Poetry Day Camp

Saturday, I went to a poetry day camp taught by a well known poet here in Bellingham. Went in support of a friend and I’m surprised at the poems that came out of the day, well, not TOO surprised.Poetry is a personal art, an intimate process. To write poetry in a group setting creates conflicts in my mind regarding acceptance, insecurities in presenting work not polished, and sharing my life with strangers. Believe it or not, these are all good energies that will spark new creativity!

I’ve talked with dancers, musicians and writers and many have shared how a challenging outline, space, or environment pushes them into new creative territory. The more unusual the boarder of space, physical or otherwise forces our imagination into the problem solving quadrant and the results can be amazing.

I encourage artists of all types to look for new space to work and perform. If it scares you a bit, you’re probably on the right track. I’m learning to enjoy the uncomfortable.

Amazing or not, here are my two favorite poems from the day, unpolished, slightly edited, and fresh:

Photo prompt:

Goats in Trees Have Bird Bones

Air filled, no wings

not feather, but fur

covers the skin

soaked in urine

now a leather bag of a man

strapped to shoulder

walker of the road

follows the orange

setting sun until

he reaches the

land where goats

climb trees

but do not fly

Line Prompt:

Flare up like a flame

and make big shadows I can move in.

-a line from “Go to the Limits of Your Longing” by Rainer Maria Rilke

A Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist, b.1875-d.1927

Make Big Shadows I Can Move In

Protected by your stare

Sun’s rays will burn me

If they spy me standing there

Under covers of the bed I made

Next to a pile of books to read

Window’s light a threat

Curtains now a shade

Dull shaped pattern of gray

Cover thick on the ground

Outline the places where I can stay

***

Published by Shannon Laws

Like my writing? Want to hear me read my poetry? Please visit https://chickadeeproductions.bandcamp.com/releases and download some today. Only $1.00 a poem! Shannon Laws is a Pacific Northwest poet. Her story-telling poetry has touched many hearts and minds. She is the author of four poetry books, the most recent “Fallen” published by Independent Writer’s Studio Press. Shannon has received two Mayor’s Arts Awards and the Community Champion Award for promoting local artists on community radio and encouraging peace and understanding through community poetry events. She makes her home in Bellingham, Washington, USA. View more posts