I just came across a little chapbook from Sue Reynolds’ Fearless Writers Spring 2004 Session. Some great poetry in it from my fellow participants. An archaeological look at some fine writers who have gone on to do great things since attending Sue’s workshop. If you EVER get an opportunity to be mentored by Sue Reynolds…just do it. No questions asked…just jump in–parachute free–and do it! She’s an exceptional teacher, and a passionate writer!
I thought I’d share the poem I have in the chapbook, mostly because I forgot it ever existed until just now. (-;
I AM FROM…
I am from the rusty Miramichi,
which swells and contracts to the heartbeat of the distant moon.
I am from the smiling lips of Shakespeare,
who tells the young lovers to look up into the night and shout out:
“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”
I am from that ancient of minds.
“It is the East,” I say, and I am from the sun.
“Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon,” which I am also from.
I am from the liquid reason of Neruda’s lines.
I am from the forest creatures
who beat a path to my door,
calling out my name through the darkness
of night’s great blanket.
I am from the place where dreams die.
I am from a woman who is strong and dark and proud…
a woman of this soil who tells me that what doesn’t kill us
makes us weaker, but more determined.
I am from that smell that escapes
off the tattered spines of books
in the ancient library.
I am from the sadness that breathes in loneliness
and the happiness that comes with remembering the dead.
I am from anger,
mounted foolishly out of false pride.
I am from the crumbling mountains
that yearn to be flat.
I am from Icarus,
the melted wax of his fallen dreams.
I am from the bridge we left behind
as the last Autumn leaves finished falling.
Thanks to Sue Reynolds for inspiring a whole group of writers to explore their worlds through words! Check out her Inkslingers Writing Workshops, Retreats, and Mentoring (which she does with James Dewar, another great writing mentor) here.
KEVIN CRAIG 