This summer a short two pager that I wrote will be in a book about Washington State ferries. The story is about what it was like to be on a ferry the morning of 9/11. Here is a little taste:”New flames were emanating out from the south tower. We looked and waited for the personContinueContinue reading “9/11 Morning”
Author Archives: Shannon Laws
Poetry: Perhaps
It’s Monday and a great day for art and poetry! Every Monday night is Poetry Night open mic in downtown Bellingham. Last week Robert gave out a prompt that I couldn’t resist: What should be done with your body upon your death. All week I’ve been thinking about this. What writer doesn’t enjoy writing orContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Perhaps”
Alberto Rios Poetry
At last night at Chuckanut Sandstone’s open mic, Sandra F. Lucke shared the work of poet Alberto Rios. Carla, the group leader, read his poem “Refugio’s Hair” and the world shook!This wonderful poet makes his home in Sedona, AZ. Ríos is a Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University, where he has taught for over 30 years and where he holdsContinueContinue reading “Alberto Rios Poetry”
Poetry: Gray Braided Gardener
Seeds of joyToss from her fingertipsGreen LIFE yawns awakeon the shady side of NoblesAlways in spring she isRadiating beams of new LIFEKneading it into the earthEverywhere she goesLIFE follows heror does she create it?A goddess tramping through the desertleaving behind her a forest~Dedicated to my special friend Susan who always leaves a forest wherever sheContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Gray Braided Gardener”
Poetry: Universal Love
The 2012 “Phrasings in Word + Dance” is on! Bellingham Repertory Dance presented its sixth annual collaboration with Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theater this weekend. What a great three days of art and insight. Carla and the BRD company have outdone themselves, again. This year I was selected, along with 5 other poets, to write a poemContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Universal Love”
Poetry: Guitar Man
Guitar ManTaps his foot to the musicFrayed boot heel wiggles against the floorFingers, as comfortable on fretsAs his legs are in jeansWhat does he sing?What is that sound?History weeping throughOozing out of dry crevassesDays in the sun createdPoems written on wrinkled paperSongs sung to walls of fallen plasterLarge women clap approvalHoping to take a pieceContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Guitar Man”
Kidnapped
Spring always puts me in a sentimental mood. You know, it’s all a part of that inane idea to get rid of the old and bring in the new; spring clean the garage, backyard and the soul. Some projects take up so much time I feel like they’ve kidnapped me! During the tedious task ofContinueContinue reading “Kidnapped”
Powered by Poetry
Last night at Poetry Night’s open mic I ran into another Mary Oliver fan. I find it exciting to meet new people and hear their story. This poetry fan told me she doesn’t write poetry, she just comes to listen. However, one night, about six months ago, she read the Mary Oliver poem “The Journey”. I wasContinueContinue reading “Powered by Poetry”
Poetry: Winter Prayer
This morning the sky changed. The wind came from a different direction than what I was used to, catching me by surprise and creating a sense of curiosity within me. The trees I walked under moved and swayed to the song of the wind, making for a lovely dance. The wind combed threw the branchesContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Winter Prayer”
Poetry: Loose Hair
Sometimes you don’t Notice a stray hairOn your clothesUntil the light hits itStray thoughtsA lost memoryForgotten friendYour car keysThings we looseBlown off usFingers rustle through Our hair, lookingHow can you put Back into the follicleStray hair that Left the scalpIt must instead be mourned If it was even missed orGreeted graciouslyLike a fresh beginning
shannon p. laws 