 |
| "Into the Light" by Tim Haynes |
Each positive thought is your refuge and your sanctuary, where in that thoughtful moment, you are safe.– Bryant McGill
At the beginning of this month, Ann Rider challenged us to write poems about places of refuge and solace. I didn't realize at the time how useful the challenge would be to me personally. Hostility and negativity were seriously getting me down, and I wondered if this would be the first time I had nothing to contribute.
 |
| "Transient Insignificance (2)" by Tim Haynes |
But reading all of your poems was therapeutic, like a daily dose of fresh air. Thank you for pulling me through.
Rather than grouping these poems into categories, I tried to present them in a sequence that flowed comfortably from beginning to end. I hope it transports you to a tranquil state of mind.
 |
| "The Zig-Zag" by Tim Haynes |
Scroll through the poems below, or for best viewing, CLICK HERE.
Would you like to write a poem about a place of refuge and solace?
Post it on our November 2016 padlet by Wednesday, November 30th, and I will add it to the wrap-up presentation.
Participants in this month's challenge will automatically be entered to win a copy of Before Morning by Joyce Sidman with illustrations by Beth Krommes (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016). One entry per participant, not per poem.
Alternatively, you may enter the giveaway by commenting below. Comments must also be received no later than Wednesday, November 30th. If you contribute a poem and comment below, you will receive two entries in total.
The winner will be determined by Random.org and announced next Friday, December 2nd.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Many thanks to everyone who came by last week to help me celebrate the launch of THE BEST OF TODAY'S LITTLE DITTY, 2014-2015! I was tickled and humbled by so many expressions of support and congratulations.
I must have captured this screen at just the right moment to have it say #1 New Release in Poetry Anthologies. Don't believe me? Click the image to enlarge!
While I do think that designation may be slightly misleading, this amazing community will always be at the top of my best things list. 😍
As usual, I'm just under the wire with the Ditty of the Month. My haiku appears to be a leaf in a lake, but the childhood memory is floating on my back in the pool, oblivious that swimming lessons had ended, deaf to shouts from poolside. Someone had to come in and rouse me from my serene floating.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these challenges and HUZZAH for the #1 New Release Anthology!
Ha! I have no doubt you were neither the first nor the last to need to be roused from that back-floating nirvana, Mary Lee. Been there. Done that. :)
DeleteI agree, Michelle, that this community is amazing! My contribution this month evolved by accident, and isn't really about a place. Over the course of this dismal month, it seemed like the moon was following me everywhere, forcing me to notice and think about it. I'm adding my link to the haiku they inspired to the Padlet. As always, thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour connection with the moon totally counts as a place of refuge and solace, Catherine! It makes me happy to know the moon was such a trusted companion for you this month.
DeleteThank you so very much, Michelle for being who you are! I have made TLD my main poetry lighthouse. I wish I had time to write full time. I do not. But, I can keep up with TLD and feel like I'm part of a wonderful community. You are a gracious host and sister in poetry. Thank you for adding this beauty to our world.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet words, Linda! Thank you. I've never heard TLD described as a lighthouse before. :)
DeleteI keep thinking I'm going to participate in Today's Little Ditty, but then I never do. Darn it! BEFORE MORNING looks terrific. I might have to go hunt it down at Tattered Cover later on today!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome anytime, Carol. People come and go, so just participate when you can!
DeleteIsn't is wonderful that this crazy month held poems of refuge, somewhere we can rely on to offer peace! Thank you again, Michelle. It's always a pleasure to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful, Linda. This blog often surprises me with just-in-time blessings.
DeleteI posted the poem I wrote this week in response to Poets and Writers. It was written in a place of solace and refuge. Your collections are always inspiring, but this one helps my heart heal and sing. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMine too, Margaret. Thank you for adding your voice to the chorus.
DeleteIt was a great challenge - just what we needed in this upsetting month! I loved reading through all of these again! Thanks, Michelle!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed! It was just what the doctor ordered.
DeleteI'm always amazed by the healing and inspiring powers of poetry, and I'm so glad that after years of absence, poetry has returned to my life through my involvement in this wonderful, imaginative community!
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear, Jane! Poetry Friday does tend to have that effect on people. :)
DeleteDrum roll please . . . #1 New Release, how marvelous, thanks for all you poured into this special collection! And the November ditties were great tonic for the soul.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound impressive, doesn't it? In actuality, I'm afraid the competition was basically a no show, but who am I to complain? ;)
Delete#Number 1 new release in Poetry?
ReplyDeleteBRAVA!
Happy post Thanksgiving weekend Michelle.
I hope you are outdoors in this glorious Florida sunshine.
hugs!
Thanks, Jan. It has been glorious, hasn't it? We certainly waited a good long time for this lovely weather to arrive.
DeleteI loved reading so many different takes on places of solace, and yet so many ideas in common - including solitude! Well, that's poets for you.
ReplyDeleteWell done all around, and thanks to you & participants for sharing.
And woo hoo for TDL - :0). !!!
Thanks, Michelle, for all your work on this. It's lovely to read through. Please don't enter me in the giveaway. I already have a copy of Before Morning.
ReplyDeleteReally varied, really enjoyable. I'm partial to the works of that George Heidenrich--do you know him? ;) I'm about to write a #haikuforhealing about refuge. Is it not too late? I really must put DMC Challenge on my calendar...
ReplyDeleteHard not to notice the connection with a name like Heidenrich, huh! Yep, that's my dad. :)
DeleteWhat an interesting writing challenge this month! Lots of great poems were shared.
ReplyDeleteAll of these poems have truly helped me. I, too, have struggled with the hostility and negativity as of late. I am going to continue to meditate on refuge and solace and see if I can create a poem before Wednesday. Thanks for all you do for the poetry community with your DMCs. You rock. =)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to see the word gloaming used in haiku. One of my favorite words. These provided solace and refuge for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to have found another poetry home!
ReplyDelete