This past week breezed right in.
Sunday we took a brisk walk that turned out to
be a lovely 10 miles in the sand near the Apalachicola
fishing village, where a book event caught our attention.
And the week also brought us March 22, the birthday
of Billy Collins, so beloved a poem-maker,
he has served as U.S. Poet Laureate twice.
I have a few lines to share from a poem maker new to
me, who I discovered at a workshop this summer,
but first I’d like to pay tribute to Collins.
He is suitably feted by the Poetry Friday community this month.
(And if you are looking for more Poetry Friday greatness,
it is here this week.)
These words below are from Billy Collins’
“To My Favorite 17-Year-Old High School Girl”
For some reason, I keep remembering that Lady Jane Grey
was Queen of England when she was only fifteen,
but then she was beheaded, so never mind her as a role model.
Frankly, who cares if Annie Oakley was a crack shot at 15
or if Maria Callas debuted as Tosca at 17?
We think you are special by just being you
playing with your food and staring into space.
c.Billy Collins all rights reserved
See this for an interesting Billy Collins page.
Now here are two verses from the poem maker I don’t
think you know. She brings this one to us in
the voice of a child.
The girl just loves her skipping around moments,
close to home.
It is from “Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day”
by Tameka Fryer Brown:
Blue sky, no clouds,
Corner store.
One more
Block to walk before
I’m home. It’s a special day
today, around our way.
Blue sky, no clouds.
No one stares,
or cares
That loud music blares.
Hustle… bustle… salsa sway,
Wild day, around our way.
c. 2017 Tameka Fryer Brown
Neighbors pour out into the street to share
food, music and dancing and the child whirls through
all the yards and visits the front porches,
in a sweet community coming together of people of
varied cultures.
I am not alone in following the work of Tameka
Fryer Brown.
Here is what Kirkus said about this poem,
published in picture book form with sensational
art by Charlotte Wiley-Webb. “…In this lively and
accessible poem, a multicultural community brings food, music
and laughter to the streets to celebrate their neighborhood….”
I think I’ll mosey over Tameka Fryer Brown’s way. She is one to watch.
The joy in Tameka’s poetry hustles right off the page! Thank you for sharing it with us!
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Your walk sounds enchanting Jan, as does “Around Our Way on Neighbors Day!” Thanks for sharing Tameka Fryer Brown’s book, and her lively and moving poems.
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Thank you for sharing two great poem makers–new and old.
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Love more of Billy’s words, and hearing of your ten mile walk. It must have held wonderful sights, Jan. I enjoyed the rhythm of the poem by Tameka Fryer Brown, makes such a happy walk down the street! I will look for that book. Thanks!
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I actually also thought footsteps I’ve left further south at
your South Florida soothing places, Linda. Would love to share a poetry
beach walk with you some day!
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That would be lovely, Jan. We’ve made our beach plans, exciting to anticipate! Enjoy today!
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As always, insights and warmth abound over here. Thanks, Jan!
And thanks for the introduction to Tameka Fryer Brown – one to watch for sure. Happy Weekending!
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I love how our community this week feels in synch organically.
Appreciations to you, Robyn.
Weekend Wonder to you & your Family.
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You had a marvelous Poetry Week! Thanks for sharing — I’ll keep my eye out for Tameka Fryer Brown!
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Joy to have you here Mary Lee.
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Hee-hee, Billy Collin’s lines: “We think you are special by just being you/ playing with your food and staring into space.” – crack me up. I’ll be looking for “Around Our Way…” – I’m intrigued. Thanks for sharing these delights, Jan! =)
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Bridget,
In these times I am thinking many will be opening to wise but witty Billy Collins
more than usual. Thank you for visiting.
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She’s new to me too, Jan. Thank you for bringing Tameka Fryer Brown to my attention. Lively, indeed!
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I hope you like her work.
Happy Weekend dear friend.
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