As I was thinking of what I'd like to share today, I came across my copy of the beautiful anthology Inner Chimes: Poems on Poetry selected by Bobbye S. Goldstein. I've owned this book for almost twenty years and return to it often for encouragement and inspiration. The poems express the joys and frustrations of making poems and speak to writers of all ages. It's an excellent resource for writing teachers.
The poem I'm sharing is by Felice Holman. I love this poem, and I really needed to read it again today. If you write poetry, it might just become one of your favorites too!
The Poem That Got Away
There I was and in it came
Through the fogbank of my brain
From the fastness of my soul
Shining like a glowing coal—
The nearly perfect poem!
Oh, it may have needed just
An alteration here or there--
A little tuck, a little seam
to be exactly what I meant--
The really perfect poem!
I'll write it later on, I said,
The idea's clear and so's my head.
This pen I have is nearly dry.
What I'll do now is finish this pie,
Then on to the perfect poem!
Read the rest of the poem here.
Be sure to drop by Poetry for Children for today's Poetry Friday party where the multi-talented Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books) have a very exciting announcement that you won't want to miss!
Thanks for stopping by!
