BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS – PROMPT #116, AND RHUPUNT FORM

What is it about music that calls out to us, and speaks so sincerely to our hearts?  One thing is certain: music inspires a poetic muse to sing.  This week has been an absolute symphony of poetry.

 MARIE ELENA’S BLOOM

So how does one choose a solo to highlight from among the melodious voices?  It has been no easy task!  After much deliberation, I’ve chosen to hand the microphone to Debi Swim, for her Peaceful Dreams.  In a mere four paragraphs, Debi has managed to make me feel right at home in the mountains of her youth.  I especially admire the way in which she introduces us to her grandmother, via her apron.  Bravo, Debi!  And congratulations on your Bloom!

(Inspired by Country Roads, John Denver : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo)

Peaceful Dreams (by Debi Swim)

Sweet Idyllic, home of my youth
Iron Mountains,
the Doe and the Forge.
Life was good there,
innocent and free,
summers running wild
fun that never ends.

Peaceful dreams, take me back
to my sweet childhood home
Rainbow Holler, end of the road
take me back, peaceful dreams.

I remember, deep within me
grandma’s apron, all the ways she used it
wiped off smudges, fanned away the flies,
carried eggs tenderly, dried tears from our eyes.

Chorus

I see her there, her blue-veined hands ever busy
the radio is playing bluegrass gospel music
and waking from my dream, I have a longing
but I know well it’s, just a dream, just a dream.

 

WILLIAM’S PICK:

Selecting a “bloom” from all the song-inspired pieces was torture, but of a nice sort. So many were so good. I selected Sara McNulty’s poem, however, because she melded two art forms as inspiration, then added the personal ponderings of the narrator and came up with a touching, pensive poem. The paintings “found the bud which bloomed;” the song “touched a spot in her heart;” and, feeling misunderstood, she understood Vincent.  I thought this was a superb piece of work, blending so much into so few words.

STARRY, STARRY HEART (by Sara McNulty)

(Referencing Starry, Starry Night, by Don McLean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wrNFDxCRzU)

She was starting to sort out
artists, developing love
of manic swirls, giant
sunflowers, and blue
irises. Stern Dutch faces,
and the lonely landscape
of Arles, painted with passion,
found the bud which bloomed
in her. Van Gogh raged, hurt,
loved. She was feeling mis-
understood. Soft melody
of the song touched a spot
in her heart. Yes, she thought,
at the close, Vincent, “the world
was never meant for someone
as beautiful as you.”

*********************

AND NOW…

In the spirit of giving our poets the recognition they deserve, we have added a new Beautiful Bloom facet to our feature:  RJ Clarken will be awarding a Bloom for her weekly In-Form Poet Wednesday prompts!  Debi Swim is our first official recipient!  Congratulations, Debi!  How does it feel to be the recipient of a double bloom this week? 🙂

RJ’S RHUPUNT BLOOM CHOICE

I am in awe of Debi Swim’s Nighttime Blues because of the imagery and the emotion that her poem evokes. Her use of language in this ‘playful’ poetic form is nothing short of astonishing.  It wholly resonates. And that is saying much from a writer/poet who tends to do the upbeat and funny stuff primarily. While her poem is dark, it is also uplifting.

Nighttime Blues (by Debi Swim)

What is it about the night that deepens fright, blurs black and white into shades of gloomy grey?
Why in the dark does each recalled remark, loom and spark a tinderbox of dismay?
I toss and turn, troubles churn, gnawing cares burn and confidence whittled away.
Until light of morn puts troubles to scorn, brings peace to adorn, as I fall to my knees and pray.

Congratulations, Debi and Sara!