appled and lapwing lapped bat-addled, sun saddled paired with pears, befuddled with fogs, dogs, sapped branches, snapddragons pollen flagons, wagons, agons of flowered honey in waiting, stilled syrups, stirrups, chirrups of bullfinches, inchworm germ, chaffinch and germinant road of exploded ode, toad rode, ruminant crowed, snaffled and snowed wind flowed, river showed, stowed treasure of unwalked measure, pleasure, seizure, high and sly I'll travel your playway, ravel and marvel. This poem was written on a joyful visit to the West of Scotland last Spring.
I love this! The texture of the words is just a total delight, a wonderfully chewy mouthful. And exactly what I needed as we head into the iciest temperatures of the winter so far, and with I.C.E. prowling the streets of my pretty little city. Green, growing things, birdsong, and damp grass is a tonic.
Lovely to hear from you, Tara. And delighted to provide a tonic in icy days. As for the other ICE, I generally refrain from commenting on the internal politics of other democracies (one risks being told, not unreasonably, to keep one’s nose out) but I confess: I was shaken and shocked by what I read on January 7th.
Perhaps on both counts, it’s worth remembering Shelley: “If winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
Thanks for bringing us some whimsy and a hint of a better season. I needed that. It’s below zero here in Michigan, and another snowstorm is on the way.
Lovely to hear from you, Carole, and glad to bring a taste of Spring to chilly Michigan. Your mention of “whimsy” interests me. I hadn’t thought of the poem like that. I suppose on reflection “whimsy “ relates to a whim - and I suppose the poem was written to an extent on a whim. But then spring itself is a reality, rather than a whim, and it’s coming - anyway, you’ve got me thinking! Thank you!
The exuberance of rhyme, assonance, and alliteration mimics the exuberant burgeoning of spring itself. Perfect fare for a snowy season in New England-- everything here is monochrome and I can only dream of green bounties of spring.
Thank you again, Melanie. The snow has melted in my part of the world and, since I was finding it inspiring, I’m a little jealous of your monochrome. Still, I suppose the grass is always greener (or paler) on the other side of the fence (or Earth 🙂).
I love this! The texture of the words is just a total delight, a wonderfully chewy mouthful. And exactly what I needed as we head into the iciest temperatures of the winter so far, and with I.C.E. prowling the streets of my pretty little city. Green, growing things, birdsong, and damp grass is a tonic.
Lovely to hear from you, Tara. And delighted to provide a tonic in icy days. As for the other ICE, I generally refrain from commenting on the internal politics of other democracies (one risks being told, not unreasonably, to keep one’s nose out) but I confess: I was shaken and shocked by what I read on January 7th.
Perhaps on both counts, it’s worth remembering Shelley: “If winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
All my best to you!
Thanks for bringing us some whimsy and a hint of a better season. I needed that. It’s below zero here in Michigan, and another snowstorm is on the way.
Lovely to hear from you, Carole, and glad to bring a taste of Spring to chilly Michigan. Your mention of “whimsy” interests me. I hadn’t thought of the poem like that. I suppose on reflection “whimsy “ relates to a whim - and I suppose the poem was written to an extent on a whim. But then spring itself is a reality, rather than a whim, and it’s coming - anyway, you’ve got me thinking! Thank you!
I think of “whimsy” as playfulness and laughter and joy. That’s how you play with words!
Thank you, Carole. I’m touched!
https://open.substack.com/pub/caroleroseland/p/that-pesky-e?r=3myco9&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay
Touché. (And changed above. 🙂)
Pure and deep delight, Thomas.
Thank you, Margaret. I’m delighted to hear it!
I had a seizure of pleasure reading this poem! 😵💫💛
Thank you, Ann. It is a delight to be told so!
The exuberance of rhyme, assonance, and alliteration mimics the exuberant burgeoning of spring itself. Perfect fare for a snowy season in New England-- everything here is monochrome and I can only dream of green bounties of spring.
Thank you again, Melanie. The snow has melted in my part of the world and, since I was finding it inspiring, I’m a little jealous of your monochrome. Still, I suppose the grass is always greener (or paler) on the other side of the fence (or Earth 🙂).
Thank you for restacking this poem, Carol. 🙏
Thank you for restacking this poem, Paul. I’m delighted you like it. 🙂
Thank you for restacking this poem, David. I’m very glad you like it. 🙂