Happy Poetry Friday
I’ve been writing Valentine haikus this week thinking about all the children and other individuals that have been lost this last year from gun violence. I heard a radio interview from one of the survivors from the Parkland Shooting who inspired me with her unceasing activism since the incident last year. Although Valentine’s Day isn’t a day she wants to embrace as others may–hence my thoughts reflect her thoughts combined with some hope.
Jone Rush MacCulloch is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup, stop by her blog Check It Out for more poetry. Thanks for hosting Jone!
…And some music to accompany you…
wishing you oceans
caressed by nature and
cared for tenderly
© 2019 Michelle Kogan
And here’s a related poem by Emily Dickinson
IT’S ALL I HAVE TO BRING TODAY (26)
It’s all I have to bring today—
This, and my heart beside—
This, and my heart, and all the fields—
And all the meadows wide—
Read the rest of her poem here
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Thank you for all the healing, heartfelt wishes from you and Emily. We need healing and hope.
Thank you for sharing your lovely poems, Michelle. They are like a warm hug.
Valentine’s Day will never be the same after Parkland. Thank you for the haiku and lovely paintings and messages of hope and healing.
Such beauty in your art and poetry, Michelle. I especially like “Hearts are tender things / nourish them — if broken / help them to heal.”
Poignant wishes for those heartbroken, Michelle, and heartfelt remembering. I won’t forget. I was on a trip with students when Columbine happened. I had to sit with them as I and my colleague told them. More than one was connected to a victim through their church. It was a time, like others since, I won’t forget. Those kids would be all grown up now with families. Now we have more dates to remember, a sad thing I wish we could change.
Michelle, your post is filled with tender heart notes illustrated in video, illustrations, and poetry. On the Broadway channel, I heard an interview of a Broadway actress who lost her child at Sandy Hook. It was heart-wrenching to hear. Your last drawing and haiku made me think of this. Today’s Illinois shooting brought up all the horrible feelings again. Thanks for your healing post.
Thank you for these. I love the bleeding heart one. I.Perlman is returning to Portland next year. I love him and will be going.
Thank you for all these poems, Michelle. I found the first one especially moving.
Thanks for sharing all the Valentine’s haiku–and illustrations, too. I think my favorite is the second one–I love “kissed by wind and watched by children”
Thanks Susan!
Beautiful and poignant haikus, Michelle.
Much sadness was felt, indeed, this week while listening to survivor and family stories. As an educator I find myself worrying more and more these days for the safety of my students and colleagues. Hoping for more joyful days to come.
Gorgeous collection of heartfelt haikus. They certainly offer a healing quality. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks Kiesha!
Do you know the book, CRY HEART, BUT NEVER BREAK? I think you’d like it.
Thanks Mary Lee, I’ll have to look for it!
So poignant & potent, Michelle. I am especially lingering so long on the bleeding heart, heart art. Perfect. (with the violin Perlman in the background. . .) And with the Emily Dickenson poem – nourishing. Many appreciations for this meditation.
Your poems are beautiful and poignant, Michelle, and your art is the perfect accompaniment. I especially like the first one. Thank you for continuing to speak up and share.