Poetry In The Evening

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inColleen Chesebro, LadyBudd, Poetry, Poets, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , ,

Edgar Allan Poe described poetry as “the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.”

When I was in high school, I envisioned poets with an aging grace, sitting at a table by candlelight using a quill pen. I never imagined that poets could begin as young and vibrant outliers who changed the world with words.

Poetry is more of a verb than a noun.

When I read poetry out loud to an empty room or under trees, I sense a call back coming from the world around me, reminding me that words ignite our imagination. Poetry encourages us to explore a deeper understanding of our connection to the present, even as it places us within the history of humanity.

This past week, Colleen Chesebro introduced me to the art of crafting syllabic poetry.

Colleen believes that the art of crafting poetry strengthens our writing skills. In her book, Word Craft: Prose & Poetry: The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry, she writes: “When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery.”

I am thrilled that Colleen gave her permission to recite her poem, “Luna’s Soft Glow.”

silver Luna’s soft glow highlights night
sky echoes stars, hoarfrost lace glints
upon fallen leaves of gold
tree shadow skeletons
shiver in the wind
autumn rushes
in the cold
before
dawn.

Colleen M. Chesebro
Word Weaving # 1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse

Until next time we meet, keep reading and reciting poetry.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

57 thoughts on “Poetry In The Evening”

    1. I agree – Poe was a master. I recited The Raven a few months ago. I confess that I had chills when I read “And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted—nevermore!”

      Thank you for your visit and comments. Always a joy to have you stop by…

      Liked by 2 people

  2. I didn’t actually know what syllabic verse was, how it is constructed, so had to look it up. Interesting indeed! Another example I found was Thom Gunn’s Considering the Snail: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52887/considering-the-snail.. But Collen’s book looks interesting. Sadly it’s not in our library’s catalogue. But I’ll look out for this all the same. She’s clearly a poet who likes to share her skills in a creative way.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I am delighted that you listened in, Margaret. I was not familiar with syllabic poetry, other than Haiku. I loved the poetry of Basho:

      Winter solitude-
      in a world of one colour
      the sound of the wind.
      Basho Matsuo

      But I had no idea the extent of this poetry form. I am looking forward to exploring syllabic poetry. Colleen’s book is excellent – clear instructions and examples. I also have “The Moons of Autumn – A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse” Colleen and JulesPaige were the editors of this poetry collection where poets featured their syllabic poetry.

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Welcome home. I would have loved to join you In Edinburgh and walk the Royal Mile and hear bagpipers playing near St Giles Cathedral. Looking forward to our discussion!! Sending hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Great, evocative poem by Colleen; perfect recitation by you, Rebecca, accompanied by that wonderful music; and a memorable quote by Poe. A very nice way to start a Monday morning. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Sunday nights were always to the most difficult for me because of the transition from rest to full engagement. When I was in University, I started to add a thought/quote (my love of quotes had its origins during those years) on Sunday night to focus on in the coming week. I found that I was more relaxed on Monday mornings. Liz Gauffreau introduced me to syllabic poetry and recommended that I connect with Colleen. We have an amazing blogging community.

      Liked by 3 people

  9. I like “Poetry is more of a verb than a noun” because that is what Poetry is for me. Words that are chosen are carefully selected. When I was a child in early grades, I had a teacher who instructed her students to select words that rhythmed to be used at the end of each line. She maintained that this would force us to think through the meaning and make each sentence sound musical. I am glad that this was her approach to teaching “:verse”! I appreciate your approach when commenting on this subject, thank you very much! !

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    1. I am honoured that Colleen gave her permission for me to recite her poem. I am so excited about syllabic poetry. Thank you, Debby for your support and encouragement. It means a great deal to me.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. You chose a stunning poem to share, Rebecca. I love the magical imagery and tone of the piece. Colleen’s book is a wonderful resource for poets, and her blog is amazing. She’s taught me a lot about syllabic poetry, and made me a believer in its beauty and accessibility.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Many thanks for joining me under Luna’s Soft Glow, Diana. I have Colleen’s book in both Kindle and in paperback form, and am looking forward to exploring syllabic forms of poetry. I especially appreciated that you used the word “accessibility” in your comments. Colleen demonstrates that poetry belongs to us all.

      Liked by 2 people

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  16. Colleen, thank you for allowing Rebecca to recite this amazing poem of yours!
    IMHO, Rebecca is the best reciter around. I love her voice, and she takes great care to deliver its dramatic flair.

    This post is a pleasant surprise. Rebecca has recited/read poems by some of the most famous, and I love that you are here.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I am delighted that you felt the gentle energy that flowed from Luna’s Soft Glow. I love the night light. Colleen captured the essence of an autumn evening. The statue of the woman is Guanyin or Guan Yin (Kannon in Japan). She is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. Her name means “the one who perceives the sounds of the world.” Many thanks, Resa! I love our conversations.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Ahh…interesting!
        Where did you find the statue, Guanyin?
        Yes… Luna’s Soft Glow holds a gentle energy.
        Compassion is underrated and underused.
        Love our chit chats, too! xo

        Liked by 2 people

      2. This photo was taken on our visit to Japan’s Shimabara Castle, located in present day Nagasaki prefecture. There is so much history to places such as this castle. I understand that in 2006, the Shimabara Castle was listed one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Amazing! Love that Japan has so many castles, so it can have a list of the 100 finest.
        Casa Loma is Canada’s castle. Technically, it’s only an almost castle.
        Other Canadian castle claims are … meh!
        BOY! Would I love to capture one of my Art Gowns on the steps of Castle Loma!

        Liked by 2 people

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