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240th Virtual Poetry Circle

Welcome to the 240th Virtual Poetry Circle!

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s book suggested.

Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

Also, sign up for the 2014 Dive Into Poetry Reading Challenge because there are several levels of participation for your comfort level.

For more poetry, check out the stops on the 2013 National Poetry Month Blog Tour and the 2012 National Poetry Month Blog Tour.  And think about participating in the 2014 National Poetry Month Blog Tour — signups will begin in March.

Today’s poem is from Cornelius Eady from Hardheaded Weather:

Nina's Blues

Your body, hard vowels
In a soft dress, is still.

What you can't know
is that after you died
All the black poets
In New York City
Took a deep breath,
And breathed you out;
Dark corners of small clubs,
The silence you left twitching

On the floors of the gigs
You turned your back on,
The balled-up fists of notes
Flung, angry from a keyboard.

You won't be able to hear us
Try to etch what rose
Off your eyes, from your throat.

Out you bleed, not as sweet, or sweaty,
Through our dark fingertips.
We drum rest
We drum thank you
We drum stay.

What do you think?

Comments

  1. That’s fantastic, from the imagery to what it says about her impact.

  2. Beth Hoffman says

    Wow, Serena. This poem is outstanding. I could hear it being recited aloud, I saw a small group of mourners by the side of a grave on a bleak winter’s morning, and the words swirling into the cold air and mixing with slow-falling flakes.

    Thank you for introducing me to Cornelius Eady’s work.

    • I really loved this poem for its powerful message about someone so great. I just love it. It’s rhythmic and its a testament to the impact of Nina.