Ten years ago, Janet Wong taught a poetry class in Laura Kvasnosky's basement. It was a magical time where I discovered that I was a verse novelist. I owe much to both ladies for my publishing career.
This poem was inspired this week by Janet Wong's poem "Old Friend" from Night Garden. It was first posted at Marilyn Carpenter's awesome blog, Creating Connections.
My Old Friend, Janet Wong
In my mind,
a glimpse
of the black clad
poet
whose words lilt and rise
as echoes in my soul’s ear.
Rhythms of poetry
and power,
loud laughter,
bold introductions,
an arm flung over the shoulder
of my memories.
Lorie Ann Grover, 2008
9 comments:
Love your poem. I have most of Janet's books. You were so fortunate to have been taught by one of my favorite poets. I wish I could attend a class with her!
Oops! I forgot to tell you that I bought your book a few years ago. I remember enjoying it a lot. My eighth grade girls have checked it out many times. Now that I have "met" you, I'm going to read it again! I'll also ask my media specialist to purchase you other books. I love meeting such wonderful writers through Poetry Friday!
How sweet!
As someone who sees, hears, uses rhythm every moment of life, I like your use of it here.
Lorie,
I love Janet! She is so supportive of those of us who love to write poetry for children. She has given me sage advice. In addition, she's a pleasure to spend time with. She's dynamic--a force of nature.
Thanks for your poem about one great gal and poet!
Great poem!
This makes me SEE and HEAR the one and only Janet. Thank you.
Wow -- kudos to your bravery for trying something new like taking a class, and double happiness to find someone so awesome, and then let them know. Lovely.
Thank you, everyone!
Thank you Lorie Ann and, yes, THANK YOU, All!
It really wasn't a "class" as much as it was an excuse for a bunch of friends to get together: Laura Kvasnosky, George Shannon, Julie Paschkis and Julie Larios (IMAGINARY MENAGERIE) and more...and a LOVELY excuse that made me feel so important!
The idea behind this--elevating a peer to "teach" a subject that she knows well (or thinks she knows)--is something more people might want to put into practice in their critique groups. Rather than everyone just bringing their work each time and reading, the critique group could invite a different member to take charge each month and "teach" a half-hour lesson on a particular small topic or writing technique, something such as "alignment" (where to decide to break lines). Another way to describe this idea is to have a literary version of show-and-tell...
I think the best way to teach a subject is simply to bring examples of it to share.
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