Summer

 Summer

by Jan Godown Annino

more time immersed in water

meals made without cooking them

less care with my looks

pared schedules

serendipity

daydreams

writing

reading

c.  Jan Godown Annino
Water!

This summer I’m in the water more than usual, but also,

working with deadlines I didn’t expect.

Below, I’m sharing lines from a poem that feels suited to my writer self, from a poem which I have long-admired by Naomi Shihab Nye, a poet who I have long-admired for more than this one poem.

After her poem, “The Art of Disappearing,” I share links to more about her and also, short poetry from Nye’s students.

The Art of Disappearing

by Naomi Shihab Nye

….When someone you haven’t seen in ten years

appears at the door,

don’t start singing him all your new songs.

You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.

Know you could tumble any second.

Then decide what to do with your time.

c. Naomi Shihab Nye

For more please see Naomi Shihab Nye

and also, American Academy of Poets

Fourteen years ago Nye brought students to publication in

SALTING THE OCEAN, 100 Poems by Young Poets, 

with perfect illustrations from Ashley Bryan.

If you remember family kerfluffles (usually the grownups) in tight summer quarters, this untitled one from then-student Amy S. A. is for you:

Untitled by Amy S.A.

The sky looks like the ocean.

The flowers smell like perfume.

But nobody’s happy.

c. 2000 Amy S.A.

 

That should be enough to help the grouchiest cottage-sharing grump

want to go sniff the roses.

 

Here is an excerpt of one by Karen A.L. from the same collection, in case your summer is sailing away too fast.  

Untitled

by Karen A.L.

Where does my free time go?

Does it fly off like a shooting star?

What if I don’t use it?

Does it feel neglected?

Or does it understand?

Is it all-encompassing?

Or know give-and-take?

Does it keep an alarm?….

c. 2000 Karen A.L.

POETRY FRIDAY  swims along this week, watched over by Reflections on the Teche.