Today was a day for urban adventures–in the pouring rain, of course. No trip to the Portland area is complete without a visit to Powells, the most amazing bookstore ever. (And trust me, I have been to many, many bookstores. I have many favorite bookstores in many different cities, but Powells is something every book lover should experience.) So my poem for Day 12 was inspired by a book I bought today (one of several) called Things to Do by Elaine Magliaro.
Things to Do if You’re a Book
Open doors to worlds beyond imaginationwhere characters become dear friends and worst enemiesAnd offer glimpses into placesour feet haven’t touched.Introduce us to people and experiencesWe haven’t yet encounteredAnd give us a whirl in their shoesin their skin, in their minds.Take us beyond our backyard fencesWhere we can hear whispersOf time gone by and what is still to come.Unplug us from the virtual worldAnd let us lose ourselvesIn a labyrinth of words.Douillard 2018

The Pan
So much depends
uponA sizzle
or
a fryJust rimmed
with a
simmer and a shineBeside the
chicken fryBy Hadley
And another inspired by observing a hummingbird in the garden.
Hummingbird
The hummingbird twirls with excitement
so fast
almost as fast as the flash.
Even the rainbow tries to form fast enough
to see the particle effect.
That is the color
that you dream.
Jameson
What’s inspiring your poetry today?
I love your “Things to Do if You’re A Book” poem. Elaine Magliero’s book is one of my favorite mentor texts. I just used it on Wednesday with my students and we had such fun! Enjoy your time in Portland–I hope someday I can get to Powell’s!
I had discovered her “Things to do if you are a pencil” poem and used it with students last year. It was fun to find the book Powells and get re-inspired! You would love Powells–you get a chance to visit it one day!
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