM

    Oh wow, 3 poetesses who do well to claim the well deserved status and title. I visit these 3 writers often and am always blown away by there work. Happy to see them in a bunch here. Thanks Sherry for the up close

    Much🌻love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 28, 2019 at 7:37 AM

      Thank you so much, Gillena for your kind words, love and support!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  18. ThotpurgeMarch 28, 2019 at 12:17 AM

    Thank you all for the kind comments. I wish wordpress and blogger would work better together so we can share more poems than we link. I can't thank you all enough for all the poetry and love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  19. Susie ClevengerMarch 28, 2019 at 4:40 PM

    Goodness, I am in awe. Three talented poets, three amazing poems..Thank you ladies for your talent, for your inspiration, for your poetry. Sherry, thank you for placing three gifted poets in one place for us to enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 29, 2019 at 8:19 AM

      Thank you so much, Susie! ❤️ xoxoxo

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
  20. SusanMarch 29, 2019 at 12:14 AM

    This has been a week of busy silence--no poetry came to me. So I am doubly grateful for these insights and images. Wow. My next Midweek Motif is "Writing poetry" in honor of April and poetry month. I will be quoting these poems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanaa RizviMarch 29, 2019 at 8:21 AM

      Awww gosh! Thank you so much, dear Susan ❤️ I am hosting that day too so I'll be there merging both our prompts. Yayy!❤️

      Delete
      Replies
        Reply
    2. Reply
Add comment
Load more...

This community is not meant to be used in a negative manner. We ask that you be respectful of all the people on this site as each individual writer is entitled to their own opinion, style, and path to creativity.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Blog Archive

  • ►  2021 (1)
    • ►  Nov (1)
  • ►  2020 (13)
    • ►  Feb (1)
    • ►  Jan (12)
  • ▼  2019 (186)
    • ►  Dec (10)
    • ►  Nov (13)
    • ►  Oct (16)
    • ►  Sep (17)
    • ►  Aug (16)
    • ►  Jul (17)
    • ►  Jun (16)
    • ►  May (17)
    • ►  Apr (16)
    • ▼  Mar (17)
      • Poetry Pantry #445
      • The Living Dead
      • Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Solitude
      • Poems of the Week ~ Three Poets on Poetry
      • Poetry Pantry #444
      • I WISH I'D WRITTEN THIS
      • Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Empowerment
      • LIFE OF A POET ~ KAREN (KB)
      • Poetry Pantry #443
      • Moonlight Musings
      • Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Neighbors
      • POEMS OF THE WEEK ~ FOR LOS ANGELITOS
      • Poetry Pantry #442
      • Thought Provokers
      • Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Kindness
      • Telling Tales with Magaly Guerrero: a Pantry of Pr...
      • I Wish I'd Written This
    • ►  Feb (16)
    • ►  Jan (15)
  • ►  2018 (202)
    • ►  Dec (10)
    • ►  Nov (18)
    • ►  Oct (18)
    • ►  Sep (17)
    • ►  Aug (18)
    • ►  Jul (18)
    • ►  Jun (17)
    • ►  May (17)
    • ►  Apr (18)
    • ►  Mar (17)
    • ►  Feb (16)
    • ►  Jan (18)
  • ►  2017 (203)
    • ►  Dec (12)
    • ►  Nov (17)
    • ►  Oct (18)
    • ►  Sep (17)
    • ►  Aug (17)
    • ►  Jul (18)
    • ►  Jun (17)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  Apr (17)
    • ►  Mar (18)
    • ►  Feb (16)
    • ►  Jan (18)
  • ►  2016 (197)
    • ►  Dec (11)
    • ►  Nov (16)
    • ►  Oct (16)
    • ►  Sep (15)
    • ►  Aug (18)
    • ►  Jul (18)
    • ►  Jun (17)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  Apr (17)
    • ►  Mar (17)
    • ►  Feb (17)
    • ►  Jan (17)
  • ►  2015 (202)
    • ►  Dec (12)
    • ►  Nov (18)
    • ►  Oct (17)
    • ►  Sep (17)
    • ►  Aug (18)
    • ►  Jul (18)
    • ►  Jun (17)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  Apr (17)
    • ►  Mar (18)
    • ►  Feb (16)
    • ►  Jan (16)
  • ►  2014 (204)
    • ►  Dec (13)
    • ►  Nov (17)
    • ►  Oct (18)
    • ►  Sep (17)
    • ►  Aug (18)
    • ►  Jul (17)
    • ►  Jun (18)
    • ►  May (17)
    • ►  Apr (17)
    • ►  Mar (18)
    • ►  Feb (16)
    • ►  Jan (18)
  • ►  2013 (212)
    • ►  Dec (18)
    • ►  Nov (17)
    • ►  Oct (17)
    • ►  Sep (18)
    • ►  Aug (15)
    • ►  Jul (19)
    • ►  Jun (17)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  Apr (17)
    • ►  Mar (19)
    • ►  Feb (17)
    • ►  Jan (20)
  • ►  2012 (254)
    • ►  Dec (22)
    • ►  Nov (18)
    • ►  Oct (20)
    • ►  Sep (22)
    • ►  Aug (25)
    • ►  Jul (23)
    • ►  Jun (20)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  Apr (18)
    • ►  Mar (22)
    • ►  Feb (19)
    • ►  Jan (27)
  • ►  2011 (281)
    • ►  Dec (15)
    • ►  Nov (18)
    • ►  Oct (25)
    • ►  Sep (25)
    • ►  Aug (26)
    • ►  Jul (25)
    • ►  Jun (22)
    • ►  May (19)
    • ►  Apr (10)
    • ►  Mar (22)
    • ►  Feb (49)
    • ►  Jan (25)
  • ►  2010 (182)
    • ►  Dec (22)
    • ►  Nov (37)
    • ►  Oct (24)
    • ►  Sep (27)
    • ►  Aug (35)
    • ►  Jul (20)
    • ►  Jun (17)

Followers

Search Box

Archived Prompts and Features

  • Classic Poetry
  • Daily Prompt Listings
  • Exploring The Classics
  • I Wish I'd Written This
  • Midnight Snack
  • Midweek Motif
  • Moonlight Musings
  • Moonlight Musings (Interactive Edition)
  • Pantry of Poetry and Prose
  • Past Poems of the Week
  • Past Poetry Blogs of the Week
  • Poems of the Week
  • Telling Tales with Magaly Guerrero
  • The Life of a Poet (Interviews)
  • The Living Dead
  • The Poetry Pantry
  • The Poetry Pantry Revisited
  • The Thursday Think Tank Revisited
  • Thought Provokers
  • Verse First
  • Vice/Versa - Midnight Snack
  • Wild Friday at Poets United
  • Wild Fridays (pre-2020)
Awesome Inc. theme. Powered by Blogger.