Welcome to the 131st Virtual Poetry Circle!
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books 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 2012 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry. Please visit the stops on the National Poetry Month Blog Tour from April 2011 and beginning again in April 2012.
Today’s poems is from Rita Dove:
Persephone, Falling One narcissus among the ordinary beautiful flowers, one unlike all the others! She pulled, stooped to pull harder— when, sprung out of the earth on his glittering terrible carriage, he claimed his due. It is finished. No one heard her. No one! She had strayed from the herd. (Remember: go straight to school. This is important, stop fooling around! Don't answer to strangers. Stick with your playmates. Keep your eyes down.) This is how easily the pit opens. This is how one foot sinks into the ground.
What are your thoughts?
I really love looking at Greek and other mythology in a new way, and I think that Dove accomplishes that here in simple verse. I also like the wider implication of this poem about child abduction.
I enjoy Rita Dove’s poetry, and this one was intriguing. I also had to look up Persephone but I understood the theme from the imagery of the young shoot being uprooted. The last two lines are powerful.
This poem had me chuckling as I have just gotten through the rebellious teenage years with my daughter. Ah kids, they just won’t listen. I loved how Rita Dove used Greek mythology to get this modern point across.
Had to brush up on my Greek mythology, but once I looked up Persephone, the poem made a bit more sense. LOL
Ooh, this is such an interesting poem. Especially the juxtaposition between the title, first stanza and the second stanza. Fascinating! (And beautiful!)